What is comfort food? For me, it’s always been fried rice, but not just any frying rice. What’s your favorite Hawaiian Fried Rice recipe? Is this a good ham with savory pineapple and ginger? I swear, it rivals my Grandma’s famous mac and cheese in terms of comforting goodness. What I love most about this recipe is that it’s surprisingly easy to make, and it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser – even for picky eaters. What is it like to eat meat What is the best combination of sweet and savory?

What is Hawaiian Fried Rice?

What is Hawaiian Fried Rice? What is stir-fried rice? What’s the magic of soy sauce, rice, and veggies? I love pineapple chunks and diced ham (or sometimes bacon – yum!). Some versions also include shrimp or chicken for added protein. The Hawaiian part comes from the sweet pineapple that perfectly balances the salty and savory. Is sunshine and rainbows in a skillet?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

How do I start with Hawaiian Fried Rice?

Flavor explosion: WhatWhat is the best combination of sweet pineapple, salty ham, and savory rice? Is it like a party in your mouth? Soy sauce gives it that umami flavor, while ginger adds a subtle warmth that ties it all together. Everything together. I always add a pinch of red pepper flakes to my food. Just enough to keep it nice and moist.
Ridiculously easy to make:This isn’t one of those recipes that requires hours in the kitchen. What are some good ways to whip up a quick dinner in under 30 minutes? I always use leftover cooked rice (day-old is best!) to make the process even faster.
Budget friendlyThe ingredients are pretty basic and affordable. Is ham cheap in grocery stores? If you buy it whole and cut it yourself, it’s a good idea. Plus, you can easily customize it with whatever veggies you have on hand.
Super versatile: EasilyWhat are some good side dishes to serve with Hawaiian Fried Rice? Serve with grilled chicken, pork chops, or even fish for a complete meal. My kids love it so much they ask for it in their lunchboxes!

What I love about this recipe, besides the amazing taste, is how adaptable it is. If you’re not a fan of ham, you can easily substitute it with cooked chicken, shrimp, or even tofu. Is there a vegetarian option? I’ve even added a splash of teriyaki sauce for extra sweetness and flavor. Is it really hard to mess this one up? I like chow mein, but with a tropical twist, and less sauce so the rice is tender. How do I get nice and toasty?

How do I make Hawaiian Fried Rice?

Quick Overview

How do I make Hawaiian Fried Rice? What are some ways to stir-fry veggies and ham, add cooked rice, pineapple, and some flavorful sauce? What is the best way to toss everything together until it’s heated through. What is the best way to prepare all your ingredients before cooking? What is the stir-frying process? I’ll walk you through each step of the process.

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

4 cups cooked rice (day-old is best! I always use long grain white rice, but brown rice or jasmine rice also work well. Make sure the rice is cooled before cooking.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil. You can also use coconut oil for a more tropical flavor.
1 cup diced ham. I prefer using a smoked ham for extra flavor.
1 cup diced pineapple. Fresh pineapple is the best, but canned pineapple tidbits (drained) will also work in a pinch.
1/2 cup diced onion. Yellow or white onion will do.
1/2 cup diced carrots. I like to use baby carrot for convenience.
Can you freeze frozen peas?
2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is always best!
1 tablespoon grated ginger. This adds a nice warmth to the dish.
I prefer low-sodium soy sauce. 2 tablespoons.
1 tablespoon sesame oil. This adds a nutty flavor and aroma.
1 teaspoon rice vinegar. This adds a touch of acidity.
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) for a little kick!
2 green onions, sliced. For garnish.

What is the step-

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before you even turn on the stove, make sure all your ingredients are chopped, diced, and measured. What is the best way to ensure a smooth and efficient stir-frying process? Why don’t you chop onions while your garlic is burning? I also recommend gathering all your sauces and spices in one place so you can add them quickly.

Step 2: Stir-Fry the Veggies and Ham

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and carrots and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Next, add the diced ham and frozen peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the ham is heated through and the peas are tender.

Step 3: Add the Rice and Pineapple

Push the veggies and ham to one side of the skillet or wok. Add the cooked rice to the other side and break it up with a spatula. Then, add the diced pineapple to the rice. Stir-fry the rice and pineapple for about 2-3 minutes, or until the rice is slightly heated through and the pineapple is lightly caramelized. This step is important because it helps to dry out the rice and prevent it from becoming mushy.

Step 4: Add the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the sauce over the rice and veggie mixture and stir-fry everything together until well combined. Make sure the sauce is evenly distributed and that all the ingredients are coated.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet or wok from the heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy! I sometimes add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

What should I serve it with?

This Hawaiian Fried Rice is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of other dishes. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

Grilled Chicken or Pork:What are some good ways to add protein to a meal?
Fish: Hawaiian Fried Rice is also a fantastic side dish for fish. Try it with grilled salmon, tuna, or mahi-mahi.
Egg Rolls or spring rolls: What are some examples? For a complete Asian-inspired meal, serve your Hawaiian Fried Rice with egg rolls or spring rolls.
Salad: A light and refreshing salad is a great way to balance out the richness of the fried rice.

For a super easy meal, I often serve this with just a side of edamame. My family loves it! And sometimes, I’ll add a fried egg on top for an extra protein boost. It’s surprisingly good!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Hawaiian Fried Rice

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks for making the best Hawaiian Fried Rice. Here are some of my top tips:

Use day-old rice: This is the most important tip! Freshly cooked rice is too moist and will result in mushy fried rice. Day-old rice has had time to dry out, which makes it perfect for stir-frying.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet or wok: If you try to cook too much rice at once, it will steam instead of stir-fry. Cook in batches if necessary.
Use high heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to quickly cook the ingredients and create that characteristic smoky flavor.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with ingredients: This recipe is very forgiving, so feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences. Try adding shrimp, chicken, tofu, or different vegetables.
Taste and adjust the seasoning: Before serving, taste the fried rice and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more soy sauce, sesame oil, or red pepper flakes.
Get creative with the pineapple: I love grilling the pineapple first for a more intense, smoky flavor. It’s a game changer!

One time, I accidentally used too much soy sauce and the fried rice was way too salty. I was able to fix it by adding a squeeze of lemon juice and a little bit of sugar. It balanced out the flavors perfectly! So, don’t be afraid to experiment and learn from your mistakes.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftover Hawaiian Fried Rice, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool it completely before storing it. To reheat, you can microwave it for a few minutes, or you can stir-fry it in a skillet with a little bit of oil until heated through. I find that adding a splash of water or broth helps to prevent it from drying out. I also sometimes add a fresh fried egg on top when reheating – it makes it taste even better!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the ham and add more vegetables. For a vegan version, substitute the ham with tofu or tempeh and make sure your soy sauce and other sauces are vegan-friendly. You can also use agave or maple syrup instead of honey in the sauce.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can! Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and more fiber to the dish. Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice, so you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Also, brown rice tends to be a bit drier than white rice, so you may need to add a little extra liquid to the sauce.

Can I add other vegetables?

Of course! Feel free to add any vegetables you like. Some great additions include bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, and snap peas. Just make sure to chop the vegetables into small pieces so they cook evenly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can definitely prep the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the vegetables, dice the ham, and measure out the sauces. Store everything in separate containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply follow the instructions as written. However, I recommend cooking the rice fresh for the best texture.

What if I don’t have rice vinegar?

If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Just use a little less, as these vinegars are more acidic than rice vinegar. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my go-to recipe for Hawaiian Fried Rice! It’s quick, easy, customizable, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next potluck, this recipe is sure to be a hit. I truly hope you give it a try. If you’re a fan of this, you should try this pork fried recipe my sister makes, but it doesn’t compare to this hawaiian version. Let me know in the comments below how yours turns out! I’d love to hear about your variations and adaptations. Happy cooking!