### Ham Fried Rice: A Quick and Cozy Meal
Ham fried rice is a wonderful and efficient method to turn leftover ham and stale rice into a tasty dish that everyone in the family will love. This meal is not just fast to make, taking around 25 minutes from beginning to end, but it also features tender vegetables, fluffy eggs, and a hint of soy and sesame oil for a comforting takeout-style taste.
#### Flavor Profile
The mix of subtly smoky ham with garlicky rice, sweet peas, and carrots forms a delightful combination of flavors. The inclusion of sesame and soy sauce elevates the dish, giving it a vibe similar to your preferred takeout options.
#### Recommended Tools
For optimal results, a large skillet or wok is perfect for frying the rice. A robust spatula is also advised for flipping and pressing the rice to achieve those desirable crispy pieces throughout the dish.
#### Ingredient Tips
– **Ham**: Leftover ham, especially from a baked or glazed version, provides the finest flavor. If you lack leftovers, ham steak can serve as a substitute.
– **Rice**: Day-old white rice is ideal for its texture. Jasmine or long-grain rice performs well, while brown rice can be used but may yield a chewier texture.
– **Vegetables**: Frozen peas and carrots are practical, but feel free to swap with corn, chopped bell peppers, diced broccoli, or edamame based on what you have on hand.
– **Variations**: For an extra zing, think about incorporating ginger with the garlic or mixing in sriracha or chili crisp at the end.
#### How to Make Ham Fried Rice
1. **Scramble the Eggs**: Heat ½ tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add beaten eggs and scramble until just set and shiny. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
2. **Sauté the Ham**: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of oil and raise the heat to medium-high. When hot, add diced ham and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden.
3. **Add Aromatics and Veggies**: Reduce the heat to medium and mix in garlic and the white parts of green onions. Cook for 1 minute, then add frozen vegetables and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until just tender.
4. **Fry the Rice**: Raise the heat to medium-high, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and cold rice. Stir to mix, then let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes until browned on one side. Stir occasionally until the rice is lightly browned and crispy, about 7 minutes.
5. **Combine Ingredients**: Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet along with soy sauce, sesame oil, and half of the green onion tops. Stir to integrate and heat through.
6. **Garnish and Serve**: Top with the remaining green onions and serve hot.
#### Storage, Reheating, and Freezing
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding 1-2 teaspoons of water and a drizzle of oil to avoid sticking.
### Conclusion
Ham fried rice is not only a smart way to utilize leftovers but also a flexible dish that can be tailored to match your family’s preferences. Whether enjoyed as a quick dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your home.