Fried Rice with Hawaiian Flavors
One thing we always love for dinner at our house is fried rice. I mean who doesn’t love it? It’s easy, flavorful, filling and it’s also a versatile dish. You can swap out the protein, add different vegetables and even include different flavors in the rice. This Hawaiian inspired version is made with rich coconut rice (my favorite!) and that classic sweet pineapple and salty ham combo. In other words think Hawaiian pizza meets fried rice and this is what you get! So many delicious, fresh flavors in one bowl of fried rice. You can’t go wrong with this meal in one!
Ingredients Needed for Hawaiian Fried Rice
Jasmine rice – this type of rice adds the perfect lightly sweet flavor to this dish. It has a great texture too. Coconut milk – canned full fat coconut milk is recommended, not light and don’t use coconut milk beverage. I like Thai Kitchen for this rice. Coconut water or water – using coconut water adds a little extra flavor but water will work too. Salt – you won’t need a lot since soy sauce will also be added. Olive oil – used for sauteing. Vegetable oil will work too. Sesame oil – a little of this goes a long way. I don’t like to add a lot so it doesn’t overpower the coconut rice. Eggs – what would fried rice be without them? Bell pepper – I like to use a red bell for a nice color balance in the dish but any color will work. Green onions and fresh cilantro – these add delicious fresh flavor without being overwhelming. Fresh garlic and ginger – don’t try substituting powders or this fried rice won’t turn out the same. Ham – use something like leftover ham roast, spiral sliced ham or ham steak. Fresh pineapple – wondering how to cut a pineapple? HERE is a good tutorial. Soy sauce – add more to taste, but preferably not too much. Again, so it doesn’t overpower other flavors.
How to Make Hawaiian Fried Rice
Cook coconut rice. Let stand off heat 10 minutes. Saute veggies and aromatics. Warm ham and pineapple through.
Scramble and cook eggs in pan. Add rice and herbs, and season with soy sauce. Serve with sriracha hot sauce if desired.
Tips for Success:
Be sure to rinse the rice before cooking so it’s not overly starchy which can leave it mushy or overly sticky in the end. Drain well too. Use good quality ham and fresh pineapple since they are highlights of the dish. Use a big big pan. As in a deep skillet, wok or saute pan. Otherwise you won’t be able to fit this many ingredients.
More Fried Rice Recipe Favorites:
Chicken Fried Rice Shrimp Quinoa “Fried Rice” Cauliflower “Fried Rice” Vegetable Fried Rice
