Effortless & Delicious Instant Pot Ham Fried Rice: Your New Weeknight Favorite!

Are you searching for a quick, satisfying, and utterly delicious meal that comes together in a flash? Look no further than this incredible Instant Pot Ham Fried Rice! It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights, a fantastic way to utilize leftover ham from holiday meals, and a dish that consistently earns rave reviews from everyone who tries it. Forget takeout – with your Instant Pot, you can whip up restaurant-quality fried rice right in your own kitchen in mere minutes.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients like diced ham, vibrant peas and carrots, fluffy eggs, and fragrant soy sauce into a harmonious and flavorful meal. The beauty of using an Instant Pot lies in its ability to sauté and combine everything in one pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing efficiency. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty side dish to your favorite Asian-inspired meal or as a standalone main course, this ham fried rice is guaranteed to be a family favorite. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful dish!

Why You’ll Adore This Instant Pot Ham Fried Rice

This isn’t just another fried rice recipe; it’s designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. Here’s why you’ll want to add it to your regular meal rotation:

• Lightning Fast: Thanks to the Instant Pot’s sauté function, this dish comes together in about 10 minutes active cooking time, making it ideal for those hectic evenings.
• Effortlessly Delicious: Simple ingredients create a complex and satisfying flavor profile that rivals your favorite take-out spot.
• Perfect for Leftovers: A brilliant way to transform leftover ham into a brand new meal. No more food waste!
• Versatile & Customizable: Easily adapt the protein, add more veggies, or tweak the seasonings to suit your family’s preferences.
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything is cooked in your Instant Pot (except for the pre-cooked rice), meaning less washing up!
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy, packed with protein and vegetables.

Essential Ingredients for Instant Pot Ham Fried Rice

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a successful fried rice adventure. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and some tips for each:

• 2 Tablespoons butter or coconut oil: Butter adds a rich, savory flavor, while coconut oil offers a subtle sweetness and is a great dairy-free option. Both work well for sautéing and adding a silky texture to your rice.
• 1/2 cup minced white onion: White onion provides a foundational aromatic base. Minced finely, it blends seamlessly into the rice, offering flavor without an overpowering crunch. You could also use yellow onion or even shallots for a milder taste.
• 2 eggs: Scrambled eggs are a classic addition to fried rice, adding protein and a lovely texture. Whisk them lightly before adding to the pot for even distribution.
• 12 ounce bag frozen peas and carrots: This convenient mix saves on prep time and adds vibrant color and essential nutrients. No need to thaw them beforehand; they’ll cook directly in the Instant Pot. Feel free to add corn here too if you like, or substitute with other quick-cooking frozen vegetables like edamame or green beans.
• 1/2 cup diced ham: This is where leftover ham shines! Whether it’s from a holiday roast, deli ham, or even ham steaks, ensure it’s diced into small, bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the rice. Smoked ham works particularly well here, adding a lovely depth of flavor.
• 4 cups cooked rice: **This is key!** Day-old, chilled cooked rice is absolutely essential for perfect fried rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and will result in a mushy texture. We’ll discuss how to achieve the perfect rice further down. Long-grain white rice like Jasmine or Basmati is often preferred for fried rice due to its non-sticky texture.
• 1/4 cup soy sauce: The quintessential flavoring for fried rice. Use regular soy sauce for a robust flavor, or opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content. For a gluten-free version, tamari is an excellent substitute.
• Salt & Pepper to taste: A basic seasoning to enhance all the flavors. Adjust according to your preference and the saltiness of your ham and soy sauce.
• Optional garnishes: Sliced green onions, a drizzle of sesame oil, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds can elevate the presentation and add an extra layer of flavor.

How to Make Instant Pot Ham Fried Rice: Step-by-Step Guide

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity and speed. Follow these steps to create a perfect batch of ham fried rice:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Turn your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Once hot, add the butter or coconut oil. Let it melt, then add the minced white onion. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent. This step builds the flavor foundation for your fried rice. If adding minced garlic or ginger (optional but highly recommended!), add it in the last minute of sautéing the onion.
2. Scramble the Eggs: Push the softened onions to one side of the pot. Pour the whisked eggs into the empty space. Allow them to cook for about 30-60 seconds, then gently scramble them until they are just set. Break them into smaller pieces as they cook. Once scrambled, you can either stir them into the onions or carefully remove them to a small bowl and set aside to add back in later.
3. Add Veggies and Ham: Return the scrambled eggs (if removed) to the pot, or simply mix them with the onions. Add the frozen peas and carrots (and any other frozen veggies you’re using) along with the diced ham. Stir everything together and cook for another minute or two, allowing the vegetables to warm through and the ham to heat up and release its savory aroma.
4. Combine with Rice and Season: Finally, add your pre-cooked, chilled rice to the pot. Pour the soy sauce over the rice, and season with salt and pepper to your taste. Using a sturdy spatula, toss everything gently but thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined and the rice is evenly coated with the soy sauce. Continue to stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the rice to heat through and slightly crisp up. Be careful not to mash the rice while stirring.
5. Serve and Enjoy!: Once heated through and perfectly mixed, transfer your delicious Instant Pot Ham Fried Rice to serving bowls. Garnish with fresh green onions or a drizzle of sesame oil if desired. Serve immediately as a satisfying main dish or a fantastic side!

The Secret to Perfect Fried Rice: Day-Old Rice

This is arguably the most crucial tip for any fried rice recipe, and it’s worth emphasizing! While it might seem counterintuitive to use “old” rice, it’s the foundation for achieving that perfect, non-mushy, flavorful fried rice texture.

• Why Day-Old Rice? Freshly cooked rice contains a lot of moisture. When you try to fry it, this moisture turns into steam, making the rice clump together and become mushy. Day-old rice, ideally cooked and then refrigerated for at least 8-12 hours, dries out significantly. The individual grains become firmer and separate easily, allowing them to crisp up nicely when stir-fried, absorbing the flavors without becoming soggy.
• Planning Ahead: If you know you’re going to make fried rice, simply cook your rice the day before. Spread it out on a baking sheet to cool quickly, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate.
• Emergency Fix: Forgot to make rice ahead of time? You can try a quick “aging” trick: cook your rice as usual, then spread it out thinly on a baking sheet. Place it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes, or until the grains are somewhat dry and firm. This isn’t quite as good as true day-old rice, but it’s a decent workaround in a pinch.

Cooking Rice in Your Instant Pot (If You Need It Fresh for “Day-Old”)

Even though you need day-old rice for *this* recipe, your Instant Pot is excellent for cooking the rice itself. Here’s a quick guide:

• Ratio: For most white rice (like Jasmine or Basmati), a 1:1 ratio of water to rice works beautifully. For example, 2 cups of rice to 2 cups of water. Brown rice typically requires a slightly higher water ratio, usually 1:1.25 (e.g., 2 cups brown rice to 2.5 cups water).
• Cooking Time:
  • White Rice: 3-5 minutes on High Pressure, followed by a 10-minute Natural Pressure Release (NPR), then Quick Release (QR) any remaining pressure.
  • Brown Rice: 22-24 minutes on High Pressure, followed by a full Natural Pressure Release.
• Instant Pot Settings: While there’s often a “Rice” button on Instant Pot models, I find using the “Manual” (or “Pressure Cook”) button and setting the time myself gives more consistent results and allows for precise control over white vs. brown rice.
• After Cooking: Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork, let it cool completely, then refrigerate until you’re ready to make your fried rice.

Creative Variations & Customizations

This Instant Pot Ham Fried Rice recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to tweak it to fit your preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

• Protein Power-Ups:
  • Chicken: Diced cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly!) can easily replace the ham. Sauté it briefly with the onions to warm through.
  • Shrimp: Add cooked shrimp during the last minute of cooking to avoid overcooking.
  • Pork or Beef: Thinly sliced cooked pork or beef can also be incorporated.
  • Tofu: For a plant-based protein, press and dice firm or extra-firm tofu. You can pan-fry it separately until golden before adding to the Instant Pot, or add it with the ham and veggies.
• Vegetable Medley: Boost the nutritional value and color by adding more vegetables!
  • Fresh Veggies: Sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, finely chopped broccoli florets, or snap peas can be added with the onions or with the frozen peas and carrots.
  • Greens: A handful of spinach or finely shredded cabbage can be stirred in during the last minute of cooking until just wilted.
  • Corn: If your frozen mix doesn’t include it, a 1/2 cup of frozen corn kernels makes a great addition.
• Flavor Boosters:
  • Garlic & Ginger: Add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger with the onion for an extra aromatic kick.
  • Sesame Oil: A drizzle of toasted sesame oil at the very end (after cooking is complete) adds a distinct, nutty aroma.
  • Spicy Kick: A dash of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes will introduce some heat.
  • Oyster Sauce: For a deeper, richer umami flavor, add 1-2 tablespoons of oyster sauce along with the soy sauce.
• Make it Vegetarian or Vegan: Simply omit the ham and use extra vegetables, mushrooms, or cubed pressed tofu as your main ingredient. Ensure you use coconut oil instead of butter, and opt for a plant-based soy sauce or tamari.

Serving Suggestions

While Instant Pot Ham Fried Rice is perfectly satisfying on its own, it also makes an excellent side dish:

• As a Main: Enjoy a generous bowl garnished with fresh green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
• Alongside Asian Dishes: It pairs beautifully with orange chicken, General Tso’s chicken, beef and broccoli, or a simple stir-fry.
• With Eggs: Top with a fried egg or a soft-boiled egg for extra richness.
• Add a Crunchy Element: Serve with a side of crispy spring rolls or potstickers.

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

Cooked fried rice makes for fantastic leftovers, perfect for a quick lunch the next day!

• Storage: Allow the fried rice to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating:
  • Microwave: For individual servings, place in a microwave-safe dish, add a tablespoon of water or broth, cover loosely, and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway, until heated through. The added liquid helps prevent the rice from drying out.
  • Stovetop: For larger portions, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Add the fried rice and stir-fry for a few minutes until hot and lightly crispy.
• Freezing: Fried rice can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Cool completely, then spread it in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for about 30 minutes before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat directly from frozen on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of liquid.

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This Instant Pot Ham Fried Rice truly embodies the best of home cooking: it’s quick, adaptable, and packed with flavor that everyone will love. It’s the perfect solution for transforming leftovers into a brand new, exciting meal, or for whipping up a delicious dinner when time is short. Give it a try, and you might just find it becomes a staple in your kitchen!

If you give this recipe a try, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, or snap a photo and tag it with @TheAlexDaynes on Instagram! I love to see what you’ve been cooking. It always makes my day!