Welcome to your new favorite weeknight savior: a gloriously easy homemade fried rice recipe featuring savory ham, fluffy eggs, and crisp vegetables. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary triumph for anyone short on time but unwilling to compromise on taste. Imagine a delicious, satisfying dinner on the table in under 15 minutes, using ingredients you likely already have on hand. It’s fast, incredibly budget-friendly, and consistently delivers that comforting, flavorful experience you crave.

When the clock is ticking, and the thought of an elaborate meal feels overwhelming, this fried rice steps in as the perfect solution. It transforms simple components into a vibrant, flavorful dish that caters to every palate, making it an absolute staple in my kitchen. Get ready to ditch the takeout menu and embrace the joy of truly delicious, homemade fried rice.

Your Go-To for Delicious Homemade Fried Rice with Ham, Eggs, and Veggies

We all have those hectic evenings when cooking an elaborate meal just isn’t an option. For those moments, a repertoire of quick, reliable recipes is essential. Alongside my beloved bami goreng, quick spaghetti with broccoli and ground beef, and chow mein with ground beef and vegetables, this fried rice recipe holds a special place in my culinary arsenal. It’s a lifesaver, hitting the table in a remarkable 15 minutes, incredibly simple to prepare, and made with incredibly budget-friendly ingredients. The best part? It’s a guaranteed hit with the entire family, especially the kids!

The magic of this dish lies in the harmonious blend of textures and flavors: tender, perfectly fried rice grains, savory ham, soft scrambled egg, and vibrant, slightly crisp vegetables. This delightful combination is inherently satisfying. What makes this recipe truly exceptional is its incredible versatility, making it perfect for utilizing leftovers. Have some bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms lingering in your fridge? Toss them in! They’ll integrate beautifully, adding more depth and nutrition to your fried rice. This recipe is the epitome of an effortless yet utterly enjoyable meal that everyone will eagerly devour.

Why This Fried Rice Recipe Belongs in Your Weeknight Rotation

Beyond its speed and simplicity, there are several compelling reasons why this particular ham, egg, and veggie fried rice stands out as a true family favorite:

• Unbeatable Speed: From start to finish, you’re looking at just 15 minutes. This makes it faster than ordering takeout and a perfect solution for those last-minute dinner decisions.
• Budget-Friendly: Utilizing staple ingredients like rice, eggs, and frozen vegetables, this recipe keeps grocery costs down without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. It’s smart cooking that makes your dollar go further.
• Customizable for Any Palate: The basic framework of this fried rice is incredibly flexible. Don’t like ham? Swap it for chicken or tofu. Want more greens? Add spinach or broccoli. It adapts beautifully to dietary preferences and whatever you have on hand.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe truly shines when made with day-old, chilled rice, which is ideal for achieving that coveted non-sticky, perfectly textured fried rice. It’s also a fantastic way to repurpose leftover proteins and vegetables.
• Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: The familiar flavors and engaging textures of ham, egg, and colorful peas and carrots make this a meal that even picky eaters will love. It’s a universally appealing dish that brings smiles to the dinner table.

Essential Ingredient Notes for Flavorful Fried Rice

• Rice: The foundation of our dish! While this recipe calls for white rice, feel free to experiment with whole grain, basmati, or jasmine rice. The key is to use cooked and cooled rice. Day-old rice that has been refrigerated is ideal, as it’s drier and less likely to clump or become mushy when stir-fried, resulting in beautifully separated grains.
• Garlic: A non-negotiable flavor booster. Garlic provides an aromatic depth that is essential to fried rice. Be careful not to burn it during stir-frying, as burnt garlic can impart an unpleasant bitter taste. A quick 30-second sauté is usually enough.
• Sesame Oil: This ingredient is a flavor powerhouse, adding a distinctive nutty aroma and taste that is characteristic of Asian cuisine. A little goes a long way, so use it sparingly to achieve that beautiful, authentic flavor without overpowering the dish. Toasted sesame oil is generally preferred for its richer flavor.
• Fish Sauce: This fermented condiment is a secret weapon for adding an incredible savory, umami punch and a subtle saltiness. If you don’t have fish sauce, simply increase the amount of soy sauce, though you’ll miss a layer of complex flavor.
• Japanese Soy Sauce: Essential for salty depth and a rich, savory umami flavor. You can also use Kecap Asin (an Indonesian salty soy sauce) or any good quality light soy sauce. Dark soy sauce can be used for a deeper color and slightly sweeter flavor, but use sparingly.
• Carrots and Peas: These classic additions bring a pop of color, a hint of sweetness, and a pleasant bite to the fried rice. Using the frozen variety is incredibly convenient. If opting for fresh carrots and peas, remember to blanch or pre-cook them until tender-crisp before adding them to the pan.
• Ham Cubes: Provide a wonderful savory, salty element and a soft texture. For those who don’t eat ham, this recipe is incredibly adaptable! Consider using cooked chicken breast (diced), shrimp, firm tofu (pressed and diced), or even thinly sliced beef or bacon for a different, equally delicious twist.
• Eggs: More than just extra protein, the eggs add a lovely soft texture and bind the flavors together beautifully. Frying them into a thin omelet and then slicing them creates elegant strips that are well distributed throughout the rice.
• Spring Onion: A final flourish that adds a fresh, mild oniony flavor and a vibrant green contrast, enhancing both the taste and visual appeal of the dish. Don’t skip this fresh topping!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Fried Rice

1. Prepare the Basics: Begin by cooking your rice according to package instructions and then allow it to cool completely. Ideally, use day-old refrigerated rice for the best texture. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat one tablespoon of sunflower oil in a frying pan over medium heat and cook the beaten eggs as a thin omelet. Once cooked, let the omelet cool, roll it up, and thinly slice it into strips.
2. Start the Stir-Fry: Heat the remaining tablespoon of sunflower oil in a large wok or frying pan over high heat. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Immediately add the cooled rice to the pan. Stir-fry vigorously, breaking up any clumps, ensuring the rice heats through and starts to toast slightly.
3. Season and Combine: Pour in the sesame oil, fish sauce, Japanese soy sauce, salt, and ground black pepper. Continue to stir-fry, tossing everything together thoroughly so that each grain of rice is coated with the flavorful sauce.
4. Add the Mix-ins: Incorporate the frozen carrots and peas, the ham cubes, and the pre-sliced egg strips into the rice. Mix everything well, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed and heated through. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to warm and become tender-crisp.
5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle the freshly thinly sliced spring onion over the fried rice for a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant color. Serve immediately and savor your delicious, homemade fried rice!

Top Tips for the Ultimate Fried Rice

Achieving restaurant-quality fried rice at home is simpler than you might think with a few key techniques:

• Embrace Day-Old, Chilled Rice: This is arguably the most crucial tip! Freshly cooked, warm rice has too much moisture, which leads to mushy, clumpy fried rice. Day-old rice from the fridge is drier, allowing for those perfectly separated, fluffy grains that fried rice is famous for.
• High Heat is Your Best Friend: Fried rice needs to be cooked quickly over high heat. This rapid cooking process prevents the rice from steaming (which again, leads to mushiness) and helps develop that subtle smoky flavor known as “wok hei” if you’re using a wok.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking too much rice at once will drastically lower the pan’s temperature, causing the ingredients to steam instead of stir-fry. If you’re making a large batch, cook it in two smaller batches to ensure everything gets properly fried and browned.
• Mise en Place (Everything in its Place): Have all your ingredients prepped, chopped, and measured before you even turn on the stove. Fried rice cooks very quickly, so there’s no time to chop vegetables or measure sauces once you start.
• Taste and Adjust: Before serving, always taste your fried rice and adjust the seasoning. You might want a little more soy sauce, a dash of white pepper, or even a tiny pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.

Creative Variations to Make It Your Own

This fried rice recipe is a fantastic base for endless customization. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:

• Protein Power-Ups:
  • Chicken Fried Rice: Sauté diced chicken breast or thigh until cooked through before adding the rice.
  • Shrimp Fried Rice: Add cooked shrimp during the last few minutes of stir-frying to heat through.
  • Tofu Fried Rice: Press extra-firm tofu, cube it, and pan-fry until golden and crispy before adding to the rice.
  • Bacon Fried Rice: Cook crispy bacon bits and add them in with the ham. The bacon fat can also be used for frying the rice.
• Vegetable Boost: Enhance the nutritional value and color by adding finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, corn kernels, broccoli florets, or shredded cabbage. Add firmer vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers earlier in the stir-fry process to ensure they cook through, or pre-blanch them.
• Sauce Sensations:
  • Oyster Sauce: A tablespoon of oyster sauce adds a wonderful savory-sweet depth.
  • Dark Soy Sauce: For a darker color and a slightly richer, sweeter flavor profile, substitute a portion of the light soy sauce with dark soy sauce.
  • Spice It Up: Add a dash of sriracha, a pinch of red chili flakes, or a drizzle of chili oil for a spicy kick.
• Herb and Aromatic Additions: Fresh ginger (minced) can be stir-fried with the garlic for an extra layer of aroma. Fresh cilantro or basil can be added at the end for a final burst of freshness.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

While this fried rice is a hearty and complete meal on its own, it can also be part of a larger, delicious spread:

• Standalone Star: Serve it simply in a bowl, perhaps with a fried egg on top for extra richness, and a drizzle of sriracha or a side of kimchi for a kick.
• Pair with Proteins: Complement your fried rice with grilled chicken skewers, crispy pan-fried fish, or a simple steak for a more substantial meal.
• Asian Feast: Make it part of an elaborate Asian-inspired dinner. It pairs wonderfully with spring rolls, potstickers, or a light Asian salad.
• Garnishes Galore: Beyond spring onions, consider toasted sesame seeds, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a few drops of hot chili oil, or even some crispy fried shallots for added texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fried Rice

Q: Can I use freshly cooked rice for fried rice?

A: While possible, it’s generally not recommended. Freshly cooked rice is too moist and will likely result in a sticky, mushy fried rice. For best results, use day-old rice that has been thoroughly chilled in the refrigerator. If you must use fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool and dry for at least an hour (or longer in the fridge) before stir-frying.

Q: How do I store leftover fried rice, and how long does it last?

A: Cooked fried rice should be cooled quickly (within an hour) and then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat fried rice?

A: Fried rice can be reheated in a microwave or a pan. In the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water, cover, and heat until piping hot. In a pan or wok, heat a little oil over medium-high heat, add the rice, breaking up any clumps, and stir-fry until heated through and slightly crispy.

Q: Can I make this fried rice vegetarian or vegan?

A: Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the ham and use a plant-based protein like pan-fried tofu or mushrooms. Ensure your soy sauce is vegetarian-friendly (most are) and if you’re using fish sauce, substitute it with an equal amount of extra soy sauce or a vegetarian “fish sauce” alternative. For a vegan version, also omit the egg.

Q: Why is my fried rice sticky or mushy?

A: The most common reasons for sticky or mushy fried rice are using freshly cooked (warm and moist) rice, overcrowding the pan (which lowers the temperature and causes steaming), or not cooking it over high enough heat. Ensure your rice is cold and dry, your pan is hot, and you’re working in batches if needed.

Did you make this incredibly delicious recipe? We’d love to see your culinary creations! Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I genuinely enjoy seeing what you come up with and regularly share the most beautiful photos from my followers. If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a rating on the recipe card below! Your valuable feedback helps both other home cooks and me immensely.

Need more culinary inspiration for quick and easy meals?

• Explore a variety of video recipes on my YouTube channel for visual guides.
• And don’t forget to save your favorite recipes on Pinterest! This way, you can easily find them again the next time you’re looking for a fantastic meal.

Easy Fried Rice with Ham, Eggs, and Veggies

Andréa

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