Ham fried rice is a delicious and easy recipe that can be whipped up in no time. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice and ham, and it’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your taste. In this article, we will take a closer look at how to cook ham fried rice and provide step-by-step instructions for preparing this mouthwatering dish. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Gathering the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, it’s important to have all the necessary ingredients on hand. This will ensure a smooth and hassle-free cooking experience. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Leftover cooked rice: It’s best to use rice that has been refrigerated overnight as it will be less sticky and easier to work with.
2. Ham: You can use leftover diced ham or chop up a fresh ham steak.
3. Vegetables: You can add an array of vegetables such as peas, carrots, onions, and bell peppers. Feel free to use any combination that appeals to you.
4. Eggs: They will add a delicious richness and texture to the fried rice.
5. Soy sauce: This savory condiment will add depth of flavor to your dish.
6. Sesame oil: A small amount of sesame oil will add a nutty aroma to the fried rice.
7. Cooking oil: You can use any cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil.
8. Salt and pepper: These seasonings will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Preparing the Ingredients
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to prepare them for cooking. Follow these steps to get everything ready:
Cooking the rice
If you don’t have leftover rice, start by cooking a fresh batch. Follow the instructions on the rice packaging and allow it to cool completely before using. This will give you fluffy grains of rice that won’t clump together.
Preparing the ham
If you’re using a fresh ham steak, dice it into small pieces. If you have leftover ham, make sure it’s cut into similar-sized cubes. This will ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors.
Chopping the vegetables
Dice the onions, carrots, bell peppers, and any other vegetables you’ve chosen. The size of the dice is up to you, but smaller pieces tend to cook faster and blend better into the overall dish.
Beating the eggs
Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat them lightly. This will make it easier to incorporate them into the fried rice.
Cooking the Ham Fried Rice
Now that all the ingredients are prepped, it’s time to start cooking the ham fried rice. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve a delicious and flavorful result:
1. Heat the oil
Start by heating a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of cooking oil and swirl it around to coat the bottom and sides of the pan.
2. Cook the vegetables
Add the diced onions, carrots, and bell peppers to the hot skillet. Stir-fry them for a few minutes until they become slightly tender but still retain their crunch.
3. Add the ham
Next, add the diced ham to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir-fry everything together for a couple more minutes until the ham is heated through and starts to brown slightly.
4. Push everything to one side
Push the vegetables and ham to one side of the skillet, creating a space on the other side for the eggs.
5. Scramble the eggs
Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space in the skillet. Use a spatula to scramble them gently until they are almost fully cooked but still slightly runny.
6. Combine everything
Mix the scrambled eggs with the vegetables and ham in the skillet. Stir everything together, breaking up any large clumps of rice that may have formed.
7. Add the rice
Add the cooked rice to the skillet and use a spatula to mix it well with the other ingredients. Stir-fry everything together for a few minutes until the rice is heated through.
8. Season with soy sauce and sesame oil
Drizzle a few tablespoons of soy sauce over the rice and toss it to coat evenly. Add a small amount of sesame oil for that extra aromatic touch. Continue to stir-fry for another minute or so to allow the flavors to meld together.
9. Season to taste
Taste the ham fried rice and add salt and pepper as needed. Remember that soy sauce is already quite salty, so be cautious when adding additional salt.
10. Serve and enjoy
Transfer the ham fried rice to serving plates or bowls and garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired. Serve it hot and savor the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Experimenting with Variations
While the basic recipe for ham fried rice is delicious on its own, you can also experiment with different variations to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Pineapple Fried Rice: Add small chunks of sweet pineapple for a tangy twist.
2. Spicy Fried Rice: Add chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a fiery kick.
3. Shrimp Fried Rice: Substitute diced shrimp for the ham for a seafood twist.
4. Vegetarian Fried Rice: Skip the ham and add more colorful vegetables for a meatless option.
Conclusion
Cooking ham fried rice is a simple and tasty way to transform leftover rice and ham into a satisfying meal. By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this article, you’ll be able to create a delicious and customizable dish that will impress your family and friends. So, put your culinary skills to the test and enjoy the delightful flavors of homemade ham fried rice!