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Hawaiian Fried Rice brings together salty ham and sweet pineapple for a crowd-pleasing meal that feels right at home any night of the week. Every bite balances smoky, savory, and a little pop of tang from juicy fruit. It is my go-to when I want something cozy but with a big pop of flavor and color.
The first time I made this, my family smiled the moment I stirred in the pineapple—now it is a special request for birthdays and get-togethers.
Ingredients
- Low sodium soy sauce: Adds saltiness without overpowering the other flavors Choose a brand with a clean ingredient list for best taste
- Sesame seed oil: Gives a rich and nutty foundation Toasted sesame oil will make the flavors pop
- Hot sauce: Creates subtle heat and complexity Use your favorite brand or a mild option for kids
- Vegetable oil: Keeps ingredients from sticking Any oil with a high smoke point will work
- Red bell pepper: Adds crunch and beautiful color Look for glossy, firm peppers
- Diced ham: Packs in smoky flavor Leftover baked ham works best but thick-cut deli ham is a good backup
- Green onions: Lifts the whole dish with a fresh bite Use the whites for cooking and greens for finishing
- Garlic: Deepens every layer of savoriness Freshly minced garlic is worth the few extra minutes
- Cold cooked white rice: Prevents sogginess and creates the perfect fried texture Day-old rice gives that classic takeout vibe
- Large eggs: Add a boost of protein and creamy texture Fresh eggs have the best rich flavor
- Pineapple pieces: Offer sweet juiciness and brighten the overall dish Fresh or canned will do but drain extra juice if using canned
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Sauce:
- In a small bowl combine soy sauce sesame oil and hot sauce Stir and set by your cooking area
- Cook the Vegetables and Ham:
- Heat half the vegetable oil in a large non stick skillet over medium high Add diced red bell pepper and cook for five to seven minutes until crisp tender Toss in ham and white portions of green onions Stir frequently until the ham is slightly browned Add garlic and cook for one minute more Transfer everything to a bowl
- Fry the Rice:
- Add the remaining vegetable oil to the skillet Warm until hot Add cold cooked white rice Break up any clumps with your spoon Stir often and cook for around eight minutes until the grains are separated and the rice sizzles softly This step builds the fried rice base
- Scramble the Eggs:
- Push the rice to one side of the skillet Crack in the eggs directly onto the empty surface Stir and gently scramble until just set The eggs should look fluffy but not dry
- Combine and Finish:
- Return the ham and vegetable mixture to the skillet with the rice and eggs Pour over the sauce you made earlier Stir and toss everything together well warming everything through
- Add Pineapple and Greens:
- Turn off the heat Scoop in pineapple pieces and the green tops of the green onions Fold gently This final step keeps the pineapple juicy and the onions bright
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Pineapple always takes me back to my first trip to Hawaii and I love how it transforms everyday fried rice into something special My kids usually ask to pick out the pineapple pieces first just to get an extra bite of sweetness
Storage Tips
Store extra fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days If you need to reheat add a splash of water and cover with a plate to keep the rice from drying out The flavors deepen even more by day two
Ingredient Substitutions
No ham Use diced chicken or cooked shrimp Any mild sweet pepper works in place of red bell pepper Swap the eggs for scrambled tofu if you want a plant based twist
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a meal on its own but pairs tastily with grilled teriyaki chicken or simple steamed edamame Sometimes I serve it right from the skillet at the table for a fun family style experience
Cultural Context
Fried rice recipes originated as a way to use up leftover rice and bits of meat Hawaiian versions proudly highlight ham and pineapple for that classic sweet and savory island profile
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of rice works best?
Day-old, cold white rice is ideal. It prevents sogginess and helps the grains stay separate during stir-frying.
- → Can I substitute the ham?
Yes, cooked chicken, shrimp, or even tofu work well in place of ham for different flavors or dietary needs.
- → Is fresh pineapple required?
Canned pineapple chunks can be used in place of fresh. Just drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
- → How do I prevent the rice from sticking?
Use a non-stick skillet and make sure your rice is cold and separated before stir-frying. A touch more oil can help, too.
- → Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Adjust the amount of hot sauce to taste or add diced chili for extra heat.