Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?

Yes Of Course, but let it cool completely and spread it out to dry a bit before frying to avoid mushy rice.

Can I make this recipe without ham?

Of course! You can substitute it with tofu, shrimp, or extra vegetables for a meat-free option.

Is canned pineapple okay to use?

Yes, but drain it well to avoid adding extra moisture to the rice. Fresh pineapple gives the best flavor, though!

Can I add eggs if I don’t usually see them in Hawaiian fried rice?

Absolutely! Eggs add a nice texture and richness, but you can skip them if you prefer.

What’s the best oil to use for frying?

Vegetable oil or sesame oil works best for that authentic fried rice texture and flavor.

25-Minute Best Hawaiian Fried Rice Recipe

Description

A delicious mix of sweet pineapple, smoky ham, and savory rice, this Hawaiian Fried Rice is the perfect quick and flavorful meal! Ideal for using up leftover rice, it’s packed with tropical flavors and comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Units Scale

3 cups cooked rice (day-old preferred)
1 cup pineapple, diced (fresh or canned, drained)
1 cup ham, diced
2 eggs, beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Shrimp, bell peppers, cashews, or sriracha(optional)

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Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients: Chop ham, green onions, and pineapple. If using canned pineapple, drain thoroughly to prevent soggy rice.
Cook the Eggs: Heat a skillet or wok over medium heat with 1 tsp oil. Scramble the beaten eggs until soft and slightly undercooked. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Garlic & Ham: Add the remaining oil to the pan. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds, then add diced ham. Cook until lightly caramelized.
Add Rice & Pineapple: Stir in cold rice, breaking up clumps. Add diced pineapple and cook for 2–3 minutes until pineapple caramelizes slightly.
Season: Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the mixture. Stir-fry everything together until evenly coated.
Combine & Serve: Return scrambled eggs to the skillet. Stir in chopped green onions. Cook for another minute. Serve immediately with garnishes, if desired.

Notes

Use Day-Old Rice: Day-old, refrigerated rice is best for fried rice because it’s dry and separates easily, preventing a mushy texture. If you’re using fresh rice, spread it out on a tray and let it cool for 30 minutes before using.
Customizable Ingredients: Don’t have ham? Swap it for bacon, chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Feel free to throw in extra veggies like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
Pineapple Tips: Fresh pineapple is ideal for sweetness and texture, but canned pineapple works perfectly if drained well. Avoid adding too much juice to keep the rice crisp.
Soy Sauce Alternatives: If you’re watching your sodium intake, use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos for a lighter flavor.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a drizzle of sriracha, or diced chili peppers if you enjoy a little heat.

Nutrition

Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 760 mg
Fat: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 44 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 12 g