If you’re looking for a great way to use up holiday leftovers, this Easy Ham Fried Rice recipe is just what you need. It’s a family favorite that’s packed with so much flavor, thanks to simple ingredients like day-old rice, leftover ham, and a handful of extra veggies. This fried rice is the perfect one-pot, 30-minute meal that makes great use of items you likely already have on hand.

Close up ham fried rice on a wooden spoon.

Save this Recipe for later!

We'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it!

Using cold rice, especially long grain or jasmine rice, is key to achieving the best texture, ensuring each grain of rice stays separate. This simple recipe calls for heating sesame oil in a hot skillet or frying pan, where you’ll stir fry the rice mixture with a scrambled egg, low sodium soy sauce, and maybe even a dash of fish sauce for added depth. It’s a great recipe for those who love Chinese food, offering a homemade alternative to your favorite takeout like General Tso’s Chicken or Kung Pao Chicken. If you prefer to leave the ham out, it still makes a good fried rice, in fact I think it makes the best fried rice!

What you’ll love about this Ham in Fried Rice Recipe:

QUICK & EASY – This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick meal.
VERSATILE – You can easily customize this dish with your favorite vegetables or leftover proteins.
BUDGET FRIENDLY – Uses basic, affordable ingredients like leftovers, makes this recipe easy on your wallet.

What rice is used for Fried Rice?

For making fried rice, the best rice to use is day-old, long-grain white rice, such as jasmine. The drier texture of day-old rice prevents clumping, giving you that ideal fluffy and separate grain texture. Long-grain rice works well because it’s less sticky, making it perfect for stir-frying. If you have to use freshly cooked rice, cool it first by spreading it out to dry, which will help avoid a mushy texture. You can also use medium-grain rice or brown rice as alternatives, though the texture might be slightly different.

Ham Fried Rice in 2 stacked white bowls.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this amazing Ham Fried Rice Recipe:

Rice- Cooked and cooled, preferably day-old. I used leftover long grain white rice.
Ham, cubed
Vegetable oil
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Frozen peas and carrots, thawed
Eggs, lightly beaten
Soy sauce- I used the low sodium version.
Sesame oil
Black pepper
Green onions, thinly sliced

INGREDIENT NOTES:

Cooked Rice: Leftover rice works best for fried rice, as it’s drier and less likely to clump together. If you’re making fresh rice, let it cool completely before using.
Ham: If you do not have leftover ham, you can use a Ham Steak instead.
Soy Sauce & Sesame Oil: These two ingredients are key for adding depth and umami to the fried rice. Adjust the amount of soy sauce to your taste preference.

HOW TO MAKE EASY HAM FRIED RICE STEP-BY-STEP

Check out the quick visual guides below. For full instructions and ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the end.

STEP 1: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the cubed ham and cook until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.

STEP 2: In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Cook the diced onion until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Add the thawed peas and carrots, and cook until tender.

STEP 3: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the beaten eggs to the empty side and scramble until just set.

STEP 4: Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Return the ham to the skillet and stir everything together.

STEP 5: Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Return the ham to the skillet and stir everything together.

PRO TIP:

Don’t use country ham, which is saltier and cured differently than regular ham, it would likely not pair well with soy sauce or other typical fried rice ingredients. It’s best to stick with a milder ham, like leftover holiday ham, or a ham steak which will blend better with the flavors of the fried rice.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It can be kept for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if needed to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

Freezing: Place the cooled fried rice in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible before sealing. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Additions & Substitutions

ADDITIONS:

Vegetables: Add in bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli for more variety.
Protein: Substitute the ham with cooked chicken, beef, or shrimp for a different flavor.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

Rice: Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier option.
Soy Sauce: Substitute with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.

FAQs about this Easy Fried Rice Recipe:

Day-old cooked rice is ideal because it’s drier and doesn’t clump as much when stir-frying. If using freshly cooked rice, be sure to cool it thoroughly first.

Yes, this dish reheats well. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Yes, fresh vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers work great. Just chop them finely so they cook quickly.

What Can I Serve with this Ham Fried Rice Recipe?

Pork Fried Rice is a versatile dish that can be served on its own or paired with Cornbread, Green Beans, and Fried Potatoes. If you want to go the Asian-inspired route, I suggest dishes like egg rolls, spring rolls, or a side of steamed dumplings.

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

I’m excited for you to try this Easy Ham Fried Rice Recipe! After you make it, please leave a rating to let me know your thoughts on it – I’m eager to hear if you loved it as much as we do!