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Charred Ham & Crispy Garlic Rice with Chili Oil

weeknightboldspicyasian-inspired
10 minPrep20 minCook4Serves

Ingredients

  • 1 poundham steak (bone-in or boneless)
  • 1½ cupjasmine rice
  • 2½ cupchicken broth
  • 6 clovesgarlic
  • ½ teaspoonred pepper flakes
  • 3 tablespoonchili oil
  • 1lime
  • 3scallions
  • 1 pinchsalt and black pepper

Prep

  1. 01

    Mince 6 cloves garlic.

  2. 02

    Slice 3 scallions (white and light green parts separate from dark green).

  3. 03

    Cut 1 lime into wedges.

Method

  1. 01

    Bring chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add jasmine rice, stir once, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.

  2. 02

    While rice cooks, heat 1 tablespoon chili oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ham steak and cook 3–4 minutes per side until edges are charred and caramelized. Transfer to a cutting board.

  3. 03

    In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons chili oil and minced garlic. Toast over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and starting to turn golden. Stir in red pepper flakes and cook 30 seconds.

  4. 04

    Add cooked rice to the skillet and toss gently with the garlic oil, breaking up any clumps. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Squeeze lime juice over top.

  5. 05

    Slice ham steak into strips. Divide rice among bowls, top with ham, and garnish with chopped scallions. Serve hot.

Spice Tips

For more burn, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne or a small pinch of smoked paprika to the garlic oil. If you want gentler spice, reduce red pepper flakes to 1/4 teaspoon and drizzle less chili oil. Fresh cilantro or Thai basil scattered over the top adds brightness and herbal depth.

Chili oil brings the heat and richness here—use a good-quality version or drizzle with a store-bought brand you love. The charred ham caramelizes beautifully and pairs perfectly with the garlicky rice. Leftovers keep 2 days in the fridge and reheat well.

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