Few meals possess the power to make a two-year-old bang her tiny fists on a high chair, gleefully shouting, “MORE RICE!!!” Yet, this delightful **Ham Fried Rice recipe** consistently achieves just that in our home. It’s not just a meal; it’s a culinary triumph that captures the hearts (and appetites) of even the pickiest eaters. Forget bland, takeout-style fried rice; this homemade version is bursting with flavor, incredibly satisfying, and astonishingly simple to prepare. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have your entire family clamoring for seconds!
There’s a certain magic to a well-made plate of fried rice. It’s comforting, hearty, and remarkably versatile, making it a staple in countless kitchens worldwide. Our rendition takes all the best elements of this classic dish and elevates them into an effortless weeknight wonder. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student looking for a quick and nutritious meal, or simply someone who appreciates genuinely good food, this recipe is designed to impress without the fuss. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a culinary superstar, even on your most rushed evenings.
The Secret to Perfect Fried Rice: It All Starts with the Rice
While often overlooked, the quality and preparation of your rice are paramount to achieving that authentic, non-clumpy fried rice texture. For this recipe, I highly recommend using parboiled rice, such as Uncle Ben’s. I know, it might sound “unauthentic” to some, as traditional Asian fried rice often uses medium or long-grain white rice. However, parboiled rice truly shines here. Its grains are less starchy and tend to remain separate and fluffy, even after cooking and frying, preventing the dreaded sticky, mushy outcome that can ruin a good fried rice.
The key to perfect fried rice isn’t just the type of rice, but also its state: **day-old, chilled rice is essential.** Freshly cooked rice is too moist and will steam rather than fry, leading to a gluey mess. Cooking your rice a day in advance and chilling it allows the grains to dry out, making them ideal for frying. If you’re short on time, you can cook the rice in the morning and let it cool completely in the refrigerator for a few hours before using. For my large family of seven, I prepare a substantial batch, and the Instant Pot makes this step incredibly easy. I use a simple 1:1 ratio of rice to water and cook it for just 3 minutes with a natural pressure release. This method yields perfectly separated, fluffy grains every single time, ready to soak up all the delicious flavors of the fried rice.
Whether you’re serving it as a hearty main course or as a flavorful side dish alongside teriyaki chicken and roasted broccoli, this Ham Fried Rice never disappoints. Its balance of savory ham, tender-crisp vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will keep everyone coming back for more. Don’t be afraid to adjust the recipe to suit your family’s size; this recipe is easily halved or doubled, making it incredibly flexible for any occasion.
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Ham Fried Rice
Who doesn’t love some good ham fried rice? This recipe is great for those need-dinner-fast nights, but includes all the same deliciousness! A true family favorite that’s quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful, perfect for any day of the week.
Course: Main Course
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (from 1 vote)
Ingredients
- 4 T (Tablespoons) butter
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced green cabbage
- 6 oz diced ham
- 2 eggs (with salt and pepper to taste)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup corn (frozen or canned, drained)
- 6 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old, chilled parboiled rice)
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet or wok, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced green cabbage and onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and the cabbage is tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
- Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the pan. Add the diced ham to the empty space and cook until lightly browned. Then, crack the two eggs directly into the cleared section of the pan. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. As the eggs begin to set (around 50% cooked), use your spatula to gently scramble them into small pieces. Once cooked through, mix the eggs and ham with the vegetables.
- Add the cooked, chilled rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps with your spatula and toss everything together to combine evenly with the vegetables, ham, and egg.
- Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Add the frozen peas and corn. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, for another 3-5 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are well-mixed and heated through. The rice should develop a slightly crispy texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy your quick, delicious, and family-approved Ham Fried Rice!
Tips for Achieving Fried Rice Perfection
Beyond the day-old rice, there are a few other tricks that elevate this dish from good to extraordinary. Firstly, always use a large skillet or wok and ensure it’s piping hot before adding ingredients. This high heat is crucial for achieving that characteristic “wok hei” or smoky flavor and preventing ingredients from steaming. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if you’re making a very large batch, consider cooking it in two smaller batches to maintain high heat and ensure proper frying.
Secondly, don’t be shy with the butter! It adds a richness and depth of flavor that complements the savory ham and vegetables beautifully. When scrambling the eggs, breaking them directly into the pan and then scrambling them with the other ingredients ensures they are integrated throughout the dish, creating delightful pockets of creamy egg in every bite.
Customizing Your Ham Fried Rice
One of the best aspects of fried rice is its incredible adaptability. While this ham version is a family favorite, feel free to experiment with different proteins and vegetables based on what you have on hand or what your family enjoys. Consider adding:
- **Proteins:** Diced chicken (cooked first), shrimp, tofu, or even leftover roasted pork can be fantastic substitutes or additions to the ham.
- **Vegetables:** Carrots (diced finely), bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can add extra nutrition and color. Just be sure to cook denser vegetables like carrots or broccoli florets a little longer at the beginning.
- **Flavor Boosters:** A dash of oyster sauce can add a deeper umami flavor. A pinch of white pepper is traditional and adds a subtle kick. For those who love a bit of heat, a drizzle of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes can be a wonderful addition.
This recipe provides a solid foundation, allowing you to unleash your culinary creativity and tailor it to your personal taste. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice and any odd bits of vegetables in your fridge, minimizing food waste while maximizing flavor.
A Meal for Any Occasion
Whether you’re looking for a speedy weeknight dinner that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction, or a versatile side dish to complement an Asian-inspired feast, this Ham Fried Rice ticks all the boxes. Its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels, while its irresistible flavor ensures it will become a regular request at your dinner table. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and prepare for those enthusiastic demands for “MORE RICE!!!” – you’ll be glad you did!