Aloha Hawaiian Fried Rice is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of the islands to your table. This vibrant recipe combines sweet pineapple, savory ham, and colorful bell peppers, all stir-fried to perfection with rice and a hint of sesame. It’s a tropical twist on the classic fried rice and is perfect for a quick dinner or as a festive side dish at your next luau-themed party.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces diced ham
- 1 cup diced bell peppers, in a variety of vibrant colors
- 1 bunch scallions, green and white parts separated and diced
- 2 cups pineapple tidbits, drained
- 3 eggs
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons lite soy sauce
- 3 cups cooked rice, preferably day-old
Instructions:
- Prepare Ingredients: Make sure your rice is cooked and has been refrigerated for at least a few hours, as this helps prevent the grains from sticking together during stir-frying.
- Cook Eggs: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter, and once melted, whisk the eggs and pour them into the skillet. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Ham and Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sesame oil. Once the butter has melted, add the diced ham and cook until it starts to brown. Add the chopped bell peppers and the white parts of the scallions. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are just tender.
- Add Pineapple and Rice: Increase the heat to medium-high, and add the pineapple tidbits to the skillet. Stir-fry for another minute before adding the cooked rice. Break any clumps and mix well with the other ingredients.
- Season: Drizzle the soy sauce over the rice mixture and stir to combine thoroughly. Let the rice cook, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine with Eggs: Add the scrambled eggs back into the skillet. Stir everything together gently to distribute the eggs throughout the rice.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle the green parts of the scallions over the top for a fresh, crunchy garnish.
Conclusion:
Aloha Hawaiian Fried Rice is a simple yet flavorful dish that captures the essence of Hawaiian cuisine with its unique blend of ingredients. The sweetness of the pineapple paired with the saltiness of the ham and the crunch of fresh bell peppers makes this fried rice a balanced and satisfying meal. Serve it up in a big bowl and let everyone dig in to experience a taste of the tropics. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner or a themed gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit!