Name: Hawaiian Fried Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1 1/3 cups jasmine rice, rinsed well and drained; 1 1/4 cups coconut milk; 1 1/4 cups coconut water or water; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil, divided; 1 tsp sesame oil, divided; 1 red bell pepper, diced (1 1/4 cups); 1/3 cup green onions, light portion, sliced; 2 tsp minced garlic (about 2 cloves); 2 tsp peeled and minced fresh ginger; 1/2 cup green onions, green portion, sliced; 3 Tbsp minced fresh cilantro; 2 cups diced ham; 2 cups diced fresh pineapple; 3 large eggs; 1 Tbsp soy sauce, or more to taste

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 57 reviews

If you’re craving a vibrant dish that bursts with tropical flavors and comforting textures, this Hawaiian Fried Rice Recipe is your new go-to! Combining fragrant jasmine rice cooked in creamy coconut milk with juicy pineapple, savory ham, and a touch of ginger and garlic, every bite is a delightful celebration of sweet and savory harmony. It’s not just fried rice—it’s a colorful, tasty escape to the islands that’s perfect for any meal, whether a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked on its perfect blend of freshness, heartiness, and a subtle hint of coconut.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various ingredients neatly placed on a white marbled surface. There is a white plate filled with bright yellow chopped pineapple pieces on the left, next to a white bowl holding white granulated sugar. In front of these is a white plate filled with small cubes of pink ham. To the right of the ham is a cluster of fresh green herbs, including parsley and spring onion, positioned near two brown eggs and a small clove of garlic. Behind the eggs is a wooden bowl and small glass containers holding dark brown and clear liquids, along with a larger bowl containing a white powdery ingredient, possibly coconut milk or cream. The colors and textures create a neat and fresh arrangement. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Hawaiian Fried Rice Recipe are simple but incredibly important. Each one brings its own magic: from the creamy texture of coconut milk to the tangy sweetness of fresh pineapple, and the punchy warmth of ginger and garlic. These elements together create a perfect balance of flavors and colors that make the dish so inviting and delicious.

Jasmine rice: Rinsed and drained well to ensure fluffy, separate grains that soak up all the flavors.
Coconut milk: Adds creamy richness and a subtle tropical flavor that elevates the rice.
Coconut water or water: Helps cook the rice to tender perfection with a hint of natural sweetness.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor, balancing the sweet and savory notes.
Olive oil: Used in two stages for cooking veggies and eggs, providing a light, fruity finish.
Sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty aroma when drizzled during cooking.
Red bell pepper: Diced to give a fresh crunch and bright color contrast.
Green onions: Split into light and green portions to add subtle onion flavor and garnish.
Minced garlic: Delivers that essential aromatic kick for depth.
Fresh ginger: Adds warmth and a mild spice that complements the pineapple and ham beautifully.
Diced ham: Provides the savory, meaty component that balances the sweetness.
Diced fresh pineapple: Bursts with juiciness and tropical sweetness, a signature of this recipe.
Eggs: Scrambled in the pan to add richness and a comforting texture.
Minced fresh cilantro: Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbal note.
Soy sauce: Used to season and tie all the flavors together with its salty, umami goodness.

How to Make Hawaiian Fried Rice Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rice in Coconut Milk Mixture

Start by bringing the coconut milk, coconut water, and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. This mixture infuses the rice with a subtly sweet and creamy flavor right from the start. Once boiling, add the jasmine rice, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently until the liquid has been fully absorbed, about 15 to 18 minutes. Then remove it from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes to finish steaming and become perfectly tender.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Aromatics

While the rice is resting, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced red bell pepper and the light portion of sliced green onions. Sauté these until the peppers soften, approximately 4 minutes, which helps bring out their natural sweetness and maintain a good crunch. Then add the minced garlic and fresh ginger, stirring to release their fragrant oils. These aromatics will form the flavorful backbone of your fried rice.

Step 3: Add Ham and Pineapple

Next, toss in the diced ham and fresh pineapple chunks. The ham brings savory depth, while the pineapple adds juicy bursts of tropical sweetness that make this Hawaiian Fried Rice Recipe truly special. Cook everything together for about one minute, just enough to heat through and allow the flavors to meld without losing the pineapple’s freshness.

Step 4: Cook the Eggs

Scoot all the ingredients in the skillet to one side, creating space for the eggs. Add the remaining olive oil and sesame oil to the empty side, then crack in the eggs. Lightly season with salt and scramble gently until just set. This simple step adds richness and a lovely textural contrast that feels almost indulgent.

Step 5: Combine Everything and Finish

Now for the grand finale: add the cooked rice to the skillet along with the green portion of the green onions and the minced cilantro. Drizzle soy sauce over the mixture and toss everything together until well combined and heated through. This final toss brings all the layers of flavor together, creating a harmonious plate that’s colorful, fragrant, and utterly delicious.

How to Serve Hawaiian Fried Rice Recipe

A large black frying pan filled with colorful fried rice, showing clear layers of white rice mixed with small yellow pineapple chunks, pink pieces of ham, bright red bell pepper cubes, and scattered green herbs including chopped spring onions and cilantro leaves. The food has a textured and slightly loose look with the ingredients evenly spread all over the pan. The background is a white marbled surface with a blue cloth partially visible near the top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your Hawaiian Fried Rice Recipe even more enticing, consider garnishing with additional fresh cilantro and sliced green onions for a burst of color and fresh flavor. A drizzle of sriracha or a wedge of lime on the side can provide a spicy or zesty kick, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the pineapple.

Side Dishes

This fried rice stands wonderfully on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it alongside teriyaki chicken or grilled shrimp for a complete, island-inspired feast that will wow your family or guests.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, serve the Hawaiian Fried Rice in pineapple bowls—cut a pineapple in half, scoop out some flesh, and use it as a vibrant edible bowl. This adds a festive touch and brings an added tropical vibe, making your meal feel extra special and Instagram-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hawaiian Fried Rice Recipe is a dream to store. Place cooled rice in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, so leftovers can taste even better than the first day.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool the rice fully before freezing to maintain quality and texture upon reheating.

Reheating

When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat the fried rice in a hot skillet with a little oil to revive its texture and flavor. Or microwave it covered with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best results.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rice for this Hawaiian Fried Rice Recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover rice often works best for fried rice because it’s drier and less sticky, making it easier to achieve that perfect texture without clumping.

What can I substitute for ham?

If you prefer, chicken, shrimp, or tofu are great alternatives to ham and will work beautifully with the sweet pineapple and coconut flavors.

Is it necessary to rinse the rice?

Rinsing jasmine rice removes excess starch, which helps prevent the grains from sticking together and keeps the fried rice light and fluffy.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes! Simply omit the ham and eggs, and use tofu along with vegetable-based seasonings for a delicious vegan version of this Hawaiian Fried Rice Recipe.

How spicy is this dish?

The base recipe is mild, making it family-friendly, but you can easily add heat by serving with sriracha or chili flakes to taste.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Fried Rice Recipe is such a joy to make and even more enjoyable to eat. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and surprisingly easy—perfect for brightening up any meal with tropical flair. Give it a try soon and watch how it becomes a beloved favorite in your kitchen, bringing a little island sunshine to your table every time.