Spam Fried Rice

Spam fried rice is one of my favorite meals to cook when I am tired. It is fast, salty, and very filling. You might think canned meat is strange, but it tastes amazing when you fry it until it gets crispy. This dish is a classic in places like Hawaii and parts of Asia because it is cheap and tastes like a dream. In this post, you will learn how to make the perfect bowl of fried rice using just a few simple items from your pantry.

I remember the first time I tried this dish. I was visiting a friend, and they had almost no food in the house. They found a can of Spam and some cold rice from the night before. Ten minutes later, we were eating the best meal of the week. It changed how I think about quick dinners. Now, I always keep a can of Spam in my cupboard for nights when I do not want to go to the store.

Get your pan ready because we are going to make something delicious right now.

Check out the steps below to start cooking.

Why This Salty Treat Works for Dinner

Fried rice is all about using what you have. The best part of this recipe is the contrast in textures. You get soft rice, crunchy bits of meat, and snappy vegetables all in one bite. It is a complete meal in a bowl, and kids usually love it because the meat is a little bit sweet and very salty. Most people have these ingredients in their kitchen already, which makes it a great choice for a busy Tuesday night.

What You Need to Get Started

To make great Spam fried rice, you do not need fancy tools. You just need a large pan or a wok. The most important thing is the rice. It must be cold. If you use hot, fresh rice, your meal will turn into a big pile of mush. I learned this the hard way! One time I tried to make it with fresh rice and it looked like porridge. Now I always use rice that has been in the fridge for at least one night.

• 3 cups of cold, cooked white rice (Jasmine works best)
• 1 can of Spam (cut into small cubes)
• 2 large eggs (whisked in a small bowl)
• 1/2 cup of frozen peas and carrots
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
• 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 2 green onions (sliced thin)
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

If you do not have oyster sauce, you can just use a little extra soy sauce and a pinch of sugar. It still tastes great! This recipe is very flexible, so do not worry if you are missing one small thing.

Prepping the Meat and Veggies

Cutting the Spam into small pieces is key. You want the cubes to be about the size of a marble. This way, every spoonful of rice has a piece of meat in it. I like to cut the block into slices first, then strips, and finally cubes. It takes about two minutes. Make sure the cubes are all the same size so they cook evenly in the pan.

While you are cutting, take your frozen peas and carrots out of the freezer. You do not need to thaw them completely. They will cook very fast in the hot pan. If you like onions, you can chop a small white onion too. Garlic is also a must-have. Smash it with your knife and chop it into tiny bits. Smashing it first helps get all the flavor out.

How to Cook the Perfect Rice

First, put your pan over medium-high heat. Add a tiny bit of oil. Add the Spam cubes to the hot pan. Let them sit for a minute without moving them. This helps them get a brown, crispy crust. Flip them around until they look golden on all sides. Once they are crispy, push them to the side of the pan or take them out and put them on a plate.

1. Heat the pan and fry the Spam until crispy.
2. Add the garlic and white parts of the green onions for 30 seconds.
3. Push everything to the side and pour in the whisked eggs.
4. Scramble the eggs quickly until they are just set.
5. Add the cold rice and break up any big clumps with your spoon.
6. Toss everything together and add the soy sauce and oyster sauce.
7. Stir in the frozen veggies and cook for 2 more minutes.
8. Finish with sesame oil and the green tops of the onions.

The secret is to keep the heat high. You want the rice to fry, not steam. If the pan is too cold, the rice will just get soft and oily. IMO, the crispy rice bits at the bottom are the best part of the whole meal!

Flavor Tips and Tricks

Balance is very important here. Spam is very salty, so you should be careful with the soy sauce. I always taste a little bit of the rice before I add more salt. If it feels too salty, add a tiny bit of lime juice or vinegar. The acid cuts through the salt and fat. It makes the whole dish feel lighter and fresh.

Another tip is to use a metal spatula. It helps you scrape the bottom of the pan. Those brown bits stuck to the pan have so much flavor! If you are using a non-stick pan, use wood or plastic so you do not scratch it. Also, make sure your rice is dry. If the rice feels wet, spread it out on a tray for 20 minutes before you start cooking.

Adding Fun Variations

You do not have to stick to the basic recipe. I love adding pineapple to my Spam fried rice. It sounds weird, but the sweet fruit and salty meat go perfectly together. It is like a Hawaiian pizza but in a bowl. If you like spicy food, add some Sriracha or chili flakes at the end. It gives the dish a nice kick that wakes up your mouth.

You can also change the veggies. Sometimes I use corn, green beans, or even chopped cabbage. Cabbage gets sweet when it fries, which is a nice touch. If you want more protein, you can add shrimp or chicken along with the Spam. Just remember that Spam is the star of the show. FYI, some people even add a little bit of butter at the end for extra richness.

Serving Your Masterpiece

Once the rice is done, serve it right away while it is steaming hot. I like to put mine in a big bowl and top it with a fried egg. A runny yolk acts like a sauce that makes the rice even better. Sprinkle some extra green onions and sesame seeds on top to make it look fancy. Even though it is a cheap meal, it can look like it came from a restaurant.

This dish does not need many sides because it has everything in it. However, a side of kimchi or pickled cucumbers is great. The sour taste helps clean your palate between bites of salty rice. If you are cooking for friends, you can serve it in the middle of the table and let everyone dig in. It is a very social and happy food.

How to Store and Reheat

If you have leftovers, you are lucky! This rice tastes even better the next day. Put it in a container with a tight lid and keep it in the fridge. It will stay good for about three days. I do not recommend freezing fried rice because the veggies can get mushy when they melt. It is so fast to make fresh that you probably won’t need to freeze it anyway.

When you want to eat it again, do not use the microwave if you have time. Instead, put it back in a pan with a tiny splash of water. The water creates steam that helps soften the rice without making it greasy. Cover the pan for a minute, then stir until it is hot all the way through. It will taste almost as good as the first time you made it.

Your Common Questions Answered

Cooking with Spam might be new for some of you. Here are some answers to things people often ask me about this recipe. It is a very simple dish, but a few small details can make a big difference in how it turns out.

Can I use low-sodium Spam?

Yes! It is a great choice if you want to control the salt. You can always add more soy sauce later if you need it.

What if I only have fresh rice?

Spread it on a baking sheet and put it in the freezer for 15 minutes. This dries the surface so it does not get mushy.

Can I make this vegetarian?

You can use a plant-based meat substitute, but the flavor will be different. Smoked tofu is a good alternative for the salty bite.

Why is my fried rice sticky?

This usually happens if the rice was too wet or the pan was not hot enough. Make sure to use cold, dry rice next time.

Do I have to use a wok?

No, a large flat skillet works just fine. Just make sure it is big enough to toss the rice without spilling.

The Best Easy Dinner

Spam fried rice is a humble meal that brings a lot of joy. It proves that you do not need expensive ingredients to make something that tastes amazing. Just remember to use cold rice and get that meat nice and crispy for the best results. Enjoy your fast and tasty dinner!