Save This hearty Rebel Float Root Beer Honey Ham Fried Rice has been my secret weapon for transforming leftover ham into something extraordinary that makes my family rush to the dinner table. The unexpected hint of root beer creates a nostalgic sweetness that perfectly balances the savory elements in this comforting dish.
I first created this recipe after Easter when we had mountains of leftover ham and my kids were getting tired of sandwiches. The combination of sweet root beer and honey with savory ham was an instant hit, and now they request it even when we don't have leftover ham!
Ingredients
- Cold cooked jasmine rice: crucial for achieving that perfect fried rice texture without clumping
- Diced ham: provides a smoky protein base that absorbs the sweet and savory flavors beautifully
- Root beer: not diet adds a unique caramel sweetness that makes this dish memorable
- Honey: enhances the natural sweetness while creating delicious caramelization
- Low sodium soy sauce: balances the sweetness with umami depth
- Rice vinegar: adds brightness and cuts through the richness
- Toasted sesame oil: just a touch brings authentic Asian flair to this fusion dish
- Frozen peas and carrots: offer color and nutrition without extra prep work
- Green onions: provide fresh flavor and a beautiful garnish
- Eggs: create silky ribbons throughout the dish for added protein and texture
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce:
- Whisk together root beer, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch until perfectly smooth. This unique sauce is the heart of the dish, so take your time ensuring there are no cornstarch lumps. The root beer will foam slightly when mixed, which is normal. Set aside to allow flavors to meld while you prepare the other components.
- Brown the ham:
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium high heat until shimmering. Add the diced ham in a single layer and let it sizzle undisturbed for about a minute before stirring. Continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes until the edges develop a beautiful caramelized color. This browning process concentrates the ham flavor and creates texture contrast.
- Add aromatics and vegetables:
- Toss in garlic, peas, and carrots with the browned ham. Keep everything moving constantly for 2 minutes to prevent the garlic from burning while allowing the vegetables to warm through. The frozen vegetables will release a small amount of moisture that will help deglaze any flavorful bits from the pan.
- Cook the eggs:
- Push all ingredients to one side of the pan, creating an empty space. Add remaining tablespoon of oil to the cleared area and pour in beaten eggs. Let them set slightly for about 10 seconds, then gently scramble with the tip of your spatula until just barely set but still glossy. Immediately fold the eggs into the ham mixture before they overcook.
- Incorporate the rice:
- Add cold rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula or chopsticks. Fold everything together while maintaining high heat. Spread the mixture across the entire pan surface for maximum contact, then toss every 30 seconds for 2 to 3 minutes until you hear a satisfying sizzle and the rice is heated throughout.
- Finish with sauce:
- Pour the prepared root beer honey sauce evenly over the rice mixture. Immediately toss continuously to coat every grain of rice. The sauce will bubble and thicken quickly, so keep everything moving to prevent sticking. Cook for 2 to 3 more minutes until the sauce is absorbed and has created a beautiful glaze on the rice and ham.
Save The root beer is truly the secret ingredient that makes this dish special. I discovered this technique by accident when I was out of the traditional Chinese cooking wine I usually use in fried rice and spotted a can of root beer in my refrigerator. The subtle sassafras notes create an intriguing depth that guests can never quite identify but always love.
The Rice Secret
Always use day old rice for fried rice success. Freshly cooked rice contains too much moisture and will create a mushy final dish. If you find yourself craving this dish without leftover rice, cook your rice in the morning, spread it on a baking sheet, and refrigerate it uncovered for at least 4 hours to dry out. In a real pinch, you can cook rice, spread it thinly on a baking sheet, and place it in the freezer for 15 20 minutes to rapidly cool and dry the surface.
Creative Variations
This recipe welcomes customization based on what you have available. Try adding diced pineapple for a tropical twist that complements the root beer beautifully. For a spicier version, incorporate a tablespoon of gochujang or sriracha into the sauce mixture. You could also substitute diced cooked bacon, chicken, or even tofu for the ham to create entirely different flavor profiles while maintaining the unique root beer honey base.
Make Ahead Tips
This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare all components separately up to two days ahead. Store cooked rice, diced ham, chopped vegetables, and mixed sauce separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, stir fry everything together following the recipe instructions. The final dish also reheats beautifully in a skillet with a splash of water to refresh the rice, making it perfect for lunch the next day.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this unique fried rice as a complete meal or as part of a larger spread. For a simple weeknight dinner, pair it with a light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil. For entertaining, serve alongside potstickers or spring rolls for an Asian fusion feast. The sweet and savory profile also pairs wonderfully with spicy dishes like Kung Pao chicken or Szechuan vegetables, creating a balanced meal with contrasting flavors.
Save This flavor-packed fried rice is a delightful way to elevate leftovers and surprise your family with an unexpectedly delicious, comforting meal.