This Quick & Easy Spam Fried Rice is the perfect weeknight dinner when you’re short on time but craving something flavorful. Made with just a few simple ingredients, including savory Spam, tender rice, shredded cabbage, and peas, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice and get a satisfying meal on the table fast. Whether you’re a fan of Spam or just looking for a budget-friendly dinner idea, this fried rice recipe will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love it:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a satisfying meal in a hurry.
- Budget-Friendly: With just a few simple ingredients like Spam, rice, eggs, and veggies, this dish is as economical as it is tasty, making it a great option for feeding the whole family without breaking the bank.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this fried rice by adding your favorite vegetables or even swapping out the Spam for another protein, making it adaptable to your tastes and what’s in your fridge.
- Comforting and Delicious: The savory flavors of Spam combined with the satisfying texture of fried rice create a comforting dish that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredient Notes:
- Spam: Adds a savory, salty flavor and a touch of umami to the fried rice, providing a unique, protein-packed twist on traditional recipes.
- Large Eggs: Contribute richness and texture, helping to bind the ingredients together and add a creamy element to the dish.
- Shredded Cabbage: Provides a crunchy texture and mild sweetness, enhancing the dish with a fresh, vegetable element.
- Frozen Peas: Offer a burst of sweetness and color, as well as a pop of texture that complements the other ingredients.
- Green Onions: Add a fresh, mild onion flavor with a hint of sharpness, enhancing the overall taste and presentation of the fried rice.
- Minced Garlic: Infuses the dish with a robust, aromatic flavor, giving the fried rice a savory depth.
- Hoisin Sauce: Brings a sweet and tangy flavor with hints of garlic and spices, adding complexity to the dish.
- Soy Sauce: Provides a salty, umami kick that deepens the overall flavor profile and helps to season the rice evenly.
Substitutions & Variations:
Substitutions:
- Spam:
- Chicken or Pork Sausage: For a different protein with similar texture.
- Tofu: For a vegetarian option with a similar mouthfeel.
- Large Eggs:
- Egg Whites: For a lower-fat option.
- Scrambled Tofu: For a vegan alternative.
- Shredded Cabbage:
- Finely Chopped Bell Peppers: For a sweeter crunch.
- Sliced Mushrooms: For added umami and a different texture.
- Frozen Peas:
- Corn Kernels: For a sweeter, slightly different texture.
- Edamame: For a protein boost and a slightly different taste.
- Green Onions:
- Chopped Shallots: For a milder onion flavor.
- Chopped Chives: For a subtler onion taste.
- Minced Garlic:
- Garlic Powder: For convenience, though it won’t be as aromatic.
- Shallots: For a milder, sweeter garlic flavor.
- Hoisin Sauce:
- Oyster Sauce: For a deeper, umami flavor.
- Gluten- Free Hoison Sauce: To make this dish gluten-free.
- Soy Sauce:
- Gluten- Free Soy Sauce: To make this dish gluten free.
- Coconut Aminos: For a slightly sweeter and soy-free alternative.
Variations:
- Extra Vegetables:
- Add chopped bell peppers & sliced mushrooms for extra color and flavor.
- Change the Protein:
- Cooked Chicken: For a leaner protein option.
- Shrimp: For a seafood twist.
- Spice It Up:
- Sriracha: For a spicy kick.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a more controlled heat level.
- Add Herbs:
- Cilantro: For a fresh, herbal note.
- Basil: For a different layer of flavor
Feel free to mix and match these options to suit your tastes or dietary preferences!
How to make Spam Fried Rice:
Cook the Spam
- Heat oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add cubed Spam and cook for 4-6 minutes, or until golden brown. Transfer the Spam to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add the shredded cabbage and sauté for about 4 minutes, until slightly tender.
- Add the sliced green onions, minced garlic, and frozen peas. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Scramble the Eggs
- Crack the eggs into the pan, scramble, and cook until fully set.
Combine Ingredients
- Add the leftover rice and the cooked Spam to the pan. Mix well.
- Pour in the hoisin sauce and soy sauce, tossing to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra hoisin or soy sauce as needed.
Final Cook and Serve
- Continue to fry for a few more minutes until the mixture is heated through.
- Serve garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Tips & Recipe Notes:
- Use Day-Old Rice: For best results, use rice that has been cooked and chilled overnight. Day-old rice is less sticky and helps achieve a better texture.
- Preheat the Pan: Make sure the frying pan or wok is well-heated before adding ingredients. This helps to get a good sear on the Spam and prevents sogginess.
- Cut Spam Evenly: Cube the Spam into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Cook in Batches: If making a large quantity, cook the Spam and vegetables in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming rather than frying.
- Stir Frequently: Keep the ingredients moving to prevent burning and to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust Sauce to Taste: Start with less hoisin and soy sauce, then adjust according to your taste preference. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in!
- Seasoning: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Depending on the saltiness of the Spam and soy sauce, you might not need to add additional salt.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with dumplings, a side of pickled vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal.
To Make Gluten-Free:
- Spam: Ensure the Spam you use is labeled gluten-free. Most varieties are, but it’s always best to check the label.
- Soy Sauce: Substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, which is naturally gluten-free.
- Hoisin Sauce: Choose a gluten-free hoisin sauce or make your own using gluten-free ingredients. Some store-bought brands are specifically labeled as gluten-free.
- Other Ingredients: Double-check that any additional seasonings or sauces used are gluten-free.
More 30 Minute Meals You Will Love:
- Pimento Cheese BLT Sandwich
- Bacon Caesar Pasta Salad with Garlic Croutons
- Pasta Primavera
- Herby Cheese & Mushroom Toast
- Ronto Wrap (Disney’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Inspired)
- Mushroom Ravioli in Asparagus & Mushroom Cream Sauce
- Garlicky Cottage Cheese Scrambled Eggs
- Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Classic Tuna Pasta Salad
- Easy Wonton Soup
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Quick & Easy Spam Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp neutral cooking oil
- 12 oz Spam (340 g)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage mix or coleslaw mix
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 green onion sliced
- 4 large eggs
- 4 cups leftover fried rice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoison sauce
- (Optional) sesame seeds
Instructions
Cook the Spam:
- Heat oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add cubed Spam and cook for 4-6 minutes, or until golden brown. Transfer the Spam to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pan, add the shredded cabbage and sauté for about 4 minutes, until slightly tender.
- Add the sliced green onions, minced garlic, and frozen peas. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Scramble the Eggs:
- Crack the eggs into the pan, scramble, and cook until fully set.
Combine Ingredients:
- Add the leftover rice and the cooked Spam to the pan. Mix well.
- Pour in the hoisin sauce and soy sauce, tossing to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra hoisin or soy sauce as needed.
Final Cook and Serve:
- Continue to fry for a few more minutes until the mixture is heated through.
- Serve garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Use Day-Old Rice: For best results, use rice that has been cooked and chilled overnight. Day-old rice is less sticky and helps achieve a better texture.
- Preheat the Pan: Make sure the frying pan or wok is well-heated before adding ingredients. This helps to get a good sear on the Spam and prevents sogginess.
- Adjust Sauce to Taste: Start with less hoisin and soy sauce, then adjust according to your taste preference. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in!
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- To make Gluten-Free:
- Spam: Ensure the Spam you use is labeled gluten-free. Most varieties are, but it’s always best to check the label.
- Soy Sauce: Substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, which is naturally gluten-free.
- Hoisin Sauce: Choose a gluten-free hoisin sauce or make your own using gluten-free ingredients. Some store-bought brands are specifically labeled as gluten-free.
- Other Ingredients: Double-check that any additional seasonings or sauces used are gluten-free.
- Nutritional Information is an estimate only and will vary according to specific ingredients and amounts used.