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Sweet Hawaiian Fried Rice

Featured in Family-Friendly Dinner Ideas Everyone Will Love.

Indulge in a bowl of fried rice with a Hawaiian twist. Tender ham, juicy pineapple, and crisp vegetables blend perfectly with fluffy rice. The sweet and sour sauce takes the flavor to the next level.

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Seram Rezepte
Updated on Sat, 12 Apr 2025 22:15:52 GMT
A vibrant bowl of fried rice garnished with chunks of ham, corn, and green peas in close detail. Pin it
A vibrant bowl of fried rice garnished with chunks of ham, corn, and green peas in close detail. | recipesbytina.com

Our Beloved Island-Style Fried Rice Dish

Whenever I whip this up, it transports me straight back to our Maui getaway 🍍. Nothing beats the kitchen aroma when those sweet pineapple chunks mix with savory ham bits and fluffy rice. I stumbled upon this dish years back and now it's our go-to Friday meal. The juicy tropical fruit paired with salty meat creates an incredible taste combo, while the crisp veggies add that perfect texture change. The kids always hunt for those hidden pineapple treasures buried in the rice. It's funny how this simple meal transforms our ordinary dining table into what feels like an oceanside eatery in Hawaii.

Speedy Island-Inspired Mealtime Wonder

This island-style fried rice transforms everyday stuff into something truly exceptional. Mixing sweet pineapple with hearty ham and bright veggies brings smiles all around the table. I throw this together on crazy-busy nights since it's so quick but tastes like I spent forever cooking. Everyone who tries it wants to know my secret and can't believe how easy it actually is to make.

A vibrant dish showing rice combined with chopped vegetables and green peas. Pin it
A vibrant dish showing rice combined with chopped vegetables and green peas. | recipesbytina.com

Your Shopping List

  • Cooked rice: 2 cups day-old rice works best for that nice crispiness
  • Ham: 1/2 lb diced into tiny squares
  • Pineapple chunks: 1 cup go with fresh if you can but canned is totally fine
  • Peas: 1/2 cup just grab the frozen kind
  • Carrots: 1/2 cup chopped into tiny bits
  • Green onions: 1/4 cup adds that gentle kick
  • Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons just enough to get that rich color
  • Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon the secret flavor booster
  • Eggs: 2 whisked up and ready
  • Salt and pepper: add to your taste
  • Sweet and sour sauce: combine 1/2 cup pineapple juice 1/4 cup ketchup 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon brown sugar plus cornstarch mixed with water

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is day-old rice better?

Chilled, day-old rice loses moisture, making it ideal for frying without getting soggy. Fresh rice tends to clump or turn sticky when cooked this way.

→ Can I replace canned pineapple with fresh?

Fresh pineapple works perfectly! Just save some juice for the sauce. If you’re using only fresh, consider buying additional pineapple juice for balance.

→ What’s a good ham alternative?

You can swap ham for spam, shrimp, chicken, or even bacon. For a meat-free option, skip it altogether—still tastes great!

→ How should I keep leftovers fresh?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat over medium heat in a pan with a splash of oil or microwave until warm.

→ Can I prep the sauce in advance?

Yes! It keeps well in the fridge for about a week. Warm it gently before serving; add a little water if it’s too thick.

Hawaiian Fried Rice

Ham, pineapple, and veggies give this fried rice a refreshing tropical twist. Finished with a sweet and sour drizzle that ties it all together.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes

Category: Dinner

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (6 cups)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 cup of pineapple pieces.
02 1/2 pound chopped ham.
03 2 cups of cooked rice (best if it's been refrigerated overnight).
04 1/2 cup of diced carrots.
05 1/2 cup of green peas.
06 2 tablespoons of soy sauce.
07 2 eggs, beaten lightly.
08 Salt and black pepper, as needed.
09 1/4 cup chopped green onions.
10 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
11 1/2 cup pineapple juice.
12 1 tablespoon brown sugar.
13 1/4 cup of ketchup.
14 1 tablespoon rice vinegar.
15 2 tablespoons of soy sauce.
16 1 teaspoon cornstarch stirred into 2 teaspoons of water.

Instructions

Step 01

Pour sesame oil into a big pan and heat it over medium-high.

Step 02

Toss in ham, carrots, and peas. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes until the veggies soften.

Step 03

Push everything to the side of the pan and crack the eggs on the empty spot. Scramble the eggs until done, then mix with the veggies and ham.

Step 04

Mix in the rice, pineapple pieces, and green onions.

Step 05

Drizzle soy sauce over the mix and stir-fry it for about 5-7 minutes until warmed up.

Step 06

Sprinkle in some pepper and salt, adjust as needed.

Step 07

In a small pot, combine pineapple juice, ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar.

Step 08

Put the pot over medium heat and bring it to a simmer.

Step 09

Pour in the cornstarch mix and stir until the sauce thickens. Should take about 2 minutes.

Step 10

Pour the sauce on top of the rice or keep it on the side for dipping.

Notes

  1. Using rice that's been chilled beforehand keeps it from turning sticky. The grains stay separate while stir-frying.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big frying pan or wok.
  • Small cooking pot.
  • Measuring tools for dry and liquid items.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs.
  • Soy-based ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 55 g
  • Protein: 22 g