Fried Rice with Ham Recipe

Rice: The base of the dish, providing a hearty and filling component.

Ham: Adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor, along with protein.

Soy sauce: Provides a rich umami taste that ties all the ingredients together.

Peas and carrots: Adds color, texture, and nutritional value to the dish.

Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic and pungent taste.

Vegetable oil: Used for stir-frying the ingredients, ensuring they cook evenly.

Eggs: Adds a rich, creamy texture and additional protein.

Salt and pepper: Used to season the dish to taste.

When making fried rice, it's crucial to use day-old rice rather than freshly cooked rice. Day-old rice is drier and less sticky, which helps achieve the perfect texture. If you don't have day-old rice, you can spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to dry it out.

• cooked rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa is a high-protein grain that provides a similar texture and can absorb flavors well.

• diced ham - Substitute with diced chicken: Chicken is a lean protein that can easily replace ham and still provide a savory flavor.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce with a similar umami flavor.

• frozen peas and carrots - Substitute with fresh bell peppers and corn: Fresh vegetables can add a different texture and a burst of color to the dish.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor profile if fresh garlic is not available.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option and can add a different depth of flavor.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with tofu scramble: Tofu scramble can mimic the texture of eggs and is a great vegan alternative.

• salt and pepper - Substitute with soy sauce and white pepper: Soy sauce can add the salty element, and white pepper can provide a different kind of heat and flavor.

• Allow the fried rice to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the rice soggy.

• Transfer the fried rice into airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to maintain freshness.

• Label the containers or bags with the date to keep track of how long the fried rice has been stored.

• Store the fried rice in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within 3-4 days. This ensures that the ham and vegetables remain safe to eat.

• For longer storage, place the fried rice in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing much of its flavor or texture.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the fried rice in the refrigerator overnight if it was frozen. This gradual thawing helps maintain the quality of the rice and ham.

• Reheat the fried rice in a microwave-safe dish, covering it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Alternatively, reheat the fried rice in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable oil or soy sauce to prevent sticking and enhance flavor. Stir frequently until heated through.

• Avoid reheating the fried rice more than once to maintain food safety and quality.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of vegetable oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover fried rice with ham.
  4. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, breaking up any clumps of rice.
  5. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the rice is thoroughly heated and slightly crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover fried rice with ham in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the rice moist.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
  4. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, then stir the rice.
  5. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the rice is heated through.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the leftover fried rice with ham evenly in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the rice from drying out.
  4. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is heated through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you prefer a slightly crispy texture.

• Steamer Method:

  1. Place the leftover fried rice with ham in a heatproof bowl or dish.
  2. Set up a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water.
  3. Place the bowl of rice in the steamer basket.
  4. Cover and steam for about 5-10 minutes, or until the rice is heated through.
  5. Stir the rice halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the leftover fried rice with ham in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check to make sure the rice is heated through and has a slightly crispy texture.

• Wok: A versatile cooking pan with high sides, perfect for stir-frying ingredients quickly and evenly.

• Spatula: Essential for stirring and flipping ingredients in the wok without scratching its surface.

• Knife: Used for dicing the ham and mincing the garlic with precision.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and stable surface for chopping and dicing ingredients.

• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of the cooked rice and diced ham.

• Measuring spoons: Used for measuring the soy sauce and vegetable oil accurately.

• Mixing bowl: Handy for beating the eggs before adding them to the wok.

• Garlic press: Optional tool for mincing garlic quickly and efficiently.

• Serving spoon: Ideal for serving the fried rice once it's cooked and ready to eat.

Prep ingredients in advance: Dice the ham and mince the garlic ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use leftover rice: Day-old cooked rice works best for fried rice, saving you the time of cooking fresh rice.

Frozen veggies: Opt for frozen peas and carrots to eliminate the need for washing, peeling, and chopping.

One-pan method: Cook everything in one wok to reduce cleanup time.

Quick scramble: Scramble the eggs directly in the wok to save on extra dishes.