Ham Fried Rice: A Quick, Delicious, and Customizable Recipe
Fried rice is a beloved dish worldwide, prized for its simplicity, versatility, and ability to transform leftovers into a satisfying meal. This recipe focuses on a classic variation: Ham Fried Rice. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights, a crowd-pleasing lunch, or even a hearty breakfast. The beauty of fried rice lies in its adaptability; you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste and what you have on hand. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to creating delicious ham fried rice every time.
Why You’ll Love This Ham Fried Rice Recipe
* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to swap out vegetables, proteins, or seasonings to create your own unique version.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Fried rice is a great way to use up leftover rice, vegetables, and meat.
* **Kid-Friendly:** The mild flavors and colorful ingredients appeal to even the pickiest eaters.
* **Delicious:** The combination of savory ham, fluffy rice, and flavorful seasonings is simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients required for this ham fried rice recipe. We’ll also discuss potential substitutions and variations.
* **Cooked Rice:** This is the foundation of any fried rice dish. The best rice to use is day-old cooked rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too sticky and will result in a mushy fried rice. Day-old rice, on the other hand, has had time to dry out, making it perfect for absorbing flavors and holding its shape. You can use any type of rice you prefer, such as long-grain white rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice. However, long-grain rice generally yields the best texture. Approximately 3-4 cups of cooked rice is a good starting point.
* **Ham:** Diced ham adds a savory and slightly salty flavor to the fried rice. You can use leftover ham from a holiday meal, deli ham, or even pre-cooked ham cubes. About 1-2 cups of diced ham is recommended, but adjust to your liking. If you don’t have ham, you can substitute with other proteins like cooked chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu.
* **Eggs:** Scrambled eggs add richness and protein to the fried rice. Two to three large eggs are typically sufficient. Beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper before cooking to ensure even seasoning.
* **Vegetables:** A variety of vegetables adds color, texture, and nutrients to the fried rice. Common choices include:
* **Onion:** Adds a pungent and savory flavor base. Yellow or white onions are good choices. Approximately 1/2 cup of diced onion is a good amount.
* **Carrots:** Adds sweetness and a vibrant orange color. Dice the carrots into small pieces for even cooking. About 1/2 cup of diced carrots is recommended.
* **Peas:** Adds a pop of green and a slightly sweet flavor. Frozen peas are convenient and work well in fried rice. About 1/2 cup of frozen peas is sufficient.
* **Green Onions:** Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a touch of green. Slice the green onions thinly and use them as a garnish. About 2-3 green onions, sliced, are ideal.
* **Optional Vegetables:** Other vegetables you can add include bell peppers (any color), broccoli florets, bean sprouts, corn, or mushrooms.
* **Soy Sauce:** Provides a salty and umami-rich flavor to the fried rice. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish. About 2-3 tablespoons of soy sauce is typically used.
* **Sesame Oil:** Adds a nutty and aromatic flavor to the fried rice. A little goes a long way, so start with about 1 teaspoon and add more to taste.
* **Cooking Oil:** Used for stir-frying the ingredients. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all good choices. About 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil is needed.
* **Garlic (Optional):** Adds a pungent and savory flavor. Mince 1-2 cloves of garlic and add it to the pan along with the onion.
* **Ginger (Optional):** Adds a warm and slightly spicy flavor. Grate a small piece of ginger (about 1 teaspoon) and add it to the pan along with the onion and garlic.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste, for seasoning.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Wok or Large Skillet:** A wok is ideal for stir-frying because its curved shape allows for even heat distribution and prevents food from sticking. However, a large skillet will also work. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients without overcrowding.
* **Cutting Board:** For chopping vegetables and ham.
* **Knife:** For chopping.
* **Spatula:** For stirring and flipping the ingredients.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For measuring the ingredients.
* **Small Bowl:** For beating the eggs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get into the detailed steps for making delicious ham fried rice.
**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**
* Cook the rice according to package directions. Allow it to cool completely, preferably overnight. This is crucial for achieving the right texture.
* Dice the ham into small, bite-sized pieces.
* Chop the onion and carrots into small dice.
* Slice the green onions thinly.
* If using garlic and ginger, mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
* Beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl.
**Step 2: Cook the Eggs**
* Heat about 1 teaspoon of cooking oil in the wok or skillet over medium heat.
* Pour the beaten eggs into the hot pan and cook, stirring constantly, until they are scrambled and cooked through. Remove the eggs from the pan and set aside.
**Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables**
* Add another tablespoon of cooking oil to the wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
* Add the diced onion and carrots to the pan and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and slightly translucent.
* If using garlic and ginger, add them to the pan along with the onion and carrots and stir-fry for another minute, or until fragrant.
**Step 4: Add the Ham and Rice**
* Add the diced ham to the pan and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until it is heated through.
* Add the cooked rice to the pan and break it up with the spatula. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes, or until the rice is heated through and evenly coated with the vegetables and ham.
**Step 5: Add the Seasonings and Eggs**
* Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice. Stir-fry for another minute to ensure the rice is evenly coated with the sauce.
* Add the scrambled eggs and frozen peas to the pan. Stir-fry for another minute, or until the peas are heated through.
**Step 6: Garnish and Serve**
* Remove the fried rice from the heat and garnish with sliced green onions.
* Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Fried Rice
* **Use Day-Old Rice:** As mentioned earlier, day-old rice is essential for achieving the right texture in fried rice. Freshly cooked rice is too sticky and will result in a mushy dish.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and cause the ingredients to steam instead of stir-fry. Work in batches if necessary.
* **High Heat is Key:** Stir-frying requires high heat to quickly cook the ingredients and create a slightly crispy texture. Make sure your wok or skillet is hot before adding the ingredients.
* **Stir Constantly:** Stirring the ingredients constantly prevents them from sticking to the pan and ensures even cooking.
* **Taste and Adjust Seasonings:** Taste the fried rice before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, or pepper to your liking.
* **Get Creative with Ingredients:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables, proteins, and seasonings to create your own unique version of fried rice.
Variations and Additions
Here are some ideas for customizing your ham fried rice:
* **Spicy Fried Rice:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the fried rice for a spicy kick.
* **Shrimp Fried Rice:** Substitute the ham with cooked shrimp for a seafood twist.
* **Chicken Fried Rice:** Use cooked chicken instead of ham for a classic variation.
* **Vegetarian Fried Rice:** Omit the ham and add more vegetables like tofu, mushrooms, or broccoli for a vegetarian option.
* **Pineapple Fried Rice:** Add diced pineapple for a sweet and tangy flavor.
* **Curry Fried Rice:** Add a teaspoon of curry powder to the fried rice for a flavorful twist.
* **Kimchi Fried Rice:** Add kimchi for a spicy and fermented flavor.
* **Egg Fried Rice (Simplified):** If you want a super simple version, just use rice, eggs, soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil.
Serving Suggestions
Ham fried rice can be served as a main course or as a side dish. Here are some serving suggestions:
* Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad.
* Serve with a bowl of soup, such as egg drop soup or wonton soup.
* Serve with spring rolls or egg rolls.
* Top with a fried egg for extra protein.
* Serve with a side of kimchi or pickled vegetables.
Make-Ahead Tips
* You can cook the rice ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* You can chop the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
* You can dice the ham ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
* However, it is best to cook the fried rice fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Storage Instructions
* Store leftover ham fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* Reheat the fried rice in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.)
* Calories: 300-400 per serving
* Protein: 15-20 grams per serving
* Fat: 10-15 grams per serving
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams per serving
This recipe is a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy a classic dish. With its versatility and ease of preparation, Ham Fried Rice is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy experimenting with different variations and additions to create your own signature version! Remember to adjust the ingredient quantities and seasonings to your personal preferences. Happy cooking!