Spam Fried Rice is a quick, satisfying, and flavorful meal that combines crispy pan-fried Spam, fluffy eggs, and simple vegetables. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect option for busy weeknights or when you need to use up leftover rice. With savory Spam, vegetables like peas and corn, and a delicious soy-based sauce, this fried rice is a comfort food favorite. Whether you’re a Spam lover or just looking to try something new, this dish delivers a delicious meal in no time.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients
For the fried rice:

• 2 tbsp oil, divided

• 3 eggs, beaten

• 12 oz Spam (low sodium preferred), diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 green onions, chopped

• 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed

• 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed

• 4 cups leftover rice

For the fried rice sauce:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce

• 2 tsp sesame oil

• 1/4 tsp white pepper (or black pepper)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix all fried rice sauce ingredients and set aside.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble them until half cooked (slightly wet), then transfer to a plate and set aside.

3. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet and cook the diced Spam until crispy and slightly browned, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add garlic and green onions, stir-fry for 1 minute. Then add the peas and corn, continuing to stir-fry for another 30 seconds.

5. Add the leftover rice to the skillet and toss everything together until the rice grains are separated and combined with the Spam and veggies.

6. Pour the sauce over the rice and toss to coat. Add the scrambled eggs back in and mix well. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat everything through.

7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 691 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 58g

• Protein: 23g

• Fat: 41g

• Saturated Fat: 11g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 20g

• Cholesterol: 183mg

• Sodium: 2454mg

• Potassium: 666mg

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 3g

• Vitamin A: 1818 IU

• Vitamin C: 10mg

• Calcium: 50mg

• Iron: 2mg

The Appeal of Spam as a Fried Rice Ingredient

Spam has earned a unique place in the world of comfort food due to its versatility, long shelf life, and satisfying texture. It’s a canned meat product made primarily of pork, and while it may not be a gourmet choice, it has been a staple in various cuisines, especially in Hawaii and other parts of Asia. Its salty, umami-packed flavor makes it a natural fit for fried rice, where it can be crispy and caramelized, offering a satisfying contrast to the softness of the rice and vegetables.

When cooked, Spam becomes crispy on the outside while retaining a tender texture on the inside, which adds a delightful crunch to the fried rice. The rendered fat from the Spam helps to infuse the rice with a rich, savory flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. For those who enjoy salty, savory comfort food, Spam Fried Rice offers a nostalgic yet satisfying dish that’s sure to hit the spot.

The Versatility of Fried Rice: A Perfect Meal for Leftovers

One of the reasons fried rice is such a beloved dish is its ability to transform leftover rice into a new, flavorful meal. By adding ingredients like Spam, eggs, and vegetables, you can breathe new life into yesterday’s rice. Fried rice is incredibly customizable—whether you have leftover vegetables, different proteins, or a variety of sauces, it’s a dish that adapts to whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Using leftover rice is key to achieving the perfect texture in fried rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist, which can lead to clumping when stir-fried. Leftover rice, on the other hand, is drier and firmer, making it ideal for frying. It also absorbs the sauce and flavors more effectively, ensuring each grain of rice is coated with the delicious combination of spices, sauces, and other ingredients.

In this Spam Fried Rice recipe, the combination of day-old rice, savory Spam, and flavorful sauce makes for a balanced dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. Plus, the meal comes together in a fraction of the time it would take to cook a more complex dish, making it perfect for when you need a meal in a hurry.

The Flavorful Sauce: A Savory Addition to the Rice

The fried rice sauce is a simple yet impactful element of the dish. With just a few ingredients—soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper—the sauce adds a deep, savory umami flavor that enhances the Spam, eggs, and vegetables. The soy sauce provides the base with its salty, rich flavor, while the oyster sauce contributes a hint of sweetness and additional depth. Sesame oil adds a subtle nutty flavor, rounding out the sauce with a touch of complexity.

White pepper, often used in Asian cooking, provides a slightly different heat compared to black pepper. It’s more subtle and earthy, adding a gentle spice that doesn’t overpower the dish. The sauce binds the ingredients together, ensuring every bite of fried rice is bursting with flavor. It also helps to coat the rice, ensuring that each grain is perfectly seasoned.

A Balanced and Nutritious Meal

Spam Fried Rice is not only tasty, but it can also be a balanced meal, especially if you add plenty of vegetables. This recipe includes peas and corn, which add color, texture, and a touch of sweetness to the dish. Peas are a great source of fiber and vitamins like vitamin C, while corn adds a slight crunch and some natural sweetness. These vegetables provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and salty Spam, making the dish more well-rounded.

The eggs in the fried rice contribute protein and help bind everything together. They also add a soft, creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the crispy bits of Spam and the tender vegetables. Together, the combination of rice, Spam, eggs, and vegetables creates a satisfying meal that provides a good balance of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates.

For those looking to make the dish even healthier, you can easily swap in other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even leafy greens like spinach. Additionally, using a lower-sodium soy sauce or opting for a different protein, like chicken or tofu, can help make the dish more suited to individual dietary preferences or restrictions.

Quick and Easy for Busy Weeknights

One of the greatest benefits of Spam Fried Rice is how quick and easy it is to prepare. From start to finish, the dish takes about 20 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, satisfying meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. The quick cooking time is largely due to the use of pre-cooked rice and the fast cooking process of the Spam, vegetables, and eggs.

In addition to being quick to prepare, Spam Fried Rice is also incredibly convenient because it requires just one pan—either a wok or a large skillet. This means fewer dishes to clean, making the recipe perfect for those who are short on time or looking to minimize cleanup after dinner. The simplicity of the recipe is another reason why it’s a go-to meal for those hectic days.

Customizable to Your Preferences

Spam Fried Rice is a versatile dish that can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences. If you’re not a fan of Spam, you can replace it with other proteins like chicken, beef, or tofu for a different twist. You can also experiment with different vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, or even zucchini, to suit what you have on hand or to adjust the dish to your personal preferences.

If you prefer a spicier version, adding chili flakes, sriracha, or chopped fresh chilies will provide a kick to the dish. Additionally, the fried rice sauce can be adjusted to your liking by adding more soy sauce for extra saltiness or increasing the amount of sesame oil for a richer, nuttier flavor. The beauty of fried rice lies in its ability to adapt to whatever you have available, making it an endlessly customizable meal.

Perfect for Meal Prep or Leftovers

Spam Fried Rice is also great for meal prepping. You can make a large batch of the dish and store individual servings in the fridge for a quick lunch or dinner throughout the week. The flavors continue to meld and improve as the rice sits, making it a great option for leftovers. It’s also easy to reheat, ensuring that you can enjoy a delicious, comforting meal with minimal effort on busy days.

For a more balanced meal prep, you can pair the Spam Fried Rice with a side of salad, steamed vegetables, or even some sliced fruit. This will round out the meal and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory fried rice.

Conclusion: A Satisfying, Quick, and Flavorful Meal

Spam Fried Rice is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anytime you’re craving something hearty and flavorful. The combination of crispy Spam, fluffy rice, savory sauce, and vegetables makes for a delicious meal that comes together in no time. Whether you’re a fan of Spam or simply looking for a quick, easy dinner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

The dish’s simplicity and versatility make it a fantastic choice for families, as it can be easily customized to suit everyone’s tastes. With its hearty ingredients, savory flavors, and quick cooking time, Spam Fried Rice is a go-to recipe that delivers comfort food at its best. So, next time you find yourself with leftover rice or in need of a satisfying meal in a hurry, turn to this recipe for a meal that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor.