Craving a quick, flavorful, and healthy dinner? Look no further! This Hawaiian Fried Rice recipe is your answer. It's bursting with the vibrant tastes of the islands and is surprisingly simple to make, perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend lunch. Get ready to transport your taste buds to paradise with this easy-to-follow recipe, perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs looking for a delicious, healthy meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice (day-old rice works best!)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup diced ham or Spam (optional, for a vegetarian option, omit or substitute with firm tofu)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and corn
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by dicing all your vegetables – onions, bell peppers, and carrots. Make sure they're roughly the same size for even cooking. If using frozen peas and corn, let them thaw slightly.
Step 2: Scramble the Eggs
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until cooked through but still slightly moist. Remove the eggs from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Ham/Tofu and Vegetables
Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add the ham (or tofu) and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned. Add the onions, bell peppers, and carrots, and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until slightly softened. Add the peas and corn during the last minute of cooking.
Step 4: Combine and Season
Add the cooked rice to the pan and break it up with a spatula. Pour in the soy sauce, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger. Stir-fry everything together for 2-3 minutes, until the rice is heated through and coated in the sauce.
Step 5: Add the Eggs and Serve
Gently fold in the scrambled eggs. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.
Cooking Tips for the Best Hawaiian Fried Rice
- Day-old rice: Using day-old rice is crucial for preventing the fried rice from becoming mushy. If you don't have day-old rice, spread your freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool and dry it out slightly.
- High heat: Maintain a high heat throughout the cooking process for optimal stir-frying. This helps to keep the rice separate and prevent it from sticking.
- Don't overcook: Overcooked vegetables will be mushy and unappetizing. Stir-fry just until they are tender-crisp.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the fried rice before serving and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You might want to add more soy sauce, rice vinegar, or ginger.
Variations:
- Protein Power: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or beef for extra protein.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicier dish.
- Tropical Twist: Include some chopped mango or pineapple chunks for an extra burst of tropical flavor.
- Veggie Boost: Add other vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or snow peas.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Fat: 10-15g
This Hawaiian Fried Rice is a healthy and delicious meal that's perfect for any occasion. It's quick, easy, and customizable to your preferences, making it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and best recipes. Enjoy this taste of paradise!