Few dishes say comfort like ham fried rice. This Recipe For Ham Fried Rice combines salty diced ham, fluffy scrambled eggs, and sweet peas and carrots with day-old rice for a dinner that is simple, satisfying, and ready in 20 minutes. It is the fried rice most American families grew up on, and it never disappoints.
This is also the ultimate leftover ham recipe. After a holiday dinner, that extra ham in the fridge becomes a whole new meal instead of another sandwich. A little butter alongside the oil gives the rice a rich, diner-style flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe For Ham Fried Rice
It is a true classic. Ham, egg, and peas is the fried rice combination everyone knows and loves.
It uses up leftover ham. Holiday ham gets a delicious second life.
It is fast. Twenty minutes from chopping to serving.
Kids love it. Familiar flavors and no spice make it perfect for picky eaters.
It is affordable. A cup of diced ham and pantry staples feed the whole family.
What Makes This Recipe Work?
This recipe works because the ham is already cooked and seasoned, so the cooking focuses on texture. A quick sear in butter gives the ham cubes golden, slightly crisp edges that taste far better than ham straight from the package. That browning adds a toasty depth the whole dish picks up.
The second principle is the butter and oil combination. Butter brings rich flavor but burns over high heat, so it goes in with a splash of neutral oil. The rice fries in this mixture, turning golden and savory without any burnt butter bitterness.
Menu of Recipe For Ham Fried Rice
This Recipe For Ham Fried Rice covers why it works, the full ingredient list with US measurements, how to choose the best ham and rice, the tools that help, step-by-step instructions, chef tips, a troubleshooting table, substitutions, variations, storage and reheating guidance, nutrition estimates, and answers to common questions.
Ingredients for Recipe For Ham Fried Rice
For the Fried Rice
- 3 cups cooked long-grain white rice, chilled (day-old is best)
- 1 1/2 cups diced cooked ham, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup frozen peas and diced carrots, thawed and patted dry
- 3 scallions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
For the Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
Use a good-quality cooked ham, not overly processed deli slices. Leftover baked ham or a ham steak both work beautifully. The butter is key to the classic flavor, so do not skip it.
Best Ingredients to Use
Leftover baked or spiral ham is the top choice. It has real ham flavor and a firm texture that holds up to dicing and searing. A thick-cut ham steak from the meat department is the next best option. Avoid thin deli ham, which turns rubbery in the hot pan.
Day-old long-grain white rice fries up fluffy and separate. Use real butter for the best flavor, and a naturally brewed soy sauce for clean seasoning.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- A large wok or 12-inch skillet. Plenty of surface area helps the ham brown.
- A sharp knife and cutting board for even ham cubes.
- A small bowl for stirring the seasoning sauce together.
How to Make Recipe For Ham Fried Rice
Step 1: Prep Everything
Dice the ham into 1/2-inch cubes. Break up the chilled rice so no clumps remain. Thaw and pat dry the peas and carrots. Beat the eggs, slice the scallions, mince the garlic, and stir the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and pepper together in a small bowl.
Step 2: Brown the Ham
Melt the butter with the vegetable oil in the wok over medium-high heat until the butter foams. Add the ham cubes in a single layer and cook 2 to 3 minutes, turning once, until the edges turn golden brown. This caramelization is where the flavor comes from. Move to a plate.
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs
In the same pan over medium-high heat, pour in the beaten eggs and scramble 30 to 45 seconds into soft curds. Move to the plate with the ham.
Step 4: Vegetables and Garlic
Add the peas and carrots and the garlic to the hot wok. Stir-fry 1 to 2 minutes until the vegetables are heated through and the garlic is fragrant. Keep everything moving.
Step 5: Fry the Rice
Add the cold rice and toss 3 to 4 minutes over high heat, breaking up clumps, until the grains are hot and starting to turn golden in the buttery oil. Press the rice against the pan briefly between tosses for light crisp bits.
Step 6: Season and Finish
Pour the seasoning sauce evenly over the rice and toss 1 minute until glossy and coated. Return the ham and eggs to the wok and toss 30 seconds. Drizzle the sesame oil if using, scatter the scallions, toss once more, and serve hot.
Chef’s Tips for the Best Results
Brown the ham properly. Those golden edges add a toasty flavor that separates great ham fried rice from bland. Do not skip the sear.
Use butter and oil together. Butter brings flavor; oil raises the smoke point. Together they fry the rice golden without burning.
Dice the ham evenly. Uniform 1/2-inch cubes brown at the same rate and distribute nicely through the rice.
Do not over-salt. Ham is already salty, so taste before adding extra soy sauce. The measured amount is usually plenty.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
| Common Problem | Why It Happens | How to Fix It |
|---|---|---|
| Ham is rubbery | Thin deli ham used, or overcooked | Use thick-cut or leftover baked ham; brown briefly and set aside |
| Butter burns | Heat too high, or butter used alone | Combine butter with oil and cook over medium-high, not maximum heat |
| Dish is too salty | Extra soy sauce on top of salty ham | Taste before seasoning; ham carries most of the salt |
| Rice is mushy | Fresh rice used, or vegetables went in wet | Use chilled day-old rice; thaw and pat dry the peas and carrots |
| Eggs disappear into the rice | Scrambled too fine or added too early | Make soft, chunky curds and add them back in the final minute |
Ingredient Substitutions
| Original Ingredient | Substitute | Expected Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Diced ham | Diced smoked turkey | Milder and leaner; add 1/2 tsp extra butter for richness |
| Butter | All vegetable oil | Less rich flavor; add the optional sesame oil for aroma |
| Peas and carrots | Frozen corn or diced bell pepper | Sweeter and more colorful; similar cook time |
| Oyster sauce | 1 extra tsp soy sauce | Less rich, still savory |
| Scallions | Chopped chives | Milder onion flavor, similar fresh finish |
Recipe Variations
Hawaiian Ham: Add 1/2 cup diced pineapple with the rice for the classic sweet and salty pairing.
Ham and Cheese: Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded cheddar over hot servings for a kid-pleasing twist.
Spicy Ham: Add 1 tablespoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the seasoning for heat.
Ham and Mushroom: Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms with the garlic and cook 2 minutes before the rice.
Diner Style: Top each bowl with a fried egg, cooked so the whites are set and the yolk is still soft, for a richer brunch-style serving.
Practical Cooking Scenario
Imagine the day after a holiday dinner, with a container of leftover ham and rice from two nights ago in the fridge. Dice the ham while the butter melts. Twenty minutes later, the leftovers are a brand-new dinner nobody is tired of. This is also a great way to use up the last of a ham steak bought for sandwiches.
Storage and Food Safety
Cool leftovers within 2 hours and refrigerate in airtight containers up to 4 days. Freeze portions up to 2 months in sealed freezer bags with the air pressed out; thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Discard leftovers that smell off or sat at room temperature more than 2 hours. Reheat all leftovers to 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
How to Reheat Recipe For Ham Fried Rice
The best way to reheat this Recipe For Ham Fried Rice is in a skillet. Heat a teaspoon of butter or oil over medium-high heat, add the cold rice, and stir-fry 3 to 4 minutes until steaming, adding a splash of water if dry. The ham edges re-crisp nicely.
The microwave works for convenience. Place rice in a bowl, sprinkle with a tablespoon of water, cover loosely, and heat 2 minutes, stirring halfway. Heat all the way through to 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
Meal Prep Tips
Dice the ham up to 3 days ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Cook the rice a day ahead. Thaw the peas and carrots the morning of cooking. Mix the seasoning sauce and keep it in a jar up to a week. Fully cooked portions keep 4 days refrigerated and make excellent lunches.
Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition per serving (makes 4 servings): 500 calories, 24 g protein, 56 g carbohydrates, 18 g fat, 3 g fiber, 1,050 mg sodium. These are estimates only. Ham is naturally high in sodium, so those watching salt intake should use a low-sodium ham.
More Rice Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed this recipe, you will love these other rice dishes from The World of Rice:
- Easy Ham Fried Rice Recipe: Savory, Fast & Family-Friendly
- Ham Fried Rice Recipe Chinese: Easy Weeknight Dinner in 20 Minutes
- Ham Fried Rice Recipe With Egg: Classic, Easy & Ready in 20 Minutes
- Authentic Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe: Traditional Technique, Pure Flavor
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best ham for fried rice?
Leftover baked ham or a thick-cut ham steak. They have real flavor and hold their texture. Thin deli slices turn rubbery in the hot pan.
Can I use deli ham?
You can in a pinch, but choose the thickest cut available and brown it very briefly. Expect a softer texture than with baked ham.
How do I keep ham fried rice from being too salty?
Use the measured soy sauce, taste before adding more, and balance with the optional sesame oil and plenty of scallions. Low-sodium ham helps too.
Can I make ham fried rice ahead of time?
Yes. Cook it fully, cool within 2 hours, and refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat in a hot skillet for the best texture.
Does ham fried rice freeze well?
Yes, up to 2 months in sealed freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet so the rice crisps again.
Can I make this recipe dairy free?
Yes. Replace the butter with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. The flavor will be slightly less rich, but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Recipe For Ham Fried Rice is the comforting classic every family should have in rotation. Brown the ham in butter, use day-old rice, keep the heat high, and season with a light hand.
See the dictionary definitions for butter and white rice.
Prayvista Team is the editorial team behind Prayvista, The World of Rice. The team writes and reviews rice recipes for home cooks, and every article is checked by editor Sara Raza before publishing.
