Take your tastebuds on a trip to paradise with this Hawaiian Fried Rice.
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China seems to deserve all the bragging rights for creating one of the world’s most mouth-watering comfort foods: fried rice! Not only is this recipe a fantastic way to use leftovers, it’s simple to prep, quick to cook, and oh-so-easy to eat.
Although Chinese fried rice recipes are classic, nowadays these golden grains have no borders. No matter what global cuisine you’re most into, you’ll probably find a fun variation on fried rice using local ingredients. For example, take a peek at Mexican Rice and Quinoa Fried Rice for some alternative fried rice recipes.
Today, I’m taking a flight to Honolulu in search of some Hawaiian flavor inspiration. This new fried rice feast has all the savory and sweet ingredients associated with the Aloha State, so you can mentally escape to Maui during a weeknight mealtime.
OK, eating Hawaiian fried rice at home isn’t as relaxing as literally sitting on a Hawaiian beach. But we can all pretend, right?
Is Hawaiian Fried Rice Healthy?
From the veggies and eggs to the brown rice and pineapple, there are a lot of healthy ingredients in Hawaiian fried rice. However, there’s an elephant (er, pig?) in the room we need to address: ham. Although I chose to use cooked ham rather than fatty bacon or canned SPAM, I get that some people may be put off by features like its salt content.
Pork gives Hawaiian fried rice that authentic, well, “Hawaiian” vibe, but you can swap it out for a leaner meat like chicken or a vegan-friendly protein like tofu. There are also plenty of simple ways to modify Hawaiian fried rice to suit your diet and lifestyle. For instance, consider using a low-carb alternative like Cauliflower Rice as the base if you’re on a diet like keto, or swapping the egg for silken tofu to go fully vegan. Lastly, if you want to stack your nutrients, go crazy with more veggies like broccoli florets, carrots, and peas.
Why Does My Fried Rice Clump Together?
Hawaiians have a reputation for being pretty chill, but even they would lose their cool if they got a bowl of clumpy fried rice. Thankfully, there are plenty of tips to avoid this sticky situation.
The simplest hack to prevent clumpy fried rice is using refrigerated leftover rice. Freshly cooked rice is likelier to form dreaded clump balls when it hits a hot pan since the starches haven’t had a chance to firm up yet. So, for the best results, plan to cook your rice the day before and let it sit in an airtight container in the fridge overnight.
Another reason you might see clumps of rice is that the pan you’re using is too big. When all the rice can’t touch the bottom of the pan, you’re steaming your grains rather than frying them. Be sure that your pan has enough space for the rice to form a single layer and spread heat evenly. Speaking of heat, you’ve got to get that pan ripping hot to make sure you’re searing your rice.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 1/2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 cups cooked brown rice, chilled
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
INSTRUCTIONS
Sauté
Cook ham, onion, and bell pepper.
Scramble
Add and cook eggs, then mix.
Combine
Mix in rice, pineapple, and seasonings.
Garnish
Top with green onions.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
If you want to “pre-book” your flight to the Aloha State, you can pre-cook your bowl of Hawaiian fried rice. While you could follow the recipe as is, I suggest scrambling and storing your eggs separately to enjoy an airier texture. Be sure to wait for your rice and eggs to cool before storing them in airtight containers and keeping them in the fridge for a few days. To reheat this recipe, plop your rice in a pan over medium heat and fold the eggs at the end. You may need to add a few dashes of water if you see your rice is on the dry side.
There isn’t a “best” cooking oil for making Hawaiian fried rice, but a few characteristics make some choices “better” than others. Most importantly, you need an oil with a high smoke point so it won’t burn in your hot pan. You also want your primary cooking oil to have a neutral flavor so it doesn’t clash with the distinctive notes of sesame oil and soy sauce. Although I love using olive oil for its many health benefits, other great choices include avocado and coconut oil.
Want to know a fried rice secret? Some chefs mix their leftover rice with a pinch of cornstarch before they mix it into their pan. Why? Cornstarch powder helps dry out your rice just a touch further, preventing mushiness and promoting maximum crispiness. You’ll be surprised how just a bit of cornstarch can make an impressive difference in your Hawaiian fried rice’s texture.
Serving Suggestions
While Hawaiian fried rice works excellent as a side with many grilled meats, it makes sense to pair it with another recipe from the Aloha State. Whether you’re hosting a luau party or just want a low-key lunch, get creative and find a few Polynesian pairs for your pineapple-filled rice. For instance, I love the combination of savory fried rice with the freshness of a poke bowl like this Spicy Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl. Oh yeah, I also have a Low-Carb Poke Bowl for all my keto and paleo peeps!
If you want to serve Hawaiian fried rice as your main course, adding a few extra pineapple slices adds a lovely garnish and a pop of sweetness. I also love whipping up a batch of Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries In The Oven for a simple and addictive pairing. Oh yeah, and don’t forget to mix a few glasses of Blue Hawaiian because why not?
Hawaiian Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cooked ham diced
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper seeded and diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 large eggs lightly beaten
- 3 cups cooked brown rice chilled
- 1 cup pineapple chunks drained
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup green onions sliced
Instructions
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Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat and add olive oil. Sauté the diced ham, onion, and red bell pepper until the onion is translucent and the vegetables are tender.
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Push the ham and vegetables to the side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the cleared space and scramble until fully cooked, then combine with the ham and vegetable mixture.
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Stir in the chilled brown rice and pineapple chunks to the skillet. Drizzle with sesame oil and soy sauce, mixing well. Cook until the rice is heated through and ingredients are well combined. If desired, adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce.
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Garnish the fried rice with sliced green onions before serving.
Nutrition
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