Hawaiian Fried Rice Recipe

Picture a bowl piled high with pineapple-speckled rice, pink cubes of ham, brightly colored veggies, and a wonderfully savory aroma. That’s Hawaiian Fried Rice! This cheerful fusion dish takes your favorite comfort food—fried rice—and gives it an island-inspired twist. It’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for your taste buds, making it an instant family favorite and perfect for both quick weeknight dinners and fun gatherings. With its sweet, smoky, and salty flavors all mingling together, Hawaiian Fried Rice is a dish guaranteed to keep everyone coming back for seconds.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients couldn’t be simpler, but each one truly brings something special to the table. The beauty of Hawaiian Fried Rice lies in its delightful mix of textures and the perfect balance achieved between sweet, savory, and tangy elements.

• Cooked Jasmine or Long-Grain Rice: Day-old rice works best; it absorbs flavors better and prevents the dish from getting mushy.
• Diced Cooked Ham: Adds salty, smoky depth and classic island vibes; substitute with bacon or spam for a different twist!
• Fresh Pineapple (diced): The natural juiciness and tart-sweet notes are essential for that signature Hawaiian tang.
• Mixed Vegetables (peas, carrots, corn): Infuses color, texture, and a boost of nutrition—use frozen for maximum convenience.
• Eggs: They add a protein boost and that beloved fried rice silkiness.
• Green Onions: Lively and fresh, they tie all the flavors together while adding a welcome splash of green.
• Soy Sauce: The key to savory depth—go light for a softer flavor, dark for more body.
• Sesame Oil: Just a dash lends a gorgeous, toasty complexity that makes the dish sing.
• Garlic and Ginger: Brightens and aromatizes every bite, keeping things interesting.
• Cooking Oil: Choose something neutral like canola or vegetable oil for stir-frying.
• Optional: Chili Flakes or Sriracha: If you like a gentle kick, this is your chance to turn up the heat!

How to Make Hawaiian Fried Rice

Step 1: Prep All Your Ingredients

Like most stir-fry dishes, Hawaiian Fried Rice comes together incredibly fast once you start cooking, so take a few minutes to dice the ham, cube your pineapple, whisk the eggs, and measure out everything else before firing up your wok or skillet. If your rice is freshly cooked, let it cool completely so it doesn’t turn clumpy or sticky.

Step 2: Cook the Eggs

Heat a splash of oil in your largest skillet or wok over medium heat. Pour in the beaten eggs, scrambling gently until just set but still soft. Scoot the cooked eggs onto a plate—they’ll rejoin the pan at the perfect moment.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Add a touch more oil to the pan if needed, then toss in the garlic and ginger. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This little step wakes up the whole dish and creates an inviting foundation.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Ham and Veggies

Now add the diced ham and let it sizzle so the edges get golden and crispy. Follow with your mixed vegetables, tossing everything together and letting the colors pop. If you’re using fresh rather than frozen veggies, give them a minute longer to soften.

Step 5: Add the Rice and Pineapple

Time for the rice to join the party! Add your day-old grains along with the pineapple cubes. Keep the pan over high heat and use a spatula to break up any clumps, while mixing everything thoroughly. The pineapple will start to caramelize, infusing sweetness in every spoonful.

Step 6: Season to Perfection

Drizzle in your soy sauce and a few drops of sesame oil. Toss everything briskly so the sauce coats every kernel of rice. Quickly return the scrambled eggs to the pan, breaking them up and folding them through the rice. Add green onions last for a fresh, crisp finish. Taste and toss in chili flakes or a swirl of sriracha if you’re craving spice!

How to Serve Hawaiian Fried Rice

Garnishes

Garnishing isn’t just about looks—it adds little bursts of flavor and texture. A shower of sliced green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or a few extra pineapple tidbits on top make the dish look irresistible. Try finishing with a wedge of lime for a subtle tangy lift.

Side Dishes

While Hawaiian Fried Rice is pretty spectacular all on its own, it’s amazing paired with grilled shrimp skewers, teriyaki chicken, or a zippy Asian slaw. For a vegetarian meal, a crisp cucumber salad or roasted edamame will round everything out beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a wow-worthy presentation, serve Hawaiian Fried Rice in a hollowed-out pineapple half. Not only does it look festive, but the sweet aroma infuses the rice even more. Or offer individual servings in small bowls with mini umbrellas for a fun, island-inspired touch at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer the cooled Hawaiian Fried Rice to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours. It keeps well for up to four days, making weekday lunches something to look forward to!

Freezing

Hawaiian Fried Rice is freezer-friendly. Spoon portions into zip-top bags or containers, pressing out as much air as possible. It’ll keep its texture and flavor for up to three months—just remember to label and date your stash for easy meal planning.

Reheating

To reheat, sprinkle a few drops of water over the rice and microwave covered for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For the best texture, reheat leftovers in a hot pan with a splash of oil, tossing until heated through and revived to fluffy goodness.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Absolutely! While fresh pineapple brings a lively tang and texture, canned will still give your Hawaiian Fried Rice a lovely sweetness. Just be sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

What kind of ham works best?

Diced deli ham, leftover baked ham, or even Canadian bacon all work beautifully. For an extra island touch, try using Spam, a beloved staple in Hawaiian cooking.

Is it possible to make Hawaiian Fried Rice vegetarian?

Definitely! Skip the ham and add extra vegetables, edamame, or even cubed tofu. The pineapple and aromatics will keep the dish vibrant and flavorful.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, brown rice adds a nutty flavor and a bit more chew. Make sure it’s cooked and cooled; it integrates perfectly with the other ingredients while making the dish a touch healthier!

How can I prevent my fried rice from turning mushy?

The secret is using cold, day-old rice. Freshly steamed rice is too moist and will break apart, while older rice stays firm and soaks up all those delicious flavors without getting clumpy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a meal that brings a little sunshine and big flavor to your table, this Hawaiian Fried Rice truly delivers. Give it a try and watch smiles appear around the dinner table—after all, it’s hard not to enjoy a dish that tastes like a warm island holiday in every bite!

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