Spicy Ham Stir Fry Recipe

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Description 

This spicy ham stir fry recipe is a quick Korean-inspired dinner with ham, capsicum, jalapeños, and a savoury gochujang sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes!

Looking for a quick dinner that's packed with bold flavour? This spicy ham stir fry recipe combines juicy Strasbourg ham, colourful capsicum, onion, and jalapeño in a sweet, savoury, and spicy Korean-inspired sauce. It's ready in just 20 minutes and tastes amazing served over a bowl of hot steamed rice.

Korean home cooking often transforms simple pantry ingredients into comforting meals with the help of flavourful sauces like gochujang and gochugaru. This stir fry is a perfect example, balancing spicy, savoury, slightly sweet, and smoky flavours in one pan. Using Strasbourg ham makes this recipe both budget-friendly and convenient, making it an easy weeknight meal without sacrificing flavour. 


Key Ingredients & Their Role

  • Strasbourg ham – Adds savoury flavour and a tender, juicy texture. 

  • Onion – Brings natural sweetness as it cooks.
  • Red capsicum (bell pepper) – Adds colour, crunch, and freshness.
  • Jalapeño – Provides fresh heat and extra flavour.
  • Garlic – Creates an aromatic base.
  • Gochugaru – Adds Korean chilli flavour without overpowering heat.
  • Gochujang – Gives the sauce depth, sweetness, spice, and umami.
  • Oyster sauce – Enhances the savoury richness.
  • Oligo syrup (or corn syrup) – Balances the spice with a touch of sweetness and gives the sauce a glossy finish.
  • Sesame oil – Adds a rich, nutty aroma at the end of cooking.

Recipe Card

Spicy Ham Stir Fry Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Cuisine: Korean-inspired

Estimated Calories: ~350–400 kcal per serving (excluding rice)

Servings: 3–4

Ingredients

  • 300g Strasbourg ham, diced into bite-sized pieces (10½ oz)
  • 1 onion, diced (about 200g / 7 oz)
  • 2 red capsicums (bell peppers), diced (about 350g / 12 oz)
  • 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 100ml water (⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon)

Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chilli flakes)
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chilli paste)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oligo syrup (or corn syrup / rice syrup)
  • ½ tablespoon sesame oil

Serve with steamed rice.

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients

Dice the Strasbourg ham, onion, and capsicums into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the jalapeño and mince the garlic. 


2. Cook the ham

Heat a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. 


Add the cooking oil.

Add the ham and stir-fry for about 2–3 minutes until lightly browned around the edges.

3. Add aromatics

Add the minced garlic and diced onion.

Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and the onion begins to soften.

4. Add vegetables

Add the diced capsicums and sliced jalapeño.


Continue stir-frying for another 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.

5. Add the sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. 


Add:

  • gochugaru
  • gochujang
  • oyster sauce
  • oligo syrup

Mix thoroughly until every piece of ham and vegetable is coated in the sauce.

6. Add the water 


 Pour in 100ml water and stir well to combine.
Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and coat the ham and vegetables.

7. Finish

Turn off the heat. 


Drizzle the sesame oil over the stir fry and give everything one final toss.

8. Serve

Serve immediately with hot steamed rice.

Optional toppings:

  • sesame seeds
  • sliced spring onions
  • extra jalapeños
  • fried egg

Cooking Temperature

Cook over medium-high heat (about 180–200°C / 355–390°F pan temperature).

Tips & Substitutions

Tips

  • Don't overcook the capsicum—it tastes best with a slight crunch.
  • Cook over high heat for the best stir-fry flavour.
  • Add sesame oil only at the end to preserve its aroma.
  • Prepare the sauce before cooking so everything comes together quickly.

Substitutions

  • Replace Strasbourg ham with Spam, bacon, smoked sausage, or leftover roast pork.
  • Make it milder by reducing the gochugaru.
  • Add mushrooms, zucchini, or cabbage for extra vegetables.
  • Swap oyster sauce for a vegetarian mushroom stir-fry sauce if needed.
  • Replace oligo syrup with honey or maple syrup.

FAQ

Can I make this spicy ham stir fry ahead of time?

Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a frying pan or microwave until hot.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I serve with spicy ham stir fry?

Steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, lettuce wraps, or even inside a toasted sandwich.

Is Strasbourg ham already cooked?

Yes. Strasbourg ham is fully cooked, so you're simply reheating it while developing flavour during stir-frying.

Can I make it less spicy?

Absolutely. Reduce the amount of gochugaru, skip the jalapeño, or add a little extra oligo syrup to balance the heat.

Wrap-Up

If you need a quick, budget-friendly dinner packed with bold Korean-inspired flavours, this spicy ham stir fry is a fantastic recipe to keep in your weekly rotation. It's simple, colourful, and comes together in just one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Would you make yours extra spicy or keep it mild? Let me know in the comments!

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my PickledRed Onion Recipe on cookwithjuyea.blogspot.com. Those tangy onions also make a delicious side for spicy dishes like this one.

Keyword 

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