Hawaiian Fried Rice: A Tropical Twist on a Classic

Introduction

Transport your taste buds to the islands with this vibrant Hawaiian Fried Rice – a sweet-savory paradise in a bowl that’s bursting with colorful ingredients and Aloha spirit. Imagine fluffy rice stir-fried with juicy pineapple, savory Spam, and crisp vegetables, all kissed with a teriyaki-inspired sauce. This crowd-pleasing dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or your next luau-themed party!

Why This Fried Rice Beats Takeout

Balanced flavors – sweet, salty, and umami in every bite
Versatile protein options – use ham, chicken, or shrimp
Meal-prep friendly – tastes even better next day
One-pan wonder – minimal cleanup required

The magic happens when the caramelized pineapple juices mingle with the savory ingredients, creating that signature Hawaiian flavor profile you crave.

Ingredients for Island Flavor

Main Components

• 3 cups cooked white rice (day-old preferred)
• 1 cup diced Spam or ham
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 3 eggs (beaten)
• ½ cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
• ¼ cup chopped green onions

Sauce Mixture

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder

Chef’s Tip: Reserve pineapple juice for extra flavor

Step-by-Step Cooking Method

1. Prep Work (5 minutes)

1. Whisk together sauce ingredients in small bowl
2. Dice all proteins and vegetables uniformly
3. Pat pineapple chunks dry to prevent sogginess

2. Cook the Components

1. Heat wok/large skillet over high heat
2. Scramble eggs, remove and set aside
3. Sear Spam until crispy edges form (2-3 minutes)
4. Sauté peppers 1 minute until crisp-tender

3. Bring It All Together

1. Add rice, breaking up clumps
2. Pour sauce evenly over rice
3. Toss constantly for 2 minutes
4. Return eggs to pan
5. Add pineapple and green onions
6. Stir-fry 1 more minute

4. Finish with Style

1. Drizzle with extra sesame oil
2. Garnish with additional green onions
3. Serve with pineapple wedges

Chef’s Secrets for Authentic Flavor

Char pineapple for caramelized sweetness
High heat is key – gives that wok hei (breath of the wok)
Use cold rice – fresh rice turns mushy
Add chili flakes for Hawaiian-style heat

Serving Suggestions

Island-Inspired Presentation:

• Serve in hollowed pineapple bowls
• Top with toasted coconut flakes
• Add macadamia nuts for crunch

Perfect Pairings:

• Hawaiian mac salad
• Grilled teriyaki chicken
• Mai Tai cocktails

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the pan (steams instead of fries)
Using fresh hot rice (becomes gummy)
Over-saucing (makes rice soggy)
Burning garlic (becomes bitter)

Creative Variations

For Different Tastes:

• Vegetarian: Substitute tofu for Spam
• Surf & Turf: Add shrimp with the ham
• Breakfast version: Top with fried egg

FAQs

Q: Can I use brown rice?
A: Yes, but texture will be chewier – reduce cooking time.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate 3-4 days – reheat in skillet.

Q: What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
A: Substitute hoisin or extra soy sauce.

Q: Can I use canned pineapple?
A: Fresh is best, but drained canned works.

Conclusion

This Hawaiian Fried Rice brings vacation vibes to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you’re craving tropical tastes or need a quick, satisfying meal, this dish delivers sunshine in every bite.

Hawaiian Fried Rice: A Tropical Twist on a Classic

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• Author: Lara Smith
• Total Time: 30 mins

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Description

Transport your taste buds to the tropics with this vibrant and delicious Hawaiian Fried Rice. Packed with ham, pineapple, and colorful veggies, this dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 small onion, diced

1 cup diced ham

1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed

3 green onions, sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons oyster sauce

2 teaspoons sesame oil

Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Heat the oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

 

Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

 

Add the ham: Stir in the diced ham and cook for another 3-4 minutes until it begins to brown.

 

Mix in the veggies: Add the red bell pepper, pineapple chunks, and thawed peas and carrots to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the pineapple is heated through.

 

Stir in the rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir to combine all the ingredients.

 

Season: Pour the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil over the rice mixture. Stir well to evenly coat the rice and vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

 

Finish with green onions: Stir in the sliced green onions and cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.

 

Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot.

 

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Notes

Hawaiian Fried Rice is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Quick to prepare and full of tropical goodness, it’s sure to become a family favorite.