Ham and Pineapple Fried Rice {30-minute Dinner}

Ham and Pineapple Fried Rice {30-minute Dinner} is a easy Hawaiian recipe that serves 4. 380 calories per serving. Recipe by Kitchen Sanctuary on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 40 min

Cost: $9.70 total, $2.42 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon Neutral Oil (e.g., vegetable or canola oil, for stir‑frying)
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil (Toasted sesame oil for flavor)
  • 1 medium Onion (Peeled and diced)
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper (Diced)
  • 10 pieces Button Mushrooms (Sliced in half)
  • 115 g Frozen Peas (Thawed)
  • 150 g Cooked Ham (Diced or shredded; pre‑cooked)
  • 400 g Pineapple Chunks (Canned, drained well)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 600 g Cooked White Long Grain Rice (Day‑old, cooled; about 4 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons Dark Soy Sauce (Adds depth of color and flavor)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Garlic Salt (Or garlic powder if preferred)
  • 2 large Eggs (Beaten)
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (Juice of half a lemon, freshly squeezed)
  • 2 tablespoons Spring Onions (Chopped, for garnish)
  • to taste Sriracha Sauce (Drizzled on top for heat)

Instructions

  1. Heat Oils

    Add 1 tablespoon neutral oil and 1 tablespoon sesame oil to the wok and heat over medium‑high until shimmering.

    Time: PT1M

  2. Cook Onion

    Add the diced onion, stir, and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Add Veggies & Ham

    Stir in the diced red bell pepper, sliced button mushrooms, thawed peas, diced ham, drained pineapple chunks, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 3 minutes, mixing constantly.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Incorporate Rice

    Add the 600 g (≈4 cups) day‑old cooked rice. Break up any clumps and stir to combine with the vegetables.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Season the Rice

    Pour in 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce and ½ teaspoon garlic salt (or powder). Stir and continue cooking for 5–6 minutes until the rice is heated through and evenly coated.

    Time: PT6M

  6. Add Eggs

    Push the rice to one side of the wok, crack the two eggs into the cleared space, and scramble quickly. Once just set, fold the eggs into the rice.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Finish with Lemon

    Stir in the juice of half a lemon (≈1 tablespoon) and give the mixture a final quick toss.

    Time: PT1M

  8. Plate and Garnish

    Divide the fried rice among bowls, sprinkle with chopped spring onions, drizzle with sriracha, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
380
Protein
12 g
Carbohydrates
55 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Contains soy, Contains sesame, Contains eggs, Dairy‑free, Nut‑free

Allergens: Eggs, Soy, Sesame

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Ham and Pineapple Fried Rice {30-minute Dinner}

Recipe by Kitchen Sanctuary

A quick and tasty Hawaiian‑style fried rice packed with sweet pineapple, salty ham, crisp veggies, and a hint of lemon. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

EasyHawaiianServes 4

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

Source Video
5m
Prep
15m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
30m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$9.70
Total cost
$2.42
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Heat oils to the proper temperature before adding ingredients.
  • Ensure the rice is thoroughly heated and evenly seasoned.
  • Scramble the eggs quickly to avoid over‑cooking.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Handle the knife carefully when chopping vegetables.
  • Cook the eggs until fully set to avoid raw‑egg consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Pineapple Ham Fried Rice in Hawaiian cuisine?

A

Pineapple Ham Fried Rice reflects the Hawaiian love for sweet‑savory pairings, combining the tropical fruit pineapple with salty ham—a legacy of the islands' multicultural influences from Asian, American, and Polynesian cooking traditions.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of pineapple fried rice in Hawaiian cuisine?

A

In Hawaii, some versions add shrimp or chicken, use jasmine rice instead of long‑grain, and incorporate a splash of fish sauce or coconut milk for extra richness. The core sweet‑salty combo of pineapple and ham remains constant.

cultural
Q

How is Pineapple Ham Fried Rice traditionally served in Hawaiian households?

A

It is typically served hot in individual bowls, garnished with sliced spring onions, a drizzle of sriracha or hot sauce, and lemon or lime wedges on the side for a bright finish. It often accompanies a simple green salad or grilled meats.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Pineapple Ham Fried Rice associated with in Hawaiian culture?

A

The dish is popular at casual family gatherings, luau picnics, and potluck parties because it’s quick, crowd‑pleasing, and showcases the island’s signature sweet‑savory flavor profile.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for Pineapple Ham Fried Rice versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include day‑old long‑grain white rice, canned pineapple chunks, cooked ham, and dark soy sauce. Acceptable substitutes are jasmine rice, fresh pineapple, turkey ham, or regular soy sauce if dark soy isn’t available.

cultural
Q

What other Hawaiian dishes pair well with Pineapple Ham Fried Rice?

A

It pairs nicely with grilled teriyaki chicken, kalua pork, or a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar. A side of pickled ginger also balances the sweet and salty flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Pineapple Ham Fried Rice?

A

Common mistakes include using freshly cooked rice (it becomes mushy), not draining the pineapple well, overcooking the eggs, and overcrowding the wok which prevents proper stir‑frying.

technical
Q

Why does this Pineapple Ham Fried Rice recipe use both neutral oil and sesame oil instead of just one oil?

A

Neutral oil provides a high smoke point for fast stir‑frying, while a small amount of sesame oil adds a distinctive nutty aroma that complements the sweet pineapple and salty ham.

technical
Q

Can I make Pineapple Ham Fried Rice ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the rice and chop the vegetables a day ahead. Store the rice in the refrigerator in an airtight container and re‑heat in a hot wok with a splash of oil before adding the fresh ingredients.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Pineapple Ham Fried Rice?

A

The rice should be separate, slightly glossy from the soy sauce, and each grain should be heated through. The vegetables stay crisp‑tender, the pineapple retains a juicy bite, and the scrambled eggs are soft and evenly distributed.

technical
Q

How do I know when Pineapple Ham Fried Rice is done cooking?

A

When the rice is steaming hot throughout, the vegetables are tender yet still bright, and the eggs are fully set but still moist, the dish is ready. A quick taste for seasoning confirms it.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Kitchen Sanctuary specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Kitchen Sanctuary focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes that blend comfort food with global flavors, offering clear step‑by‑step tutorials for home cooks of all skill levels.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Kitchen Sanctuary's approach to Hawaiian‑style cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Kitchen Sanctuary emphasizes quick, pantry‑friendly adaptations of traditional Hawaiian dishes, using everyday ingredients and minimal equipment, whereas many other channels may rely on specialty items or longer preparation times.

channel

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