Chinese Egg Fried Rice (With Peas And Ham)
A true weeknight classic—leftover rice from yesterday, a handful of frozen peas, and a bit of Sunday ham become a hot, savoury bowl in minutes. It’s the kind of skillet supper that fits Canadian kitchens: practical, fast, and perfect after hockey practice or a cold walk home.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
4 cups cooked jasmine rice, cold and clump-free (day-old is best)
2–3 tbsp neutral oil (canola or peanut)
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup diced cooked ham
1 cup frozen peas (no need to thaw)
3–4 spring onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
2–3 tbsp light soy sauce, to taste
1 tsp oyster sauce (optional, adds depth)
½ tsp toasted sesame oil
White pepper and salt, to taste
Extra fried egg or sliced spring onion for topping (optional)
Method
Heat And Scramble: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble to soft curds, 30–60 seconds. Slide onto a plate.
Ham And Aromatics: Add another tbsp oil. Stir-fry the ham 1–2 minutes until lightly golden. Add the white parts of the spring onion, garlic, and ginger; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Rice In: Add the remaining oil and the cold rice. Stir-fry 2–3 minutes, pressing and tossing until hot and separated.
Season: Sprinkle over soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Toss well. Return the eggs, add peas, and stir-fry 1–2 minutes until the peas are bright and everything is steaming.
Finish: Turn off the heat. Stir in sesame oil and white pepper. Taste and adjust salt or soy. Top with spring onion greens—and, if you like, a fried egg per bowl.
Variations
Veggie Market Fried Rice: Skip the ham; add 1 cup sliced mushrooms and ½ cup edamame or diced bell pepper. Use a splash of vegetable stock if the pan looks dry.
Shrimp And Pea Fried Rice: Swap ham for 300 g small shrimp; sear just until pink before adding rice. Great with a squeeze of lemon.
Tofu And Greens Fried Rice (Dairy-Free): Replace ham with 250 g firm tofu, diced and pan-crisped. Fold in a handful of chopped spinach at the end. Add a pinch of chili flakes if you like heat.