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This Spam Fried Rice is a quick, delicious Asian-inspired recipe that turns pantry staples into a flavorful, satisfying meal.
Spam Fried Rice has humble roots in Hawaiian home kitchens and busy diners, where leftover rice and chopped canned Spam come together for a budget-friendly feast. What makes it unique is that salty-sweet bite of Spam paired with fluffy grains and crisp veggies—a lovely balance that feels special without fuss. I often serve it when life gets hectic: breakfast-for-dinner nights, impromptu lunch gatherings, or lazy weekend brunches. Toss in extra peas, carrots, or bell peppers for a veggie boost, and suddenly you’ve got a semi-healthy spin on a classic comfort dish.
Why You’ll Love This Spam Fried Rice Recipe
– Ready in under 20 minutes—perfect for a speedy dinner, lunch, or even breakfast twist.
– Uses pantry staples (Spam, rice, soy sauce)—no last-minute grocery runs.
– Ultra-flexible: add eggs, veggies, or swap in ham or bacon.
– Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing—leftovers vanish fast.
– Budget-friendly and filling—a small can of Spam feeds a family of four.
– Flavors deepen if you let it rest a few minutes—instant gratification meets smart cooking.
– Minimal cleanup—one skillet, one spatula, done.
– Great for meal prep: portion into containers for quick grab-and-go lunches.
Ingredients for Spam Fried Rice
– 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (day-old rice works best; cold grains separate easily)
– 1 (12-ounce) can Spam, diced into ½-inch cubes (or use diced cooked ham to cut sodium)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (avocado or canola oil also works)
– 2 large eggs, beaten (swap for egg whites if you prefer lighter)
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix, thawed (fresh peas and shredded carrots can be used too)
– 3 green onions, thinly sliced (separate whites and greens for cooking sequence)
– 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (Kikkoman or tamari if gluten-free)
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for an extra umami kick)
– 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (to finish for aroma and flavor)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions for Spam Fried Rice
1. Heat your skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and swirl until it shimmers—if a drop of water sizzles, you’re good.
2. Toss in the diced Spam. Cook, stirring occasionally, until edges turn golden brown (about 4–5 minutes). This step crisps up the Spam for extra texture.
3. Push the Spam to one side of the pan. Add the beaten eggs to the empty side, scrambling gently until just set—then stir everything together.
4. Drizzle in the remaining oil, then add the cold rice and stir-fry, breaking up any clumps. Listen for that satisfying sizzle; it tells you the rice is getting a nice sear.
5. Stir in the peas and carrots, plus the white parts of the green onions. Cook for another 2 minutes until veggies are warmed through.
6. Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using), stirring constantly so every grain is coated in flavor. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Remove from heat and drizzle the sesame oil over the top. Sprinkle with green parts of the onions for a fresh pop of color.
8. Let it rest for a minute—this little pause helps the flavors meld. Scoop into bowls and serve hot.
Servings & Timing
Yield: Serves 4 as a main course
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes – ready in the time it takes your takeout to arrive!
Variations
• Spicy Sriracha Spam Fried Rice: stir in 1–2 teaspoons of Sriracha and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Pineapple Spam Fried Rice: add ½ cup diced pineapple for a sweet-tart island vibe.
• Veggie-Loaded Edition: swap in diced bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini for extra color and crunch.
• Cauliflower Rice Swap: use 4 cups riced cauliflower for a lighter, low-carb twist (watch the cooking time).
• Garlic Lovers’ Delight: add 2–3 minced garlic cloves in step 1 for a punchy aroma.
• Breakfast Twist: top each serving with a sunny-side-up egg and a drizzle of hot sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Spam Fried Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer stash, freeze in meal-prep containers for up to 1 month. To reheat, microwave with a splash of water or oil (cover loosely) and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. Or rewarm in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until piping hot—add a dash of soy sauce if it feels dry. For a make-ahead hack, prep the rice and chop the Spam up to 2 days before cooking; keep ingredients chilled separately.
Notes
When testing this recipe, I discovered day-old rice really makes all the difference—fresh rice clumps and turns mushy. Don’t skip resting time after cooking; those few extra breaths let the oils and sauces soak in. If you like a smokier edge, try using Spam Hickory Smoke flavor. And if you’re watching salt, go easy on soy sauce and boost with a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
A: Fresh rice tends to be too moist and sticky; if you must, spread it on a baking sheet to cool and dry for 15 minutes first.
Q: How do I reduce sodium?
A: Choose low-sodium soy sauce or tamari, skip the oyster sauce, and balance with a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice.
Q: What else can I use instead of Spam?
A: Leftover ham, diced cooked chicken, or even crumbled tofu (seasoned well) works in a pinch.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: If you swap in tamari for soy sauce and check that your Spam is gluten-free, then yes.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Use tofu or tempeh instead of Spam, plus mushroom soy sauce for that umami hit.
Q: Why is my fried rice soggy?
A: Too much oil or rice that’s too fresh—next time use colder rice and wipe out excess oil before adding rice.
Q: How do I add more veggies?
A: Stir in quick-cooking greens like spinach or baby kale at the very end—just wilt for 30 seconds.
Conclusion
This Spam Fried Rice recipe proves that simple pantry staples can become a crowd-pleasing, flavorful feast in under 20 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for hungry teens, entertaining friends, or craving a cozy breakfast-for-dinner, this easy meal has you covered. Give it a try tonight, leave a comment below, and don’t forget to explore more quick Asian-inspired recipes on the blog!
Spam Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice day-old rice works best
- 1 12-ounce can Spam diced into ½-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix thawed
- 3 green onions green onions thinly sliced, separate whites and greens
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce optional
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil to finish for aroma and flavor
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Cook Spam, then add beaten eggs and scramble.
- Stir in cooked rice, peas, carrots, and green onions. Cook until veggies are warmed through.
- Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Let it rest for flavors to meld.
- Drizzle sesame oil, sprinkle green onions, and serve hot.
