Hawaiian Fried Rice is a delightful twist on traditional fried rice, combining savory ham, sweet pineapple, and vibrant vegetables to create a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. This recipe is perfect for lunch or dinner and brings a touch of the tropics to your table.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame seed oil
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (seeds removed)
• 2 cups diced ham
• 2 green onions, diced (white and green parts separated)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 cups cold, cooked white rice
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup pineapple pieces

Directions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sesame oil, and hot sauce. Set aside.

2. Cook Vegetables and Ham: In a large non-stick skillet, heat ½ tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced red bell pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes until crisp-tender. Add the diced ham and the white parts of the green onions; cook until the ham is slightly browned. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Transfer this mixture to a bowl and set aside.

3. Fry the Rice: In the same skillet, heat the remaining vegetable oil. Add the cold, cooked rice, breaking up any clumps, and cook until thoroughly heated, about 8 minutes.

4. Scramble the Eggs: Push the rice to one side of the skillet. Crack the eggs onto the other side and scramble until set.

5. Combine Ingredients: Mix the scrambled eggs with the rice, then add the ham and vegetable mixture back into the skillet. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the rice and stir until everything is well combined and heated through.

6. Add Pineapple and Green Onions: Turn off the heat and fold in the pineapple pieces and the green parts of the green onions. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: Approximately 605 kcal
• Total Fat: 39.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3g
• Cholesterol: 154mg
• Sodium: 2413mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 51g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 18g
• Protein: 13g

The Origin of Hawaiian Fried Rice

While fried rice is traditionally associated with Asian cuisine, the Hawaiian version is a delightful fusion of flavors influenced by the islands’ diverse culinary heritage. Hawaii has a rich food culture that blends elements from Polynesian, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, and American cuisines. Fried rice became popular in Hawaii due to the large Asian influence, particularly from Chinese immigrants who brought their cooking techniques to the islands. Over time, local ingredients such as pineapple and ham were incorporated, creating a distinct variation known as Hawaiian Fried Rice. Hawaiian cuisine often features sweet and savory flavor profiles, a characteristic that is evident in many of its popular dishes. The use of pineapple, for example, is a staple in Hawaiian cooking, as it was one of the major crops grown on the islands. Ham, another key ingredient in this dish, became widely available due to its popularity in American cuisine, especially after World War II. By combining these two ingredients with the traditional components of fried rice, a delicious and unique dish was born.

Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Fried Rice

One of the best things about Hawaiian Fried Rice is its simplicity and ease of preparation. This dish can be made in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy individuals or families. It is also an excellent way to repurpose leftover rice, reducing food waste while creating a delicious meal. Unlike some other fried rice recipes that require multiple sauces or specialized ingredients, this version uses everyday pantry staples, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. Another reason to love this dish is its incredible versatility. While the classic recipe includes ham and pineapple, you can easily modify it based on your dietary preferences. For a vegetarian version, you can omit the ham and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas. If you prefer a different protein, you can substitute chicken, shrimp, or even tofu. The adaptability of this recipe makes it a great go-to meal that can be customized to suit your taste. Additionally, Hawaiian Fried Rice is a fantastic dish for meal prepping. It stores well in the refrigerator and can be reheated for a quick lunch or dinner. Unlike some rice dishes that lose their texture when reheated, this fried rice maintains its delicious flavors and consistency, making it a convenient option for those who like to plan their meals in advance.

Tips for the Best Hawaiian Fried Rice

To achieve the best results when making Hawaiian Fried Rice, it is important to follow a few key tips. First, always use cold, day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky, which can result in a mushy texture when stir-fried. By using leftover rice, you ensure that each grain remains separate, giving the dish the perfect consistency. If you don’t have leftover rice, you can cook fresh rice and spread it on a baking sheet to cool in the refrigerator for at least an hour before using it. Another essential tip is to cook the ingredients in stages. Instead of adding everything to the pan at once, cook the ham, vegetables, and garlic separately before adding the rice. This allows each ingredient to develop its flavors without becoming overcooked. When scrambling the eggs, push the rice to one side of the pan and cook the eggs separately before mixing them in. This technique ensures that the eggs remain fluffy and evenly distributed throughout the dish. Using high heat is also important when making fried rice. A hot pan helps to quickly fry the rice and develop the signature slightly crispy texture. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning while allowing the rice to absorb all the delicious flavors. Lastly, don’t forget to season the dish properly. Soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of hot sauce add depth and complexity to the flavor profile. However, it is important to taste the dish as you cook and adjust the seasoning to your preference. If you like a little extra sweetness, you can add a splash of pineapple juice. For those who enjoy spice, a dash of red pepper flakes or Sriracha can give the dish a nice kick.

Serving Suggestions

Hawaiian Fried Rice is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served with various side dishes to enhance the dining experience. If you want to keep the meal light, consider serving it with a simple side salad made with fresh greens, cucumbers, and a citrus dressing. The freshness of the salad complements the richness of the fried rice, creating a well-balanced meal. For a more indulgent option, you can pair this dish with grilled teriyaki chicken, shrimp skewers, or a Hawaiian-style barbecue. The smoky flavors from the grill pair wonderfully with the sweet and savory fried rice, making for a satisfying and delicious meal. Beverage pairings can also elevate the dining experience. A refreshing tropical drink such as pineapple juice, coconut water, or a fruity mocktail complements the flavors of the dish beautifully. If you prefer an alcoholic beverage, a light and crisp white wine or a tropical cocktail like a Mai Tai or Pina Colada would be an excellent choice.

Health Benefits of Hawaiian Fried Rice

Although fried rice is often seen as a comfort food, Hawaiian Fried Rice can be a nutritious meal when made with the right ingredients. The dish contains a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, making it a well-rounded option. Ham provides a source of protein, while eggs add essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and choline. Pineapple is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion and reduces inflammation. If you want to make this dish even healthier, you can use brown rice instead of white rice. Brown rice is a whole grain that provides more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than white rice, making it a more nutritious alternative. Additionally, using low-sodium soy sauce and lean cuts of ham can help reduce the overall sodium content of the dish.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Fried Rice is a fantastic dish that combines the best of sweet and savory flavors in one delicious meal. With its origins rooted in the diverse culinary traditions of Hawaii, this dish is a perfect example of how different cultures have influenced island cuisine. Easy to prepare and highly customizable, it is a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful dish to serve at gatherings. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with other Hawaiian-inspired dishes, this fried rice is sure to be a hit. The combination of juicy pineapple, smoky ham, and fragrant seasonings creates a dish that is both comforting and exciting. If you are looking for a new way to enjoy fried rice, give this Hawaiian Fried Rice a try—it just might become a new favorite in your household.