Hawaiian Fried Rice

Imagine the essence of the tropics captured in a single dish 🍍. Hawaiian Fried Rice is not just a meal; it's a celebration of flavors and textures that speak to the soul. The key ingredients, like the juicy chunks of pineapple and the smoky hints of ham, blend seamlessly with perfectly cooked rice, creating a symphony of taste that dances on the palate. The addition of fresh veggies adds a crunch that contrasts the softness of the rice, making every bite an adventure. Why is this dish so special? It’s the unexpected joy of finding sweet amidst the savory, the warmth of the rice against the cool, crisp pineapple. It’s a dish that doesn’t just feed the body but also the spirit, offering a momentary escape to the Hawaiian islands with every forkful. 🌺✨
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Sat, 04 Jan 2025 03:07:16 GMT
Hawaiian Fried Rice
Hawaiian Fried Rice Save it
Hawaiian Fried Rice | myhomemaderecipe.com

Bring a taste of the tropics to your table with this Hawaiian Fried Rice recipe. Combining savory ham, sweet pineapple, and fresh vegetables, this dish offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that’s sure to please everyone. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Hawaiian Fried Rice is easy to prepare and packed with delicious ingredients. Whether you’re a fan of traditional fried rice or looking to try something new, this recipe is a must-try. Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this dish so unique and flavorful.

Ingredients

Here is a detailed look at the ingredients you’ll need to create Hawaiian Fried Rice:

  • 2 cups cooked rice: Day-old rice works best as it’s slightly dried out, which helps it fry up nicely without becoming mushy.
  • 1/2 lb diced ham: Provides a savory, meaty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet pineapple.
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks: Adds a burst of sweetness and a tropical flair to the dish.
  • 1/2 cup peas: Adds color, texture, and a slight sweetness that complements the other ingredients.
  • 1/2 cup diced carrots: Adds crunch and a hint of sweetness, enhancing the overall texture of the fried rice.
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions: Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor that ties the dish together.
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Provides a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the fried rice.
  • 2 lightly beaten eggs: Adds protein and a rich, creamy texture to the dish.
  • Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Sweet and Sour Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice: Provides a sweet and tangy base for the sauce.
  • 1/4 cup ketchup: Adds a rich, tomato flavor and a bit of sweetness.
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a savory depth to the sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Provides acidity and balances the sweetness of the sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a bit of molasses flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 teaspoons water: Helps to thicken the sauce, giving it a perfect consistency.

Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create a tropical and savory Hawaiian Fried Rice that’s perfect for any occasion:

Step 1: Heat Skillet

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, swirling to coat the surface.

Step 2: Cook Ham and Vegetables

Add diced ham, carrots, and peas to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 3: Scramble Eggs

Push the ham and vegetables to the side of the skillet. Pour beaten eggs into the center and scramble until fully cooked, then mix with the ham and vegetables.

Step 4: Add Rice and Pineapple

Add cooked rice, pineapple chunks, and sliced green onions. Drizzle with soy sauce and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Prepare Sweet and Sour Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine pineapple juice, ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer, then add cornstarch mixture and stir until thickened.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot, with the sweet and sour sauce drizzled on top or on the side. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions if desired.

Serving and Storage Tips

Hawaiian Fried Rice is versatile and easy to store. Here are some tips:

  • Serving: Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor.
  • Storage: Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Microwave with a damp paper towel or reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.

Helpful Notes and Variations

Customize your Hawaiian Fried Rice with these ideas:

  • Protein Options: Substitute ham with chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
  • Vegetable Additions: Include bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli.
  • Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
  • Rice Alternatives: Try brown rice, jasmine rice, or quinoa.

Chef’s Tip: Use day-old rice for the best texture in fried rice dishes.

Hawaiian Fried Rice

Embrace the tropical allure with Hawaiian Fried Rice, a vibrant dish that combines sweet pineapple and savory ham. It’s a culinary journey to the heart of the islands, crafted to delight.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Salads

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 Rice: 2 cups cooked, preferably day-old.
02 Ham: 1/2 lb, diced.
03 Pineapple Chunks: 1 cup.
04 Peas: 1/2 cup.
05 Carrots: 1/2 cup, diced.
06 Green Onions: 1/4 cup, sliced.
07 Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons.
08 Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon.
09 Eggs: 2, lightly beaten.
10 Salt and Pepper: to taste.
11 Pineapple Juice: 1/2 cup.
12 Ketchup: 1/4 cup.
13 Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons.
14 Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon.
15 Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon.
16 Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon, dissolved in 2 teaspoons water.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sesame oil, swirling to coat the surface.

Step 02

Add ham, carrots, and peas. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.

Step 03

Push the ham and vegetables to the side of the skillet. Pour beaten eggs into the center. Scramble eggs until fully cooked, then mix with the ham and vegetables.

Step 04

Add the cooked rice, pineapple chunks, and green onions to the skillet. Drizzle soy sauce over the top. Stir-fry for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until everything is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 05

For the sweet and sour sauce, combine pineapple juice, ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add the cornstarch mixture and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes.

Step 06

Serve the fried rice with the sweet and sour sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.

Notes

  1. Hawaiian Fried Rice is a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors, blending ham, pineapple, and fresh vegetables with perfectly cooked rice. This dish is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 60 g
  • Protein: 18 g