Spam Fried Rice
Spam Fried Rice is a fusion of savory flavors that combines the rich, umami taste of Spam with perfectly seasoned rice stir-fried to golden perfection. This mouthwatering dish can be made in under 15 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Convenient: Whip up a delicious meal in no time with this recipe, making it an ideal choice for busy families. The ease of preparation ensures you can enjoy a satisfying homemade dish without sacrificing precious time.
- Versatility: Customize your Spam Fried Rice by adding your favorite vegetables, herbs, or spices to suit your palate. This recipe is a versatile canvas, allowing you to get creative in the kitchen and tailor the dish to your preferences.
- Comfort Food with a Twist: Indulge in the comforting familiarity of fried rice while savoring Spam’s unique twist to this classic dish.
Ingredients Needed
Please scroll ⬇️ to the recipe card to see the full ingredient amounts and instructions.
Step-by-Step: Spam Fried Rice
Start by preparing the ingredients. Dice the spam, chop the vegetables (if using fresh), and beat the eggs. If you’re using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a tray to cool in the refrigerator or freezer.
Step 1: Cook the Spam. In a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat, add diced Spam and stir-fry until it turns golden brown and slightly crispy. Remove from the wok and set aside.
Step 2: Saute shallots. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the same wok and saute the shallots until translucent and fragrant. Push the shallots to the side.
Step 3: Add mixed vegetables. Stir fry until they are tender but still crisp. You can adjust the cooking time based on your preference for softer or crunchier vegetables.
Step 4: Scramble eggs. Push the vegetables to one side of the wok to create a space for the eggs. Pour the beaten eggs into the open space and scramble until just cooked. Incorporate the eggs with the vegetables.
Step 5: Add rice, seasoning, and spam. Add the cooked and cooled rice, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, butter, salt, pepper, and sugar to the wok. Stir-fry the mixture, ensuring the sauces are evenly distributed. Reintroduce the cooked Spam to the wok. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 6: Adjust seasoning and serve. Taste the fried rice and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Transfer the Spam Fried Rice to a serving dish, garnish with additional green onions, and serve hot.
Tips for Success
– Prep the ingredients in advance. Chop and prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking. This includes dicing the Spam, chopping vegetables, and having the rice cooked and cooled.
– Use day-old leftover rice. For the best texture, use day-old cooked rice that has been refrigerated. This helps reduce moisture content, preventing the rice from becoming mushy during the stir-frying process and allowing it to achieve that perfect, slightly crispy consistency.
– If you’re using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a tray to cool or refrigerate/freeze for a while to reduce moisture.
– Control saltiness. Spam is inherently salty, so be mindful of additional salt during seasoning. Taste the dish as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
– High heat is best for stir-frying! Ensure your wok or pan is hot before adding ingredients. Stir-fry over high heat to achieve that desirable smoky flavor and to prevent the ingredients from becoming soggy. Keep the ingredients moving quickly to avoid sticking.
– Add the ingredients in strategically. Incorporate ingredients in stages based on their cooking times. Start with Spam to render its delicious flavor, then add denser vegetables before finishing with quick-cooking elements. This ensures each component is cooked perfectly without overcooking or undercooking any element.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Allow the leftover fried rice to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation inside the storage container, which can lead to sogginess.
Refrigerate: Transfer the cooled fried rice to an airtight container or sealable plastic bag. Fried rice can typically be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Reheat: Use a non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat to reheat. Add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking, and stir-fry the rice until thoroughly heated. You can also sprinkle a little water over the rice and cover it with a lid to help retain moisture.
Serving Suggestions
This is a complete meal by itself, but here are some of my favorite recipes to go with fried rice: thit kho (Vietnamese braised pork belly), egg rolls, or Asian short ribs. Check out these awesome side veggies: rau muong (stir fried garlic water spinach), or Chinese-style air fryer green beans.
Craving for More Fried Rice?
Here are some more fried rice recipes for you to try next: Vietnamese Fried Rice, Thai Fried Rice, Crab Fried Rice, Lobster Fried Rice, and Kimchi Fried Rice.
RECIPE
Spam Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked and cooled white rice
- 1 (12 oz) can of Spam diced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 shallot (or ½ onion) finely diced
- 1 cup fresh or frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, green beans, corn, or bell peppers)
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- ½ tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients. Dice the spam, chop the vegetables (if using fresh), and beat the eggs. If you're using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a tray to cool in the refrigerator.
- Cook the Spam. In a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat, add diced Spam and stir-fry until it turns golden brown and slightly crispy. Remove from the wok and set aside.
- Stir-fry the vegetables. In the same wok, add 1 tablespoon of oil. Saute the shallot until translucent and fragrant. Push it to the side and add mixed vegetables. Stir fry until they are tender but still crisp. You can adjust the cooking time based on your preference for softer or crunchier vegetables.
- Scramble Eggs. Push the vegetables to one side of the wok to create a space for the eggs. Pour the beaten eggs into the open space and scramble until just cooked. Incorporate the eggs with the vegetables.
- Add Rice. Add the cooked and cooled rice to the wok. Break up any clumps and mix well with the vegetables and eggs.
- Seasoning. Drizzle soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil over the rice. Add butter, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir-fry the mixture, ensuring the sauces are evenly distributed.
- Add Spam. Reintroduce the cooked Spam to the wok. Give it a good stir. Then, let the bottom get crispy for 2 minutes. Stir, and repeat a couple of times.
- Adjust seasoning. Taste the fried rice and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve. Transfer the Spam Fried Rice to a serving dish, garnish with additional green onions, and serve hot.
Notes
Helpful Tips
- Prep the ingredients in advance. Chop and prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking. This includes dicing the Spam, chopping vegetables, and having the rice cooked and cooled.
- Use day-old leftover rice. For the best texture, use day-old cooked rice that has been refrigerated. This helps reduce moisture content, preventing the rice from becoming mushy during the stir-frying process and allowing it to achieve that perfect, slightly crispy consistency.
- If you’re using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a tray to cool or refrigerate/freeze for a while to reduce moisture.
- High heat is best for stir-frying! Ensure your wok or pan is hot before adding ingredients. Stir-fry over high heat to achieve that desirable smoky flavor and to prevent the ingredients from becoming soggy. Keep the ingredients moving quickly to avoid sticking.
- Add the ingredients in strategically. Incorporate ingredients in stages based on their cooking times. Start with Spam to render its delicious flavor, then add denser vegetables before finishing with quick-cooking elements. This ensures each component is cooked perfectly without overcooking or undercooking any element.
The whole family love this simple recipe! I will have to try different Spam versions now to experiment!
Another great fried rice recipe! Thank you for sharing!