Looking for a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make?
Ham recipes are the ultimate choice whether you’re preparing a family dinner, holiday feast, or a quick weekday meal.
With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up a hearty recipe that everyone will love.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Perfect For: Families, holiday gatherings, busy professionals, and anyone who wants a no-fuss meal full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Quick & easy – minimal prep, maximum flavor
✅ Budget-friendly – ham stretches across multiple meals
✅ Versatile – great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner
✅ Crowd-pleaser – kids and adults both love it
✅ Customizable – endless ways to season and serve
Ingredients Needed
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced (substitute with turkey ham or chicken)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (substitute with corn, green beans, or bell peppers)
- 3 cups cooked rice (substitute with pasta for variation)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: green onions for garnish
How to Make Ham Fried Rice (Step-by-Step)
- Heat oil – In a large skillet or wok, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Cook aromatics – Add onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Add veggies & ham – Stir in diced ham and mixed vegetables, cooking for 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in rice – Add cooked rice, breaking up clumps with a spoon.
- Season – Pour in soy sauce and sprinkle with pepper, mixing well.
- Scramble eggs – Push rice to the side, add eggs to the empty space, and scramble until set. Mix everything together.
- Serve hot – Garnish with green onions and enjoy!
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Swap ham with chicken, shrimp, or turkey for a different flavor.
- Use an air fryer to crisp ham cubes before adding to rice.
- Add pineapple chunks for a Hawaiian twist.
- Make it spicy with chili flakes or hot sauce.
- Avoid mushy rice by using day-old rice instead of freshly cooked.
What to Serve It With
- 🥗 Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
- 🍜 Noodles or ramen on the side
- 🥔 Roasted potatoes or baked sweet potatoes
- 🥖 Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Portion into freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of oil or microwave with a damp paper towel to keep rice moist.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
📝 Printable Recipe Card
Ham Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked ham (diced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup peas & carrots
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat oil in skillet.
- Cook onions & garlic.
- Add ham & veggies.
- Stir in rice.
- Add soy sauce & pepper.
- Scramble eggs and mix.
- Garnish & serve hot.
FAQs About Ham Recipes
1. Can I use leftover holiday ham for this recipe?
Yes! Leftover baked or glazed ham works perfectly. Just dice it into small cubes.
2. Can I make this ham recipe vegetarian?
Simply skip the ham and add extra vegetables or tofu.
3. What type of rice works best?
Day-old jasmine or basmati rice gives the best texture.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
5. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Cook and store in the fridge, then reheat when ready to serve.
Conclusion
Ham recipes are the perfect way to transform simple ingredients into something hearty, satisfying, and family-approved. This ham fried rice recipe is quick, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re using leftovers or cooking fresh, it’s a meal you’ll return to again and again.
Thomas Gray is a seasoned writer and researcher with a passion for uncovering the layers of language, culture, and human expression. With years of experience in content creation and linguistic exploration, he brings clarity and depth to complex subjects, making them accessible and engaging for readers worldwide. His work often blends academic rigor with a storyteller’s voice, earning him recognition in both digital and print publishing circles.
Thomas has contributed extensively to educational platforms, language-focused blogs, and international publications. His keen eye for detail and commitment to accuracy make him a trusted voice in the fields of linguistics, history, and cultural studies.
He is the author of several professional works, including “The Language Atlas“, “Global Words: A Linguistic Journey Across Cultures“, and “Meaning in Translation: Bridging Words and Worlds.”
