Homemade Gluten-Free Ham Fried Rice: A Journey of Comfort and Flavor from China to Your Kitchen

Food has an incredible way of transporting us, of soothing our souls, and reminding us of home, even when we’re thousands of miles away. For me, that dish was a humble plate of fried rice. My journey with this particular comfort food began during a semester abroad in China, where I taught English and experienced a culinary adventure unlike any other.

Living on campus, the school provided our meals. While I appreciate their efforts, let’s just say the dining hall fare was… unique. “Mystery meat” became a recurring theme, and after a while, my palate longed for something familiar, something truly delicious. I distinctly recall feeling perpetually undernourished, a sentiment that ironically served as an excellent pre-wedding diet just five months before my big day.

When my taste buds simply couldn’t endure another bite of the cafeteria’s questionable offerings, I’d dip into my precious travel fund for a splurge. This splurge involved a dedicated walk, probably half a mile each way, to a roadside tent. My co-teachers and I affectionately dubbed the proprietor of this culinary haven “The Rice Man.” Our nomenclature skills might not have been refined, but our appreciation for his cooking certainly was.

This unassuming Chinese gentleman, operating from a simple tent by the road, crafted what I can only describe as the best Fried Rice on that side of the Great Wall. It might have sent shivers down a health inspector’s spine, but it was, without a doubt, absolutely divine. Each greasy, perfectly cooked grain of rice was savored. It was a taste that brought immense comfort and significantly lessened my homesickness, reminding me of my mom’s homemade fried rice from my childhood. There’s a profound truth in the idea that it’s hard to be upset when your stomach is full and satisfied. Bless that man; I truly hope he overcharged us, because every yuan spent was more than worth it.

Even now, back home, I sometimes attempt to eat fried rice with chopsticks, though my skills have regrettably diminished. But whether you opt for chopsticks, a fork, a spoon, or even your hands, this dish is guaranteed to please. Its versatility, with endless customizable add-ins, ensures it caters to all tastes, earning a nod of approval even from “The Rice Man” himself.

This experience ignited a desire to recreate that soul-soothing flavor in my own kitchen, especially one that could cater to various dietary needs. This recipe for Gluten-Free Ham Fried Rice is my homage to that memory, adapted to be dairy, egg, fish, shellfish, peanut, and nut-free, making it truly allergy-friendly without sacrificing any of the incredible taste.

Gluten Free Ham Fried Rice (Dairy, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Peanut and Nut Free)

Yield:
4

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
1 hour

Total Time:
1 hour 10 minutes

Gluten free ham fried rice that isn’t just flavored with soy sauce, but a homemade seasoning too. Flexible and easy to adjust for whatever is in your fridge.

Ingredients

• 1.5 cup cooked brown rice
• 3 cups water (OR 3 cups cold, leftover rice, which is actually better)
• 4 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1/4 c. minced red onion
• 2 Tbsp. chopped green onions
• 1/2 Tbsp. minced garlic
• 1/4 c. chopped carrots
• 8 oz container of mushrooms, chopped
• 4 large romaine leaves
• 1 large slice of Ham, cubed
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 2-4 generous Tbsp. of gluten free soy sauce, depending on taste (I like La Choy–be careful though! Many popular brands have wheat/gluten in them! If you can’t have soy, use coconut aminos.)
• SEASONING:
• 1 Tbsp. dried onion powder
• 1 Tbsp. Kosher salt
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 ½ tsp. sugar
• OPTIONAL ADD-INS:
• Scrambled eggs
• Shrimp
• Coleslaw

Instructions

Directions:

Begin by preparing your rice. Boil water and add the brown rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for approximately 45 minutes. It’s important to note that brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice, but its nutritional benefits are well worth the extra time. If you’re short on time, white rice can be used. For the best fried rice texture, this step can be done up to 2-3 days in advance. Chilled, leftover rice won’t stick together as much, resulting in that ideal grainy fried rice consistency.

Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the minced red onion, chopped carrots, sliced mushrooms, frozen peas, and torn romaine leaves. Sauté these vegetables until the carrots are tender-crisp. This typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.

Once the vegetables are ready, add the pre-cooked (and ideally chilled) rice to the pan. Incorporate the cubed ham, then generously add 2-4 tablespoons of gluten-free soy sauce, adjusting to your taste preference. Remember to double-check your soy sauce brand for gluten content; La Choy is a good option, but many popular brands contain wheat. If soy is an issue, coconut aminos make an excellent alternative.

Finally, sprinkle in your homemade seasoning blend (dried onion powder, Kosher salt, garlic powder, and sugar). Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring the rice and vegetables are evenly coated with the soy sauce and seasoning. Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to heat through and develop a slight crispness. You likely won’t use all the seasoning, so save the remainder for your next batch of fried rice or as a versatile seasoning salt.

Notes

This recipe is incredibly flexible and can be tailor-made to fit even the pickiest appetites. While I find it an excellent way to discreetly include a variety of vegetables, feel free to omit any, or use more or less of them as you prefer. Just remember to adjust the seasoning and soy sauce to taste after any modifications.

Regarding the ham, I personally like to get a thick slice cut from the deli, often asking them to cut it as thick as possible. It’s crucial to be vigilant about allergy safety if you have specific concerns. My grocer, for instance, uses a separate slicer for meat and cheese, which is a great relief for dairy allergies. Always ask about their practices and request fresh gloves before they prepare your order. If you’re unsure about your deli’s cross-contamination protocols, pre-packaged ham lunch meat can be a safe and convenient substitute in a pinch.

Lastly, my husband and I absolutely adore scrambled eggs in our fried rice. Fortunately, my son is not contact or airborne reactive to eggs, allowing us to include them safely for ourselves. I prepare the scrambled eggs in a separate pan with a dedicated spatula to prevent any cross-contact, and then simply toss a portion onto our individual plates. Always prioritize what you’re comfortable with and ensure safety for all members of your household, especially when dealing with severe allergies. You can also explore other protein add-ins like chicken, shrimp, or even tofu to keep things varied and exciting.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 482Total Fat: 23gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 69mgSodium: 2468mgCarbohydrates: 54gFiber: 18gSugar: 16gProtein: 22g

The Art of Perfect Fried Rice

Achieving restaurant-quality fried rice at home is simpler than you might think, but a few key principles can elevate your dish significantly. First and foremost, the secret lies in using cold, day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice has too much moisture, which leads to a soggy, clumpy result. Cold rice, on the other hand, is drier and separates easily, allowing each grain to develop a slightly crispy texture when stir-fried.

Secondly, high heat is crucial. Whether you’re using a wok or a large skillet, ensure your pan is piping hot before adding ingredients. This flash-cooks the ingredients, preserving their texture and preventing them from steaming instead of frying. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary, to maintain that high heat. Overcrowding drops the temperature and results in a less desirable texture.

Finally, the seasoning. While soy sauce is a staple, a balanced homemade seasoning blend, like the one in this recipe, adds depth and complexity that simple soy sauce alone can’t achieve. It allows you to control the saltiness and introduce other aromatic flavors like garlic and onion powder, complementing the freshness of the vegetables and the savory notes of the ham.

Why Choose Homemade & Allergy-Friendly Fried Rice?

In today’s world, navigating food allergies and intolerances has become increasingly common. This recipe stands out because it’s meticulously crafted to be Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Fish-Free, Shellfish-Free, Peanut-Free, and Nut-Free. This comprehensive approach means that more people can enjoy this beloved dish without worry.

• Control Over Ingredients: Making fried rice at home gives you complete control over every ingredient. You can select fresh, high-quality vegetables, choose your preferred type of ham, and ensure all sauces and seasonings are free from hidden allergens.
• No Cross-Contamination Worries: For severe allergies, the risk of cross-contamination in restaurants is a constant concern. Preparing fried rice in your own kitchen eliminates this risk, offering peace of mind.
• Customization for Health: Beyond allergies, homemade fried rice allows you to adjust ingredients for other health goals. Want more vegetables? Add them! Prefer lean protein? Swap ham for chicken breast or tofu. Brown rice, as used here, adds fiber and nutrients that might be absent in takeout versions.
• Flavor That Rivals Takeout: With the right techniques and a well-balanced seasoning, your homemade fried rice can easily surpass the flavor of many commercial versions, often being less greasy and packed with fresher ingredients.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This versatile Gluten-Free Ham Fried Rice can be a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with other dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, a simple stir-fried vegetable dish, or a light soup for a more elaborate meal. For those without egg allergies, scrambling a few eggs and stirring them in at the end adds extra protein and texture.

Feeling creative? Here are some variations to try:

• Protein Swaps: Replace ham with cubed chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu for different flavor profiles.
• Vegetable Boost: Add broccoli florets, bell peppers, snap peas, bok choy, or corn. Fresh ginger can also add a delightful zing.
• Spice It Up: A dash of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a pleasant heat.
• Herbal Freshness: Garnish with fresh cilantro or extra green onions for a burst of freshness.

Conclusion: A Recipe for Comfort and Joy

This Gluten-Free Ham Fried Rice is more than just a recipe; it’s a bridge between a cherished memory of a bustling roadside tent in China and the comforting familiarity of a home-cooked meal. It’s a testament to how food can connect us to our past, offer solace in the present, and bring joy to the table, regardless of dietary restrictions. So gather your ingredients, fire up your pan, and prepare to embark on your own culinary journey with this flavorful and forgiving dish. Your taste buds, and perhaps your soul, will thank you.

Adapted from Our Best Bites