Hawaiian Fried Rice Ham Pineapple

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Hawaiian fried rice blends savory diced ham, juicy pineapple, and sweet red bell pepper for a tropical twist on a familiar favorite. Sauté aromatics like garlic and green onions, then pan-fry cold rice to build layers of texture. Lightly scrambled eggs add richness, while a quick soy and sesame dressing pulls everything together. The finishing touch of tangy pineapple balances the flavors, making this dish colorful, vibrant, and satisfying, perfect for using up leftover rice and bringing homemade island flair to your table.

Barbara Chef
Updated on Tue, 17 Jun 2025 14:03:52 GMT
A bowl of rice with peas and ham. Pin it
A bowl of rice with peas and ham. | gracefulflavors.com

Hawaiian Fried Rice is one of my most requested weeknight dinners because it turns leftover rice and meat into something everyone gets excited about. Juicy pineapple and smoky ham make every bite irresistible while the fragrant garlic and crisp veggies round it all out. I always double the batch so we can pack leftovers for lunch the next day.

I made this first when I needed to clear out leftovers before a trip and now even my picky eater asks for it. It is a perfect blend of salty savory and a touch of sweet.

Ingredients

  • Low sodium soy sauce: brings the umami and keeps salt in check Choose a good brand for balanced flavor
  • Sesame seed oil: gives a toasty rich aroma Buy pure toasted sesame oil for best taste
  • Hot sauce: adds just a bit of kick Sriracha is classic but your favorite chili sauce works
  • Vegetable oil: keeps things from sticking Choose a neutral oil so flavors shine
  • Red bell pepper: adds crunch and color Look for firm shiny peppers
  • Ham: is the smoky meaty backbone Diced cooked ham is easy but leftover pork works too
  • Green onions: bring freshness Use both the white and green parts for layers of flavor
  • Garlic: makes every ingredient shine Fresh minced gives a sweeter flavor than jarred
  • Cold cooked white rice: separates and fries better Use day old rice for perfect texture
  • Large eggs: add creaminess and extra protein Fresh eggs scramble up fluffy in the hot pan
  • Pineapple pieces: give juicy bursts Look for ripe fruit or use high quality canned

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables:
Cook red bell pepper in a large non stick skillet over medium high heat with a splash of vegetable oil Stir for five to seven minutes until bell pepper is crisp tender and starting to get some golden edges
Brown the Ham and Aromatics:
Add diced ham and only the white part of your green onions to the skillet Let them cook for a few minutes until the ham starts to caramelize Stir in the garlic and fry until you smell its fragrance about one minute Pour this mixture into a bowl and set aside
Fry the Rice:
Pour the remaining vegetable oil into your hot skillet Add the cold rice and use your spatula to break up clumps Keep stirring and turning the rice for about eight minutes until each grain is hot and has a little bit of color
Scramble the Eggs:
Push all the cooked rice to one side of the pan Crack eggs directly onto the empty side Let them set for a few seconds then scramble quickly until fully set but still soft
Combine Everything:
Add the cooked ham pepper and garlic mixture back into the skillet Toss everything to combine Drizzle in the soy sauce sesame oil and hot sauce mixture Stir well and cook a minute or two until fully combined and steaming hot
Finish and Serve:
Turn off the heat Gently fold in pineapple and the green parts of your onions Taste and adjust for seasoning Serve right away so the pineapple stays bright
A bowl of rice with peas and ham. Pin it
A bowl of rice with peas and ham. | gracefulflavors.com

My favorite ingredient is always the fresh pineapple Nothing beats those little pockets of sweetness in each bite When I was a kid my mom swore by canned pineapple but once I tried fresh I never looked back It is such a game changer for family dinners

Storage Tips

This rice keeps in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container and reheat in a hot skillet or even in the microwave. If the rice dries out just splash a bit of water over it before reheating to bring back the moisture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have ham any cooked protein works like leftover chicken or shrimp. No pineapple Just dice up some mango for a similar sweet kick. Use brown rice or even cauliflower rice if you prefer a different base. Tamari swaps in well for soy sauce if you keep things gluten free.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hawaiian Fried Rice as a quick main course with a side of sliced cucumbers or a simple cabbage slaw. Sometimes I like to make it the centerpiece for a big brunch and offer crispy fried eggs on top. Little bowls of extra hot sauce always go fast.

A bowl of rice with peas and ham. Pin it
A bowl of rice with peas and ham. | gracefulflavors.com

Cultural Note

Hawaiian Fried Rice is the island take on a world classic. It was inspired by the flavors and ingredients that are abundant in Hawaii which is how ham pineapple and rice became such a happy trio. The dish reflects how different culinary traditions blend beautifully on the islands.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of rice works best for this dish?

Cold, cooked white rice is ideal, as it helps achieve the desired texture without getting mushy during stir-frying.

→ Can I substitute the ham with another protein?

Yes, diced chicken, shrimp, or even tofu can be used for a different flavor and protein alternative.

→ How do I keep my fried rice from becoming soggy?

Using leftover rice that's been chilled helps prevent clumping and sogginess. Be sure to stir-fry over high heat to keep grains separate.

→ Is fresh or canned pineapple better?

Both options work well; fresh pineapple adds a brighter taste, while canned is convenient and sweetens the dish nicely.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Feel free to include peas, carrots, or corn to enhance color, texture, and nutrition in your fried rice.

→ Is it necessary to use both sesame and vegetable oil?

Sesame oil brings a nutty, aromatic note, while vegetable oil is for high-heat cooking. Combining both adds flavor and prevents burning.

Hawaiian Fried Rice Ham Pineapple

Ham, pineapple, red pepper, and scallions bring tropical flavors to this quick Hawaiian fried rice meal.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Barbara

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Hawaiian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 4 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
02 1 tablespoon sesame seed oil
03 1 teaspoon hot sauce
04 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided
05 1 red bell pepper, diced, ribs and seeds removed
06 2 cups diced ham
07 2 green onions, diced, whites and greens separated
08 3 cloves garlic, minced
09 5 cups cold, cooked white rice
10 3 large eggs
11 1 cup pineapple pieces

Instructions

Step 01

In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sesame seed oil, and hot sauce. Set aside.

Step 02

Heat 1/2 tablespoon of the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced red bell pepper and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring until crisp-tender. Add the diced ham and the white parts of the green onions; cook and stir until the ham is lightly browned. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute. Remove mixture to a separate bowl and set aside.

Step 03

Add the remaining vegetable oil to the skillet and heat until hot. Add the cold cooked white rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir frequently and cook until the rice is thoroughly heated, about 8 minutes.

Step 04

Push the rice to one side of the skillet. Crack the eggs onto the empty side and stir constantly until lightly scrambled and just set.

Step 05

Mix the scrambled eggs and reserved ham mixture into the rice. Pour in the soy sauce mixture and stir thoroughly to coat. Continue cooking until all components are heated through.

Step 06

Turn off the heat. Fold in the pineapple pieces and green parts of the onions. Toss to distribute evenly before serving.

Notes

  1. For best texture, use rice that has been cooked and chilled in advance; freshly cooked rice may result in a mushier dish.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large non-stick skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs and soy; may contain gluten depending on soy sauce used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 462
  • Total Fat: 13 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 67 g
  • Protein: 19 g