Not sure what to do with leftover holiday ham? Then make my EASY Ham Fried Rice Recipe! Stir fried veggies, leftover rice and chopped up ham make this ham fried rice a hearty dinner. This recipe features my SECRET ingredient for homemade fried rice that tastes just as good as takeout!

If you love fried rice as much as I do, try all of my favorite variations like Easy Fried Rice, Garlic Fried Rice, and Cauliflower Fried Rice!

Ham fried rice in a white skillet with a wooden spoon.

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    The BEST Ham Fried Rice

    If you have ever read my blog posts before, you know that fried rice is one of my absolute favorites. It is a delicious, easy and well balanced meal that me and my family love! I make fried rice at least once a week with whatever vegetables or protein I have on hand! I’ve been testing lots of holiday recipes and I have lot’s of ham leftover so I thought why not make a ham fried rice! It’s the perfect recipe for repurposing holiday leftovers!

    This Ham Fried Rice has all of the flavors of typical fried rice plus my secret ingredient I add to ALL of my fried rice recipes: BUTTER!

    Why add butter to fried rice?

    First don’t knock it till you tried it! Have you ever watched them cook fried rice at hibachi restaurants? They always use butter! Why? Butter adds so much flavor and also helps to caramelize and brown the veggies and protein! To me it adds more depth of flavor compared to a neutral cooking oil. Try it the next time you make fried rice you will not be disappointed!

    Rice with vegetables and ham in a white bowl with a silver spoon.

    Ingredients for Ham Fried Rice

    • Butter: Just like I explained above this is the secret to truly delicious fried rice. I saw them use butter at hibachi restaurants so I tried it and it was a game changer! You can substitute it with any other cooking oil if you prefer, but I suggest you give it a try!
    • Eggs: Whisk your eggs thoroughly so you get even and fluffy scrambled eggs. These are for added protein, but if you don’t like eggs or don’t want to add them you can just omit them.
    • Veggies: I used carrots, onions, garlic, and peas. You can also add extra veggies like broccoli, bell peppers or corn! Use what you have on hand!
    • Leftover Rice: Your leftover rice should be cold. This ensures that the rice does not lump together and become mushy.
    • Ham: I used a thick-cut, lean ham for this recipe. Leftover holiday ham works great for this recipe!
    • Low Sodium Soy Sauce: I always use low sodium soy sauce, however, regular soy sauce will do as well! If you are afraid of too much salt, just but back a little bit and add more to taste.
    • Oyster Sauce: Oyster sauce adds an umami flavor that is really delicious. You can find oyster sauce in the international aisle at the grocery store!
    • Sesame Oil: Sesame oil adds a nutty, smooth flavor that no other oil can offer. Keep in mind that a little bit goes a long way!

    How to Make Ham Fried Rice

    • Cook your eggs: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter. Add in the eggs and scramble until cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.

    Scrambled eggs in a white skillet.

    • Sauté the veggies: Add the additional tablespoon of butter and sauté your carrots and onion until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

    Diced onions and carrots in a white skillet with a wooden spoon.

    • Add the rice: Add in the cold rice and sauté for 3-4 minutes. The rice should brown up a bit. Then, stir in the peas and ham.

    White rice, carrots and onions in a white skillet with a wooden spoon.

    • Combine it all: Add the eggs back to the pan and stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Cook 1-2 minutes to heat through. Serve immediately and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

    Rice being cooked with veggies and eggs in a white skillet with a wooden spoon.

    Tips for the Best Ham Fried Rice

    • If you don’t have leftover, cold rice on hand, don’t fret. Make some rice and then on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spread the hot rice in a thin layer. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for 20-30 minutes and you will have cold rice in no time!

    author baking up clumps of white rice on a baking sheet

    • For an extra healthy ham fried rice, add even more veggies! You can truly pack this meal with veggies if you wish by adding broccoli, bell peppers, corn, and green beans. You could even replace the rice with cauliflower for a low carb option.
    • Spice it up by adding some sriracha or garlic chili sauce when serving!

    Close up of ham fried rice with a wooden spoon.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why do I need to use cold rice?

    If you use fresh, hot rice that you just made, the fried rice will become mushy. Trust me, I have tried this with every temperature of rice and cold, previously cooked rice makes for the best fried rice! Each grain of rice will stay separate and fry up just the way you want it to.

    What can I use instead of oyster sauce?

    If you don’t have oyster sauce or you can’t find it, try adding fish sauce or hoisin sauce to your fried rice! You can also omit the oyster sauce if desired.

    Can I make fried rice in an air fryer?

    Absolutely! You can easily make ham fried rice in an air fryer. Follow my Air Fryer Fried Rice Recipe and add some diced ham!
    Ham fried rice in a white bowl topped with green onions and sesame seeds.

    More Easy Rice Recipes to Try

    Ham Fried Rice

    4.58 from 7 votes
    Rate Print
    Not sure what to do with leftover holiday ham? Then make my EASY Ham Fried Rice Recipe! Stir fried veggies, leftover rice and chopped up ham make this ham fried rice a hearty dinner. This recipe features my SECRET ingredient for homemade fried rice that tastes just as good as takeout!
    Servings: 4
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes

    Ingredients 

    • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
    • 3 eggs, whisked
    • 2 medium carrots, diced
    • 1 small onion, diced
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 4 cups leftover rice
    • 1 cup peas
    • 1 cup ham, diced
    • 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
    • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
    • 1 tsp sesame oil
    • sliced green onions, for garnish
    • sesame seeds, for garnish

    Instructions 

    • Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet.
      Add in the eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
    • Add the remaining tablespoon of butter into the pan. Add carrots and onion to the pan and cook until tender, 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
    • Add in the cold rice and sauté for 3-4 minutes. The rice should brown up a bit.
      Stir in the peas and ham.
    • Add the eggs back to the pan and stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce and sesame oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through.
      Serve immediately with green onions for garnish, if desired.

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 475kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 21gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 160mgSodium: 1745mgPotassium: 555mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 7226IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 76mgIron: 2mg

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