Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s changed my life. Hawaiian Fried Rice. Is it like your regular fried rice decided to take a vacation to the tropics and came back with an unusual flavor? I have a killer tan and I’m craving pineapple. Think of it as a cousin to your favorite takeout, but amped up with sweet and savory flavors that’ll keep you satisfied. Have you licking the plate clean? I haven’t ordered fried rice for a long time. I mastered this recipe. It’s that good!

What is Hawaiian Fried Rice?

Hawaiian Fried Rice isn’t just fried rice. It’s a flavor explosion that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and smoky notes. Think of it as luau in a skillet! Is it fried rice? Is it spam or ham? The sweetness of the pineapple cuts through the richness of rice and meat, creating a delightful flavor. What is the contrast that’s incredibly satisfying? It’s super versatile too, meaning you can use what you have in the fridge and cupboard. I love how adaptable it is.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Okay, let me tell you why this recipe is about to become your new best friend.

Flavor:The combination of savory ham, sweet pineapple, and the slight tang of soy sauce creates a symphony of flavor. What are some of the best flavors that dance on your taste buds? I always find myself going back for seconds (and thirds)
Simplicity:What are some of the easiest recipes to make? What is a quick and easy meal to prepare in under 30 minutes?
Cost-What are some good ways to use leftover rice? What are some of the most inexpensive grocery items you can find at your local grocery store? Is this a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor?
Versatility: This recipe is endlessly customizable. You can swap out the ham for chicken, shrimp, or tofu, add your favorite veggies, or adjust the sweetness level to your liking. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity!

What is a pineapple fried rice? What I love most is how adaptable it is. It’s also a great way to use up leftover rice and veggies. Is fried rice a bad thing?

How do I make Hawaiian Fried Rice?

Quick Overview

How do you make Hawaiian Fried Rice? What is the best way to cook your aromatics, stir-fry your protein and veggies, add the rice, pineapple, and serve. What’s the best way to serve a hot sauce? What is the best part about making this dish? How do you eyeball the ingredients and still end up with a delicious dish? Don’t stress about precision – just have fun with it!

Ingredients

For the Base:

3 cups cooked and cooled rice (day-old rice works best! ) – Trust me, day-old rice is the key to preventing mushiness. I usually cook extra rice the night before for this recipe. Is this true?
1 tablespoon vegetable oil – You can use any neutral oil you like, but I find that vegetable oils are good for me. What is the best method for stir-frying?
1 small onion, diced – Adds a lovely savory base to the dish. I like to use yellow onion, but white onion works too.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Because garlic makes everything better! Freshly minced garlic is always best, but jarred garlic will do in a pinch.
1 cup diced ham or spam – This is where the Hawaiian comes in! Spam is a classic, but ham is an alternative.
1 cup diced pineapple – Fresh or canned, both work great. If using canned, make sure to drain it well. I actually prefer fresh pineapple for the slightly tart flavor.
1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots – Adds color and some extra nutrients. Can you use fresh vegetables? Just make sure to cook them a bit longer.

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons soy sauce – Low-sodium is always a good option to control the saltiness.
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional) – Adds a richer, umami flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, you can skip it.
1 teaspoon sesame oil – A little goes a long way! What is the best way to add a nutty flavor to fried rice?
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger – Adds a warm, spicy note. Is ginger good for you?
1/4 teaspoon black pepper – For a little kick.

What are the step-

Step 1: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. I want the pan to be hot before you add the ingredients. Why does rice stick to the skin?

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the hot pan and cook until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Why doesn’t garlic burn? How can you make your kitchen smell amazing?

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Ham (or Spam!)

Add the diced ham to the pan and cook until lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes. This step adds a nice smoky flavor to the dish. I usually get impatient and crank up the heat a little, but be careful not to burn it!

Step 4: Add the Veggies

Add the frozen peas and carrots to the pan and cook until heated through, about 2-3 minutes. If you’re using fresh veggies, you might need to cook them a bit longer until they’ve reached their tender-crisp.

Step 5: Add the Rice and Pineapple

Add the cooked rice and diced pineapple to the pan and stir-fry until everything is well combined. Is it safe to cook in the oven for 3-4 minutes? How do I break up a clump of rice with my spatula?

Step 6: Pour in the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, ground ginger, and salt. Set aside. What is black pepper? Pour the sauce over the rice mixture and stir-fry until everything is evenly coated and sauce is thick. How long does it take for a person to absorb

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, if desired. And there you have it – delicious Hawaiian Fried Rice that’s ready to devour!

What should I serve it with?

Hawaiian Fried Rice is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with other side dishes.

What is a good light lunch?Serve with a side of fresh fruit salad or green salad. The sweetness of the fruit complements the savory rice perfectly.
For a heartier dinner:What are some good ways to serve it with grilled chicken or fish? The smoky flavors of the grill enhance the overall dining experience.
For a potluck or party:What is the perfect side dish to bring to a party?

My family loves it with grilled teriyaki chicken. I also like to add a fried egg on top for extra protein. What is a good side dish with kimchi?

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Hawaiian Fried Rice

Okay, listen up because I’m about to share some of my best-kept secrets for making the most amazing Hawaiian Fried Rice ever.

Use day-old rice: I can’t stress this enough! Day-old rice is drier and less likely to get mushy when stir-fried. If you don’t have day-old rice, you can spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it cool completely before using it.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and cause the rice to steam instead of fry. Work in batches if necessary.
Get your pan screaming hot: A hot pan is essential for getting that nice, slightly crispy texture on the rice. Make sure your pan is preheated before adding the ingredients.
Don’t be afraid to experiment: This recipe is endlessly customizable. Feel free to add your favorite veggies, proteins, or sauces. Get creative and have fun!

I also find that toasting the sesame seeds before adding them really elevates the flavour. If you’re using canned pineapple, be sure to drain it well – excess liquid will make the rice soggy. I actually like to grill the pineapple before adding it to the rice for a caramelized flavor that is amazing. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a little bit of chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have any leftover Hawaiian Fried Rice (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

Refrigerator: Store the rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the rice in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat the rice, you can microwave it for a few minutes until heated through, or you can stir-fry it in a pan with a little bit of oil. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.

I always add a fresh drizzle of sesame oil after reheating to revive the flavor. Be sure to use an airtight container when storing it in the fridge to prevent it from drying out. If you’re freezing it, I recommend dividing it into individual portions for easy reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! You can easily make this vegetarian by omitting the ham or spam. To make it vegan, substitute the ham with tofu or tempeh, and use a vegan oyster sauce alternative.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can! Brown rice will add a slightly nutty flavor and a chewier texture. Just keep in mind that it might take a bit longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What if I don’t have oyster sauce?

No problem! Oyster sauce adds a rich, umami flavor, but it’s not essential. You can simply omit it or substitute it with a little bit of hoisin sauce or soy sauce.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, or snap peas. Just make sure to cook them until they’re tender-crisp before adding the rice.

How can I make it spicier?

If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture, or drizzle some chili garlic sauce over the rice before serving.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my go-to recipe for Hawaiian Fried Rice. It’s quick, easy, customizable, and bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect weeknight meal, party dish, or even a delicious way to use up leftovers. The sweet pineapple combined with the savory ham and rice is a flavor combination you won’t soon forget. If you enjoyed this, you might also like my recipe for shrimp fried rice. Happy cooking and don’t forget to leave a comment below to let me know how yours turned out! I can’t wait to hear your feedback and see your variations! Enjoy!