This quick and easy Hawaiian Fried Rice recipe features sweet pineapple, savory ham, and a medley of colorful vegetables.
One of my favorite things is scooping up a forkful of fluffy rice. I’ve always loved it! Now imagine that, mixed with juicy pineapple, savory ham, and vibrant bell peppers, all tied together with a hint of soy sauce and sesame oil. That’s the delicious experience waiting for you with Hawaiian Fried Rice.
This dish brings a tropical twist to the traditional fried rice, making it a perfect meal or side that’s sure to please the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a new way to use up leftover rice or ham, or simply craving something that brings a bit of sunshine to your table, Hawaiian Fried Rice is an easy recipe packed with flavor and fun.
Hawaiian Fried Rice is a fun, flavorful dish that brings a little bit of paradise to your plate. With its combination of sweet, savory, and umami flavors, it’s a versatile dish that can brighten up any mealtime.
Whether you’re looking for a new family favorite or just want to shake up your dinner routine, this easy recipe is sure to deliver satisfaction and smiles all around.
Let’s dive into how to make this tasty, colorful dish that’s as great to look at as it is to eat!
Common Questions About Hawaiian Fried Rice
Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple can add a delightful sweetness and slightly more pronounced pineapple flavor compared to canned tidbits. Just keep in mind that it will have a more acidic quality to it that may change the overall flavor of the rice.
What Rice Is Best for Fried Rice?
Day-old rice is ideal as it’s had time to dry out a bit, giving your fried rice the perfect texture. Jasmine or white rice works great, but feel free to use brown rice for a whole-grain option.
What’s the Best Pan to Use for Making Fried Rice?
A large skillet or wok is perfect for making fried rice. It gives you plenty of space to stir and toss the rice and ingredients for even cooking. Personally, I’m a big fan of using the wok! It just gives a particular experience that I love.
Storage
This is the perfect fried rice for leftovers. It stays moist in the fridge and keeps tasting great!
Refrigerator
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to keep the rice moist.
Freezer
While you can freeze Hawaiian Fried Rice, the texture of the pineapple and veggies might change upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge.
Tips
I get rave reviews with my family on this one. Then again, cooking rice for weeknight dinners is basically a must in our house, haha!
- Use a large skillet or wok to give yourself plenty of room for stirring and tossing the ingredients.
- Prep your ingredients ahead of time since the cooking process goes quickly once you start.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of oyster sauce or a sprinkle of curry powder for a unique twist.
- Make it a complete meal by serving it in a hollowed-out pineapple bowl for that special tropical flair.
Ingredients
I’ve also seen frozen peas in fried rice dishes. It wouldn’t be a bad option here. Ham leftovers are great too!
- Diced ham
- Chopped bell peppers (any color)
- Scallions (green and white parts separated)
- Pineapple tidbits (drained if using canned)
- Eggs
- Butter
- Sesame oil
- Cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- Light soy sauce
How to Make Hawaiian Fried Rice
This rice with a Hawaiian twist is really easy to make. Its tropical flavors blend really well with other dishes too. Teriyaki chicken comes to mind…
- Combine the ham, chopped bell pepper, and white portions of the scallions in a large skillet. Cook over medium-high heat. Saute for 5-8 minutes or until the bell pepper softens a bit and the ham has browned.
- Add the pineapple, and cook with the ham and veggies for about 2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and push everything to one side of the pan.
- Whisk the eggs in a small bowl and then add them to the cleared side of the pan. Cook the eggs until cooked through.
- Remove everything from the pan and set aside.
- Return the pan to medium-high heat and add the butter and sesame oil.
- Add the cooked rice and soy sauce to the pan. Stir together until thoroughly mixed.
- Add the ham, veggies, and egg back to the pan with the rice and mix until everything is combined.
- Top with the green part of the scallions and serve!
Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Hawaiian Fried Rice
You know, I think those on the mainland would think that adding pineapple makes a “Hawaiian version” out of any meal. Although the locals here might disagree. Ha! Pick your favorite recipe, add pineapple and bam! Hawaiian!
- Large nonstick skillet or wok
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Knife and cutting board for chopping ingredients
- Measuring spoons for the soy sauce and sesame oil
- Mixing bowl for whisking the eggs
What to Serve With Hawaiian Fried Rice
This dish is incredibly versatile! Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a protein-packed meal, or enjoy it on its own for a lighter dinner.
It also makes a fantastic side dish to accompany other Asian or tropical-inspired recipes. Thai foods are always some of my favorites. Hawaiian chicken is also an obvious choice!
Why You Should Make Hawaiian Fried Rice
Oh, another great one would be sweet and sour chicken! Get out a large frying pan and let’s get cooking. Step aside other fried rice recipes.
- It’s a delicious way to use leftover rice and ham.
- Packed with flavor, from the savory soy sauce to the sweet pineapple.
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- A fun tropical twist on traditional fried rice that everyone will love.
Variations and Add-Ins for Hawaiian Fried Rice
Let me know in the comments how this recipe goes for you. I love hearing all of your amazing input!
- Try different proteins, like chicken, shrimp, or tofu, to mix things up.
- Add extra veggies like peas, carrots, or even zucchini for more color and nutrition.
- For a spicy kick, toss in some diced jalapeño or a drizzle of sriracha on top before serving.
- Incorporate nuts like cashews or almonds for added crunch and flavor.
If you love this easy side dish recipe, you’re going to love these side dishes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
More Great Hawaiian-Inspired Recipes
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Hawaiian Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 12 ounces ham diced
- 1 cup bell peppers chopped – any color
- 1 bunch of scallions with the green and white diced and separated
- 2 cups pineapple tidbits drained
- 3 eggs
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
Instructions
- Combine the ham, chopped bell pepper, and white portions of the scallions in a large skillet. Cook over medium-high heat. Saute for 5-8 minutes or until the bell pepper softens a bit and the ham has browned.
- Add the pineapple, and cook with the ham and veggies for about 2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and push everything to one side of the pan.
- Whisk the eggs in a small bowl and then add them to the cleared side of the pan. Cook the eggs until cooked through.
- Remove everything from the pan and set aside.
- Return the pan to medium-high heat and add the butter and sesame oil.
- Add the cooked rice and soy sauce to the pan. Stir together until thoroughly mixed.
- Add the ham, veggies, and egg back to the pan with the rice and mix until everything is combined.
- Top with the green part of the scallions and serve!
Notes
- You can use spam instead of ham if desired.
- Try adding other veggies such as peas or carrots.
- I like to use the mini peppers for this recipe but any bell peppers will work.
- Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The leftovers just get better!
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
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