Fried Rice with Ham Recipe

Rice: Preferably day-old, cooked rice is used to achieve the best texture in fried rice.

Ham: Diced ham adds a savory and slightly salty flavor to the dish.

Soy sauce: This adds a rich umami flavor and a bit of saltiness to the fried rice.

Peas and carrots: Frozen peas and carrots add color, texture, and nutrients.

Eggs: Beaten and scrambled, eggs add protein and a rich flavor.

Vegetable oil: Used for cooking and sautéing the ingredients.

Garlic: Minced garlic provides a fragrant and flavorful base.

Green onion: Chopped green onion is used as a fresh garnish to enhance the flavor.

When making fried rice, it's crucial 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. If you don't have day-old rice, you can spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it cool in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to achieve a similar effect.

• 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 texture and can be seasoned to mimic the flavor of ham.

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

• frozen peas and carrots - Substitute with fresh bell peppers and corn: Fresh vegetables add a different but complementary crunch and sweetness.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with tofu scramble: Tofu scramble mimics the texture of eggs and is a great vegan alternative.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the dish.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder provides a similar flavor and is convenient if fresh garlic is unavailable.

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

• 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 resealable plastic bags. Divide into individual portions for easy reheating.

• Label the containers or bags with the date to keep track of freshness. Fried rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• For longer storage, place the fried rice in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its flavor and texture.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the fried rice in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This ensures even reheating.

• Reheat the fried rice in a microwave-safe dish, covering it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

• Alternatively, reheat the fried rice in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable oil or soy sauce to prevent sticking and enhance flavor. Stir occasionally until heated through.

• Avoid reheating fried rice more than once to maintain its quality and prevent foodborne illnesses.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable oil and let it warm up. Add the leftover fried rice with ham and stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. This method helps maintain the texture and flavor of the rice.

• Microwave Method: Place the fried rice with ham in a microwave-safe dish. Add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until hot.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the fried rice with ham evenly in an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Steaming Method: Place the fried rice with ham in a heatproof dish that fits into your steamer. Steam over boiling water for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps retain moisture and keeps the rice fluffy.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Spread the fried rice with ham in a thin layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method can give a slightly crispy texture to the rice.

• Wok: A large, deep pan with sloping sides, perfect for stir-frying ingredients quickly and evenly.

• Spatula: A flat, broad tool used to flip and stir ingredients in the wok.

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

• Cutting board: A surface to safely chop and dice ingredients.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the rice, ham, and frozen peas and carrots accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the soy sauce and vegetable oil.

• Mixing bowl: Used to beat the eggs before scrambling them.

• Garlic press: A tool to mince the garlic cloves efficiently.

• Serving spoon: Used to serve the fried rice once it's ready.

• Stove: Provides the heat source for cooking the fried rice in the wok.

Use pre-cooked ham: Save time by using pre-cooked ham instead of cooking it from scratch.

Frozen veggies: Opt for frozen peas and carrots to skip the washing and chopping.

Day-old rice: Use day-old rice as it’s less sticky and quicker to stir-fry.

Prep ingredients: Have all ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking.

High heat: Cook on high heat to speed up the stir-frying process.

One-pan method: Use a wok or large skillet to minimize cleanup and cooking time.