Rice Recipes
How to Make Spam Fried Rice Recipe? Quick and Tasty
Welcome to the ultimate guide on crafting the perfect Spam Fried Rice, a dish that combines the comforting flavors of fried rice with the savory, umami-packed goodness of Spam. With origins rooted in the resourceful kitchens of post-war Hawaii and later embraced across many cultures, Spam Fried Rice has become a beloved staple due to its simplicity and deliciousness. This recipe isn’t just about tossing ingredients together; it’s about mastering the balance of flavors and textures that make this dish a standout.
Whether you’re a culinary novice or an experienced home cook, our detailed guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you achieve restaurant-quality results every time. Imagine transforming leftover rice and pantry staples into a mouthwatering meal that delights the entire family. Ready to elevate your cooking game and discover the secrets to perfect Spam Fried Rice? Dive in and start your culinary journey with us!
Table content
All About Spam Fried Rice
Spam fried rice brings together canned meat, rice, vegetables, and savory seasonings for a quick, budget-friendly meal packed with comforting flavors. The saltiness of Spam balances nicely with fluffy rice and adds a meaty texture that makes this dish satisfying.
Spam fried rice is a staple in Hawaii, where canned meats became popular during World War II rationing. But it also appears in Korean, Japanese, and Filipino cuisine. No matter how it’s prepared, Spam fried rice hits the spot thanks to its:
- Savory and slightly sweet Spam pieces
- Rice that absorbs all the flavors
- Onions, peas, carrots adding pops of color and freshness
- Soy sauce and sesame oil for signature Asian flavors
- Eggs adding richness and protein
This classic dish can be served as a main meal or side, for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The basic ingredients allow for budget-friendly improvisation while delivering comfort, nostalgia, and yummy flavors no matter how it’s served up.
Ingredients and Equipment
Choosing quality ingredients and having the right tools on hand ensures you’ll end up with delicious Spam fried rice.
Spam Tips
- Classic or lower sodium work best
- Smaller cans (6-7 oz) for right amount in recipe
- Unsliced gives more customizable piece sizes
Essential Equipment
- Large skillet or wok for quick, even stir-frying
- Spatula or tongs for tossing ingredients
- Knife and cutting board for prepping veggies
- Measuring spoons for savory sauces
Step-by-Step Spam Fried Rice Recipe
Follow these simple steps for quick yet flavorful Spam fried rice.
Prep Ingredients
- Dice Spam into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Peel and finely dice onion. Mince garlic.
- Chop veggies like carrots, peas, etc. into small pieces.
- Cook rice beforehand and chill completely.
Cook Spam Fried Rice
- Heat 2 Tbsp oil in wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add Spam and stir-fry until lightly browned. Remove Spam to plate.
- Add onions and garlic to pan. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add veggies and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Add chilled rice and toss thoroughly for 2 minutes to coat.
- Return Spam to pan and add soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
- Stir-fry for 2 more minutes until heated through.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
Spam fried rice can be served simply on its own or incorporated into other dishes:
- Top with fried egg for extra protein
- Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds
- Serve with kimchi or salad for contrasting flavors and textures
- Stuff into lettuce wraps or cabbage cups
- Use as filling for Spam musubi (rice balls)
- Serve as side dish with Kalbi short ribs or chicken kebabs
Get creative with how you include this tasty Spam fried rice in your next meal.
Key Takeaways
- Choose right Spam variety and dice into small pieces
- Ensure rice is pre-cooked and thoroughly chilled
- Stir-fry Spam first before removing and adding veggies
- Toss rice into skillet last to prevent sticking and overcooking
- Add sauce ingredients at the end and adjust to taste
- Serve as a meal or creative side dish paired with other foods
With a few simple ingredients and quick wok technique, you can make delicious Spam fried rice anytime. This budget-conscious recipe also opens the door for experimenting with other easy fried rice variations.
Conclusion: Spam Fried Rice Recipe
Spam fried rice brings this canned meat product into starring role, pairing saltiness with fluffy rice, crunchy vegetables, and savory Asian flavors. It’s no wonder this dish is loved for its convenience, versatility, and sheer tastiness.
In just one skillet, humble ingredients transform into a satisfying and crave-worthy meal. Adjust the template to your taste by adding extra veggies, different sauces, or even a fried egg on top. However you choose to prepare it, Spam fried rice is sure deliver a mouthwatering meal steeped in comfort and nostalgia.
So open a can of Spam today and get sizzling! This budget-friendly recipe is worthy of a permanent place in your recipe archives. Just follow the simple steps, allow yourself to get creative, and get ready to enjoy this iconic Asian-inspired rice dish.
Ingredients
- Essentials:
- 2-3 cups Cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 (12 oz) can Spam, diced
- Additional Ingredients (choose a few):
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ½ cup Frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) (thawed, optional)
- ½ cup Chopped green onions
- Soy sauce to taste
- Optional: Chopped garlic, chopped red bell pepper, chopped scallions, cooked shrimp
- Optional Condiments:
- Sesame oil
- Sriracha sauce
- Kimchi
- Furikake (Japanese rice seasoning)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cook your white rice according to package instructions or use leftover cooked rice (preferably day-old rice works best for fried rice). If using frozen vegetables, thaw them and drain any excess water. Dice the Spam into bite-sized pieces. Beat the eggs in a bowl (optional). Chop your desired vegetables (green onions, garlic, red bell pepper, scallions) if using.
- Heat the Oil: In a wok or large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Scramble the Eggs (Optional): If using eggs, push any cooked bits of food to the side of the pan and add a drizzle of oil if needed. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until cooked through. Remove the scrambled eggs from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
- Fry the Spam: Add the diced Spam to the hot oil and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly browned and crispy on the edges.
- Add Vegetables (Optional): If using vegetables, add them to the pan with the cooked Spam and stir-fry for another minute or two.
- Add Rice: Push the Spam and vegetables to one side of the pan. Add the cooked white rice to the empty side of the pan and spread it out in an even layer. Let the rice sit for a moment to heat up and slightly crisp on the bottom.
- Season and Stir-Fry: Once the rice starts to heat through, use a spatula to break up any clumps and start mixing everything together. Drizzle in a little soy sauce around the edges of the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Continue to stir-fry and toss the rice, Spam, and vegetables for a few minutes, until heated through and well combined.
- Add Eggs Back (Optional): If you scrambled eggs earlier, add them back to the pan and toss them with the fried rice mixture.
- Season and Serve: Taste the fried rice and adjust the seasoning with additional soy sauce to your preference. You can also add a drizzle of sesame oil for extra flavor (optional). Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- Importance of Day-Old Rice: Day-old rice tends to be drier and less sticky than freshly cooked rice, which results in a better texture for fried rice.
- Adjusting the Recipe: Feel free to adjust the amount of Spam, vegetables, eggs, and seasonings according to your preference. You can also add other ingredients like chopped cooked shrimp, kimchi, or cooked chicken.
- Leftovers: Leftover Spam fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition Facts
Spam Fried Rice Recipe
Serves: 2-3 servings
|
Amount Per Serving: 1 cup
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 400-500 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 15-20g | 23.1% | |
| Saturated Fat 5-7g | 25% | |
| Trans Fat 0g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 | |
| Sodium 600-800mg | 25% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 50-60g | 16.7% | |
| Dietary Fiber 1-2g | 4% | |
| Sugars 5-7g | ||
| Protein 15-20g | ||
| Vitamin A Low | Vitamin C Low | |
| Calcium 5-10% | Iron 10-15% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Vietnamese food recipe
Hello! I’m Christine Ha – a food nerd in love with eating, cooking, photography, science, and culture.
Vietnamese food was always on the table when I was a kid, but I didn’t really care for it until my late teens (what a waste!). I was a super picky eater and mostly just wanted fast food. Somewhere down the line I flipped a switch, and now home-cooked food is something I appreciate so much more. ⮕About me