My Go-To Fried Rice Recipe {Easy Ham Fried Rice}
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Course
Main Course
My Go-To Fried Rice Recipe {Easy Ham Fried Rice}
Description
This fried rice begins with whisked eggs seasoned with salt and pepper, cooked gently in a blend of sesame oil and olive oil. The eggs are scrambled until mostly cooked and set aside. Garlic and the white parts of green onions are briefly sautéed until fragrant, then cold, pre-cooked rice is added and cooked until each grain starts to separate from clumps.
Scrambled eggs are reincorporated into the rice mixture alongside diced ham and frozen peas. Soy sauce is added last to evenly season the dish. The grilling process produces fried rice with distinct rice grains, a soft egg texture, subtle ham sweetness, and mild savory notes from the garlic and soy sauce.
Using cold rice is key for avoiding mushiness, and various substitutions can be made to tailor the fried rice, such as different meats, vegetables, or soy sauce alternatives. It's a flexible and reliable method for a familiar fried rice with a balanced flavor.
Rice can be prepared with jasmine or basmati, and liquid ratios vary depending on cooking method. Leftover cooked rice kept cold produces preferred texture.
Ingredients
- 3 egg large
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- salt
- black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 2 to 3 to 3 green onions finely chopped
- 3 cups rice cooked, cold, see note
- 1 to 2 to 2 cups ham or deli ham, diced, leftover
- ½ to 1 to 1 cup peas frozen
- 2 to 3 to 3 tablespoons soy sauce see note
Instructions
- Whisk together the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat the sesame and olive oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the eggs and let the mixture cook until set on the bottom, just a few seconds. With a rubber spatula turn the eggs slowly until mostly cooked. Scoot them to the side of the skillet.
- If the skillet is dry, add another sploosh of oil (sesame or olive oil) to the center of the skillet. Add the garlic and the white parts of the green onions to the skillet and cook for 20-30 seconds, until sizzling (but not burning!) and the mixture smells fragrant.
- Add the cold rice on top of the onions and garlic (keep the eggs mostly over to the side still), breaking the rice into clumps. Cook until the rice is sizzling and the clumps start to separate into smaller pieces, 3-4 minutes. Incorporate the eggs back into the rice mixture.
- Add the chopped ham and peas and stir to combine. Add the soy sauce stir until evenly incorporated. Cook the fried rice until all the ingredients are heated through, 4-5 minutes.
- Serve immediately with additional soy sauce, if desired, and the green parts of the onion. (If not serving with additional soy sauce, season to taste with additional salt and pepper, as needed.)
Notes
- Use cold cooked rice to prevent mushy fried rice; freshly cooked rice will yield a different texture.
- Jasmine or basmati rice varieties can be used based on preference.
- Gluten-free soy sauce substitutes like tamari or coconut aminos work well here.
- This recipe is adaptable to include different meats or vegetables as available.
- Adjust water or broth ratios during rice cooking for stovetop or Instant Pot methods as needed.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 Serving | |
| Calories | 219kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 25g | 8% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 96mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 646mg | 27% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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