Hawaiian Fried Rice

Hawaiian Fried Rice

Hawaiian Fried Rice – Better Than Takeout and Bursting with Island Flavor

Craving a bowl of Hawaiian fried rice that’s savory, sweet, and totally satisfying? This easy Hawaiian fried rice recipe is packed with juicy pineapple, smoky ham (or even Spam!), and crisp veggies—perfectly fried together for that irresistible restaurant-style taste. Whether you’re making it with Portuguese sausage, going meatless, or using leftovers from your fridge, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

If you’ve been searching for the best Hawaiian fried rice near me, your search ends in your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Fried Rice Recipe

There’s something magical about the fusion of sweet pineapple and salty meat—especially in fried rice. This recipe brings you that authentic tropical taste without needing a plane ticket to the islands. Inspired by popular Hawaiian fried rice recipes from local spots, this version is easy to make, endlessly customizable, and way better than takeout.

Whenever I feel tempted to order out, I remember how quick and satisfying it is to whip this up at home. It’s so full of flavor, you’ll want to make a double batch every time!

Ingredients for Hawaiian Fried Rice

The secret to next-level fried rice lies in the balance of savory, sweet, and umami—and this recipe hits all the marks.

Ham or Spam – Use diced ham or go classic with Spam for that traditional Hawaiian vibe.
Portuguese Sausage (optional) – For added spice and smoky flavor, toss in sliced cooked Portuguese sausage. It's a popular twist in Hawaiian fried rice with Portuguese sausage.
White Onion – Adds sweetness and depth.
Red Bell Pepper – Brings vibrant color and crunch.
Vegetable Oil – For frying; you can use olive oil too.
Eggs – Scrambled right into the pan for protein and richness.
Cooked Rice – Day-old jasmine rice works best for that perfect texture.
Pineapple Tidbits – Canned or fresh—this is what gives the dish its signature sweetness.
Soy Sauce – Adds deep umami and saltiness.
Sesame Oil – Just a little gives it that classic Asian fried rice finish.

Green Onions – Optional garnish, but don’t skip if you want color and extra flavor.

How to Make Hawaiian Fried Rice at Home

This easy Hawaiian fried rice recipe comes together in just minutes with simple steps:

Cook the Aromatics and Protein

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat with vegetable oil. Sauté diced ham (or Spam) with chopped onions and red bell pepper until softened and fragrant.

Scramble the Eggs

Push the mixture to one side of the pan. Add the beaten eggs to the other side and scramble until fully cooked. Mix everything together.

Add Rice and Pineapple

Toss in the rice and pineapple tidbits. Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring everything together until well combined and heated through.

Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve hot!

Tips for the Best Hawaiian Fried Rice

Use day-old rice – This helps prevent mushy rice and gives you that ideal fried texture.
Make it vegetarian – Skip the meat entirely or substitute with tofu or extra veggies for a satisfying Hawaiian fried rice vegetarian version.
Add heat – A splash of Sriracha or red chili flakes kicks it up a notch.

Why Spam or Portuguese Sausage Works So Well

Hawaiian cuisine has long embraced canned meats like Spam, blending them into local favorites. The saltiness of Spam pairs beautifully with pineapple’s sweetness, making it a staple in many Hawaiian fried rice recipes. Likewise, Hawaiian fried rice with Portuguese sausage adds a smoky, garlicky richness that locals love.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Fried rice is one of those meals that gets better with time! Here’s how to keep it fresh:

In the Fridge – Store cooled fried rice in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
To Reheat – Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce, or microwave in short bursts until hot.

Final Thoughts: Hawaiian Fried Rice That’s Worth Making Again and Again

Next time you’re tempted to order takeout, make this easy Hawaiian fried rice recipe instead! It’s fast, flexible, and tastes even better the next day. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping, or just using up leftovers, this is one of those dishes that never disappoints.

And if you’ve ever Googled Hawaiian fried rice near me, now you know—you can make the best version right at home.

↓ Jump to Recipe

This Hawaiian fried rice is loaded with sweet pineapple, ham, and veggies and is so much better than takeout! Everyone goes crazy over this meal, and it's definitely a family favorite!

Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Total: 30 mins • Servings: 8

Ingredients

1½-2 cups ham, chopped
1 small white onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 cups cooked rice
1 cup pineapple tidbits
1 Tablespoon sesame oil
2-3 Tablespoons soy sauce (more or less to taste)
2 Tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions

Preheat a large skillet or wok to medium heat. Pour vegetable oil into the bottom. Add chopped ham, white onion, and red bell pepper and fry until tender.
Slide the ham, onion, and red bell pepper to the side, and pour the beaten eggs onto the other side. Using a spatula, scramble the eggs. Once cooked, mix the eggs with the vegetable mix.
Add the rice and pineapple to the veggie, ham, and egg mixture. Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil on top. Stir and fry the rice and veggie mixture until heated through and combined. Add chopped green onions if desired.