Pineapple Ham and Rice
Transport your taste buds to a sweet and savory paradise with this Pineapple Ham and Rice recipe—a quick and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights! This dish combines tender white rice, juicy pineapple chunks, and savory diced ham, all brought together with a glossy, caramelized soy sauce glaze enhanced by garlic, onion, and a touch of brown sugar. The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance of flavors: sweet, salty, and umami come together in every bite, complemented by the freshness of green onion garnish. Ready in just 40 minutes and customizable with fresh or canned pineapple, this hearty dish is an ideal centerpiece for family dinners or meal prep. Keywords: pineapple ham and rice recipe, easy one-pan dinners, sweet and savory rice dish, quick dinner ideas, ham and pineapple recipes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups white rice
- 3 cups water or chicken broth
- 1.5 cups pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
- 2 cups ham (diced)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
- 2 tablespoons green onions (sliced, for garnish)
- 0.25 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then set it aside to drain.
In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Stir in the diced ham and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to lightly brown.
Add the pineapple chunks to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons of water. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring to combine.
Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens and coats the ham and pineapple evenly.
Season the mixture with salt and black pepper, then remove it from heat.
Serve the pineapple ham mixture over the cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
410 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 12.8 g | 16% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.1 g | 15% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 59 mg | 20% | |
| Sodium | 1975 mg | 86% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 44.7 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 17.5 g | ||
| Protein | 28.2 g | 56% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 43 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 513 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
