This recipe for ham fried rice with egg is an easy way to turn leftover rice into a meal. The dish comes together in just 30 minutes and has tons of flavor.

Are you trying to have a delicious yet filling meal and make the most of a tight budget? Rice is always a good idea. Cheap, filling, and versatile, rice is a staple in most kitchens worldwide. Fried rice is one of those things I learned to cook as a kid and have kept in my repertoire ever since because it's so easy and delicious. 

When it comes to Chinese takeout, you can't beat the taste of fried rice. It's a popular dish on menus all over the world and is considered by many as one of the most easily accessible dishes from Chinese cuisine. The ingredients are simple: eggs, rice, and some form of meat or vegetable.

We all have tried-and-true recipes for making this classic Chinese dish, but the best version? I've got a recipe for you that's so easy and delicious that you'll want to make it every night. If you're looking for a new way to spice up your rice, try Ham Fried Rice! It's one of those dishes that's just so satisfying and comforting—and it takes less than half an hour to throw together!

Ham Fried Rice

For a dish you can sink your teeth into, ham-fried rice is the way to go. Nothing is more satisfying than this dish with the perfect combination of rice, tender ham, and savory sauces. It's rich in protein, loaded with vegetables, and high in carbs — all on a bed of flavorful, sticky fried rice.

The best part is that it doesn't involve any special ingredients that you must visit your grocery store every time you plan to make it. Everything is probably already in your pantry. Throw in some chopped green onions, diced ham, and scrambled eggs for a tasty stir fry. 

This ham-fried rice recipe is great for using leftovers from last night's dinner. You can serve it as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. But you can add some diced leftover roast chicken or steamed veggies. 

Ham Fried Rice Recipe

Here’s a quick and easy recipe for ham fried rice that comes together in a snap, using simple pantry ingredients. This dish will hit the spot with our recipe that includes ham, soy sauce, oyster sauce, green onions, and sesame oil. Bring it home tonight and get ready to enjoy the very best of fried rice.

Key Ingredients:

The key to making delicious fried rice is to use the right ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

• Cooked and cooled Calrose rice or Sushi rice 

I have used Calrose rice, but you may use the rice of your choice. The medium grain Calrose rice has a fluffy texture and is high in carbohydrates. The key thing is ensuring the rice is chilled prior.

• Ham

Ham is salty, so it should be used with other ingredients that are not sweet or salty, such as eggs, green onions, and mushrooms. Take your cubed sliced ham and sauté it in a pan with oil over medium heat until it browns on both sides and is cooked through. Frick’s Cubed Ham is my absolute favorite ham to use for this recipe.

• Dark Soy Sauce

Dark soy sauce is the key to making your fried rice stand out. It has a thicker texture and slightly sweet flavor that helps give your fried rice the deep caramelized color you crave.

• Oyster Sauce

Add oyster sauce to taste—you can add more if you like more salty flavor, but don't add too much, or your rice will get mushy! 

• Eggs

There should be enough egg to give the dish a bit of body, but not so much that it becomes gummy in your mouth.

• Green onions

Use chopped green onions to garnish ham fried rice to add a colorful and refreshing twist. Freshly chopped onions give the dish a wonderful aroma, and the taste makes it look enticing. You could experiment with different veggies, too, for an alternate version of the ham-fried rice.

The amount of ham, egg, and green onion you use may vary according to your tastes. You can serve this dish as a primary or side dish.

How to make delicious Ham Fried Rice

The key to making delicious fried rice is using flavorful ingredients, not too much oil, and cooking it on medium heat so that all the flavors come together. Some essential basics for the best-fried rice are high heat, cold rice, and a hot wok.

Here is how to make ham fried rice at home:

1. Cook Ham

Start by cooking your preferred protein in a neutral oil on medium heat until browned. Set aside. I have used ham to make this tempting meal, as it provides excellent flavor to the rice.

2. Make Eggs

Beat the egg and pour them into the same pan with hot oil. Chop the eggs when cooked. Move the eggs to one side of the pan (see photo). 

3. Sauté Veggies if you’re using them in your recipe (optional step when making veggie fried rice)

Then add your vegetables; if making vegetable fried rice, and cook until tender but still crispy. 

4. Fry Rice

Addin minced garlic and cook until fragrant and then add the cooled rice and cook until warmed through. Add in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, green onions, and sesame oil if used, and combine everything well

5. Assembling

Add cooked ham and combine.

6. Taste to Adjust seasoning:

Taste a small portion of the mixture (this will help you adjust seasoning), adding salt or pepper if needed before serving with regular soy sauce or other condiments as desired!

7. Garnish:

Serve with more fresh chopped green onions

Why You'll Love This Recipe:

Ham Fried Rice is a simple, family-friendly meal that can be served as a main dish or side dish. It's one of those dishes that's so good; you'll want to make it again and again!

This recipe has been around for a long time, but it's still just as delicious today as it was back then. If you have leftover rice, this is the perfect way to use it up! It's also a great way to enjoy ham, eggs, and veggies all in one dish!

Why cold-cooked rice for fried rice?

The best way to make fried rice is by using cold rice cooked the day before. This allows the rice to dry and cool down, making it perfect for frying in a wok or pan. If you don't have leftover rice on hand, you can cook up a batch of rice in advance and refrigerate it overnight so it's ready for your fried rice dish the next day.

Don't want to get stuck in a sticky situation? Then it would be best if you started cooking with this super simple recipe today. This is a delicious fried rice recipe that's easy to make. Just follow the instructions and steps, and you'll be able to replicate it with ease. 

Variations:

• Meat variations:

You can add leftover rotisserie chicken, roast beef, cooked shrimp

• Vegetarian:

Omit the ham and substitute with vegetables or seasoned cooked tofu

• Gluten-free:

Omit the soy sauce or use a certified gluten-free soy sauce.

• Egg-free

Omit the egg or add plant-based eggs such as Just Eggs

Note:

You can store the cooked rice in a sealed container for up to 3 days.