Description
Hawaiian Fried Rice is a vibrant, tropical twist on the classic fried rice, combining fluffy jasmine rice with juicy pineapple, savory ham, crisp vegetables, and a touch of soy sauce for an irresistible sweet-and-savory meal. Perfect as a main course or side dish, this easy, one-pan recipe brings island flavors to your table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably chilled)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (or canned, well-drained)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped cilantro
- Extra sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the ham and pineapple, chop your bell pepper, mince the garlic, and slice the green onions. Measure out the peas and carrots. Gather all ingredients before starting to cook, as stir-frying moves quickly.
- Cook the Eggs: Heat half the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until just set. Remove eggs from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Base: Add the remaining oil to the pan. Add garlic, ham, and bell pepper; stir-fry for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant and the ham starts to brown.
- Add Rice and Vegetables: Stir in the chilled rice, peas and carrots, pineapple, and half the sliced green onions. Toss well, breaking up clumps of rice with a spatula.
- Season and Combine: Drizzle in the soy sauce and sesame oil, then add black pepper and a pinch of salt if needed. Stir everything together, ensuring the rice is coated and heated through, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add Back the Eggs: Return the scrambled eggs to the pan and gently stir to distribute throughout the rice. Adjust salt and soy sauce as desired.
- Serve: Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with cilantro, extra green onions, and sesame seeds, if using. Serve hot and enjoy your tropical fried rice!
Notes
- For best texture, use cold, day-old rice to prevent mushiness.
- Swap ham for cooked chicken, turkey, or keep it vegetarian by adding extra veggies or tofu.
- Adjust soy sauce and sesame oil to taste for your preferred saltiness.
- Fresh pineapple adds the brightest flavor, but canned works in a pinch—just be sure it’s well-drained.
- This recipe comes together quickly—prep all your ingredients before you start cooking!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous cup
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 930mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
