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How to Make Authentic Spam Fried Rice at Home | Easy Step-by-Step Guide
As an Indian, I must confess that I was introduced to Spam fried rice through my expatriate friends who would often cook it in their kitchens. The dish is a staple in many Asian cuisines, and its popularity can be attributed to the preservative properties of the canned meat, which made it a reliable source of protein during times of scarcity. In this post, I will share with you a simple recipe for Spam fried rice that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
The History of Spam Fried Rice
Spam, a canned precooked meat product, was invented in 1937 in Minnesota. Its journey to Asia began when American soldiers were sent to various parts of the world for military occupations during World War II, the Vietnam War, the Korean War, and other conflicts. The product became a symbol of the hardships individuals faced during wartime and was incorporated into various cuisines, resulting in the creation of dishes like Spam fried rice.
How to Make Spam Fried Rice
This recipe is designed to be quick, easy, and adaptable. You can use leftover rice, brown or jasmine, and add your choice of vegetables, meats, or seasonings. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that’s ready in 15 minutes.
Ingredients:
- Vegetable oil
- 1 12-ounce container of low-sodium Spam, cut into half-inch cubes Buy Spam
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 3 to 4 cups cooked rice
- 3 eggs, beaten
- Soy sauce
- Sugar
- Black pepper (optional)
Directions:
- In a wok or large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, add about 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. When the oil is glossy, add your cubed Spam and stir-fry until the pieces are browned and caramelized.
- Transfer the protein to a bowl, and cook the frozen vegetables and rice. Stir everything together, breaking apart the rice and mixing it with the vegetables, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Move your rice to the edges of the pan and make a well in the middle with your spatula or wooden spoon. Pour your eggs into the space you created and scramble them until mostly cooked (but still slightly moist). Then, combine the eggs with rice mixture and add your Spam back in. Season everything with a few dashes of soy sauce (2 to 3 tablespoons), a couple of pinches of sugar, and a sprinkling of black pepper.
How Long Does Spam Fried Rice Last?
Store your Spam fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If the rice looks or smells unusual before then, toss it immediately.
Spam Fried Rice Tips and Variations:
- Mix up the seasoning. In addition to soy sauce, you can also add a dash of oyster sauce to boost the umami factor. Or substitute the soy sauce and sugar with teriyaki sauce.
- Use leftover rice. Day-old white or brown rice, which is drier than freshly cooked rice, is best for making fried rice. Just make sure your leftover rice isn’t spoiled.
- Give the fried rice a touch of sweetness. Add 1/2 cup diced canned or fresh pineapple to the mixture. I like browning it with Spam so the fruit also becomes caramelized.
- Garnish as you please. My dad refuses to eat fried rice without diced green onions and cilantro, while my husband likes to drizzle Sriracha on top.
- Substitute the Spam. If you’re not a fan of canned meat, that’s okay! Instead, you can brown chunks of chicken, pork, diced ham, or whatever protein you prefer.
Conclusion:
Try this easy and flavorful Spam fried rice recipe at home and experiment with different ingredients to make it your own. Don’t forget to store your leftover rice in an airtight container and reheat it with a dash of soy sauce and a sprinkle of black pepper for a quick weeknight dinner.
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[Image description: A photo of a plate of Spam fried rice with a fried egg on top and a sprinkle of green onions]
Note: This recipe is for a basic version of Spam fried rice, and you can easily adapt it to your taste preferences with additional ingredients or seasonings.