Tropical Ham and Pineapple Fried Rice
Indulge in this delightful Tropical Ham and Pineapple Fried Rice, a vibrant fusion of flavors that brings together the savory goodness of ham, the sweetness of fresh pineapple, and perfectly cooked rice. This dish embodies the comfort of American-style Chinese cuisine, making it a favorite for family dinners or casual gatherings. With a quick preparation and a burst of color, it not only satisfies your hunger but also delights your taste buds in every bite. Enjoy a quick escape to the tropics with every spoonful of this comforting dish!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
leftover cooked white rice
3 cups (Break up into smaller clumps)
peanut oil or vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (Use for stir-frying)
shallots
2 (Finely chopped)
red bell pepper
1/2 (Finely chopped)
oyster sauce
1 tablespoon (Use for seasoning)
soy sauce
1 tablespoon (Use for seasoning)
Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
1 tablespoon (Use for flavoring)
fresh pineapple
1 cup (Cut into 1/2-inch bite-size cubes)
thickly-sliced ham
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Ham and Pineapple Fried Rice?
It is a vibrant fusion dish that combines savory ham, sweet fresh pineapple, and cooked white rice, inspired by American-style Chinese cuisine.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of leftover cooked white rice, which is drier and better for frying than freshly cooked rice.
Why should I use leftover rice instead of fresh rice?
Leftover rice has a lower moisture content, which prevents the fried rice from becoming mushy and helps the grains stay separate.
How should I prepare the rice before cooking?
You should break the cold, leftover rice into smaller clumps with your hands or a spatula before adding it to the pan.
What kind of oil should I use for stir-frying?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of peanut oil or vegetable oil because they have high smoke points suitable for stir-frying.
Can I use fresh pineapple for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of fresh pineapple cut into 1/2-inch bite-size cubes.
What type of ham should I buy?
Use 1/4 cup of thickly-sliced ham that has been chopped into small pieces.
What aromatics are used in this fried rice?
The recipe uses 2 finely chopped shallots and 1/2 of a finely chopped red bell pepper for flavor and texture.
What sauces are needed for seasoning?
You will need 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to provide a savory, umami flavor.
Is there a substitute for Chinese rice wine?
Yes, you can use 1 tablespoon of dry sherry as a substitute for Chinese rice wine for flavoring.
How should the red bell pepper be prepared?
The 1/2 red bell pepper should be finely chopped so it cooks quickly and blends well with the rice.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and is designed for fast preparation, especially when using pre-cooked rice.
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
While fresh is recommended for its texture, you can use canned pineapple chunks; just be sure to drain them thoroughly first.
What style of cuisine is this dish?
This dish is a comfort food categorized as American-style Chinese cuisine or takeout-style fried rice.
How much rice does the recipe require?
The recipe requires 3 cups of cooked white rice.
What is the role of oyster sauce in this dish?
Oyster sauce adds a salty, slightly sweet, and savory depth of flavor that is characteristic of many stir-fry dishes.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients: rice, oil, shallots, red bell pepper, oyster sauce, soy sauce, rice wine, pineapple, and ham.
Can I use brown rice for this recipe?
Yes, though the texture will be nuttier and chewier than the traditional white rice version.
Is this recipe considered tropical?
Yes, the combination of ham and fresh pineapple gives it a signature tropical flavor profile.
What is a good substitute for shallots?
If you don't have shallots, you can substitute them with finely chopped red onion or the white parts of green onions.
Should the pineapple be fresh or frozen?
Fresh pineapple is preferred for the best flavor and texture in this stir-fry.
Can I add more vegetables to the recipe?
Yes, common additions include frozen peas, carrots, or corn, which would complement the existing ingredients.
How small should the ham be chopped?
The ham should be chopped into small pieces to ensure it is evenly distributed throughout the rice.
Is this dish suitable for family dinners?
Absolutely, it is described as a favorite for family dinners and casual gatherings due to its comforting flavor.
Does this recipe contain any alcohol?
It uses 1 tablespoon of Chinese rice wine or dry sherry, though most of the alcohol content evaporates during the high-heat cooking process.
How do I ensure the rice doesn't stick to the pan?
Ensure your pan is very hot before adding the oil and rice, and use a high-heat oil like peanut or vegetable oil.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this specific recipe is savory and sweet. If you want spice, you can add red pepper flakes or chili sauce.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the ham and replace the oyster sauce with a vegetarian mushroom sauce.
What is the prep time for the shallots?
The shallots should be finely chopped before you begin cooking, which only takes a minute or two.
Can I store leftovers of this dish?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated for a quick meal the next day.