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Quick Savory Ham and Egg Fried Rice

quick savory ham and egg fried rice - featured image

A quick and easy fried rice recipe using leftover ham and eggs, perfect for busy weeknights. This savory dish combines fluffy scrambled eggs, salty ham, and perfectly seasoned rice for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked white rice (about 600g), preferably day-old
  • 1 cup diced ham (about 150g), leftover or deli ham
  • 3 large eggs, beaten (room temperature)
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup frozen peas or mixed veggies (optional)

Instructions

  1. If you don’t have day-old rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool and dry slightly for 15 minutes to prevent mushiness.
  2. Crack 3 large eggs into a bowl, add a pinch of salt, and whisk until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering, pour in the eggs, swirling to create a thin layer. Let cook undisturbed for about 30 seconds, then gently scramble until just set but still soft. Remove eggs to a plate.
  4. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the pan. Toss in minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  5. Add diced ham and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly browned.
  6. Add the cooled rice and optional peas or mixed veggies. Stir-fry, breaking up any clumps, for about 4-5 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy around the edges.
  7. Pour soy sauce and drizzle sesame oil over the rice. Stir well to evenly coat. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  8. Return scrambled eggs to the pan and fold gently into the rice. Toss in sliced green onions and give everything one last stir.
  9. Adjust seasoning if needed, adding more soy sauce or pepper to taste.
  10. Serve immediately, optionally with a side of cucumber salad or steamed greens.

Notes

Use day-old rice for best texture to avoid mushiness. Scramble eggs separately before folding into rice to keep them fluffy. Watch garlic carefully to prevent burning. Adjust soy sauce gradually to avoid oversalting. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of water to retain moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: ham fried rice, egg fried rice, quick dinner, leftover ham recipe, easy fried rice, weeknight dinner, savory fried rice