Oi Gente!
This Brazilian fried rice with ham and egg is a tasty, versatile dish that’s very easy to make. Perfect for using leftover rice and holiday ham, it can be served as a side or enjoyed on its own. The recipe is highly customizable, so feel free to adapt ingredients to your taste.
About this Brazilian Fried Rice with Ham and Egg recipe
In Brazil, this dish is commonly called arroz maluco, which literally means “crazy rice.” The classic version usually includes ham and egg, some vegetables, and a crunchy topping of potato sticks known as batata palha. The contrast between the soft rice and the crispy topping is one of the highlights of the recipe.
Arroz maluco is ideal for improvisation. Swap or add ingredients based on what you have at home. The most important element is the crunchy topping—potato sticks or crushed potato chips add the texture that makes this dish so satisfying.
This fried rice is also very quick to prepare, so it works well as a weeknight meal or an easy contribution to a casual gathering. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Beijinhos xx
Bom Apetite!
Brazilian Fried Rice Ingredients
Brazilian fried rice is forgiving and flexible — swap ingredients to suit your pantry and preferences.
Here are the core ingredients and a few suggestions to customize the recipe:
- Butter — for sautéing and flavor.
- Onion — diced, to build the base flavor.
- Eggs — scrambled into the rice for richness.
- Ham — cubed ham steaks or leftover holiday ham work great. You can also substitute smoked sausage if you prefer.
- Cooked rice — leftover chilled rice is ideal; if you need fresh rice, cook and cool it slightly before using.
- Frozen peas — no need to thaw; canned peas or corn are good alternatives.
- Potato sticks (batata palha) — adds crunch. If unavailable, crushed potato chips work well as a substitute.
- Fresh parsley — optional garnish. Chives, cilantro, or green onions also work.
How to make Brazilian Fried rice
Brown the ham – In a medium pan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the cubed ham. Cook until the ham is browned but not overly crisp to avoid drying it out.
Sauté the onion – Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant.
Scramble the eggs – Push the ham and onion to the side or make a small well in the pan, add the beaten eggs, and scramble them until just set. Then incorporate with the ham and onions.
Add the rice – Stir in the cooked rice and mix thoroughly so the grains separate and absorb the flavors. Cook just until the rice is heated through, about 2–3 minutes.
Finish with the peas – Add the frozen peas last and cook briefly, 2–3 minutes, until warmed through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating without overcooking the peas.
Top and serve – Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle potato sticks or crushed potato chips on top for crunch. Finish with minced fresh parsley or another herb of your choice.
Bom Apetite!
More Brazilian rice recipes to try:
How to Make Brazilian Rice
Pineapple Rice
Brazilian Holiday Rice
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Arroz Maluco – Brazilian Fried Rice with Ham and Egg
Aline Shaw
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp butter
- 3 cups ham, cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 eggs
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup frozen peas no need to thaw
- potato sticks to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, minced optional
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Instructions
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Add the butter and the ham to a medium pan over medium heat and brown the ham for a few minutes.
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Add the onions and sauté until they are translucent.
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Add the eggs and stir to scramble them into the ham and onions.
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Stir in the cooked rice and cook until warmed through, about 2–3 minutes.
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Mix in the peas and cook just long enough to heat them, about 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Serve topped with potato sticks and fresh parsley.
Bom Apetite!
Let me know how it was!