Leftover Love: Whip Up Quick & Tasty Easy Ham Fried Rice

Easy Ham Fried Rice – Delicious Recipe for Ham Leftovers

Introduction

If you’re looking for a way to turn leftover ham into a meal that’s quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor, this Easy Ham Fried Rice recipe is the answer. Fried rice is beloved across the world for its flexibility and incredible taste, and with smoky ham as the starring ingredient, this version promises to become your go-to for busy weeknights or a speedy family lunch.

Not only does it rescue leftovers from going to waste, but it also transforms them into a hearty, customizable dish that always hits the spot. Plus, clean-up is a breeze—making it a true hero for home cooks everywhere.

Why This Fried Rice is a Standout

This isn’t just any fried rice. The diced ham brings savory, salty notes that infuse every grain of rice, while colorful vegetables add nutrition and visual appeal. Using day-old rice ensures the perfect texture, preventing a soggy dish and delivering that distinctive, slightly crispy edge.

With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll serve up a comforting bowl of goodness that’s better (and faster) than takeout. It’s also endlessly adaptable: swap in whatever veggies you have, adjust the seasoning to taste, or even toss in a scrambled egg for extra protein.

Prepping Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

For best results, chop all your vegetables and ham into evenly sized pieces. A quality vegetable chopper such as the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper can seriously speed up your prep work and ensure uniform cuts for even cooking. Use day-old, refrigerated rice if possible, as it fries up best and absorbs flavors while keeping its structure.

You’ll also want a large, sturdy nonstick pan or skillet. The SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch provides ample room for stirring and tossing, helping you get that irresistible, slightly crisp finish on your rice.

Cooking Up Perfect Ham Fried Rice

The cooking process is straightforward: quick-frying vegetables, ham, and aromatics, then adding rice and sauces for seasoning. Using an oil sprayer like the YARRAMATE 16oz/470ml Oil Sprayer for Cooking ensures even coverage without oversaturating the ingredients, letting the rice achieve the ideal fried texture.

Be sure to stir frequently with a wide spatula or heat-resistant tool to prevent sticking and ensure every bite is flavorful. For home cooks who love meal prep, portion leftovers into airtight containers such as Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for easy, fresh lunches all week.

Serving Suggestions for a Memorable Meal

Garnish your ham fried rice with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a squeeze of fresh lime for brightness. To make this meal even more complete, serve with steamed broccoli or a crisp side salad packed up in a handy Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl for lunch on the go.

Pair your dish with iced tea or sparkling water in an insulated tumbler, and you’ve got a meal that’s as easy to serve as it is delicious.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 4 generous servings. Each serving typically contains around 350–400 calories, with a balance of protein, carbs, and veggies. Adding extra vegetables or using brown rice can up the fiber content, keeping the meal wholesome and nourishing.

Easy Ham Fried Rice – Quick Recap

When you need a satisfying, speedy meal that makes the most of leftovers, this Easy Ham Fried Rice delivers every time. It’s flavorful, full of texture, and destined to become a staple in your dinner lineup.

Ingredients

– 2 cups cooked, day-old white rice (cold)
– 1 cup leftover ham, diced
– 2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable)
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g. peas, carrots, corn), diced
– 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 large eggs, beaten (optional)
– 2–3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional garnishes: additional green onions, sesame seeds, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Begin by prepping your ham and vegetables. For quick, even dicing, use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. Set prepared ingredients aside.
  2. Heat the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium-high heat. Add oil (a few sprays from the YARRAMATE 16oz/470ml Oil Sprayer for Cooking works great) and swirl to coat.
  3. Add the diced ham. Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until it begins to brown slightly. Push to the side of the pan.
  4. Add the white parts of the green onions, garlic, and mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  5. (Optional) Push veggies to the side and pour in beaten eggs. Scramble until just cooked, then mix with the vegetables and ham.
  6. Add the day-old rice. Using a spatula, break up clumps and stir everything together. Pour soy sauce and sesame oil over rice, tossing to combine and heat through.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in sliced green onion tops. Fry for 1–2 more minutes to crisp up the rice, stirring constantly.
  8. Transfer the fried rice to bowls. Store any leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for future meals.
  9. Garnish with extra green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or lime wedges if desired. Enjoy hot!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

This Easy Ham Fried Rice recipe makes the most of your ham leftovers and pantry staples, giving you a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner with minimal effort. Enjoy!

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