Fried Rice with Vegetables & Ham Recipe
This fried rice with vegetables and ham is a delicious tasty way to use up leftover long grain rice, turning it into a tasty side dish or light lunch or dinner.
This fried rice with vegetables and ham is a delicious tasty way to use up leftover long grain rice, turning it into a tasty side dish or light lunch or dinner.
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- 1 carrot roughly chopped
- 1 medium onion roughly chopped
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 4 teaspoons peanut oil or other neutral oil like grapeseed or
- 1 red bell pepper cored, seeded and roughly chopped
- 8 ounces diced cooked lean ham
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic or to taste (i used jarred)
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger or to taste (i used jarred)
- 3 cups cooked long-grain rice (preferably basmati and pr
- 1/4 cup rice wine sherry, dry white wine, stock or water (i used sake)
- 2 teaspoons dark sesame oil (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped scallion (optional)
- Carbohydrate 13.2921760967567 g
- Cholesterol 1.63333333333333 mg
- Fat 0.697690521933734 g
- Fiber 3.47728816816935 g
- Protein 5.26914723896156 g
- Saturated Fat 0.271062816221177 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (231g)
- Sodium 101.315321077875 mg
- Sugar 9.81488792858735 g
- Trans Fat 0.166105667679545 g
- Calories 85 calories
Step-by-step
- If the peas are frozen, soak them in cold water to defrost them while you begin cooking.
- Put 2 teaspoons of the oil in a large skillet set over high heat. When hot, add the onion, carrot and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to brown, 5 to 10 minutes. Lower the heat if the mixture begins to scorch. Transfer the vegetables to a bowl.
- Put the remaining 2 teaspoons oil in the skillet and then the garlic and ginger. Stir once or twice and after about 20 seconds, begin to add the rice a little at a time, breaking up any clumps with your fingers and stirring well to combine everything. Add the peas and cook for 1 - 2 minutes, stirring often.
- Make a well in the center and move the lightly beaten eggs into it. Scramble them a little, then when they are almost done, incorporate them into the rice.
- Add the vegetables back into the pan and stir to combine well. Add the rice wine and cook, stirring continuously, for about a minute. Add the soy sauce and sesame oil (if using). Taste and add the salt and pepper if necessary.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the scallions.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Fried Rice with Vegetables & Ham: A Busy Mom's Quick & Easy Meal
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and, most importantly, delicious enough to satisfy my family's rumbling stomachs after a long day. This Fried Rice with Vegetables and Ham recipe is my go-to solution for those evenings when I'm juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and everything in between. It's incredibly versatile, adaptable to whatever vegetables I have on hand, and it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice, reducing food waste and saving money – a definite win-win in my book!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Forget elaborate techniques and hours spent in the kitchen. This fried rice comes together in minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. I often prep some of the ingredients ahead of time – chopping the vegetables the night before or even earlier in the week – to make the cooking process even faster. This way, when dinner time rolls around, all I have to do is heat up the pan and let the flavors meld together. The result is a dish bursting with flavor, a colorful and satisfying meal that’s as comforting as it is convenient. And, let's be honest, a happy family at dinner time is priceless.
One of the things I love most about this fried rice is its ability to be customized. Feel free to substitute ingredients based on what you have available or what your family prefers. Add different types of vegetables, swap the ham for chicken or tofu, or experiment with different sauces. The possibilities are endless! It's a recipe that truly grows with you and adapts to your changing needs. Sometimes, I add a splash of sriracha for a little extra kick, other times I leave it plain and simple, depending on my mood and the tastes of my family. The adaptability of this recipe is a lifesaver for a busy mom like me.
Beyond its convenience, this fried rice is also a surprisingly healthy meal. It's packed with protein from the ham and eggs, providing sustained energy throughout the evening. The vegetables add crucial vitamins and fiber, contributing to a balanced and nutritious dinner. And, of course, the rice provides carbohydrates for fuel. It's a quick, easy, and healthy dinner option that I can feel good about serving my family. It’s a welcome change from the usual takeout, and I always get compliments on how delicious it is.
This recipe isn’t just about convenience; it’s about creating a moment of connection. While the fried rice cooks, I often find myself chatting with my kids about their day, catching up on school projects, and simply enjoying their company. In the whirlwind of a busy week, those few minutes spent around the stove, the aroma of garlic and ginger filling the air, become a cherished moment of family bonding. This simple dish brings us together, creating a shared experience that's just as important as the food itself. The happy smiles and satisfied sighs as my family eats this fried rice make all the effort worthwhile.
So, if you’re looking for a quick, easy, healthy, and delicious dinner solution, give this Fried Rice with Vegetables and Ham a try. It's a recipe that’s become a staple in my home, and I'm confident it will become a favorite in yours too. It’s a testament to the fact that delicious, satisfying meals don’t need to be complicated. Sometimes, the simplest recipes provide the greatest joy.
Tips and Variations:
- Leftover Magic: This recipe is a fantastic way to utilize leftover cooked rice. Any type of cooked rice works well.
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, snow peas, or mushrooms.
- Protein Power: Swap the ham for cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein source.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Make it Vegetarian: Omit the ham and add extra vegetables for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Customize Your Sauce: Experiment with different sauces such as oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or teriyaki sauce.
Enjoy your delicious and effortless dinner!
