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Sweet and Savory Hawaiian Fried Rice with Ham and Pineapple

Featured in Delicious Appetizers.

This Hawaiian fried rice brings the taste of the islands to your kitchen. Sweet pineapple chunks and savory ham mix with fresh vegetables and perfectly cooked rice. The homemade sweet and sour sauce adds an extra punch of flavor.

Clare Greco
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:26:41 GMT
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A close-up of a bowl of fried rice mixed with diced ham, green peas, and corn. Pin it
A close-up of a bowl of fried rice mixed with diced ham, green peas, and corn. | recipesim.com

My Family's Favorite Hawaiian Fried Rice

This recipe takes me back to my vacation in Maui every single time 🍍. The smell of sweet pineapple and salty ham mixing with rice in my kitchen is pure heaven. I learned this recipe years ago and it's become our Friday night favorite. The juicy pineapple pieces next to the ham create such amazing flavor and the fresh veggies give it the perfect crunch. My kids love finding those sweet bites of pineapple mixed into the savory rice. Somehow this dish makes our regular kitchen table feel like a beachside restaurant in Hawaii.

Quick Tropical Dinner Magic

This Hawaiian fried rice turns basic ingredients into something super special. The combo of sweet pineapple savory ham and colorful veggies makes everyone smile. I love making this on busy weeknights since it comes together so fast but tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen. Every time I serve this people ask for the recipe and can't believe how simple it is to make.

A colorful bowl of rice mixed with diced vegetables and peas. Pin it
A colorful bowl of rice mixed with diced vegetables and peas. | recipesim.com

Everything You Need

  • Cooked rice: 2 cups use yesterday's rice it gets perfectly crispy
  • Ham: 1/2 lb cut into small cubes
  • Pineapple chunks: 1 cup fresh tastes amazing but canned works too
  • Peas: 1/2 cup frozen are perfect
  • Carrots: 1/2 cup diced small
  • Green onions: 1/4 cup gives such nice flavor
  • Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons just enough for perfect seasoning
  • Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon this makes everything taste amazing
  • Eggs: 2 beaten up and ready to go
  • Salt and pepper: season as you like
  • Sweet and sour sauce: mix 1/2 cup pineapple juice 1/4 cup ketchup 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon brown sugar and a bit of cornstarch with water

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why should I use day-old rice?

Day-old rice has less moisture and gives you better texture in fried rice. Fresh rice can get mushy when stir-fried. Let your rice cool in the fridge overnight for best results.

→ Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Fresh pineapple works great in this recipe. Just make sure to save some juice for the sweet and sour sauce. If using fresh pineapple, you might need to buy extra pineapple juice.

→ What can I substitute for ham?

Chicken, shrimp, or spam work well as substitutes. You can also use bacon or leave out the meat entirely for a vegetarian version.

→ How do I store leftover fried rice?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan with a little oil or in the microwave until hot.

→ Can I make the sweet and sour sauce ahead?

The sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat it gently and add a splash of water if needed to thin it out.

Hawaiian Fried Rice

A tropical twist on classic fried rice with ham, pineapple, and fresh vegetables. Served with homemade sweet and sour sauce for the perfect blend of flavors.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes

Category: Delicious Snacks

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (6 cups)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 2 cups cooked rice (day-old preferred).
02 1/2 lb ham, diced.
03 1 cup pineapple chunks.
04 1/2 cup peas.
05 1/2 cup carrots, diced.
06 1/4 cup green onions, sliced.
07 2 tablespoons soy sauce.
08 1 tablespoon sesame oil.
09 2 eggs, lightly beaten.
10 Salt and pepper to taste.
11 1/2 cup pineapple juice.
12 1/4 cup ketchup.
13 2 tablespoons soy sauce.
14 1 tablespoon rice vinegar.
15 1 tablespoon brown sugar.
16 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat sesame oil in large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 02

Add ham, carrots, and peas. Cook 2-3 minutes until vegetables soften.

Step 03

Push everything to one side. Add beaten eggs to empty side and scramble eggs until cooked, then mix with ham and vegetables.

Step 04

Add rice, pineapple chunks, and green onions.

Step 05

Pour soy sauce over top. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until hot.

Step 06

Season with salt and pepper.

Step 07

Mix pineapple juice, ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar in a saucepan.

Step 08

Bring to simmer over medium heat.

Step 09

Stir in cornstarch mixture, cook until thickened, about 2 minutes.

Step 10

Serve sauce over rice or on the side.

Notes

  1. Using day-old rice helps prevent mushiness. The rice grains stay separate and firm when stir-fried.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet or wok.
  • Small saucepan.
  • Measuring cups and spoons.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Soy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 55 g
  • Protein: 22 g