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Hawaiian Pizza Fried Rice

Level 1: Piece of cake - no experience needed...just follow the directions and enjoy cooking!
Level 2: Easy as pie - some attention is needed, but the instructions will get you there.

Posted: September 8, 2025

Updated: January 18, 2026

Instinct Level 4 – Advanced Technique: Patience and precision shine here: complex steps, longer time, sharper skills required.

Instinct Level 3 – Intermediate Balance: A little layering, some timing, and a dash of judgment — you’ve got this.

Instinct Level 5 – Expert Challenge: Multi‑stage, high‑skill cooking with nuanced judgment — a true kitchen adventure.

Instinct Level 2 – Easy with Guidance: Simple skills, short prep, clear steps — just follow along and you’re golden.

Instinct Level 1 – Beginner Friendly: You’ll breeze through this: quick, easy, no judgment calls, barely any cleanup.

Caramelized pineapple and crispy bits of Spam create the perfect sweet-savory balance in this Hawaiian-inspired fried rice that's become a beloved comfort food across the Pacific. This quick and easy weeknight dinner combines the best of two worlds - the satisfying heartiness of traditional fried rice with the tropical brightness that makes Hawaiian cuisine so irresistible. The secret lies in the contrast: salty, umami-rich Spam paired with juicy pineapple chunks, fresh tomatoes adding acidity, and scrambled eggs binding everything together into one harmonious dish that's both familiar and exciting.

servings as a main dish

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Hands-On Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time (assuming rice is pre-made): 30 minutes

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Notes

Meal Suggestions

  • This Hawaiian fried rice works beautifully as a complete meal or alongside grilled teriyaki chicken, kalbi short ribs, or fresh ahi poke.

  • For a traditional plate lunch experience, serve with macaroni salad and steamed vegetables.

  • It also pairs wonderfully with Korean BBQ or simple grilled fish.

 

Shortcuts

  • Use pre-cooked rice from the grocery store or leftover takeout rice.

  • Instead of the tomato mixture (tomatoes, onions, garlic, and tomato paste), 3 tablespoons of ketchup can be used – just spritz over the fried rice mixture and stir as part of Step 11.

  • Buy pre-diced Spam or ham from the deli counter.

  • Use frozen pineapple chunks (thaw and drain first).

  • Pre-cut vegetables can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen.

 

Make Ahead

  • Cook rice up to 3 days in advance and store refrigerated. Leftover Ginger Garlic Rice works well for this recipe too!

  • All vegetables can be prepped and stored in airtight containers for 3 days.

  • The complete dish can be made ahead and reheated, though the texture is best when served fresh.

 

Troubleshooting

  • Mushy rice: Always use day-old, cold rice. Fresh rice contains too much moisture and will become gummy when stir-fried.

  • Bland flavor: Taste and adjust seasoning - add more soy sauce gradually, or a splash of sesame oil for depth.

  • Soggy texture: Ensure pineapple is well-drained and don't overcrowd the pan, which causes steaming instead of frying.

 

Storage & Leftovers

  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

  • Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between. The flavors improve after a day as they meld together.

 

Substitutions & Variations

  • Rice variations: Brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa work well.

  • Protein swaps: Ham, Portuguese sausage, chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

  • Vegetable additions: Bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or corn complement the tropical flavors beautifully.

 

Substitutions & Variations – Shelf-Stable & Frozen Ingredients

  • This recipe is already pretty shelf-stable! Tomatoes can be diced and frozen.

 

Substitutions & Variations – Keto-Friendly

  • Replace rice with cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen, well-drained).

  • Reduce pineapple to ¼ cup or omit entirely.

  • Add more eggs for protein and healthy fats.

  • Use sugar-free soy sauce if available.

 

Substitutions & Variations – Gluten-Free

  • Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

  • Verify that your Spam is gluten-free (most varieties are).

 

Substitutions & Variations – Vegan & Vegetarian

  • Simply omit the Spam and increase eggs to 4-5 for protein (vegetarian, not vegan).

  • Replace Spam with firm tofu (pressed and cubed), tempeh, or plant-based meat alternatives.

  • Replace the chicken stock or bouillon powder with vegetable stock or powder.

  • Omit eggs or use scrambled tofu seasoned with turmeric for color and nutritional yeast for flavor.

  • Use tamari instead of soy sauce for the cleanest flavor.

  • Add cashews or edamame for protein and texture.

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Nutrition Facts

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet; your needs may differ.

Nutrition information is estimated using USDA databases and may vary based on ingredient brands and preparation methods.

The 2,000-calorie reference is used as a general guide. Individual calorie needs typically range from 1,600-2,400 calories per day for adult women and 2,000-3,000 calories per day for adult men, depending on age, activity level, and other factors.

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