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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

Last updated: April 9, 2026

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Holiday Turkey and Ham Fried Rice

A festive, leftover‑friendly fried rice that transforms holiday turkey and ham into a savory, sweet‑savory one‑pan meal. Using day‑old rice for perfect texture and a drizzle of maple butter gravy, this quick and easy dish lets you enjoy every bite of your Christmas feast in a brand‑new way.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
8m
Prep
12m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
30m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$10.35
Total cost
$2.59
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • 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

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – use a splatter guard if needed
  • Ensure reheated turkey reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety
  • Handle the hot pan with oven mitts to avoid burns

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of turkey and ham fried rice in American holiday cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of fried rice using leftover turkey and ham in the United States?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is holiday turkey and ham fried rice traditionally served in American families during the post‑Christmas season?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is turkey and ham fried rice associated with in American holiday traditions?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How does turkey and ham fried rice fit into the broader American fusion cuisine tradition?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for holiday turkey and ham fried rice versus acceptable substitutes?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making turkey and ham fried rice?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use day‑old rice instead of freshly cooked rice?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make turkey and ham fried rice ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Unknown specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Unknown?

A

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.

channel

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