Ham Fried Rice Classic Style

This ham fried rice delivers all the comforting flavors of your favorite takeout while making smart use of leftovers and simple ingredients you probably already have. Perfect for weeknights or a lazy weekend lunch it is a fast skillet meal that always wins raves at my table.

My family started requesting this every time we had ham leftovers and now it is my go to when I need something satisfying and speedy. One snowy night I tossed it together and my husband declared it better than takeout.

Ingredients

• Onion: Pick a yellow or white onion for its sweetness and depth or a mild shallot if you want a softer flavor
• Salt and white pepper: Season to your taste and start light especially since ham and soy sauce both bring salty notes
• Diced ham: A great way to use ham from a holiday meal or deli counter pick lean pieces with a little fat for flavor
• Eggs: Fresh large eggs scrambled quickly for creaminess and extra protein
• Cooked rice: Leftover white rice or even long grain brown rice is ideal day old rice holds up best in the pan
• Frozen peas and carrots: Tiny cubes save chopping time and add a touch of sweetness and color
• Soy sauce: Choose a light soy sauce for less sodium and a brighter flavor start with less and build up
• Green onions: Sliced thin for a fresh herbal bite add right before serving for the best texture and color

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Aromatics:

Dice your onion finely. Heat about two tablespoons of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high. Add the diced onion and season very lightly with salt and white pepper. Cook slowly for about six minutes stirring often until the onion is golden and soft but not browned. This step creates a sweet base that sets the flavor of the dish.

Brown the Ham:

Add diced ham to the pan with the onion. Stir and sauté for four to five minutes until some pieces turn golden and crispy at the edges. This allows the ham to deepen in flavor and gives you bits of chewy meat throughout the rice.

Scramble the Eggs:

Remove ham and onion mixture to a bowl and return the skillet to medium heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and season lightly. Let them sit for just a moment then use a spatula to gently scramble them until nearly set but still a bit creamy. This keeps the eggs tender and prevents overcooking.

Add the Rice and Seasonings:

Add the cooked rice directly into the skillet with the eggs. Break up any clumps with your spatula pressing to coat the rice in egg. Drizzle in about two tablespoons of soy sauce and toss well. Taste and add more to punch up salty or umami notes.

Add Vegetables and Finish:

Scatter frozen peas and carrots over the rice and stir. Return the ham and onions to the skillet. Turn heat to medium low cover and let steam for about three minutes so vegetables soften while flavors mingle. Top with sliced green onions just before serving for freshness.

My favorite ingredient in this dish is definitely the green onion. Even if the kids pick them off I always insist on adding them because they bring such a pop of color and clean flavor. One Easter my youngest son helped me stir in the eggs and has called it his special rice ever since.

Storage Tips

Leftover ham fried rice keeps well for up to five days in the refrigerator stored in an airtight container. For best results reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to prevent dryness. You can also freeze in individual portions for quick lunches later on.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you have no ham substitute cooked bacon sausage rotisserie chicken or go all veggie with extra tofu or edamame. Brown rice and even cauliflower rice are acceptable bases though the classic flavor comes from white rice. Switch out frozen vegetables for fresh if you have them just chop them small so they soften quickly.

Serving Suggestions

This fried rice stands alone but pairs nicely with dishes like orange chicken sesame chicken or quick sautéed broccoli. I love piling a bowl high and adding an extra splash of soy sauce or a little drizzle of sriracha for heat. Top with an extra fried egg or chopped peanuts to make it even more filling.

Cultural Context

Fried rice is a classic way of giving new life to leftovers in many Asian cuisines and every family creates their own version. This ham version is common in American homes where leftover holiday ham gets a second act. Making it at home lets you control the seasoning and ingredient quality.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can cauliflower rice be used instead of white rice?

Yes, cauliflower rice can work as a low-carb alternative, though the texture and flavor will differ from traditional rice. Feel free to try it based on your preferences.

→ Which rice varieties suit this dish?

White rice is commonly used, but brown rice or other pre-cooked varieties work well. Use your favorite or whatever leftovers you have.

→ What substitutes can I use for ham?

Try bacon, diced chicken, beef, spam, or omit the meat altogether for a vegetarian version. The dish is very flexible.

→ Are there other vegetables that go well?

Cabbage, bean sprouts, or even bell peppers are tasty additions. You can customize to your liking with what’s on hand.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for easy future meals.