Hawaiian Fried Rice Recipe – Simple Food Dishes

Hawaiian fried rice holds a special place in my heart and stomach. It might sound simple, but this dish is a celebration of flavors and textures. Ever since my first bite on a balmy evening in Honolulu, I’ve been obsessed. 

Every ingredient tells a story, weaving together the essence of Hawaiian culture and culinary magic.

This recipe combines sweet pineapple, savory ham, and delicate egg in a rainbow of colors. As I removed a heaping serving from the pan, the intoxicating scent of fried rice filled my kitchen. Trust me; you want this dish in your life.

What is Hawaiian Fried Rice?

At its core, Hawaiian fried rice is a delightful twist on traditional fried rice. It begins with cold, day-old rice, which provides the perfect base. Fresh vegetables, savory proteins, and a hint of sweetness from pineapple create a dish that is both comforting and exotic. 

This meal can turn an ordinary dinner into a tropical escape—without a plane ticket.

Why This Recipe Works?

There are four solid reasons why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.

1. Flavor Harmony: The combination of sweet, salty, and savory ingredients makes for a balanced dish. Pineapple and ham work symbiotically, ensuring that no single flavor overpowers the others.

2. Quick and Easy: In about half an hour, you can whip up a dish that looks and tastes as if you spent hours in the kitchen. The steps are straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

3. Versatile and Customizable: If you don’t have all the ingredients, no worries. The base recipe allows for numerous substitutions, enabling you to use what’s available in your pantry.

4. Nutritional Benefits: Loaded with vegetables, protein, and whole grains, this dish meets many dietary needs. It's a smart way to sneak in those veggies without anyone noticing.

Ingredients You'll Need To Make This Hawaiian Fried Rice

Before we dive into the cooking, here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 large eggs, scrambled
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil (divided)
• 5 cups day-old, cold white rice
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 2 green onions, chopped (separate the white and green parts)
• 1 teaspoon chili sauce (or any hot sauce of choice)
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped and deseeded
• 2 cups cubed ham
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
• 4 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

How To Make This Hawaiian Fried Rice?

Let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed steps to create a beautiful dish of Hawaiian fried rice.

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Gather your day-old rice, ham, and vegetables. Chopping the vegetables in advance will save you time during the cooking process.

Step 2: Scramble the Eggs

In a large skillet, heat half of the neutral oil over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the pan and scramble them quickly. Once fully cooked, transfer the eggs to a bowl and set them aside.

Step 3: Cook the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the rest of the neutral oil. Toss in the minced garlic and the white parts of the green onion. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Ham

Next, add the red bell pepper to the skillet and stir for a couple of minutes until slightly soft. Then toss in the cubed ham. Stir well, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Incorporate Rice

Add the day-old rice, breaking up any clumps. Use a spatula to mix everything together thoroughly, letting the rice absorb the flavors from the garlic and ham.

Step 6: Add Pineapple and Seasonings

Stir in the pineapple, toasted sesame oil, chili sauce, ground ginger, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. The sweet pineapple will create a lovely contrast against the salty soy sauce.

Step 7: Final Touches

Fold in the scrambled eggs and mix until everything is evenly distributed. Finish with the green parts of the green onions for color.

Step 8: Serve

Serve your Hawaiian fried rice hot, accompanied by lime wedges if you want an extra kick.

Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your fried rice turns out perfect every time:

• Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice is too moist. Day-old rice has dried slightly, making it ideal for frying.
• Prep Ahead: Chop all vegetables and proteins before you start cooking. This will streamline the process.
• High Heat: Cook over high heat to get that desirable char and keep the ingredients moving in the pan.
• Adjust for Heat: Add more chili sauce for heat, or leave it out for a milder dish.
• Leftovers are Gold: If you have leftover fried rice, it travels well in lunch boxes and tastes fantastic cold or reheated.

How to Store Leftovers?

Storing Hawaiian fried rice is simple. Allow it to cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat it in a microwave or on the stovetop until hot.

Recommended Side Dishes for Hawaiian Fried Rice

If you’d like to make this dish part of a larger feast, consider these sides:

Miso Soup: This simple, comforting soup balances the meal and introduces a lovely umami flavor.

Asian Slaw: Crunchy cabbage mixed with carrots and a sesame dressing brings textural contrast and freshness.

Tempura Vegetables: Lightly battered and fried vegetables make a crispy and delicious addition, adding a nice crunch.

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet grilled corn complements the pineapple's sweetness and adds a fun element to the meal.

Substitute Options for Ingredients

If you're missing some ingredients, here are some substitutes you can consider:

1. Ham: Use leftover chicken, tofu, or shrimp for protein. Each option brings a unique flavor that works well.

2. Pineapple: Can't find fresh pineapple? Canned pineapple works in a pinch, or you could substitute with mango for a different sweetness.

3. Soy Sauce: If you're low on soy sauce, try tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a lower sodium alternative.

4. Rice Vinegar: Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar can stand in if rice vinegar is absent. Each adds a slight tang while maintaining balance.

Conclusion

Hawaiian fried rice is more than just a dish; it’s an experience filled with flavor and nostalgia. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or serving it at a gathering, this recipe is bound to impress. 

With its balance of sweet and savory, coupled with a dash of warmth from spices, it's an inviting meal perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and enjoy the journey to the islands—all from the comfort of your kitchen!

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