This 15-minute Ham Fried Rice brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your dining table. A perfect weeknight solution, this budget-friendly recipe transforms leftover rice and ham into a delicious meal that serves up both comfort and convenience.
With just 244 calories per serving and 8 grams of satisfying protein, it’s a balanced option that doesn’t compromise on taste. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this classic Asian-inspired dish delivers consistent results every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Rice: 3 cups cooked and chilled rice (day-old works best)
- Eggs: 2 large, beaten until fluffy
- Oil: 4 Tablespoons sesame or peanut oil, divided
- Vegetables: ½ cup frozen peas, ½ cup diced carrots
- Protein: ¾ cup chopped ham
- Seasonings: 2 Tbsp chicken broth, 2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- Garnish: 3 green onions, freshly chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Rice: Break up cold rice using wet fingers to prevent clumping
- Cook the Eggs: Heat 1 Tbsp oil and scramble eggs until just set, then set aside
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat another Tbsp oil, cook peas, carrots, and ham until tender
- Fry the Rice: Add another Tbsp oil, stir-fry rice until lightly golden (about 5 minutes)
- Combine: Add broth, soy sauce, and green onions to rice, then mix in eggs and vegetables
- Season: Adjust soy sauce to taste and serve while hot
Cooking Tips for Perfect Fried Rice
Cold rice makes all the difference in this recipe! When rice is chilled, it becomes less sticky and creates that wonderful separate-grain texture we love in fried rice. If you’re in a hurry, spread your freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Keep your wok or pan nice and hot while cooking – this helps prevent the rice from sticking and creates those yummy crispy bits.
Easy Variations
This recipe is super flexible! Try these tasty swaps:
- Switch ham for chicken, shrimp, or tofu
- Add different frozen veggies like corn or green beans
- Use brown rice instead of white for extra fiber
- Spice it up with a dash of sriracha or chili oil
- Try oyster sauce instead of some of the soy sauce
Storage and Leftovers
Your ham fried rice will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, sprinkle a few drops of water over the rice and microwave until hot, or toss it in a pan for a few minutes to crisp it up again. The texture is best when eaten within 2 days.
Serving Ideas
Make this meal extra special with some simple sides:
- Add a fried egg on top
- Serve with extra soy sauce and chili oil
- Pair with hot and sour soup
- Add some crunchy wonton strips
- Include chopsticks for a fun dining experience
Ham Fried Rice
Equipment
- Wok or Frying Pan
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, cold leftover rice
- 2 large eggs
- 4 Tablespoons sesame oil or peanut oil
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup carrot peeled and diced
- 3/4 cup chopped ham
- 2 Tablespoons low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or more, to taste
- 3 green onions chopped
Instructions
- Leftover cooked and cooled rice works best, and could be made earlier in the day and refrigerated until cold. Use wet fingers to separate the rice grains.
- Heat 1 Tablespoon of oil in a wok or frying pan. Beat the eggs in a small bowl and add to the pan when the oil is hot. Stir gently with a wooden spoon just until cooked. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add peas, carrots and ham and saute for several minutes. Remove to the bowl with the eggs.
- Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan over medium high heat. When the oil is hot, add the rice and toss every 30 seconds until it’s lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chicken stock, soy sauce and green onion and toss to combine. Return eggs and veggies to the pan.
- Add more soy sauce, to taste, if desired. Serve immediately.
