25-Minute Best Hawaiian Fried Rice Recipe

This Better Than Takeout Hawaiian Fried Rice is about to be your new favorite. It’s a mix of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, with juicy pineapple, crispy ham, fluffy rice, and a touch of soy sauce. The best part? You can make it in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients, and it tastes even better than takeout!

If you love takeout-style fried rice, this Steak Fried Rice is a must-try—loaded with tender steak and bold flavors! I made it last week, and it was a total hit; tender steak, savory rice, and so easy to throw together!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the best Hawaiian Fried Rice, you’ll need these simple ingredients:

• Cooked Rice (3 cups): Day-old rice works best for that perfect fried rice texture.
• Pineapple (1 cup, diced): Fresh pineapple gives the best flavor, but canned works too.
• Ham (1 cup, diced): Adds a smoky, savory contrast to the sweetness of the pineapple.
• Eggs (2, beaten): For that classic fried rice texture and richness.
• Green Onions (1/2 cup, chopped): Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor.
• Soy Sauce (2 tbsp): Provides depth and umami flavor.
• Sesame Oil (1 tbsp): Enhances the richness and adds a nutty aroma.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Because everything tastes better with garlic.
• Vegetable Oil (1 tbsp): Helps achieve that perfect fried rice texture.
• Salt & Pepper (to taste): Brings all the flavors together.

Optional Add-ins: Shrimp, bell peppers, cashews, or even a splash of sriracha for some heat.

What is the secret ingredient used in restaurant fried rice?

The secret ingredient to restaurant-style fried rice is day-old rice—but there’s more to it than that! Professional chefs also use butter for richness, high heat to get that signature wok-seared flavor, and a touch of oyster sauce or fish sauce for deep umami flavor. Another trick? A sprinkle of white pepper adds that subtle, authentic taste you can’t quite put your finger on. Combine these secrets, and your homemade fried rice will taste just like it came from a fancy takeout spot!

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How to Make Hawaiian Fried Rice

Making this dish is as easy as stir-frying everything in one pan. Here’s how to do it:

Prep Your Ingredients

Alright, first things first—let’s get everything prepped so cooking is smooth and easy. Grab your ham and dice it into small bite-sized pieces. Then, chop up some fresh green onions, and mince a couple of cloves of garlic—you want that garlicky goodness in every bite.

Now, if you’re using fresh pineapple, go ahead and cut it into small chunks. If you’re using canned pineapple, make sure to drain it really well. Because extra juice can really make your fried rice soggy, and we don’t want that!

Cook the Eggs

Now, let’s cook the eggs! Heat up a large skillet or wok over medium heat, and add a little oil—just enough to coat the pan. Once it’s hot, pour in your beaten eggs and let them cook for a few seconds.

As soon as they start setting, use a spatula to scramble them gently. You want them soft and slightly undercooked because they’ll finish cooking when we mix everything together later. Once they’re done, transfer them to a plate and set them aside.

Sauté the Garlic & Ham

Using the same pan (no need to wash it), add a little more oil and let it heat up. Then toss in your minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds—you just want to wake up all that flavor, but don’t let it burn!

Next, add in your diced ham and let it sauté for a minute or two until it gets slightly crispy and caramelized. This step is important because it deepens the flavor and gives your rice that smoky-sweet bite.

Add the Rice & Pineapple

Now it’s time for the rice! Add in your cold, day-old rice (this is SUPER important—fresh rice will turn mushy). Use your spatula to break up any clumps and get it evenly distributed in the pan.

Then, toss in your pineapple chunks and stir everything together. Let the pineapple cook for a couple of minutes so it caramelizes slightly, this enhances the sweetness and really brings out that tropical flavor.

Season & Mix Everything Together

Now, let’s bring all the flavors together. Drizzle in soy sauce and also sesame oil, then stir-fry everything until it’s evenly coated and smells AMAZING. This is when your kitchen will smell like your favorite takeout spot!

Now, grab those scrambled eggs from earlier and toss them back in. Then, sprinkle in your chopped green onions for that final burst of fresh, oniony goodness. Stir it all together one last time to make sure every bite is loaded with flavor.

Serve & Enjoy!

Turn off the heat, and just like that, your Hawaiian Fried Rice is ready to serve! Spoon it into a bowl or plate, and if you’re feeling a little extra (which I always am), sprinkle on some fresh green onions or sesame seeds for that perfect finishing touch.

This dish is crazy delicious on its own, but if you really want to take it over the top, serve it alongside grilled teriyaki chicken, shrimp skewers, or even smoky BBQ ribs. Trust me, this combo is amazing, and you’ll feel like you’re dining at a beachside Hawaiian BBQ spot.

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Tips for the Best Hawaiian Fried Rice

Use cold, day-old rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too sticky; day-old rice gives you the best texture.

Sauté the ham first: This brings out its smoky flavor and helps it crisp up slightly.

Let the pineapple caramelize: Cooking the pineapple for a minute or two enhances its natural sweetness.

Don’t overdo the soy sauce: Hawaiian fried rice should be slightly sweet, not overly salty. Add soy sauce gradually.

Use a hot pan: A well-heated wok or skillet prevents the rice from becoming mushy and helps it develop that signature fried rice texture.

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What to Serve with Hawaiian Fried Rice

Hawaiian Fried Rice pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside grilled teriyaki chicken, shrimp skewers, or pork chops for a complete island-inspired meal. It also makes a great side dish for BBQ ribs or a simple salad with a tropical dressing. If you’re keeping it light, pair it with a fresh pineapple salsa or a crunchy Asian slaw for contrast.

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Storing and Freezing Hawaiian Fried Rice

To Store: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To Freeze: Spread the fried rice on a baking sheet to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

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How to Reheat Hawaiian Fried Rice

For best results, reheat Hawaiian Fried Rice in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil to bring back its fresh, just-cooked texture. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving it with a damp paper towel on top will help retain moisture.

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Recipe Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can tweak it based on your preferences. Swap out the ham for grilled chicken or shrimp, or go vegetarian by adding extra veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or peas. Love spice? Add a drizzle of sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer a nuttier flavor, toss in some cashews or macadamia nuts for a crunchy twist.

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FAQs About Hawaiian Fried Rice

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Hawaiian Fried Rice is the best mix of sweet, savory, and satisfying. If you’re making it as a main dish or a side, it’s guaranteed to bring tropical flavors to your table. With just a few simple ingredients and 25 minutes, you’ll have a dish that tastes like a Hawaiian getaway.

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