I'm not usually a fan of spam but when it comes to Spam Fried Rice, I'm definitely onboard that train. I adore this dish because it’s savory, cozy, and comes together in under 30 minutes!
What Is Spam Fried Rice?
Spam fried rice is a quick stir-fried rice dish made with diced Spam, eggs, vegetables, and seasoned rice. It’s especially popular in places like Hawaii and across many Asian households where Spam has become a beloved pantry staple.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: It's a quick and easy recipe that comes together fast with simple pantry ingredients.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The crispy Spam, savory sauces, and nutty sesame oil make every bite so satisfying!
- Perfect for Leftovers: Make a big batch of Spam Fried Rice and save extra for the next day.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large wok or large skillet
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Ingredients for Spam Fried Rice
- Neutral oil
- Eggs: Add protein and that classic fried rice texture.
- Low-sodium spam: Adds savory, salty, meaty flavor with crispy edges. I prefer low-sodium spam for this dish but you can use regular as well!
- Shallots
- Garlic
- Frozen mixed vegetables
- Cooked white rice (day-old preferred): Using day-old rice is best for fried rice so it doesn't come out mushy.
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Sugar
- Salt
- White pepper
- Sesame oil
- Green onion
Customizations
- Spicy kick: Add chili oil or sriracha for some heat.
- Extra veggies: Toss in bell peppers, bok choy, or zucchini for more texture and flavor.
- Brown rice swap: Use cooked brown rice for a slightly nutty flavor and extra fiber.
How to Make Spam Fried Rice
Cook the Eggs
Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large wok or skillet over medium heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until just set. Remove and set aside.
Crisp the Spam
In the same pan, add the diced Spam and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies
Add the remaining oil. Sauté the shallots and garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
Fry the Rice
Add the day-old white rice, breaking up any clumps. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until evenly heated and lightly toasted. This is what gives spam fried rice its perfect texture.
Season and Combine
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Toss until the rice is evenly coated.
Return the Spam and eggs to the pan. Season with salt and white pepper, drizzle in sesame oil, and stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes until everything is well combined.
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm.
Storage
Store leftover Spam fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet for best texture, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. This recipe can also be frozen for up to 1 month.
Tips to Make the Perfect Spam Fried Rice
- Use day-old rice: Fresh rice can get mushy so use day-old rice, which fries up beautifully.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: A hot pan helps create that slightly toasted fried rice texture.
- Add sesame oil at the end: This keeps the flavor fresh and aromatic instead of cooked off.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use low-sodium Spam?
Yes! Low-sodium Spam works perfectly in spam fried rice and helps control the overall saltiness. You can also use regular Spam but personally it is a little too salty for me.
Can I use freshly cooked rice?
You can, but spread it on a tray and let it cool completely first. Slightly dried rice gives you the best fried rice texture.
Can I make Spam Fried Rice without oyster sauce?
Yes. You can substitute with additional soy sauce and a pinch of sugar for balance.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
- Benihana Fried Rice
- Shrimp Fried Rice
- Stir-Fried Shanghai Rice Cakes (Chao Nian Gao)
- Beef Yaki Udon Noodles Stir-Fry
Spam Fried Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon neutral oil divided
- 3 eggs beaten
- 1 can (12 oz.) low-sodium spam diced into cubes
- 2 shallots finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 3 cups cooked white rice day-old preferred
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Dash of white pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 green onion chopped
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon neutral oil in a large wok or skillet over medium heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until just set. Remove and set aside.2 tablespoon neutral oil, 3 eggs
- In the same pan, add the diced spam and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.1 can (12 oz.) low-sodium spam
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon neutral oil. Sauté the shallots and garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.2 tablespoon neutral oil, 2 shallots, 2 cloves garlic, 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- Add the day-old white rice, breaking up any clumps. Reduce the heat to medium-low then stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the rice is evenly heated and lightly toasted.3 cups cooked white rice
- Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Toss everything together until the rice is evenly coated, about 1 minute.2 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- Return the spam and scrambled eggs to the pan. Season with salt and white pepper, then drizzle in the sesame oil. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until well combined.½ teaspoon salt, Dash of white pepper, 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm.1 green onion
Roselyn Upward says
Super yummy! The spam gives it a rich flavour. I did slice the spam a bit thinner and cooked them till crispy before chopping them up and adding them to the fried rice 😋😋😋😋😋😋
Herman says
smaller spam works here! I like to fry mine up nicely too for the fried rice so glad you did too!
Lolo says
I didn’t add salt because the spam and soy sauce have salt. Came out yummy.
Herman says
Yes that totally works, glad you liked it!