Holiday Turkey and Ham Fried Rice
Holiday Turkey and Ham Fried Rice is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 560 calories per serving.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $10.35 total, $2.59 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil (Neutral oil for frying)
- 2 large Eggs (Beaten)
- 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
- 1/2 tsp Salt (Kosher or table salt)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (Diced)
- 1 tsp Garlic Paste (Or 2 cloves minced fresh garlic)
- 1/2 cup Frozen Peas (Thawed)
- 1/2 cup Carrots (Diced small)
- 1 cup Leftover Turkey (Cubed or shredded, meat removed from bone)
- 1 cup Leftover Ham (Diced; optional if you prefer turkey only)
- 3 cups Cooked Rice (One‑day‑old, chilled; jasmine or long grain preferred)
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Regular or reduced‑sodium)
- 1/4 tsp Chinese Five Spice Powder (Pinch)
- 1/4 cup Maple Butter Gravy (Homemade from turkey/ham drippings or store‑bought)
- 2 stalks Green Onions (Scallions) (Sliced for garnish)
Instructions
Scramble Eggs
Heat 1 tbsp oil in the pan over medium‑high heat until shimmering. Pour the beaten eggs, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and scramble quickly until just set. Transfer the eggs to a bowl and set aside.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium-high heat
Sauté Onions
Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil to the pan, then add the diced onion. Stir‑fry until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Garlic and Vegetables
Stir in the garlic paste (or minced fresh garlic), thawed peas, and diced carrots. Cook for 2 minutes until the peas turn bright green and the carrots soften slightly.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Turkey and Ham
Add the cubed leftover turkey and diced ham to the pan. Stir‑fry for 2 minutes to heat through and let the flavors meld.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Cold Rice
Add the chilled rice, breaking up any clumps with the spatula. Stir‑fry for 3 minutes, ensuring each grain is coated with oil and heated evenly.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium-high heat
Season the Fried Rice
Drizzle the soy sauce over the rice, sprinkle the Chinese five‑spice powder, and add a pinch of salt and black pepper. Toss everything together for 2 minutes until evenly colored.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium heat
Re‑incorporate Eggs
Lower the heat slightly, return the scrambled eggs to the pan, breaking them up so they distribute throughout the rice. Cook for another 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Low-medium heat
Finish and Garnish
Turn off the heat. Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top and drizzle the maple butter gravy around the pan. Give a quick toss and serve immediately.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Plate the fried rice, optionally add extra gravy on the side, and enjoy!
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 560
- Protein
- 25g
- Carbohydrates
- 60g
- Fat
- 20g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains soy
Allergens: Eggs, Soy, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Grapeseed oil
- Instead of Eggs: Egg replacer
- Instead of Ground Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Yellow Onion: White onion, Shallots
- Instead of Garlic Paste: Fresh minced garlic
- Instead of Frozen Peas: Fresh peas
- Instead of Carrots: Frozen mixed vegetables
- Instead of Leftover Turkey: Cooked chicken, Turkey breast
- Instead of Leftover Ham: Cooked pork, Bacon bits
- Instead of Cooked Rice: Day‑old brown rice, Fresh rice cooled quickly
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari
- Instead of Chinese Five Spice Powder: Ground ginger and cinnamon blend
- Instead of Maple Butter Gravy: Chicken gravy, Mushroom gravy
- Instead of Green Onions (Scallions): Chives
Equipment Needed
- Heavy Bottom Wok or Stainless Steel Skillet
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Ladle or Large Spoon (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Scramble the eggs quickly so they stay soft
- Use day‑old or properly cooled rice to prevent soggy fried rice
- Season with soy sauce and Chinese five‑spice for authentic flavor
- Finish with maple butter gravy for a holiday twist
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a wok or heavy‑bottom skillet to achieve a true “wok‑hei” (breath of the wok)
- Prep all ingredients before heating the pan; fried rice cooks fast
- Finish with a drizzle of maple gravy for an unexpected sweet‑savory contrast
Troubleshooting
Rice turns out soggy or clumped
Use day‑old rice or rinse freshly cooked rice, then chill thoroughly before frying. Fry on high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Dish tastes bland
Adjust seasoning by adding a little more soy sauce, a pinch more five‑spice, or a splash of the maple gravy. Taste after each addition.
Turkey becomes dry
Add a small splash of chicken broth or extra gravy while stir‑frying to re‑hydrate the meat.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe bag for up to 1 month; reheat in a skillet
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature longer than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook and chill the rice a day ahead or rinse fresh rice and cool for 15‑30 minutes
- Prepare the maple butter gravy from drippings in advance and store refrigerated
- Cube the turkey and dice the ham ahead of time and keep covered in the fridge
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of turkey and ham fried rice in American holiday cuisine?
In many American households, leftover turkey and ham from Thanksgiving and Christmas are repurposed into creative dishes. Fried rice offers a quick, flavorful way to stretch the meat, blending traditional holiday flavors with Asian-inspired techniques that have become popular in modern American fusion cooking.
What are the traditional regional variations of fried rice using leftover turkey and ham in the United States?
While there is no single regional standard, some families add cranberry sauce or stuffing crumbs, especially in the Northeast. Others incorporate Cajun spices in the South or use a sweeter maple glaze, reflecting local taste preferences and the abundance of maple products in the North.
How is holiday turkey and ham fried rice traditionally served in American families during the post‑Christmas season?
It is typically served as a quick dinner or brunch option, often plated in a large family‑style bowl and topped with fresh green onions. Some households pair it with a simple side salad or leftover cranberry sauce to balance the savory flavors.
What occasions or celebrations is turkey and ham fried rice associated with in American holiday traditions?
The dish is most common during the days following Thanksgiving and Christmas when families look to use up meat leftovers. It also appears at casual holiday gatherings, potlucks, and New Year’s brunches as a comfort food that reduces waste.
How does turkey and ham fried rice fit into the broader American fusion cuisine tradition?
It exemplifies the American love for blending cuisines—combining classic holiday proteins with the Asian technique of stir‑frying. This fusion reflects the multicultural palate of the United States, where leftovers meet global flavors in a single skillet.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for holiday turkey and ham fried rice versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include day‑old rice, leftover roasted turkey, diced ham, soy sauce, and a touch of Chinese five‑spice. Substitutes can be cooked chicken or pork, tamari for soy sauce, and any neutral oil; the maple butter gravy is optional and can be replaced with regular chicken gravy.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making turkey and ham fried rice?
Common errors include using freshly cooked rice (which makes the dish mushy), overcrowding the pan (preventing proper browning), and overcooking the eggs so they become rubbery. Also, under‑seasoning can leave the dish bland, so taste and adjust sauces before finishing.
Why does this recipe use day‑old rice instead of freshly cooked rice?
Day‑old rice has had time to lose excess moisture, giving each grain a firmer texture that fries without becoming soggy. Fresh rice retains surface starch, which can cause clumping and a mushy fried rice.
Can I make turkey and ham fried rice ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Prepare the rice, chop the meat and vegetables, and keep them refrigerated in airtight containers. Reheat the fried rice in a hot skillet, adding a splash of oil or broth if needed, and finish with fresh green onions and gravy.
What does the YouTube channel Unknown specialize in?
The YouTube channel Unknown focuses on practical home‑cooking tutorials that transform leftovers and everyday ingredients into tasty meals. The channel emphasizes quick, budget‑friendly recipes with clear step‑by‑step guidance.
What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Unknown?
Channel Unknown promotes a no‑waste, resourceful cooking philosophy, encouraging viewers to repurpose holiday leftovers into flavorful dishes. The style is straightforward, using common kitchen tools and offering flexible ingredient swaps to suit any pantry.
Last updated: August 22, 2026
