Fusako’s Japanese Ham Rice Recipe
Description:
I got this recipe from a dear friend – A light, quick crowd pleaser! Very tasty – teenagers LOVE it! This delightful dish combines the savory flavors of ham with the freshness of vegetables and the subtle sweetness of catsup, all mixed into fluffy rice. It’s a Japanese-inspired one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Recipe Information:
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
- Keywords: Ham, Pork, Meat, Japanese, Asian, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, < 60 Mins, Inexpensive
- Aggregated Rating: 4 stars
- Review Count: 2
- Calories: 259.2 per serving
- Fat Content: 3.6g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 29.1mg
- Sodium Content: 876.1mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 39.4g
- Fiber Content: 2.3g
- Sugar Content: 3.6g
- Protein Content: 16g
- Recipe Yield: 1 large pot full (serves several)
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Ham |
| 3 | Carrots |
| 1 | Onion |
| 1 | Bell Pepper |
| 3 cups | Cooked Rice |
| Enough | Catsup |
Recipe Instructions:
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Saute onions, carrots & peppers until tender but crunchy: In a large skillet or wok over medium heat, add a splash of oil. Once hot, add the sliced onions, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir-fry them for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender yet still retain some crunchiness. This step is crucial for adding texture and flavor to the dish.
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Add ham & heat thoroughly: After the vegetables are cooked to perfection, add the diced ham to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the vegetables. Allow the ham to heat thoroughly, infusing its smoky flavor into the dish. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
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Add rice & mix well: Once the ham is heated through, add the cooked rice to the skillet. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently mix everything together until the rice is evenly distributed among the vegetables and ham. Continue to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes to ensure the rice is heated through.
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Add enough catsup to turn the rice pink: This is where the magic happens! Pour catsup over the rice mixture, starting with a small amount and gradually adding more until the rice turns a lovely shade of pink. The catsup not only adds a touch of sweetness but also imparts a vibrant color to the dish, making it visually appealing.
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Serve hot: Once everything is heated through and well combined, transfer the Japanese ham rice to a large serving dish or individual plates. Garnish with chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips:
- Customize the veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables according to your preference or what you have on hand. Peas, corn, or thinly sliced cabbage would all be delicious additions.
- Experiment with seasonings: Enhance the flavor of this dish by adding a dash of soy sauce, garlic powder, or ginger along with the catsup.
- Make it spicy: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha sauce over the finished dish for a spicy kick.
- Meal prep: This dish is perfect for meal prep! Make a big batch ahead of time and portion it out into individual containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Serve with a side: While this Japanese ham rice is a complete meal on its own, you can also serve it alongside a simple salad or some steamed edamame for a well-rounded meal.
Conclusion:
Fusako’s Japanese Ham Rice is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With its quick and easy preparation, wholesome ingredients, and irresistible taste, it’s no wonder that this recipe has become a favorite among teenagers and adults alike. Give it a try for your next weeknight dinner or casual gathering, and watch it disappear in no time! 🍚🥕🍖
