Fried Rice with Ham Recipe

Rice: The base of the dish, providing a hearty and filling component. Ham: Adds a savory and slightly salty flavor. Frozen peas and carrots: Bring color and sweetness to the dish. Eggs: Scrambled and mixed in for added protein and texture. Soy sauce: Provides a rich umami flavor. Vegetable oil: Used for cooking and scrambling the eggs. Garlic: Adds a fragrant and aromatic element. Green onion: Used as a fresh garnish to enhance the dish.

When preparing fried rice, it's important to use day-old cooked rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and can result in a mushy texture. By using day-old rice, the grains are drier and separate more easily, giving you that perfect, slightly chewy texture that is characteristic of great fried rice.

• cooked rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa provides a similar texture and is a great source of protein and fiber.

• diced ham - Substitute with diced chicken: Chicken offers a similar protein content and can be seasoned to mimic the flavor of ham.

• diced ham - Substitute with tofu: Tofu is a great vegetarian option that absorbs flavors well and provides a similar texture.

• frozen peas and carrots - Substitute with fresh peas and carrots: Fresh vegetables offer a more vibrant flavor and texture.

• frozen peas and carrots - Substitute with mixed bell peppers: Bell peppers add a different but complementary flavor and a variety of colors.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with scrambled tofu: Scrambled tofu is a good vegan alternative that mimics the texture of eggs.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with chickpea flour batter: Chickpea flour batter can be used to create a similar texture and is a good vegan option.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that offers a similar umami flavor.

• soy sauce - Substitute with coconut aminos: Coconut aminos are a soy-free option that provides a slightly sweeter but similar flavor.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option and works well for frying.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a unique, nutty flavor that complements Asian dishes.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used when fresh garlic is not available, offering a similar flavor.

• minced garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the dish.

• chopped green onion - Substitute with chives: Chives offer a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a garnish.

• chopped green onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a slightly stronger onion flavor and can add a different texture to the dish.

• Allow the fried rice to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the rice soggy.
• Transfer the cooled fried rice into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the containers or bags with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of how long the fried rice has been stored.
• Store the fried rice in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, place it in the freezer, where it can last up to 3 months.
• When ready to eat, reheat the fried rice in a microwave or on the stovetop. If using a microwave, cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to retain moisture. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until thoroughly heated.
• For stovetop reheating, add a small amount of vegetable oil to a pan and heat over medium. Add the fried rice and stir frequently until heated through. This method helps maintain the texture and flavor of the dish.
• If the fried rice seems dry after reheating, add a splash of soy sauce or a bit of water to moisten it. Stir well to incorporate the added liquid.
• Avoid reheating the fried rice more than once. Repeated reheating can degrade the quality and safety of the dish.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a splash of vegetable oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover fried rice with ham.
  4. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and prevent sticking.
  5. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the rice is heated through.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the fried rice with ham in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to keep the rice moist.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
  4. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, then stir.
  5. Continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until the rice is thoroughly heated.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the fried rice with ham evenly in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  4. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the rice is hot.

• Steamer Method:

  1. Place the fried rice with ham in a heatproof dish that fits inside your steamer.
  2. Add a small amount of water to the rice to prevent it from drying out.
  3. Steam for about 5-10 minutes or until the rice is heated through.
  4. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

• Wok: A large, round-bottomed cooking vessel ideal for stir-frying ingredients quickly and evenly.

• Spatula: Useful for stirring and mixing ingredients in the wok without scratching its surface.

• Knife: Essential for dicing the ham and chopping the green onion.

• Cutting board: A safe surface for chopping and dicing ingredients.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the rice and other ingredients.

• Mixing bowl: Handy for beating the eggs before scrambling them.

• Garlic press: Convenient for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.

• Measuring spoons: Useful for measuring the soy sauce and vegetable oil accurately.

• Serving spoon: Ideal for serving the finished fried rice hot.

Use leftover rice: Cook extra rice the day before and store it in the fridge. Cold rice works best for fried rice.

Pre-chop ingredients: Dice the ham and chop the green onion in advance to save prep time.

Frozen veggies: Use frozen peas and carrots to eliminate the need for washing and chopping.

One-pan cooking: Use a single wok to cook everything, reducing the number of dishes to clean.

Quick scramble: Scramble the eggs first and set them aside to streamline the cooking process.