Ham Fried Rice Recipe

If you have a container of leftover ham sitting in the fridge and aren’t quite sure what to do with it, this ham fried rice recipe is one of the easiest ways to turn it into a completely different meal.

Salty diced ham, fluffy rice, scrambled eggs, peas, carrots, and green onions are tossed together in a hot skillet with a simple soy sauce mixture. It’s quick, filling, and ideal for those nights when you want to use what you already have rather than start dinner from scratch.

Even better, fried rice is one of those recipes where leftovers actually work in your favor. Cold cooked rice and leftover ham both fry beautifully, making this a great next-day meal after a ham dinner.

Why Leftover Ham Works So Well with Fried Rice

Ham is particularly good in fried rice because it’s already cooked and seasoned. You don’t have to spend time preparing a separate protein – simply dice it into small pieces and add it to the skillet.

Cooking the ham over fairly high heat for a couple of minutes also gives the edges a little extra browning. Those slightly caramelized pieces add much more flavor than simply warming the ham through.

It’s also an easy recipe to adjust depending on how much ham you have left. A little less than two cups? That’s fine. Have extra? Add another handful.

Why You’ll Love This Ham Fried Rice Recipe

• Ready in about 20 minutes – Most of the ingredients only need reheating or a quick stir-fry.
• Perfect for leftover ham – A simple way to give holiday or Sunday dinner leftovers a completely different flavor.
• Uses leftover rice too – You can clear two containers from the fridge with one meal.
• Easy to customize – Swap the vegetables depending on what you have available.
• Filling enough for dinner – Eggs and ham add plenty of protein, while the rice makes it satisfying.
• One-pan recipe – Everything comes together in a large skillet or wok.

Ingredients

You will need:

• 3 cups cold cooked white rice
• 1½ cups leftover cooked ham, diced
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger, optional
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon butter, optional

The Best Rice for This Ham Fried Rice Recipe

Cold, day-old rice is the best choice for this ham fried rice recipe because the grains are drier and separate much more easily when fried.

Freshly cooked rice contains more moisture and steam, which can make your fried rice soft, sticky, or clumpy once it hits the skillet. Refrigerated rice has had time to dry out slightly, helping it develop that classic fried rice texture.

Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice both work particularly well, as the grains stay relatively light and separate during cooking.

If you don’t have leftover rice, you can still make this ham fried rice recipe with freshly cooked rice. Simply spread the cooked rice in a thin layer on a baking sheet or large plate and let it cool before adding it to the skillet.

How to Make Ham Fried Rice

1. Prepare the sauce

Mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and ginger, if using, in a small bowl. Set aside.

2. Scramble the eggs

Heat 1 teaspoon of the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Beat the eggs, pour them into the hot pan, and gently scramble until just cooked. Transfer the eggs to a plate.

3. Brown the leftover ham

Add another teaspoon of oil to the skillet.

Add the diced ham and cook for about 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and lightly browned around the edges.

4. Add the vegetables

Add the peas and carrots, garlic, and the white parts of the green onions.

Stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes until the vegetables are hot and the garlic is fragrant.

5. Fry the rice

Add the remaining oil followed by the cold cooked rice.

Break apart any large clumps with your spatula and spread the rice across the hot skillet. Let it sit undisturbed for about 30 seconds at a time before stirring. This helps some of the grains develop that lightly toasted fried-rice texture.

6. Add the sauce

Pour the soy sauce mixture over the rice and toss everything together until the rice is evenly coated.

Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet and stir them into the rice.

7. Finish and serve

Add the remaining green onions and the optional teaspoon of butter. Toss until the butter melts and everything is hot.

Taste before adding any additional salt – ham and soy sauce are both naturally salty.

Serve immediately.

Tips for Better Homemade Fried Rice

The biggest secret is to use a large pan and keep it hot. If too many ingredients are crowded into a small skillet, they steam rather than fry.

Don’t constantly stir the rice either. Giving it brief contact with the hot surface helps create those slightly toasted pieces that make fried rice so good.

And go easy on the soy sauce at first. You can always add another splash at the table, but it’s difficult to fix fried rice that has become too salty – especially when you’re using ham.

Easy Variations

Ham and Pineapple Fried Rice

Add about ¾ cup drained pineapple chunks along with the ham. Let the pineapple cook against the hot skillet for a minute or two so the edges begin to caramelize.

Spicy Ham Fried Rice

Add sriracha, chili crisp, crushed red pepper flakes, or sliced fresh chili.

Ham and Vegetable Fried Rice

Add whatever vegetables need using up from your fridge. Bell peppers, corn, broccoli, mushrooms, edamame, zucchini, and shredded cabbage can all work.

Brown Rice Ham Fried Rice

Replace the white rice with cold cooked brown rice. The texture will be slightly chewier, but the recipe otherwise works the same way.

Extra Egg Fried Rice

Use three or four eggs instead of two for an inexpensive way to make the meal even more substantial.

What to Serve With this Ham Fried Rice Recipe

Ham fried rice can easily be a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it alongside:

• Steamed or roasted broccoli
• Stir-fried vegetables
• Cucumber salad
• Egg rolls or spring rolls
• Asian-style slaw
• Steamed dumplings

For a quick lunch, I usually wouldn’t add anything complicated – a bowl of fried rice with some sliced cucumber or extra vegetables on the side is plenty.

How to Store Leftover Ham Fried Rice

Allow the fried rice to cool and transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly and use within 3–4 days, taking into account how long the cooked ham and rice had already been stored before you made the dish.

Reheat until piping hot throughout.

Because this recipe itself uses leftovers, it’s especially important not to reset the storage clock. If your ham has already been sitting in the refrigerator for several days, use the fried rice sooner rather than later.

Can You Freeze Ham Fried Rice?

Yes. Ham fried rice freezes surprisingly well.

Allow it to cool, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze. Individual portions are especially useful for quick lunches.

When you’re ready to eat it, thaw safely in the refrigerator or reheat from frozen as appropriate, making sure the rice is steaming hot throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use leftover ham in fried rice?

Yes. Leftover cooked ham is ideal for fried rice because it only needs to be diced, browned briefly, and heated through. Its salty, slightly smoky flavor also pairs particularly well with eggs, rice, vegetables, and soy sauce.

Can I make fried rice with freshly cooked rice?

Yes, but cold cooked rice produces a better texture. Fresh rice contains more moisture and can turn soft or sticky in the skillet. If you’re cooking rice specifically for this recipe, spread it out and cool it before frying.

What vegetables go well with ham fried rice?

Peas, carrots, green onions, corn, bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, cabbage, and edamame are all good choices. Fried rice is an excellent opportunity to use small amounts of vegetables left in the refrigerator.

How do I keep fried rice from becoming mushy?

Use cold rice, a large hot skillet, and don’t add too much sauce. It’s also important not to overcrowd the pan.

Do I need a wok to make fried rice?

No. A wok is useful, but a large skillet works perfectly well. The important thing is having enough surface area for the ingredients to fry rather than steam.

What can I make with leftover ham besides sandwiches?

Fried rice is just one option. Leftover ham can also be used in casseroles, soups, pasta dishes, omelets, quiche, potato dishes, sliders, and ham salad.

Can Ham Fried Rice Be Frozen?

Yes, ham fried rice can be frozen and is a great option for saving leftovers or preparing quick meals ahead of time. Allow the fried rice to cool, then portion it into airtight freezer-safe containers or bags before freezing.

For the best quality, use frozen ham fried rice within 1–2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it from frozen, making sure the rice is steaming hot throughout before serving.

Keep in mind that if you’re making this recipe with leftover ham and leftover rice, both should have been stored safely before being used in the fried rice.

A Quick Dinner That Uses Two Leftovers at Once

Some leftover recipes feel like you’re simply reheating yesterday’s dinner. This one doesn’t.

A few cups of cold rice and some diced ham become a hot, savory skillet dinner with crispy-edged ham, scrambled egg, vegetables, and plenty of flavor.

So the next time you’re staring at leftover ham after a holiday or Sunday dinner, don’t automatically make another sandwich. This easy ham fried rice recipe can have it back on the table as an entirely new meal in about 20 minutes.

More Leftover Ham? Try This Next

Still have leftover ham in the fridge? Turn it into something completely different with our Ham Salad Recipe. It’s creamy, savory, and easy to make, making it a great option for quick lunches, sandwiches, wraps, or crackers.

It’s another simple way to use up cooked ham without feeling like you’re eating the same leftovers again.