Why You’ll Love Spam Fried Rice Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying, budget-friendly meal that hits all the right notes savory, salty, a little crispy, and packed with umami Spam Fried Rice is calling your name. It’s the weeknight dinner solution you didn’t know you needed. With pantry staples, minimal prep, and loads of flavor, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes and tastes like takeout (but better).
Pure Comfort
There’s something about fried rice that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Add in crispy cubes of golden-brown Spam, fluffy rice, bits of scrambled egg, and veggies, and you’ve got a meal that feels nostalgic, comforting, and totally crave-worthy. Whether you’re feeding the family or just yourself, this dish delivers on both flavor and familiarity.
Ingredients for Spam Fried Rice
Here’s everything you need to whip up this comforting classic:
- 1 can Spam, diced into small cubes
- 4 cups cold cooked rice (preferably day-old, jasmine or long grain)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 tbsp soy sauce (to taste)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for depth)
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
What You Need
To make this dish, all you need is:
- A large non-stick or cast iron skillet
- A spatula or wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Small bowl for eggs
You don’t need any fancy gadgets just one pan and your appetite.
Time to Cook Spam Fried Rice
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Steps to Make Spam Fried Rice
1. Crisp the Spam
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced Spam and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove from pan and set aside.
2. Scramble the Eggs
Add a little more oil to the pan. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them quickly. Once cooked, push them to one side of the pan.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
Add garlic and green onions to the pan. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add Veggies
Toss in the peas and carrots and cook until heated through, about 2–3 minutes.
5. Stir in Rice
Add cold rice to the pan, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 3–4 minutes until warmed and slightly crispy.
6. Season
Drizzle in soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sprinkle with pepper. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
7. Bring It All Together
Add the crispy Spam back into the pan. Mix everything well and cook for another minute or two. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions, if desired.
Make It Perfect
- Use day-old rice: It’s drier and crisps up better than freshly cooked rice.
- Dice Spam small and evenly for more crispy edges.
- Don’t over-stir the rice let it sit in the pan for a minute or two to develop that signature crisp.
Mix It Up
Spam Fried Rice is easy to customize:
- Add chopped pineapple for a sweet-savory twist
- Toss in some kimchi for a spicy, tangy kick
- Stir in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added veggies
- Want more protein? Add shrimp or chicken like in this Perfect Fried Rice with Egg, Chicken, and Shrimp
Perfect Partners
This dish is satisfying on its own, but here are a few tasty sidekicks:
- A drizzle of sriracha or chili oil for heat
- Cucumber salad for a refreshing bite
- A fried egg on top for extra richness
- Serve alongside Korean Ground Beef Bowls for a rice night feast
Busy Day Hero
This is a one-pan lifesaver. Got leftover rice and half a can of Spam in the fridge? You’re halfway there. From fridge to table in under 30 minutes, this is weeknight efficiency at its best.
Work Ahead
- Chop and dice the Spam in advance and store in an airtight container.
- Cook your rice the day before and chill it in the fridge for optimal texture.
- Pre-whisk the eggs and chop veggies ahead to make cooking even faster.
Save Some For Later
Spam Fried Rice keeps beautifully:
- Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water or oil to refresh the rice
- Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months
Everyone’s Happy
Spam might be polarizing, but one taste of this fried rice will turn skeptics into fans. It’s budget-friendly, family-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Even picky eaters will be asking for seconds.
Good For You Too
While this dish is hearty, it can be made lighter:
- Use low-sodium Spam and reduced-sodium soy sauce
- Add extra veggies or swap white rice for cauliflower rice
- Use egg whites or reduce oil for a leaner version
Looking for a nutritious variation? Pair this with Easy One-Pan Turmeric Chicken Rice for a week’s worth of flavorful, easy meals.
Easy Clean Up
Just one pan to clean. No baking trays. No oven mess. Quick cook, quick cleanup now that’s what we love in a comfort food recipe.
Switch It Up
This recipe works with:
- Leftover rotisserie chicken
- Crumbled tofu (for a vegetarian spin)
- Cooked bacon or sausage instead of Spam
- Brown rice, jasmine rice, or even quinoa
Simply Perfect
Fried rice is about balance savory, salty, satisfying. Spam adds a nostalgic edge, and every bite delivers flavor. With its crispy bites, soft egg, and fluffy rice, this dish proves that simple ingredients can create something truly crave-worthy.
FAQs for Spam Fried Rice
1. Can I use freshly cooked rice?
You can, but it’s best to let it cool and dry out a bit. Fresh rice is too moist and can turn mushy.
2. Is there a healthier version of this recipe?
Yes! Use low-sodium Spam, add more vegetables, and swap white rice for brown or cauliflower rice.
3. What type of Spam should I use?
Classic Spam works best, but feel free to try Spam Lite or flavored varieties like garlic or bacon.
4. Can I make this without eggs?
Yes! You can skip the eggs or replace with tofu for a vegan-friendly version.
5. How do I keep my fried rice from getting soggy?
Use cold, day-old rice and don’t overcrowd the pan. Let the rice sit and crisp without constant stirring.
6. What other sauces can I use?
Try hoisin, teriyaki, or chili garlic sauce for different flavor profiles.
Conclusion for Spam Fried Rice
Spam Fried Rice is one of those dishes that surprises you humble, easy, and loaded with flavor. It’s proof that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated or expensive. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or using up leftovers, this recipe delivers every time.
Don’t forget to explore other comforting rice favorites like this Perfect Fried Rice with Chicken and Shrimp or the bold flavors of Korean Ground Beef Bowls.
Now go grab your skillet dinner’s only minutes away. 🍚🔥
Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!
Print
Spam Fried Rice
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick, savory, and budget-friendly fried rice made with crispy Spam, eggs, vegetables, and day-old rice. Perfect for busy weeknights or leftover magic.
Ingredients
1 can Spam, diced
4 cups cold cooked rice
2 eggs, beaten
2 tbsp vegetable or sesame oil
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
3 green onions, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2–3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
Crisp the diced Spam in a skillet with oil over medium-high heat, then remove and set aside.
Scramble the eggs in the same skillet and push to the side.
Add garlic and green onions; sauté until fragrant.
Toss in peas and carrots, cooking until soft.
Stir in cold rice, breaking it up, and let it crisp slightly.
Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, pepper, and combine well.
Return the Spam to the skillet and toss everything together.
Garnish with sesame seeds and serve hot.
Notes
Use day-old rice for the best texture. Add pineapple or kimchi for creative twists. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1080mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Spam Fried Rice, fried rice with Spam, quick rice meal