If you’re wondering what to do with leftover ham, especially after the holidays, this easy fried rice is one of the simplest ways to turn it into a completely different meal. It’s quick, flexible, and perfect for using up ham without making another sandwich.
I don’t want anything to go to waste if I can help it. But let’s be honest – after eating leftovers a few times, I’m usually over it. Anyone else can relate??? That’s exactly why I took this down home comfort food, did a complete 360, and turned it into an Asian inspired dinner.
This fried rice with leftover ham comes together fast, works with whatever you have on hand, and makes a cozy meal that feels fresh and brand new! I’ve made some version of this fried rice for years whenever leftover ham needs a second life, tweaking it based on what’s in the fridge and what actually tastes good with what’s left from any big meal or celebration.
EASY FRIED RICE WITH LEFTOVER HAM
Fried rice is one of the best leftover ham ideas because you don’t need much to get big flavor. The salty, smoky ham pairs perfectly with rice, eggs, and vegetables, making it an easy dinner when you want something comforting but low effort.
- It’s a great way to use up small amounts of leftover ham.
- Perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
- Ready in about 20 minutes!
- Budget friendly – you’ll feel like you won the frugal cook award.
- Works with frozen veggies or fridge clean out produce.
- It’s a flexible recipe, so no strict measurements are needed.
MORE LEFTOVER RECIPES
If you’re still working through holiday leftovers or any leftovers for that matter, this Cuban Sandwich Recipe made with leftover turkey and ham is another easy way to use what you already have.
MORE FRIED RICE RECIPES
Below is how I make this easy leftover ham fried rice, but feel free to adjust the vegetables or seasoning based on what you already have on hand.
Fried Rice With Leftover Ham Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 3 eggs lightly beaten
- 1 cup chopped white onion
- 3 large garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1 cup chopped fresh or frozen vegetables of your choice (optional)
- 5 cups of cooked white rice (at least a day old)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1/8 cup chopped green onion
Instructions
- Add about one tablespoon of sesame oil to a wok and heat the oil on medium high heat.
- Once the oil has become hot, add the cooked ham and cook the ham for about 2 minutes or until the ham has heated through and has slightly browned on the outside.
- Remove the ham from the wok.
- Add a tablespoon of sesame oil to the wok, and allow the grease to get hot. Then, add the eggs to the wok, cook the eggs until you have well done scrambled eggs. Remove the eggs from pan.
- Next, add another tablespoon of sesame oil to the pan, and once the oil is hot add the onions, garlic, and vegetables to the wok. Cook the garlic for about 3 to 4 minutes or until the onions are translucent in color and the vegetables have softened.
- Add the rice, soy sauce, fish sauce, ginger, and garlic powder to the wok. Stir the ingredients until combined.
- Cook the rice mixture on medium high heat for about 5 to 7 minutes or until the rice is a nice golden brown.
- After cooking the rice, add the ham, and eggs to the rice. Stir the rice mixture until combined.
- Garnish with the chop green onion.
Notes
Nutrition
Please note that I am not a nutritionist, and the nutritional information is an estimate only. It varies based on the products and brands used.
Thanks for stopping by! Welcome to the Savory Spicerack! In my kitchen, there is no such thing as a bland meal. Each of my creations are just the way food should be – packed with flavor and created with love.
Great recipe! Thanks for an awesome idea for using leftover rice!
This was very good. I followed the recipe exactly except we added chicken and snow peas and I didn’t use the fish oil. Thank you for sharing this!! The seasoning combo is perfect! I will be making this often!
Fried rice is my go-to fridge cleaning recipe! Looove your version
I know right! Great way to clean the fridge! Thanks so much!
I love fried rice at home because it’s a fraction of the calories. Great idea for all that leftover ham!
Thanks so much! Yes it is so much cheaper to make fried rice at home, which is what I am all about!
Great idea to use leftover ham! I love fried rice but have never had it with ham. yum!
Thanks so much for the compliment! Pork/ham is great in fried rice. I have even had it with spam in it believe or not! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
This is such a great idea for all that leftover ham! I am saving this and trying it out for Easter leftovers!
Thanks so much!!!!!
I looove fried rice, and I think our next dinner is going to be something ricy, just to have the leftovers for this!
I love fried rice too! Hope you enjoy! Thanks for stopping by!
I love fried rice too!! I hope you enjoy! Thanks for stopping by!
My honey would love this dish. And I’m in love with the snowflakes falling all over this page. How did you do that ? I’m in SoCal so snowflakes are really magical to me hehe
LOL! I used a plug in I will email the link or name to you. Thanks for stopping by!
Fried rice is such a lovely way to bring together a meal out of leftovers! great recipe
Thanks so much! I love fried rice!
I am always wondering what to do with the leftover ham from the holidays. This is a great idea and I know two teens who would love it.
Yes, sometimes I get stumped too with all of my leftovers I don’t want to go to waste! LOL – about the two teens! I am sure they will love it and probably devour it in a matter of moments. (That’s what the teens over here seem to do when it comes to food!) Thanks for stopping by!
What a comforting and delicious use of leftover ham; we’ll be bookmarking this great recipe!
Thanks so much!
What a yummy, frugal recipe! A perfect idea for Boxing day, when you have had enough of turkey and ham (and here we use LOTS of pork during the season)!
Thanx so much for sharing this dear Sharee!
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas, best wishes for an amazing 2016!
xoxo
Pork City! I love it!!!! Lol. Happy New Year!