Spam Fried Rice is quick, comforting, and packed with flavors that always hit the spot. Whether you’re looking for a speedy lunch or a satisfying dinner, this recipe is a go-to, and I know you’ll enjoy it too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you cook regularly, you’re likely familiar with the inevitable buildup of leftover ingredients in your fridge—some bits of meat, a few leftover veggies, and sometimes just small portions of various things.
Over time, I’ve realized that these leftover odds and ends don’t need to go to waste. Instead, they can come together to create a satisfying meal, and that’s when a dish like fried rice becomes a lifesaver.
Why Fried Rice is My Go-To Meal
I absolutely love making fried rice because, like Sesame Noodles, it’s such a versatile dish. You can use whatever you have in your fridge and still end up with something delicious.
Fried rice has become a staple in my house because it’s simple, satisfying, and always gets the thumbs-up from my kids. The flavor is amazing, and since it’s a one-dish meal, there’s no need for multiple plates to clean up afterward!
Another reason I love fried rice is that it’s a perfect way to use up leftover rice. I often cook extra rice on purpose so I have some left over to make fried rice the next day.
Customize Fried Rice with Your Favorite Veggies and Proteins
In this particular recipe, I use lettuce, which adds a nice crisp texture to the dish. However, you can easily substitute any other leafy greens or vegetables you have on hand, like bok choy, spinach, or cabbage.
For the protein, I use my homemade Spam, which adds a savory, meaty flavor. If you don’t have homemade Spam, store-bought works just fine, or you could even use leftover chicken, pork, or tofu for a vegetarian version. The beauty of fried rice is that it’s flexible—just toss in what you have, and it will still turn out amazing.
Ingredients:
- 150g luncheon meat (homemade Spam or store-bought)
- 1 head lettuce
- 3 eggs
- 300g leftover rice (adjust according to personal portion size)
- 2 tsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp white sugar
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
Instructions:
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Cut the luncheon meat into slices, then cut into evenly sized small cubes, about 1-1.5 cm thick.
- Wash the lettuce and slice it into thin strips, aiming to make them as fine as possible for better integration with the other ingredients.
- Crack the 3 eggs into a bowl and whisk them thoroughly with chopsticks or a whisk to ensure the egg whites and yolks are evenly mixed.
Stir-Fry the Eggs:
- Heat the pan and pour in the cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, slowly pour in the beaten eggs.
- As the bottom of the eggs begins to set, gently stir with a spatula, breaking the eggs into chunks. Cook until the eggs turn golden brown on the surface, then remove and set aside.
Cook the Luncheon Meat:
- Add a little more oil to the pan (if there’s still some oil from the eggs, you can skip this step), then add the luncheon meat cubes.
- Cook over medium-low heat, flipping occasionally to ensure even heating. Pan-fry until the luncheon meat is slightly crispy on the surface to enhance its flavor.
Combine Ingredients:
- Once the luncheon meat is cooked, add the scrambled eggs back into the pan and stir-fry together with the luncheon meat.
- Add the prepared rice, then pour in 2 tsp light soy sauce, 1 tsp oyster sauce, and 1 tsp white sugar. Stir everything well with the spatula to ensure the rice is evenly mixed with the other ingredients and is coated with the sauce, allowing the rice to absorb all the flavors.
Add Lettuce:
- Add the sliced lettuce to the pan and stir-fry quickly. Lettuce cooks quickly, so only a few quick stirs are needed to ensure the lettuce softens slightly while maintaining some crunch to preserve its fresh taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of meat instead of Spam?
Yes, you can substitute Spam with any type of luncheon meat, or even leftover cooked meat like chicken or pork. The key is to have something with a similar texture and flavor to Spam.
Can I make this recipe with freshly cooked rice?
Yes, you can, but using day-old rice yields better results as the grains are drier and less likely to become mushy when fried. If you’re using fresh rice, try spreading it out to cool before stir-frying.
What other vegetables can I add to this dish?
You can add peas, carrots, or onions if you like. Just make sure to chop them finely and cook them until they’re tender before adding the rice.
Homemade Spam Fried Rice: A Comfort Food Staple
Ingredients
- 150 g luncheon meat Spam
- 1 head lettuce
- 3 eggs
- 300 g leftover rice adjust according to personal portion size
- 2 tsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp white sugar
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Cut the luncheon meat into slices, then cut into evenly sized small cubes, about 1-1.5 cm thick.
- Wash the lettuce and slice it into thin strips, aiming to make them as fine as possible for better integration with the other ingredients.
- Crack the 3 eggs into a bowl and whisk them thoroughly with chopsticks or a whisk to ensure the egg whites and yolks are evenly mixed.
Stir-Fry the Eggs:
- Heat the pan and pour in the cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, slowly pour in the beaten eggs.
- As the bottom of the eggs begins to set, gently stir with a spatula, breaking the eggs into chunks. Cook until the eggs turn golden brown on the surface, then remove and set aside.
Cook the Luncheon Meat:
- Add a little more oil to the pan (if there's still some oil from the eggs, you can skip this step), then add the luncheon meat cubes.
- Cook over medium-low heat, flipping occasionally to ensure even heating. Pan-fry until the luncheon meat is slightly crispy on the surface to enhance its flavor.
Combine Ingredients:
- Once the luncheon meat is cooked, add the scrambled eggs back into the pan and stir-fry together with the luncheon meat.
- Add the prepared rice, then pour in 2 tsp light soy sauce, 1 tsp oyster sauce, and 1 tsp white sugar. Stir everything well with the spatula to ensure the rice is evenly mixed with the other ingredients and is coated with the sauce, allowing the rice to absorb all the flavors.
Add Lettuce:
- Add the sliced lettuce to the pan and stir-fry quickly. Lettuce cooks quickly, so only a few quick stirs are needed to ensure the lettuce softens slightly while maintaining some crunch to preserve its fresh taste.