Hawaiian Fried Rice Pineapple Ham

Hawaiian fried rice draws together sweet pineapple, salty ham, and tender vegetables for an easy weeknight dinner or a vibrant side dish when you want something more exciting than plain rice. This is the fried rice I make when I need to use up leftovers but want the whole table to get excited.

The first time I made this I barely had vegetables left in the fridge so I tossed in some pineapple and ham. My family raved about it and now it is my favorite way to make leftover rice taste brand new.

Ingredients

• Low sodium soy sauce: Adds just enough saltiness without overpowering the dish Look for one with clean ingredients and no additives
• Sesame oil: Brings in that nutty toasted flavor Make sure it is toasted sesame oil for extra aroma
• Hot sauce: Gives a low warm heat My personal favorite for this dish is a mild Asian-style chili sauce
• Vegetable oil: Helps fry everything up without leaving a strong taste Use any neutral oil you have
• Red bell pepper: Sweet and bright Adds some crunch Choose one that feels heavy and glossy for the best flavor
• Ham: Salty and meaty pick a ham with no added sugar or flavors if possible
• Green onions: The white parts add savoriness the green parts bring a little freshness Pick bright green crisp ones with no wilted ends
• Garlic: Packs a real punch when sautéed fresh Always use real cloves for the best flavor not pre-minced
• Cooked white rice: Cold rice is best because it fries up less sticky Day old rice straight from the fridge works perfectly
• Eggs: Binds everything together and adds richness Choose large fresh eggs for fluffy curds
• Pineapple: Brings sweet tropical notes Fresh or canned but drain if using canned to keep the rice crisp

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Sauce:

Combine soy sauce sesame oil and hot sauce in a small bowl Set aside so the flavors can meld This adds layers of flavor later on

Sauté the Bell Pepper:

Warm a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat Add half a tablespoon oil and the diced red bell pepper Sauté for five to seven minutes until the pepper is crisp tender but still bright in color Stir often so it does not scorch

Brown the Ham and Onions:

Add diced ham and just the white parts of the green onions to the skillet Cook while stirring until ham is starting to brown around the edges About three minutes keeps the texture tasty not rubbery

Add Garlic:

Add minced garlic and stir for one minute until the kitchen smells amazing Do not let it get browned

Transfer and Set Aside:

Transfer the vegetables and ham to a bowl Keep them covered so everything stays warm

Fry the Rice:

Add the rest of the vegetable oil to the same skillet Raise the heat to high and add in the cold rice Break up any clumps with a spatula and keep stirring Fry for about eight minutes until the rice turns hot and begins to get little crispy bits

Cook the Eggs:

Push the rice to one side of the skillet Crack the eggs directly into the other side Stir gently until the eggs are creamy and just set then stir them into the rice Mix thoroughly so there are ribbons of egg throughout

Combine and Season:

Return the ham mixture to the skillet Add the soy sauce blend Pour all over and stir well to coat every grain Continue to cook until the fried rice is glossy and steaming

Finish with Pineapple and Greens:

Turn off the heat Gently fold in pineapple and green parts of the green onions Only stir until just mixed so the pineapple stays juicy Serve hot

Pin

Pineapple is my favorite ingredient because it always makes me think of the time my daughter first tried it As soon as she tasted the juicy pineapple chunks mixed in with the savory rice she could not stop talking about how good the sweet bites were

Storage tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Fried rice tastes great even as a cold lunch or microwave it in bouts of thirty seconds stirring every time for even heating You can freeze cooked fried rice for up to one month just place in a freezer bag and flatten for easy stacking

Ingredient substitutions

If you do not have ham leftover roast chicken or even crispy tofu work well Red bell pepper can be swapped with carrots snow peas or even frozen mixed vegetables Pineapple tidbits or chunks both work fresh pineapple brings extra flavor but canned is easy for a quick version Use tamari for a gluten free option

Serving suggestions

Serve this rice as a main course with a crunchy slaw or a big green salad For a festive spread add potstickers or Thai spring rolls A light soy dipping sauce on the side is always welcome If I have it I love to top each bowl with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds

Cultural context

Hawaiian fried rice is inspired by the fusion of Asian and Hawaiian flavors Ham and pineapple are both classic in Hawaiian cuisine and fried rice is a traditional comfort food across Asia This combination became especially popular in the Pacific where every household adds their own island spin

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple provides an even brighter flavor and juicier texture. Simply cut into small pieces before adding at the end.

→ What's the best rice for this dish?

Cold, cooked white rice works best as it prevents clumping and ensures each grain fries nicely in the skillet.

→ Can I substitute the ham?

Absolutely! Diced cooked chicken, shrimp, or even tofu can be used in place of ham for different flavors.

→ How do I avoid soggy fried rice?

Use rice that was cooked and cooled, ideally overnight. This helps the rice hold its shape and texture during stir-frying.

→ Is it necessary to use both white and green parts of the onions?

Utilizing both adds depth of flavor and a pop of freshness as a final garnish, but you can adjust based on preference.