The best thing about a holiday ham is the day after. You have this slab of smoky, salty meat in the fridge, and the fastest way to use it is a hot wok. This fried rice runs on rendered ham fat instead of cooking oil.
Two servings. Twenty-five minutes. The rice has to be cold or it turns to mush.
How to Make Leftover Ham Fried Rice
Render the Fat First
Dice about 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of ham fat and drop it into a cold wok. Heat slowly over medium until the fat liquefies, about 3 minutes. 
Fry the diced ham in that rendered fat until the edges crisp up. Pull it out and set it aside.
Keep the Rice Moving
Add spring onion, broccoli, and grated carrot. Stir for a minute, then add 1 cup (185g) of cold rice.
Push everything to one side. Crack the egg into the gap, scramble it, then toss it all with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) sesame oil. Ham goes back in last.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Transform leftover holiday ham into a delicious BBQ ham fried rice, combining savory ham with fresh vegetables and perfectly seasoned rice.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ham fat, diced
- 1/2 cup diced baked ham
- 1 sprig spring onion, sliced finely
- 1/2 cup broccoli florets
- 1 small carrot, grated
- 1 cup cooked cooled rice
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the diced ham fat in a large frying pan or wok over medium heat until the fat renders. Remove any gristly bits and discard.
- Add the diced baked ham to the pan and cook, stirring for about 1 minute until it starts to brown.
- Add the sliced spring onion, broccoli florets, and grated carrot. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Push the ingredients to one side of the pan and crack the egg into the empty space. Scramble the egg until fully cooked, then mix it with the other ingredients.
- Add the cooked cooled rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Stir well to combine with the other ingredients.
- Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring continuously to coat the rice evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
For best results, use day-old rice as it is less sticky and absorbs flavors better. You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like peas or bell peppers. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 12 grams
- Carbohydrates: 45 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Protein: 15 grams
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh ham instead of leftover BBQ ham?
You can, but you lose the smoky flavor that makes this version work. If starting from fresh, season the ham with a pinch of smoked paprika and a drizzle of honey before frying. It won’t be the same, but it gets close.
What kind of rice works best for fried rice?
Day-old rice from the fridge is ideal. Freshly cooked rice holds too much moisture and steams instead of frying. If you forgot to make it ahead, spread hot rice on a sheet pan and refrigerate uncovered for 30 minutes.
How do I store leftover ham fried rice?
It keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot skillet with a bit of soy sauce to bring back the crispiness. Microwave works but the texture goes soft.
