Flavor-Packed Hawaiian Fried Rice

This Hawaiian Fried Rice brings together the perfect balance of sweet pineapple, savory ham, and fresh vegetables in a quick and easy meal. Using day—old jasmine rice ensures each grain fries up beautifully and stays separate, making this dish a weeknight favorite that is always ready in under 30 minutes.

I first cooked this when I wanted a taste of the islands at home. Now it’s a regular request from family dinners, especially when we want something tasty without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients

• Jasmine rice: Two cups cooked jasmine rice that has been chilled to prevent clumping and give the best texture
• Sesame oil: One tablespoon sesame oil which adds a subtle nutty flavor you can also use a neutral oil like avocado oil
• Garlic: Two garlic cloves minced for aromatic depth
• Onion: Half an onion diced for sweetness and texture
• Pineapple: One cup diced pineapple fresh or canned and drained to bring tropical sweetness
• Ham: Half a cup diced ham for savory saltiness swap for chicken or tofu if preferred
• Peas and carrots: Half a cup frozen peas and carrots thawed adds color and nutrition
• Eggs: Two eggs beaten to enrich and bind the flavors
• Soy sauce: Three tablespoons soy sauce introduces the essential umami seasoning
• Green onions: Two green onions chopped for freshness and garnish

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium—high heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion. Stir—fry for one minute until they become fragrant and the onions start to soften. Taking this step slowly builds your flavor foundation.

Cook the Protein:

Add the diced ham to the pan, cooking for two to three minutes until it browns slightly and releases its savory aroma. This caramelization brings out richer flavor.

Scramble the Eggs:

Push the ingredients to one side of the pan. Pour in the beaten eggs and let them sit undisturbed for a few seconds before scrambling. Cook until they are fully set but still moist, then combine with the ham mixture evenly.

Add Rice and Vegetables:

Stir in the cold jasmine rice, diced pineapple, and thawed peas and carrots. Stir—fry for four to five minutes, using your spatula to break up any clumps of rice ensuring every grain gets coated and heated through. This step is critical for the perfect fried rice texture.

Season and Finish:

Pour in the soy sauce across the pan and toss everything well to coat evenly. Continue stir-frying for another one to two minutes until the ingredients are fully heated and combined.

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top just before serving to add fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color. Serve hot and enjoy the tropical vibes.

My favorite ingredient has to be the pineapple. Its sweetness cuts through the savory ham and soy sauce perfectly. I remember making this dish on a warm summer evening, and the combination of flavors instantly transported me to a Hawaiian beach, which makes every bite feel special.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to four days. When reheating, add a splash of water to the pan and stir—fry briefly to revive the texture of the rice without drying it out.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap ham for diced chicken breast or tofu to suit dietary preferences. Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten—free option. Fresh pineapple is ideal, but canned works fine if well drained to avoid excess moisture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this fried rice alongside steamed broccoli or a crisp green salad for a complete meal. Add a drizzle of sriracha or sprinkle chili flakes if you prefer a spicy kick. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for extra brightness.

This Hawaiian fried rice is a quick, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Adjust soy sauce and pineapple to taste.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What type of rice works best for this dish?

Day-old jasmine rice is ideal as it fries better and prevents clumping, ensuring a perfect texture.

→ Can I substitute the ham with other proteins?

Yes, chicken, tofu, or shrimp are great alternatives that maintain the dish’s balance of flavors.

→ How can I add a spicy element to the dish?

Add chili flakes or drizzle sriracha before serving to introduce a spicy kick.

→ Why is high heat recommended when stir-frying?

Cooking on high heat helps achieve a slight char on the rice while keeping ingredients crisp and flavorful.

→ How should leftovers be stored to maintain quality?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat with a splash of water to restore texture.