Ham And Fried Rice
A flavorful combination of fried rice with ham and fresh vegetables, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal with savory and aromatic notes suitable for casual dining.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put rice, water, and salt in a medium-sized saucepan.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed.
- Remove the pan from the heat and set aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the beaten eggs and scramble until cooked, then remove and set aside.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the skillet.
- Add the cooked rice, French beans, and diced ham, stirring well to combine.
- Cook for a few minutes until heated through.
- Add the scrambled eggs back to the rice mixture.
- Season with black pepper and chopped spring onions.
- Stir in chopped fresh coriander before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal texture, rinse the long-grain rice before cooking to remove excess starch. If you don't have French beans, snap peas or bell peppers work well as substitutes. For a boost of flavor, consider adding soy sauce or oyster sauce to the fried rice. Ensure your pan is hot enough to give the rice a nice stir-fry, similar to how it's done in Pork Cantonese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the ham and fried rice warm, garnished with extra spring onions and coriander for a fresh finish. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of Chinese Wontons or a light salad for a complete meal. For a more substantial dinner, consider serving it alongside a stir-fry featuring vegetables and proteins like chicken or shrimp.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through. This will help maintain the texture of the rice and other ingredients.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham And Fried Rice contains roughly 1954 calories, with 31g protein, 134g carbohydrates, and 149g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (147% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (65% of the Daily Value), and protein (62% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2058mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover rice for this recipe?
Yes, using leftover rice is actually recommended as it tends to be drier and less sticky, which makes for better fried rice. Just make sure to break apart any clumps before adding it to the skillet, ensuring even cooking and flavor distribution.
What can I substitute for ham?
If you prefer a different protein, you can substitute the ham with cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian option. Each will bring its unique flavor to the dish, making it versatile for various dietary preferences.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating chopped fresh chili peppers or a splash of sriracha or chili sauce during the cooking process. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance to enhance the flavor without overwhelming the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).