Quinoa fried rice is a great way to use up leftover Christmas ham – and vegetables, too! On the table in less than 30 minutes, this recipe is high in fiber and protein.

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The first time I saw quinoa fried rice on a menu, I thought it was brilliant. I loved the idea of mixing things up by using a grain other than rice. When I realized it was also an excellent way to use up leftovers, I knew I had to learn how to make it!
As you have leftover quinoa (or think to make it ahead of time), it can be on the table in about 25 minutes. It’s perfect for a weeknight – especially this time of year when things always seem so hectic.

I recently photographed several hams for Jones Dairy Farm, so I have a ton of leftovers to use up (I suspect a lot of you will be in the same boat after Christmas). I used cranberry sweet chili ham in this fried “rice” and I loved how the subtle fruity glaze paired with the vegetables and quinoa, but any leftover ham will work. If you don’t have leftovers, you can also use a ham steak. We usually eat fried rice as a side dish, but since this version has a variety of interesting textures and flavors, we liked it as a main course too.
If you’re still looking for your perfect Christmas ham, check out what Jones has to offer! Their boneless family hams are absolutely delicious and the whole hams (shown above) make an absolutely stunning addition to any buffet table. If you order online, use the code JONES20 for 20% off! The code is good through December 31, but if you want your ham in time for Christmas be sure to order before December 17. You can also use their store locator to find a ham in a grocery store near you.

Yields 6
This recipe is best with leftover quinoa that has been refrigerated overnight. 1 cup of quinoa cooked in 2 cups of water will yield the amount needed.
10 minPrep Time
15 minCook Time
25 minTotal Time
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons grated ginger
- 2 carrots, diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
- 2 tablespoons water
- 4 cups cooked quinoa
- 2 cups shredded Brussels sprouts
- 1 cup b]diced Jones Dairy Farm ham [/b], like [cranberry sweet chili ham
- 1/2 cup snap peas, cut in half
- 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large, flat-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger; cook 3 minutes, or until soft.
- Add the carrots, corn, and water; cook until the water evaporates and the carrots begin to soften – about 5 minutes. Add the quinoa, Brussels sprouts, ham, and snap peas. Cook 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, 2 tablespoons water, and sesame oil. Pour the sauce into the pan, mixing well to combine. Cook 2-3 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.
I created this recipe for my client, Jones Dairy Farm. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep me inspired in the kitchen!
More recipes that use leftover ham:
Dijon Potato Salad with Crispy Ham
Butternut Squash Biscuit Sandwiches
BBQ Hawaiian Pizza
Cheddar Ham Rolls


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This looks so good! Nice twist on pork fried rice. 🙂
I love that you used quinoa instead of rice! And Jones has the BEST ham, so I can only imagine how good this is!
Quinoa fried rice was one of my favorite quick and healthy dinners before quinoa decided to wreak havoc on my stomach. 🙁 Love the ham addition. The salty kick is probably perfect with the quinoa and all the veg! Also-that ham shot—gorgeous!
I love the idea of using quinoa as a rice alternative in this dish…looks yummy!
I’ve just started using quinoa in more than quinoa cakes. We’ve been trying to really incorporate it into our dinners so this recipe is perfect. I think my family will love it!
Oh my gosh, this is truly outstanding. I am in love with this recipe.
I love quinoa and I love fried rice…so together it’s like happiness in a bowl!
This sounds perfect!! I do love fried rice, but using quinoa instead is genius! And your ham photos. Drooling.
I love this dish, Lauren. And cranberry sweet chili ham? That sounds AWESOME!
Goodness! That sounds so perfect! I am a fried rice fan, but quinoa is mah main squeeze! I am going to try this for sure!
This looks amazing, Lauren. Quinoa fried rice is one of those things I’ve been meaning to try, but haven’t done so yet. I’m pretty sure this is happening sometime in the next couple of weeks.
Oh, I’m loving this idea! I make fried rice sometimes once a week…so cool to add quinoa and any leftover baked ham!!
Quinoa fried rice is SO creative! Smoky ham bits would really ramp up the flavor in this dish.
Brilliant idea! This is the first time I’ve ever seen quinoa fried rice so kudos to you for that!
What a delicious idea to make a quinoa fried rice! Definitely more healthier than usual fried rice – a recipe I need to try!
Fantastic recipe. I love this idea!!!
That looks amazing and it’s good for you too! The perfect combination. Can’t wait to try this!
Fried rice style quinoa? That’s genius. I bet this is AH-MAZING. Yum.
I still have not had rice and quinoa together and it sounds so good! Love your flavor additions!
THIS has never come to my attention (or my mouth) yet! Hus, I love the twist of using quinoa! Smartypants!
Healthy and perfect! I love that they sky is the limit on what you can throw in with Quinoa!
We love Jones Dairy Farm products – and having leftovers isn’t such a bad thing if it means we can make a recipe like this one!
Looks delicious. I definitely need to do more with quinoa, and since my son is obsessed w/ ham then this recipe is perfect for us!
Wait. Cranberry Sweet Chili Ham? I bet those leftovers would be great in just about everything!
This is a great recipe for any leftover meat! I am saving this for Christmas week when we can not possibly eat another slice of ham 🙂 Because this is genius!
Love a good take two meal! Looks dee-lish Lauren!
OK – I love this because we always have a ton of ham leftover (we host Christmas dinner for 30+) and I’m not a big fan of it on it’s own but in a recipe like this? Yes please.
I think this is an awesome and clever idea Lauren!
Yum! Love the healthy twist on fried rice 🙂
I love creative leftover ideas! YUM
Love the idea of swapping quinoa for rice! We always have a ham for Christmas dinner, so I’ll be saving this recipe for using up the leftovers!
Creative repurposing of ham! Love the whole thing!
I like the addition of the ham! I have to try fried rice with quinoa sometime.
Definitely a great switch up from rice! And your leftover glazed ham is a delicious addition!
Love this so much! I want to eat it NOW!
Cranberry sweet chili ham sounds like the best thing ever! And I love the idea of using up the leftovers with quinoa fried rice.
Sounds delicious!
Dang, that looks really good. Healthy without sacrificing the flavor.