What is spam fried rice?

Spam fried rice is a Korean-inspired dish that combines diced Spam (canned pork shoulder) with rice, vegetables, and seasonings. The dish typically includes stir-fried rice with Spam, eggs, vegetables like carrots and peas, and soy sauce. It originated in Korea and has become popular in Hawaii and other parts of the United States, offering a unique fusion of Korean canned meat with classic Asian rice preparation.

How do you make spam fried rice?

To make spam fried rice, start by dicing canned Spam into small pieces. Heat oil in a wok or large pan, then scramble eggs and set aside. Sauté diced Spam until lightly browned, then add vegetables like carrots, peas, and corn. Add cooked rice and season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. Mix in the scrambled eggs and stir-fry everything together until heated through. Some recipes also include green onions or additional seasonings.

Is spam fried rice healthy?

Spam fried rice provides protein from the Spam and eggs, carbohydrates from rice, and various nutrients from vegetables. However, Spam is processed meat high in sodium and preservatives. A typical serving contains around 600-800 calories, with significant fat and sodium content. For a healthier version, use less Spam, add more vegetables, reduce oil, and use low-sodium soy sauce. Moderation is key, especially for those monitoring blood pressure or sodium intake.

What dishes go well with spam fried rice?

Spam fried rice pairs well with Korean side dishes like kimchi, cucumber salad, or seaweed soup. It also complements other Asian dishes such as teriyaki chicken, beef bulgogi, or stir-fried vegetables. For a complete meal, serve it with miso soup or a simple seaweed salad. In Hawaiian cuisine, it's often enjoyed with macaroni salad or fresh pineapple for a balanced plate that combines sweet, salty, and savory flavors.

Can spam fried rice be made vegetarian or vegan?

Traditional spam fried rice contains meat and eggs, but you can easily modify it for dietary preferences. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the Spam and add more vegetables like mushrooms, tofu, or tempeh. For vegan spam fried rice, replace the eggs with scrambled tofu and use plant-based protein alternatives instead of Spam. Adjust seasonings to ensure flavor, and consider adding nuts or seeds for extra protein. The dish remains delicious even without animal products.

Best Spam Fried Rice Recipe Ready in 15 Minutes

Name: Spam Fried Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 200 grams rice for base of spam fried rice, absorbing flavors and providing hearty texture; 300 grams mixed vegetables for adding crunch, color, and nutrients, enhancing overall freshness and balance; 2 tablespoons oil for stir-frying, helping to evenly cook ingredients and prevent sticking; 1 liter vegetable broth for infusing moisture and depth into rice, making it tender and flavorful while keeping light and wholesome; a pinch of salt for seasoning the dish to taste, bringing out natural flavors

Description

🍚 Whip up a flavorful meal in minutes, ideal for busy days with protein-packed Spam that satisfies cravings quickly.
🍚 Discover a versatile dish that’s customizable with veggies, making it a nutritious and delicious option for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

200 grams rice for base of spam fried rice, absorbing flavors and providing hearty texture

300 grams mixed vegetables for adding crunch, color, and nutrients, enhancing overall freshness and balance

2 tablespoons oil for stir-frying, helping to evenly cook ingredients and prevent sticking

1 liter vegetable broth for infusing moisture and depth into rice, making it tender and flavorful while keeping light and wholesome

a pinch of salt for seasoning the dish to taste, bringing out natural flavors

Instructions

1-First Step: Prepare Your Ingredients Begin by measuring out 200 grams of rice and rinsing it under cold water until the water runs clear; this removes excess starch for fluffier results. Chop your 300 grams of mixed vegetables into even pieces for quick, even cooking. Dice the spam if it’s not already, and have your 2 tablespoons of oil, 1 liter of vegetable broth, and a pinch of salt ready nearby.

2-Second Step: Heat the Pan Grab a large pan and set it over medium heat, then add the 2 tablespoons of oil and let it warm up for about 1 minute until it shimmers. This step is crucial for preventing the ingredients from sticking and achieving that nice sear on your spam fried rice components. Once hot, you’re all set to build layer of flavor.

3-Third Step: Cook the Vegetables and Rice Add the 300 grams of mixed vegetables to the hot oil and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften, releasing their vibrant colors and aromas. Next, toss in the 200 grams of rinsed rice and stir everything together for another 2 minutes to coat the grains evenly. This helps the rice absorb the flavors right from the start, making your spam fried rice extra tasty.

4-Fourth Step: Add Broth and Simmer Pour in the 1 liter of vegetable broth and add a pinch of salt, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Cover the pan and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. For dietary tweaks, if you’re making it vegan, swap the spam for tofu at this stage to keep things adaptable.

5-Fifth Step: Incorporate and Season Once the rice is nearly done, add in your diced spam and stir well to combine, cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes until everything is heated through. Taste and season with more salt if needed, adjusting based on your preferences or dietary needs like reducing sodium for a lighter version. This step lets you customize your spam fried rice for family tastes.

6-Final Step: Serve and Enjoy Remove the pan from heat and let it sit for a minute to cool slightly, then fluff the rice with a fork for the perfect texture. Serve your spam fried rice hot, perhaps with a side of sweet potato casserole for a complete meal that adds variety. It’s ready to enjoy, and don’t forget, this dish stores well for leftovers, making it ideal for meal prep among busy professionals. For a healthier twist, add more veggies to boost nutrients while keeping the spam fried rice quick and delicious.

Notes

🍚 Use leftover rice for the best texture, as it prevents the dish from becoming mushy.
🥦 Add more vegetables like bell peppers for extra crunch and nutrition without extra effort.
⏱️ Prep all ingredients in advance to make the cooking process even faster and smoother.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
None: 0 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-Frying
Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 400 per serving
Sugar: 3 grams
Sodium: 900 milligrams
Fat: 20 grams
Saturated Fat: 6 grams
Unsaturated Fat: 12 grams
Trans Fat: 0 grams
Carbohydrates: 40 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Protein: 15 grams
Cholesterol: 100 milligrams

Keywords: Spam Fried Rice, Quick Recipe, Easy Dinner, Fried Rice Dish