Turn your day-old rice into a complete one-pot meal! This Hawaiian Fried Rice loaded with ham, bacon, pineapple, eggs, and veggies is ready in minutes yet so hearty and tasty. It’s a guaranteed family favorite!
I love cooking, but I’m all for it if I can be out of the kitchen half the time. One of my favorite meal prep hacks is freezing steamed rice. I usually cook double the amount I can consume in one meal and save the remaining half for stir-fries.
This trick has saved me plenty of time and stress, especially when G and I are hungry for a quick, hot dinner. I have many delicious ways to revamp my pack of day-old rice into tasty fried rice, such as nasi goreng and yang chow fried rice, but this Hawaiian version is our current favorite.
Ingredient notes
Hawaiian fried rice is quick and easy to make and customizable, too. As with most fried rice recipes, it’s a great way to use the protein and veggies we have.
- Rice– for best results, use cold, day-old cooked rice. Follow the steps below to use freshly cooked rice successfully.
- Meat– diced ham and bacon add protein and lots of smoky flavor. If you have BBQ pork, shrimp, or chicken, you can also throw them in.
- Eggs- Cook the eggs by making a well in the center of the fried rice or separately in another pan and adding them to the fried rice at the last minute. Cook them until just set but still slightly wet, as they will continue to cook when added to the fried rice.
- Vegetables– green peas, red bell pepper, onions, and green onions boost color, texture, and nutrition, while juicy pineapples are essential for tropical flavors. Carrots, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and corn are also good additions.
- Seasonings- soy sauce adds umami flavor, while sesame oil brings a nutty aroma. Use liquid seasonings sparingly to prevent the rice from getting mushy from excess moisture. Use salt to adjust the taste as needed. Season with pepper for a touch of heat.
Hawaiian fried rice cooking steps
- Heat oil in the wok and cook beaten eggs in the wok until set but slightly wet. Remove from heat and set aside
- Add bacon and cook until browned and crisp. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
- Cook onions and bell peppers in bacon drippings until softened. Add green peas and ham. and cook until heated through.
- Add rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Cook until lightly toasted and fully heated through.
- Add scrambled eggs, bacon, and pineapples. Cook until heated through and well distributed.
- Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with green onions.
How to use freshly cooked rice
Spread the freshly cooked rice in a single layer on a baking sheet. Refrigerate for about 30 to 40 minutes to cool completely and dry. Break any clumps with your hands and use the cooled rice in the recipe as directed.
How to serve and store
- Hawaiian fried rice is hearty and full of meat and veggies, making it a complete, filling, standalone meal. It also makes a tasty side dish for teriyaki salmon, chicken inasal, or your favorite mains.
- Transfer leftovers to a container with a lid and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the microwave at 2 to 3-minute intervals until completely warmed, stirring well between intervals.