There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of fried rice, isn’t there? It brings back memories of family dinners and cozy nights in. This Ham and Pineapple Fried Rice is not only a delightful twist on a classic dish, but it’s also incredibly easy and quick to whip up. Trust me, you will want to add this recipe to your weeknight rotation!
Why You’ll Love Ham and Pineapple Fried Rice
- Fast
- Easy
- Giftable
- Crowd-pleasing
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old) – Day-old rice is perfect for frying as it holds its shape better.
- 1 cup diced ham – This adds a savory kick that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of pineapple.
- 1 cup diced fresh pineapple (or canned, drained) – Fresh pineapple gives a vibrant flavor, but canned works just as well for convenience.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – This will help keep everything from sticking to the pan.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic adds a wonderful aroma and flavor.
- 1 small onion, diced – Onions bring sweetness and depth to the dish.
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) – Adds color and nutrition!
- 2 eggs, beaten – Eggs give the dish a rich texture.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce – This is the key seasoning that ties everything together.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil – For that nutty flavor that makes this dish irresistible.
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) – They add a fresh crunch on top.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Just a sprinkle to elevate all the flavors.
How to Make Ham and Pineapple Fried Rice
Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and softened.
- Stir in the diced ham and cook until slightly browned.
- Add the mixed vegetables and diced pineapple, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Push the mixture to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the empty side. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked.
- Combine the eggs with the ham and vegetable mixture.
- Add the cooked rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil, stirring well to combine all ingredients.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring everything is heated through.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Substitutions & Additions
If you want to get creative with this recipe, here are some fun swaps and additions:
- Try using turkey or chicken instead of ham for a lighter option.
- Add some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Throw in some chopped bell peppers or broccoli for extra veggies.
- For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and add more vegetables.
Tips for Success
Before you start cooking, here are some tips to ensure your fried rice turns out perfect:
- Use cold, day-old rice if possible. Freshly cooked rice can be mushy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you’re making a large batch, consider frying it in batches for even cooking.
- Make sure to stir constantly to avoid sticking, especially when adding the soy sauce!
How to Store Ham and Pineapple Fried Rice
If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), here’s how to store them:
- Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
- It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, add a splash of water and microwave or heat in a skillet until warmed through.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, frozen veggies are a great time-saver and work perfectly in this recipe!
- Is this recipe gluten-free? You can make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
- How can I make this dish vegetarian? Simply omit the ham and add more of your favorite vegetables.
I hope you love this Ham and Pineapple Fried Rice as much as I do! It’s a perfect dish for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining friends. For more delicious recipes, check out my easy chicken souvlaki recipe for a delightful grilled meal or explore more comforting dishes at my blog. Happy cooking!
For more delicious inspirations, don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest!


Ham and Pineapple Fried Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and softened.
- Step 3: Stir in the diced ham and cook until slightly browned.
- Step 4: Add the mixed vegetables and diced pineapple, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Step 5: Push the mixture to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the empty side. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked.
- Step 6: Combine the eggs with the ham and vegetable mixture.
- Step 7: Add the cooked rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil, stirring well to combine all ingredients.
- Step 8: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring everything is heated through.
- Step 9: Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.