What is Spam fried rice?

Spam fried rice is the kind of dish that proves how simple ingredients can create something satisfying and full of flavor. At its base, it combines leftover rice with diced Spam, vegetables, and seasonings stir fried together until every grain is coated in savory goodness.

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What makes this dish special is its balance of textures: the crisp edges of pan-fried Spam, the fluffy rice, and the slight crunch of vegetables. The taste is a mix of salty, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors, with endless room for customization. Spam fried rice recipes are loved because they use affordable pantry staples, come together quickly, and remind many people of comforting homemade meals. It’s one of those easy dishes with rice that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and delivers flavor every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

As a chef, I appreciate spam fried rice for its efficiency and versatility. It transforms simple Chinese fried rice ingredients like rice, soy sauce, and eggs into a dish with bold personality. The Spam provides both protein and flavor, eliminating the need for heavy sauces.

Unlike other fried rice recipes easy for weeknights, this one has a deep, savory quality because the Spam crisps up beautifully in the pan. It is also a practical way to repurpose leftover rice and vegetables into a new meal, reducing waste while making something that tastes restaurant-quality. You can enjoy it as a complete spam rice bowl or pair it with other dishes for variety. With just a handful of pantry staples and a hot wok, you can create a dish that feels both comforting and impressive.

Preparation and Cooking Time, also serving

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

3 cups cooked jasmine rice, chilled overnight
1 can Spam (12 oz), diced into small cubes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
3 large eggs, beaten
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 green onions, sliced for garnish

Substitution notes:

Day-old rice works best, but freshly cooked rice can be spread on a tray and chilled for at least 1 hour to dry slightly.
For a lighter option, replace Spam with turkey Spam or chicken sausage.
Peas and carrots can be swapped with corn, bell peppers, or broccoli florets.
Soy sauce can be replaced with tamari for gluten-free diets.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Crisp the Spam

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced Spam and cook until the cubes develop golden-brown, crispy edges. Remove the Spam from the pan and set aside, leaving some rendered fat behind for flavor.

Step 2: Scramble the eggs

In the same pan, pour in the beaten eggs. Stir gently with a spatula until they are just set, then transfer them to a plate. Keep the eggs slightly soft since they will cook more later when added back.

Step 3: Cook the aromatics and vegetables

Add the remaining oil to the pan. Toss in the chopped onion and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant and softened. Stir in the peas and carrots, cooking just until warmed through.

Step 4: Add the rice

Break up the chilled rice with your hands or a spoon to separate the grains. Add the rice to the pan, spreading it out evenly. Let it sit for 30 seconds before stirring so it can toast lightly. Continue to stir fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the rice is heated through and lightly golden.

Step 5: Season the rice

Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well so every grain is coated evenly. The goal is to season the rice without making it soggy.

Step 6: Combine everything

Return the crispy Spam and scrambled eggs to the pan. Stir well, breaking the eggs into smaller pieces. Fry together for another 1 to 2 minutes to let the flavors blend.

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle sliced green onions over the top. Serve immediately while hot.

How to Serve

Spam fried rice is versatile in how it can be presented. For casual meals, serve it directly from the wok onto plates or bowls. To make a spam rice bowl, portion the fried rice into individual bowls and top with extra crispy Spam cubes or a fried egg. For a more elevated presentation, mold the rice into a small round shape using a bowl or ring mold and garnish with sesame seeds and scallions. Pair it with teriyaki egg fried rice or other stir fried dishes for a family-style spread. It also works well as a side to grilled meats or as the main component of a quick dinner.

Additional Tips

Always use cold rice. Fresh rice holds too much moisture and will turn mushy instead of crisp.
Fry the Spam until golden on all sides. This step builds depth of flavor and ensures the dish is not overly salty.
Cook in batches if your pan is small. Overcrowding reduces heat and prevents the rice from frying properly.
A high-heat wok gives the best results, but a large nonstick skillet also works well.

Recipe Variations

Spam stir fry fusion: Add broccoli, bell peppers, or bok choy to turn it into a heartier spam stir fry.
Teriyaki egg fried rice twist: Add a drizzle of teriyaki sauce and mix scrambled eggs more generously for a sweeter, glossy version.
Hawaiian spam fried rice: Stir in pineapple chunks for a sweet-salty contrast.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a hot skillet with a splash of oil.
Freezing: Place cooled fried rice into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating from frozen: Warm directly in a skillet over medium-high heat with a few drops of water to refresh the rice.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

Calories: 420
Fat: 22g
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g

Final Words

Spam fried rice is proof that simple ingredients can turn into a dish full of character and comfort. Using classic Chinese fried rice ingredients with Spam gives you a meal that is affordable, quick, and satisfying. Whether you make it as a spam rice bowl, add it to your list of fried rice recipes easy for weeknights, or enjoy it as part of a bigger spread, it’s a recipe worth keeping. Once you master the basic technique, you can create endless variations and adapt it to your taste. Cooking this dish at home ensures you control the flavor, freshness, and quality while enjoying a meal that’s every bit as good as restaurant-style fried rice.

FAQ’s

Yes, but spread it on a tray and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to dry before using. This prevents sogginess.

Crisping the Spam reduces its saltiness. Adjust soy sauce levels to balance the flavors.

Yes, you can add shrimp, chicken, or even tofu alongside Spam for extra protein.

Classic peas and carrots are reliable, but corn, bell peppers, or broccoli also work well.

Yes, simply increase soy sauce slightly or use a splash of fish sauce for added depth.