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Got leftover ham? Turn it into a fast and flavorful Ham Fried Rice! This one-pan dish is loaded with savory ham, fluffy rice, crispy veggies, and a perfect blend of seasonings. It’s ready in 20 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal or meal prep option.
Contents
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👉 Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, cooled rice (day-old works best!)
- 1 ½ cups diced ham
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ½ cup diced carrots
- 3 green onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, but adds great flavor)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
👉 Directions
Step 1: Prep & Heat the Pan
- If using fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet and let it cool for a few minutes to dry out slightly.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Cook the Eggs & Set Aside
- Pour the beaten eggs into the pan and scramble until just set.
- Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Ham & Veggies
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan.
- Toss in the ham, carrots, and peas, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the veggies are slightly tender.
- Stir in the garlic and green onions, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the Rice & Seasonings
- Increase heat to high and add the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps.
- Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, letting the rice get slightly crispy.
Step 5: Mix Everything Together
- Return the scrambled eggs to the pan and stir to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (more soy sauce, black pepper, or sesame oil).
- Garnish with extra green onions and serve hot!
⭐ What Sides Go Well with This Dish?
- Egg Rolls or Dumplings – A crispy side that pairs perfectly.
- Cucumber Salad – Light and refreshing with a soy-sesame dressing.
- Steamed Broccoli – A quick, healthy addition to the meal.
🔄 Time-Saving Tips
- Use pre-cooked rice (leftover rice is ideal for fried rice!).
- Buy pre-diced ham and frozen mixed veggies to cut down on prep time.
- Cook everything in a large wok to prevent overcrowding and help it fry evenly.
🧒 Kid-Friendly Tweaks
- Use mild soy sauce (low sodium) for a less salty version.
- Skip the red pepper flakes if kids prefer it mild.
- Add a little extra scrambled egg for extra protein!
🔄 Ingredient Swaps
- No ham? Use chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- No day-old rice? Spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it cool for 15 minutes.
- No sesame oil? Swap for extra vegetable oil or a dash of oyster sauce.
This Ham Fried Rice is a quick, delicious, and budget-friendly meal that transforms leftovers into something amazing! Try it out and let me know how your family likes it! 🍚🥢💕
