Tropical Paradise: Authentic Hawaiian Fried Rice Recipe

Weeknight dinners call for something special, and this tropical Hawaiian fried rice delivers a burst of flavor that transports you straight to island paradise.

Packed with sweet and savory notes, the recipe combines tender chunks of pineapple, smoky ham, and perfectly seasoned rice.

Each forkful brings a delightful mix of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

The dish comes together quickly, making it an ideal solution for busy evenings when you want something extraordinary.

Fresh green onions add a sharp contrast to the rich, caramelized ingredients.

Colorful and satisfying, this fried rice promises to become a new family favorite that everyone will request again and again.

Prepare to be whisked away on a culinary vacation with just one bite.

Hawaiian Fried Rice: What Sets It Apart

• Mix and match ingredients to suit your taste buds and create a personalized Hawaiian fried rice experience.
• Ham and eggs provide a satisfying protein boost, making this dish a filling and nutritious meal that keeps you energized throughout the day.
• Whip up this delicious one-skillet meal in just a few minutes, perfect for busy families looking for a fast and flavorful dinner solution.
• Pineapple chunks and sweet and sour sauce bring a vibrant, tangy twist that transforms ordinary fried rice into an exciting Hawaiian-inspired feast.

Hawaiian Fried Rice: Ingredient Rundown

• Ham: A savory meat that adds depth and protein to the Hawaiian fried rice.
• Eggs: Provides additional protein and creates a creamy texture throughout the dish.

• Carrots, Peas: Fresh vegetables that contribute color, nutrition, and a slight crunch to the rice.
• Pineapple Chunks: Adds a sweet and tropical flavor that defines the Hawaiian-style dish.
• Green Onions: Brings a mild onion flavor and fresh garnish to the fried rice.

• Sesame Oil: Provides a rich, nutty flavor base for stir-frying.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to enhance the overall taste.
• Pineapple Juice, Ketchup, Rice Vinegar, Brown Sugar: Key components for creating the sweet and sour sauce.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to the right consistency.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings to adjust and balance the final flavor.
• Cooked Rice: The fundamental base of the fried rice dish.

Kitchen Tools for Colorful Hawaiian Fried Rice

• Large Skillet or Wok: Essential for stir-frying all ingredients evenly and creating delicious caramelization.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching the skillet surface.
• Small Saucepan: Needed for preparing the sweet and sour sauce with precise heat control.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring ingredients like soy sauce, pineapple juice, and cornstarch.
• Mixing Bowl: Useful for beating eggs and combining sauce ingredients before cooking.
• Cutting Board: Necessary for chopping ham, carrots, green onions, and pineapple chunks.
• Sharp Knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation and cutting.

Easy Steps for Homemade Hawaiian Fried Rice

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Surface

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high flame.

Splash sesame oil across the pan, creating a slick cooking surface that will help everything glide and sizzle beautifully.

Step 2: Sauté Protein and Veggies

Toss in the ham, carrots, and peas.

Dance them around the pan for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables become tender and slightly golden.

Step 3: Create Fluffy Scrambled Eggs

Nudge the ham and vegetables to one side of the skillet.

Pour beaten eggs into the open space.

Scramble the eggs until they’re perfectly cooked and fluffy.

Gently fold the eggs into the ham and vegetable mixture.

Step 4: Build Flavor Layers

Add the cooked rice, pineapple chunks, and green onions to the skillet.

Drizzle soy sauce generously over the top.

Stir-fry everything together for 5-7 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are heated through and mingling.

Season with salt and pepper to your taste preferences.

Step 5: Whip Up Tangy Sauce

• Pineapple juice
• Ketchup
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Brown sugar

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Stir in the cornstarch mixture and continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.

Step 6: Plate and Enjoy

Transfer the vibrant fried rice to serving plates.

Drizzle the sweet and sour sauce over the top or serve it alongside for dipping.

Garnish with extra green onions if desired.

Tips for Fluffy Rice and Bold Flavors

• Use day-old cold rice for better separation and crispy edges during stir-frying.
• Swap ham with chicken, shrimp, or tofu to match dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
• Adjust soy sauce and pineapple juice quantities to control saltiness and sweetness according to taste.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for increased nutrition and colorful presentation.
• Whisk cornstarch mixture thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure smooth, glossy sweet and sour sauce.

Hawaiian Fried Rice: Mix-In and Protein Ideas

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ham with tofu or tempeh, diced and pan-fried until crispy. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for more nutrition and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Choose rice that is specifically labeled gluten-free to maintain dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Hawaiian Kick: Add diced jalapeños or sriracha sauce during stir-frying. Incorporate red pepper flakes into the sweet and sour sauce for an extra heat boost.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice, maintaining the Hawaiian flavor profile. Use less pineapple to reduce overall carbohydrate content while preserving the tropical essence.

Serving Hawaiian Fried Rice for Any Meal

• Tropical Luau Plating: Arrange the vibrant fried rice on a large wooden board, garnishing with extra green onions and pineapple wedges for a stunning Hawaiian-inspired presentation.
• Protein Power-Up: Top the rice with grilled teriyaki chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy toasted macadamia nuts for added protein and crunch.
• Sauce Spectacular: Serve the sweet and sour sauce in a small decorative bowl alongside the rice, allowing guests to drizzle or dip as they prefer. Consider adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra visual appeal.
• Beachy Side Companions: Pair the Hawaiian fried rice with a light cucumber salad, crisp Asian slaw, or tropical fruit salad to complete the island-inspired meal.

Storing Fried Rice to Keep It Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer fried rice to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 1 month.
• Place rice in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with damp paper towel, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.
• Warm a skillet over medium heat, add small amount of oil. Spread rice evenly, stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for 3-5 minutes until heated completely, restoring original texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Why is sesame oil important in this recipe?

Sesame oil adds a distinctive nutty flavor and authentic Asian-style aroma to the Hawaiian fried rice, enhancing the overall taste profile and creating a more complex culinary experience.

• Can I use fresh or canned pineapple?

Both fresh and canned pineapple work well in this recipe. Canned pineapple chunks are convenient and provide consistent sweetness, while fresh pineapple offers a brighter, more vibrant flavor.

• How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

Use day-old, cold rice with lower moisture content. Freshly cooked rice contains more water and can make the fried rice soggy. Refrigerated rice separates easily and absorbs flavors better during stir-frying.

Hawaiian Fried Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Hawaiian fried rice blends island flavors with classic comfort food. Pineapple, ham, and soy sauce create a delicious tropical twist that delights palates and transports you to paradise.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein and Carbohydrate:

• 2 cups cooked rice, preferably day-old
• 1/2 pound (0.5 lb) ham, diced
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten

Vegetables and Fruits:

• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1/2 cup carrots, diced
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch, dissolved in 2 teaspoons water
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat a spacious skillet or wok to medium-high temperature, coating the surface with fragrant sesame oil to prevent sticking.
2. Introduce diced ham, julienned carrots, and vibrant green peas into the hot skillet, quickly sautéing for 2-3 minutes until vegetables reach a tender consistency.
3. Create a clearing in the skillet and pour whisked eggs directly into the center, scrambling until completely cooked through, then thoroughly incorporate with the ham and vegetable mixture.
4. Gently fold in fluffy cooked rice, juicy pineapple chunks, and freshly chopped green onions, drizzling soy sauce across the mixture. Continue stir-frying for 5-7 minutes, ensuring even heating and developing robust flavors.
5. Craft the accompanying sweet and sour sauce by combining pineapple juice, tangy ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and rich brown sugar in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, whisking in a cornstarch slurry until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, approximately 2 minutes.
6. Transfer the aromatic Hawaiian fried rice to serving plates, presenting the vibrant sweet and sour sauce either cascading over the top or nestled alongside for personalized dipping.

Notes

• Customize the protein by swapping ham with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for dietary preferences and variety.
• Use day-old cold rice for the best texture and to prevent mushy fried rice, as it helps grains separate easily.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium soy sauce and adjusting additional salt according to taste.
• Consider adding fresh pineapple instead of canned for brighter, more vibrant tropical flavor and natural sweetness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg