Delicious Hawaiian Pineapple Fried Rice

Introducing the tropical delight that is Hawaiian Fried Rice! This vibrant dish combines the sweetness of pineapple with the savory goodness of ham, creating a mouthwatering balance that’s sure to become a family favorite. I stumbled upon this recipe years ago while looking for a creative way to use up leftover Easter ham, and it has since become a regular feature on our weeknight dinner menu.

The magic of Hawaiian Fried Rice lies in its colorful medley of ingredients and the unique blend of flavors that come together in each bite. The pineapple tidbits add a refreshing sweetness, while the diced ham and sesame oil infuse the dish with a rich, smoky depth. I’ve seen even the most skeptical of eaters, like my husband and picky teenagers, become instant fans after just one taste. It’s amazing how a simple twist on classic fried rice can create such a delightful culinary experience!

For a taste of the tropics at your dinner table, whip up a batch of Hawaiian Fried Rice using this easy-to-follow recipe. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a summer gathering or simply craving a cozy meal on a chilly evening, this dish is sure to bring a touch of sunshine to your dining experience. Get ready to savor the delightful flavors of Hawaii right in your own kitchen!

Quick Benefits

• Texture Perfection: Day-old rice maintains perfect separation during cooking, avoiding clumping and mushiness that fresh rice tends to develop.
• Flavorful Foundation: The slight saltiness and smoky flavor of diced ham create a robust base that incorporates well throughout the dish.
• Bright & Fresh: Fresh pineapple adds a vibrant, brighter flavor profile to the dish, complementing the savory notes perfectly and preventing soggy rice.
• Authentic Aroma: A touch of sesame oil provides a nutty aroma that elevates the dish, bringing an authentic taste to homemade fried rice.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Hawaiian Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweet juicy pineapple paired with savory ham creates a delightful balance that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Family Favorite: A go-to weeknight dinner that will have your family asking for seconds and requesting it consistently.
• Surprising Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters and skeptics have been won over by this dish, making it a great option for gatherings and potlucks.
• Texture Perfection: The use of cold leftover rice ensures a perfect texture with separate grains, and less stirring creates those coveted crispy bits.
• Simple Yet Flavorful: With just a few key ingredients like diced ham, fresh pineapple, and sesame oil, this dish is easy to make but tastes incredibly authentic.
• Versatile Options: Easily customizable by substituting ingredients like bacon, shrimp, or adding jalapeños for a unique twist, catering to different tastes and preferences.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days, and flavors meld beautifully over time, making it a great make-ahead option for busy days.
• Visual Appeal: Serve in a visually appealing way, whether in a hollowed-out pineapple or garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Ingredients for Delicious Hawaiian Pineapple Fried Rice

Main Ingredients

• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 small white onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup pineapple tidbits
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1½-2 cups ham, chopped
• 3 cups cooked rice

How to Make Delicious Hawaiian Pineapple Fried Rice

Step 1: Prepare the cooking surface

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat until thoroughly heated. A well-seasoned wok or a large non-stick skillet is ideal for making fried rice.

Step 2: Cook the meat and vegetables

Pour vegetable oil into a hot pan and coat the surface. Add ham, white onion, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened and ham is lightly browned.

Step 3: Cook the eggs

Push the ham and vegetable mixture to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space and scramble until just set but still moist, about 1-2 minutes. Mix the eggs with the ham and vegetables once cooked.

Step 4: Add rice and pineapple

Combine cooked rice and pineapple tidbits with ham, vegetables, and eggs in skillet. Break apart any clumps of cold leftover rice as you add it to the pan. Gently stir to heat through and combine all ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Season the fried rice

Drizzle sesame oil and soy sauce over the rice mixture, starting with a smaller amount of soy sauce and adjusting to taste. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until ingredients are well combined and heated through, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with seasonings and lightly browned for flavor.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Take the pan off the heat. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top of the fried rice. Serve hot as a main dish or side.

Storage Tips

Once you’ve enjoyed your flavorful batch of Hawaiian fried rice, it’s important to store any leftovers properly to maintain their taste and texture. Store the finished dish in covered containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, with its delicious flavors, it’s rare for this dish to last that long in most households. To reheat the rice for best results, add a small splash of water to the rice and warm it in a skillet instead of using the microwave. This method helps maintain the texture and flavors of the dish.

For meal prepping, consider slightly undercooking the vegetables initially so that they don’t become too soft when reheated later in the week. Interestingly, this Hawaiian fried rice actually improves in flavor after a day in the refrigerator as the flavors have time to meld together beautifully. So, don’t hesitate to make a larger batch and enjoy the enhanced flavors the next day. With its versatile nature and ability to hold up well when stored correctly, this dish is not only delicious freshly made but also a delightful leftover option that gets better with time.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have ham on hand, you can easily substitute it with cooked bacon for a different flavor profile. The smoky and salty notes from bacon can still provide a delicious taste to the dish. Additionally, cooked shrimp can be a great alternative for seafood lovers looking to switch up the protein. The shrimp will pair well with the tropical elements in the dish and bring a fresh twist to the fried rice.

For a vegetarian version of this Hawaiian fried rice, simply omit the ham and enhance the protein content by adding edamame or cashews. These ingredients will not only provide a satisfying texture but also complement the sweet pineapple flavor. Vegetarians can enjoy a flavorful and nutritious meal with these substitutions. Additionally, to add a bit of heat to the dish, consider including diced jalapeños or a drizzle of sweet chili sauce for a spicy-sweet kick that balances well with the other ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and visually appealing presentation, serve this Hawaiian fried rice in hollowed-out pineapple halves. The contrast of the vibrant colors of the rice, ham, pineapple, and bell peppers against the backdrop of the pineapple shell creates a tropical feast for the eyes. Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

To elevate this dish for a brunch gathering, swap out the ham for crispy bacon and drizzle a bit of maple syrup over the top. The combination of sweet pineapple, smoky bacon, and maple syrup creates a breakfast-inspired twist that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Pair this breakfast fried rice with a side of freshly brewed coffee or tropical fruit smoothies for a delightful morning meal experience.

FAQs for Delicious Hawaiian Pineapple Fried Rice

Can I use fresh rice instead of leftover rice for this recipe?

Using day-old rice is recommended for this recipe as it helps maintain the perfect texture of the fried rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to clump and become mushy during cooking.

Can I substitute the ham with a different protein?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ham with bacon for a different flavor profile. Seafood lovers can also use small cooked shrimp instead of ham while keeping all the other tropical elements intact.

How should I store leftover fried rice?

Store any leftover fried rice in covered containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a small splash of water and warm in a skillet to maintain the texture instead of using a microwave.

What are some variations I can try with this recipe?

You can customize this recipe by adding diced jalapeños and a drizzle of sweet chili sauce for a spicy kick. For a vegetarian version, skip the ham and add edamame or cashews for protein while keeping the pineapple as the star ingredient.

Conclusion

As you serve up a steaming plate of this vibrant Hawaiian Fried Rice, adorned with colorful vegetables and bursts of sweet pineapple, remember the journey this recipe has taken to become a staple at my family table. The perfect balance of flavors in this dish never fails to bring smiles and requests for seconds, making every effort in the kitchen more than worth it. So next time you find yourself with some leftover ham and a craving for something new, remember this tropical twist on a classic favorite – Hawaiian Fried Rice.

Whether you’re a fan of Hawaiian pizza or simply on the hunt for a dish that marries sweet and savory in the most delightful way, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your own home. The magic of Hawaiian Fried Rice lies not just in its flavors but in the memories it creates around the dining table. So embrace the simplicity of using up what’s in the fridge and let the warmth of this dish bring a touch of sunshine to your everyday meals.

Delicious Hawaiian Pineapple Fried Rice

Tantalizing Hawaiian Fried Rice: Elevate your weeknight dinner with sweet pineapple, savory ham, and aromatic sesame oil in this tropical twist on a classic dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time20 Minutes

Total Time30 Minutes

CuisineAsian-American Fusion

Skill LevelEasy

Servings8 Servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 small white onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup pineapple tidbits
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1½-2 cups ham, chopped
• 3 cups cooked rice

Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking surface: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat until thoroughly heated. A well-seasoned wok or a large non-stick skillet is ideal for making fried rice.
2. Cook the meat and vegetables: Pour vegetable oil into a hot pan and coat the surface. Add ham, white onion, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened and ham is lightly browned.
3. Cook the eggs: Push the ham and vegetable mixture to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space and scramble until just set but still moist, about 1-2 minutes. Mix the eggs with the ham and vegetables once cooked.
4. Add rice and pineapple: Combine cooked rice and pineapple tidbits with ham, vegetables, and eggs in skillet. Break apart any clumps of cold leftover rice as you add it to the pan. Gently stir to heat through and combine all ingredients evenly.
5. Season the fried rice: Drizzle sesame oil and soy sauce over the rice mixture, starting with a smaller amount of soy sauce and adjusting to taste. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until ingredients are well combined and heated through, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with seasonings and lightly browned for flavor.
6. Garnish and serve: Take the pan off the heat. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top of the fried rice. Serve hot as a main dish or side.