Why We Love Spam Fried Rice
Although spam is not one of my most loved go-to food products… It does have its place, and there is certainly a reason it’s a favorite staple that is enjoyed around the world. This pork-based war-time ingredient offers salty, fatty, meaty goodness that really makes certain dishes shine. If you’ve ever been to Hawaii you know what I’m talking about. Spam is featured in all sorts of Hawaiian fusion restaurant dishes, like spam scrambles, spam burgers, spam sushi rolls, and my personal favorite, spam fried rice. This easy Hawaiian Spam Fried Rice recipe is a fun and delicious spin on a classic fried rice recipe. Toss in spicy tangy kimchi and you have something really special!
Ingredients You Need
Butter – unsalted Long grain rice – or jasmine rice – previously cooked and chilled* Eggs Can of Spam – I prefer low sodium Scallions – AKA green onions Fresh kimchi – mild or spicy Soy sauce – or coconut aminos Sesame oil – for its nutty flavor Frozen peas – or fresh peas if you like
*In a hurry? Use pre-cooked vacuum-sealed rice from the grocery store. An 8-ounce packet of cooked vacuum-sealed rice will break apart into about 2 cups, therefore buy two packages.
How to Make Hawaiian Fried Rice
To make this the best possible spam and kimchi fried rice recipe, it is key to start with previously cooked and cooled day-old rice. Pro Tip: I usually make the rice the night before, in order to use leftover rice. If needed, buy pre-cooked vacuum-sealed rice. Break the eggs into a small bowl and whisk well. Cut the spam into small half-inch cubes. Chop the scallions and separate them into two piles, the whites and the greens. If the kimchi is in large pieces, roughly chop it to create smaller pieces, and reserve the juices. Set a wok (or large skillet pan) over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter. Set a holding plate to the side of the pan. When the butter has melted, pour in the eggs and quickly scramble. Move the scrambled eggs to the holding plate, and break them into small pieces. Add the spam cubes to the pan. Stir and fry the spam for 4 to 6 minutes, until crispy on all sides and golden brown. Then move the crispy spam cubes to the holding plate. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan. Toss in the scallion whites and stir fry for 1 to 2 minutes. Add in the cold white rice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped kimchi in juices. Use a wooden spoon to stir and break the cold rice apart. Be gentle and do not mush the rice! Stir fry for 5 to 6 minutes until the rice is warm and well mixed. Then add the cooked chopped eggs and spam back to the pan. Then mix in the peas and scallion greens. Stir fry the kimchi fried rice for another 1 to 2 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is loaded with protein and veggies, and really is a complete meal all on its own. But that should not stop you from enjoying it with tasty sides, too! Pair with your favorite Asian-inspired dishes like Tempura Shishito Peppers, Korean Pancakes (Pajeon), a fresh green salad with Japanese Ginger Salad Dressing, Yum Yum Sauce, and/or Japanese Clear Soup.
Optional Swaps and Add-Ins
Don’t love peas? Try swapping diced carrots, green beans, broccoli, or corn. Not a fan of soy sauce? Use fish sauce, coconut aminos, or oyster sauce instead. Want more heat? Add a drizzle of sriracha over the plated dish at the end.
Why do you chill rice for fried rice?
The key to making any good fried rice dish is to start with cold rice. After the rice has been cooked, it’s important to chill the rice so that it turns firm. This allows you to mix it in a hot pan and stir fry it with other ingredients while retaining its firm piece-y texture. If you try to stir fry freshly cooked rice it will get mushy
Is Hawaiian fried rice healthy?
This kimchi fried rice recipe does have lots of veggies! But because it is made with spam and rice this is not considered a low-calorie dish. Looking for a low-carb version? Make this Hawaiian fried rice recipe with healthier cauliflower rice!
What does kimchi fried rice taste like? Is it spicy?
Even mild kimchi does have a little kick, but it is more tart and sour vs. spicy. This pleasantly sour taste is fantastic to balance the buttery goodness of the eggs and salty spam. Together they create a dish that has incredible umami flavor with just the right hint of tanginess.
Why is my kimchi fried rice soggy?
While you do want to reserve and use some of the kimchi juices, I recommend adding them to the pan bit by bit while cooking. Too much of the liquid will result in soggy rice, which nobody wants.
How long is leftover fried rice good?
Fried rice will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Let the leftovers cool completely then transfer to an airtight container.
Looking for More Easy Dinner Recipes?
Hawaiian Chicken Skillet Recipe Asian Meatballs with Edamame 8-Minute Jjapaguri (Easy Ram Don Korean Noodles) Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry Hawaiian Hot Dogs with Mango Salsa
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