Hawaiian Ham Fried Rice

Ham fried rice gets a fun tropical twist with this easy Hawaiian Ham Fried Rice. It includes everything you would expect in a classic fried rice recipe—egg, ham, rice, soy sauce, green onions, and sesame oil—but the addition of pineapple gives it a sweet island-inspired flavor.

This recipe is a great way to use leftover ham or cooked rice you may already have in the refrigerator. I like to make a double batch whenever I cook rice and freeze the extra for quick meals like this one. Having cooked rice ready to go makes dinner preparation much faster and easier on busy nights.

The Hawaiian flair comes from sweet pineapple tidbits, diced red bell pepper, and onion. A little garlic powder adds extra savory flavor and helps balance the pineapple’s sweetness.

My family loved the combination of sweet and savory flavors in this dish. The salty ham and soy sauce pair perfectly with the juicy pineapple, while the peppers and green onions add freshness and crunch. It is also such a colorful meal, making it just as appealing to look at as it is to eat.

Ingredients for Hawaiian Ham Fried Rice

• HAM – Ham adds savory, smoky flavor and makes the fried rice hearty enough to serve as a main dish. Diced leftover ham works especially well.
• ONION – Onion adds savory flavor and a little natural sweetness. Cooking it first helps soften it and build the dish’s flavor.
• BELL PEPPER – Bell pepper adds color, sweetness, and a slightly crisp texture. Red bell pepper works especially well with the pineapple, but any color can be used.
• CANOLA OIL -Canola oil is used to sauté the vegetables and cook the eggs. Its neutral flavor allows the other ingredients to stand out.
• EGGS – Eggs add protein, richness, and the classic texture you expect in fried rice. Scramble them gently so they stay tender.
• LONG GRAIN RICE – Cooked rice forms the base of the dish. Chilled leftover rice works best because it is drier and less likely to become mushy.
• CANNED PINEAPPLE TIDBITS – Pineapple gives the fried rice its Hawaiian-inspired sweetness and tropical flavor. Drain it well before adding it to the skillet.
• SESAME OIL – Sesame oil adds a rich, nutty flavor. A small amount goes a long way, so it is usually added near the end of cooking.
• SOY SAUCE – Soy sauce seasons the rice with salty, savory flavor. Add it gradually so the dish does not become overly salty.
• GARLIC POWDER – Garlic powder adds warm, savory flavor and blends evenly throughout the rice.
• GREEN ONIONS – Green onions add mild onion flavor, freshness, and color. Stir some into the rice and save a little to sprinkle over the top before serving.

Instructions for Hawaiian Ham Fried Rice

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the canola oil, then add the diced ham, white onion, and red bell pepper. Cook for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the ham is heated through.

Push the ham and vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and cook, stirring gently, until they are softly scrambled.

Add the cooked rice and drained pineapple tidbits to the skillet. Stir everything together, breaking up any clumps of rice as needed.

Drizzle in the sesame oil and soy sauce, then sprinkle in the garlic powder. Continue cooking and stirring until the rice is evenly coated and everything is heated through.

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sliced green onions. Serve immediately. This recipe makes approximately 4–5 servings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover rice for Hawaiian Ham Fried Rice?
Yes. Chilled leftover rice is actually the best choice because it is drier and less likely to become soft or mushy in the skillet.

What kind of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice will all work. Avoid using freshly cooked rice unless it has cooled completely.

Can I use freshly cooked rice?
Yes, but spread it on a baking sheet and let it cool before using. Chilling it briefly will help remove excess moisture.

Do I need to drain the pineapple?
Yes. Drain the pineapple tidbits well so the extra juice does not make the fried rice wet or overly sweet.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely. Cut fresh pineapple into small pieces so it mixes evenly with the rice.

What kind of ham should I use?
Leftover baked ham works especially well, but diced ham steak or packaged cooked ham can also be used.

Can I use a different meat?
Yes. Cooked chicken, bacon, pork, shrimp, or Spam would all work well in place of the ham.

Can I add more vegetables?
Yes. Peas, carrots, corn, broccoli, or edamame would all be good additions. Cook firmer veggies before adding the rice.

Can I use a different color of bell pepper?
Yes. Red bell pepper adds sweetness and color, but yellow, orange, or green bell peppers will also work.

How can I make the fried rice less salty?
Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and add it gradually. Remember that the ham already contributes salt.

Can I make Hawaiian Ham Fried Rice ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare it as directed, let it cool, and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave until hot.

How should I store leftovers?
Store the cooled fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat only the portion you plan to serve.

What can I serve with Hawaiian Ham Fried Rice?
It can be served as a complete meal or paired with egg rolls, steamed vegetables, teriyaki chicken, or a simple green salad.

Tips and Tricks

• Use cold, cooked rice. Day-old refrigerated rice works best because it is firm and dry. Freshly cooked rice can become soft and sticky in the skillet.
• Drain the pineapple thoroughly. Remove as much juice as possible before adding the pineapple tidbits. Extra liquid can make the fried rice soggy.
• Prep everything before cooking. Fried rice cooks quickly, so have the ham, vegetables, eggs, rice, sauces, and seasonings measured and ready before heating the skillet.
• Use a large, hot skillet. A roomy skillet or wok helps the ingredients cook evenly instead of steaming. Stir often, but give the rice brief contact with the hot pan so it develops better texture.
• Add soy sauce gradually. Ham is already salty, so begin with a smaller amount of soy sauce and taste before adding more. Reduced-sodium soy sauce is also a good option.

For more recipes like this, try:

• Turkey Fried Rice
• Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole
• Ham and Broccoli Rice Casserole
• Easy Fried Rice

Recipe adapted from No Biggie.