Spam Fried Rice is one of the easiest and tastiest meals you'll ever whip up! Start by frying diced Spam until it's crispy—trust me, that crunch is key. Then, scramble some eggs and set them aside. Grab day-old rice, toss it in the skillet, and stir to break up clumps. Mix in the crispy Spam and eggs, drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil to add that punch of flavor, and you're almost done! Top it off with green onions for a pop of color and freshness. It's comfort food, quick and delicious, so hang tight, there's more to uncover!
Main Points
- Spam Fried Rice is a quick meal made with crispy Spam, day-old rice, scrambled eggs, and simple seasonings like soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Use 1 can of diced Spam and 4 cups of cold, cooked rice for the perfect combination of flavors and textures.
- Cook the Spam until golden brown, then scramble the eggs separately before combining all ingredients in a stir-fry method.
- Customize your dish by adding leftover veggies or adjusting the soy sauce for desired flavor intensity.
- Serve hot and garnish with chopped green onions for added freshness and visual appeal.
Recipe: Spam Fried Rice Instructions
Spam Fried Rice is a delicious and quick meal that combines the savory taste of Spam with the satisfying texture of stir-fried rice. Perfect for using up leftover rice, this dish isn't only convenient but also packed with flavor, making it an easy choice for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends.
The crispy Spam, fluffy scrambled eggs, and the umami kick from soy sauce and sesame oil come together to create a comforting and hearty dish that everyone will enjoy.
To achieve ideal results, it's essential to use day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky, which can lead to clumpy fried rice. By using chilled, day-old rice, the grains will separate easily during the cooking process, resulting in the perfect fried rice consistency.
This recipe isn't only quick to prepare but also allows you to utilize pantry staples, making it a go-to for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 can Spam (12 oz), diced
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 4 cups day-old cooked rice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
In a large skillet or wok, start by cooking the diced Spam over medium heat until it becomes crispy and browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
Once the Spam is nice and golden, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add the beaten eggs and scramble them until they're just set.
Then, add the cold, day-old rice to the pan and stir-fry it, breaking up any clumps, until the rice is heated through and slightly browned.
Finally, return the crispy Spam to the pan, pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, and stir everything together until well combined.
To get the best results when making Spam Fried Rice, make sure that your rice is completely cold and dry before you begin cooking.
If you only have freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a sheet pan and refrigerate or freeze it for a short time to reduce moisture.
Additionally, be careful not to overmix the rice in the pan, as this can lead to a mushy texture. Allow the Spam to crisp up undisturbed for a minute on each side for improved flavor and texture.
Enjoy your homemade Spam Fried Rice!
Cooking Steps
Alright, let's get those cooking steps rolling!
First, you'll cook the Spam until it's nice and crispy—trust me, that crunch makes all the difference.
Then, you'll scramble those eggs, stir-fry the cold rice like a pro, and finally combine everything for a delicious dish that screams "yum!"
Step 1. Cook Spam Until Crispy
To achieve that perfect crispy texture, start by dicing your can of Spam into bite-sized pieces. Trust me, you're gonna want these little nuggets of deliciousness!
Grab a large skillet or wok and heat it over medium heat. Once it's hot, throw in those diced Spam pieces. Let them sizzle and brown for about 5 to 7 minutes.
Now here's the trick: don't stir them too often! You want them to develop a nice golden crust, so let them sit for a minute on one side before giving them a gentle flip.
As they cook, enjoy that savory aroma filling your kitchen—who knew canned meat could smell this good? Keep an eye on them; you want them crispy, not burnt!
Once they're perfectly browned, use a slotted spoon to scoop them out and set them aside. Remember, crispy Spam is the star of this dish, and it deserves its moment!
Your mouth's already watering, and you're just getting started! This crispy Spam is gonna mix beautifully with the rice later on. So, pat yourself on the back—you're one step closer to culinary greatness!
Step 2. Scramble the Beaten Eggs
Now that your Spam is perfectly crispy and set aside, it's time to scramble those beaten eggs. Grab your large skillet or wok again and heat it back to medium. You want that pan nice and warm—like a comfy blanket.
Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet and let them sizzle for a second. It's like they're diving into a cozy pool!
With your spatula, gently stir the eggs, letting them cook for about a minute. Keep an eye on them, because you want them fluffy and soft, not overcooked like a rubber bouncy ball.
Stir and flip them until they're just set; that's when they're at their best! Trust me, the aroma will be heavenly.
Once the eggs are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside with the crispy Spam. See? Easy peasy! You're doing great, and the smell is already mouthwatering.
You're one step closer to that delicious Spam fried rice. Just remember, the eggs are your foundation for flavor, so treat them right.
Now, let's get ready for the next step—stir-frying the rice!
Step 3. Stir-fry Cold Rice Thoroughly
Stir-frying the cold rice is where the magic happens! Once you've scrambled those eggs and set them aside, it's time to bring out the big guns—your day-old rice. Make sure it's completely cold and dry; that's what helps it get those crispy edges we all love!
Heat up your skillet or wok again and toss in the cold rice. Now, don't just dump it in and walk away! You want to give it a good stir, letting each grain feel the heat.
Use a spatula to break up any clumps, and keep moving the rice around to avoid any sticking. You're looking for a gorgeous golden-brown color, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Hear that sizzling? That's the sound of deliciousness forming! Just remember, if you overmix, you'll end up with mushy rice, and nobody wants that!
While you're at it, channel your inner chef, and have fun with it! You've gotta make the rice dance a bit—literally! Stir-frying it properly is key to making sure every bite bursts with flavor. So, get in there and show that rice who's boss!
Step 4. Combine Ingredients and Heat
Combining the ingredients and heating them up is where the dish truly comes together. Start by grabbing a large skillet or wok and heating it up over medium heat. Toss in those crispy diced Spam pieces! Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they're golden brown and as delicious as they sound. Trust me; that sizzle will get your taste buds excited!
Once they're crispy enough to make you drool, pull them out and set them aside.
Next, in the same pan, add your beaten eggs. Scramble them just enough so they're fluffy but not overcooked. Now, it's time to introduce your cold, day-old rice. Toss it in and mix it up, ensuring those grains get a chance to shine on their own.
Stir-fry away, making sure not to mash the rice—no one wants mushy fried rice!
After the rice is heated through, bring back that crispy Spam. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, and stir everything together until it's well combined. The flavors will mingle and dance, creating a mouthwatering symphony that'll have you coming back for more!
Enjoy every moment of this culinary adventure!
Step 5. Serve With Green Onions
With the Spam fried rice fully cooked and the flavors perfectly melded, it's time to improve your dish by adding a fresh touch. Grab those green onions! They're not just for decoration; they add a pop of color and a punch of flavor.
Start by washing the green onions thoroughly. Once they're clean, chop them into small pieces – about an inch long works well. You can even be fancy and use a sharp knife to get those perfect slices.
Now, sprinkle the chopped green onions generously over your hot fried rice. This is where the magic happens, everyone! The fresh zing from the onions balances out the hearty flavors from the Spam and soy sauce perfectly. Plus, it looks super impressive!
If you're feeling adventurous, toss some green onion tops on there too! They're milder and give your dish that extra flair.
Serve your Spam fried rice in a bowl, and watch it disappear before your eyes. Dinner's ready, and it looks like you worked way harder than you actually did. Enjoy!
History
Spam Fried Rice has its roots in the post-World War II era when Spam gained popularity due to its long shelf life and convenience.
After the war, many families were looking for easy and budget-friendly meal options, and Spam fit the bill perfectly! This canned meat became a go-to ingredient in kitchens across America and beyond, clearing the path for some creative recipes.
Now, imagine the classic fried rice you see in restaurants. People began tossing in whatever they had, and lo and behold, Spam found its way into the mix!
Combining diced Spam with veggies and day-old rice became a popular way to whip up a meal that was both filling and flavorful.
Plus, using leftover rice made it quick and easy—just what busy families needed!
Over time, Spam Fried Rice evolved from a simple fridge-cleaning dish to a beloved meal, often served at gatherings or as a late-night snack.
It's fun to think that something so simple has such a storied past.
Final Thoughts
Although Spam Fried Rice might seem like a simple dish, it's a fantastic way to create something delicious from humble ingredients. You're not just cooking rice and Spam; you're crafting a meal that's full of flavor and comfort. This dish brings everyone to the table, ready to dig in and share stories.
Here's a quick glance at the key ingredients and their roles:
| Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|
| Spam | Adds heartiness and a savory kick |
| Rice | The base that soaks up all the flavors |
| Eggs | Provides protein and a creamy texture |
| Soy Sauce | Brings in the umami goodness |
| Sesame Oil | Adds a nutty aroma that enhances the dish |
Conclusion
So there you have it, Spam Fried Rice is super easy to make and totally delicious! You'll impress your friends and family with this quick meal that transforms leftover rice into a tasty feast. Plus, who knew that Spam could be this good? Next time you're hungry, skip the takeout and whip this up instead. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! Now, let's get cooking and make your kitchen the place to be!