Spam Fried Rice Recipe

Introduction

There’s something irresistibly crispy and savory about a well-made Spam Fried Rice Recipe. The golden cubes of spam sear beautifully in hot oil, releasing a salty, umami aroma that mingles perfectly with tender rice and vibrant vegetables. Every bite delivers a delightful contrast of textures — soft rice, crunchy veggies, and crispy edges of spam. This recipe is more than just comfort food; it’s a quick, flavorful meal that can satisfy cravings any day of the week. You’ll learn how to master the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and seasonings to make a restaurant-worthy dish right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The charm of Spam Fried Rice Recipe lies in its simplicity and the explosion of flavors packed into every bite. The salty richness of spam pairs beautifully with the subtle sweetness of onions, carrots, and peas. Each spoonful offers a symphony of textures — the soft, fluffy rice contrasts with crispy, caramelized spam, and crunchy veggies provide refreshing bites. It’s incredibly versatile too; you can make it with leftover rice, turn it into a complete meal with eggs, or jazz it up with garlic and soy sauce for deeper flavors. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or weekend indulgences. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen is impossible to resist!

Ingredients

2 cups cooked jasmine rice, preferably day-old for best texture
1 can (12 oz) spam, diced into small cubes
2 large eggs, beaten
1 medium carrot, finely diced
1/2 cup frozen peas
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for extra umami)
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Salt and black pepper to taste

These ingredients combine to create a rich, savory, and satisfying fried rice that’s loaded with flavor, color, and texture.

Pro Tips

Use day-old rice: Freshly cooked rice tends to clump and becomes mushy when fried. Refrigerated rice dries out slightly, making it perfect for frying and achieving that ideal, separate grain texture.
High heat for searing: When cooking spam, use high heat to develop golden, crispy edges. This adds a delightful crunch and caramelized flavor that makes your fried rice irresistible.
Prep ingredients in advance: Fried rice cooks quickly, so chop vegetables, dice spam, and beat eggs before heating the pan. This keeps the cooking process smooth and prevents overcooking anything.

Bonus tip: Keep a wok or large skillet handy — it distributes heat evenly and allows for a good toss that keeps everything coated with soy sauce and sesame oil.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the rice and ingredients
Ensure your rice is cold and slightly dry for optimal frying. Dice the spam, chop onions, carrot, and green onions, and mince garlic. Beat the eggs in a small bowl and have all seasonings ready.

Step 2: Cook the spam
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add diced spam and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 4–5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Scramble the eggs
In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary and pour in the beaten eggs. Quickly scramble them, removing while slightly undercooked to avoid overcooking later.

Step 4: Sauté vegetables
Add the remaining vegetable oil to the pan. Toss in onions and garlic first, frying for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add diced carrots and cook for another 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in frozen peas and cook an additional minute.

Step 5: Fry the rice
Increase heat to high. Add the day-old rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the flavors and get slightly crisp.

Step 6: Combine everything
Return cooked spam and scrambled eggs to the pan. Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Toss thoroughly, ensuring every grain of rice is coated and all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 7: Final seasoning and garnish
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle sliced green onions on top for freshness and color. Serve immediately for best results.

Variations

Garlic Spam Fried Rice: Add extra minced garlic when sautéing vegetables for a punchy, aromatic flavor.
Spicy Spam Fried Rice: Toss in 1–2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or sliced fresh chilies to add heat.
Vegetarian-friendly option: Replace spam with firm tofu or tempeh, lightly fried to mimic the texture and flavor of the original recipe.

These variations allow you to customize the dish to your taste, dietary preference, or pantry availability while keeping it quick and satisfying.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover Spam Fried Rice Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out. For best texture, toss gently in a hot pan rather than microwaving directly.

Serving suggestions include pairing it with a simple side of pickled vegetables, a fried egg on top for breakfast or brunch, or alongside a fresh Asian-style salad. It’s versatile enough to be a main dish, a side, or even a packed lunch option.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
Yes, but it may turn slightly mushy. Spread freshly cooked rice on a tray and cool it for 15–20 minutes before frying for better texture.

Q2: Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free if using.

Q3: How can I make it healthier?
Swap spam with lean ham or baked tofu and use less oil. Increase the veggie ratio for added fiber and nutrients.

Q4: Can I freeze fried rice?
Yes, but texture may change slightly. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 1 month and reheat in a skillet with a splash of water.

Q5: Can I add other proteins?
Definitely. Shrimp, chicken, or even leftover beef can be added. Cook them separately before combining with the rice.

Conclusion

This Spam Fried Rice Recipe is comfort food at its finest — golden, crispy spam mingled with tender, flavorful rice and vibrant vegetables creates a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that transforms simple pantry ingredients into a meal full of flavor and texture, perfect for weeknight dinners or quick lunch options. With its versatility and ease, this fried rice is guaranteed to become a favorite in your home.