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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat a spacious skillet or wok to medium-high temperature, coating the surface with fragrant sesame oil to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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