Dinner Main course

Spicy Garlic Spam Fried Rice – Friendsgiving Food Ideas

Name: Spicy Garlic Spam Fried Rice – Friendsgiving Food Ideas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 can of Spam: Diced into bite-sized cubes.; 2 stalks of scallions: Finely chopped for crunch.; 2 large eggs: For that fluffy, protein-rich texture.; 4 cups of cold, day-old cooked rice: Older rice works best for fried rice due to less moisture.; 1 cup of crushed roasted seaweed: Adds an umami crunch.; ½ cup of frozen peas; 2.5 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 4–5 cloves of fresh garlic: Finely chopped for that “wow” factor.; 2 Thai red chilies: Thinly sliced for some kick.; ½ tablespoon toasted sesame seeds; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil: For that beautiful nutty flavor.; 1 tablespoon light brown sugar: For a touch of sweetness.; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: To brighten the dish.

Iris Miller August 3, 2025

Servings: 4 Total Time: 20 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Before diving into the delightful world of spicy garlic Spam fried rice, let’s explore what you can pair with this dish. It’s versatile, and while it shines as a main course, it can easily be complemented with a few side dishes or toppings. Here are some great ideas:

Pickled Vegetables: Crunchy pickled cucumbers or carrots provide a balance to the dish’s richness.
Egg Rolls: Crispy on the outside, savory on the inside, they make the perfect appetizer or side.
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: This sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness and heat, perfect for drizzling over the fried rice.
Lettuce Wraps: Their crisp texture contrasts nicely with the fried rice’s softness.
Sautéed Greens: Mist it with a bit of garlic and soy sauce for a vibrant, healthy addition.

Now, with those suggestions in mind, let’s get cooking!

Spicy garlic Spam fried rice. It’s a mouthful, isn’t it? I remember the first time I indulged in this dish; it was a late-night kitchen experiment that turned into a delightful surprise.

The flavors danced together, and before I knew it, I had created an indulgent meal out of humble pantry staples. If you find yourself cooking with Spam, you’re not alone. Many chefs embrace it, and for a good reason!

Spam often gets a bad rap, but when it’s sautéed with garlic and tossed with fluffy rice, it transforms into something utterly delicious. In this post, I’ll guide you through making your own spicy garlic Spam fried rice, and trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket.

What is Spicy Garlic Spam Fried Rice?

Spicy garlic Spam fried rice is a fusion of flavors, blending savory, spicy, and slightly sweet elements into a satisfying dish. It combines crispy, salty Spam with garlic’s aromatic punch and the heat from Thai chilies.

Think of fried rice but kicked up a notch – it’s fragrant, hearty, and may just become your new go-to comfort food.

What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?

Let’s break it down. The flavor profile of spicy garlic Spam fried rice boasts:

Umami: Spam adds a savory depth.
Spice: The Thai chilies ensure each bite has a bit of heat.
Sweetness: A hint of brown sugar rounds out the dish and balances the spices.
Aromatic Punch: Fresh garlic elevates the flavors, offering a fragrant kick.
Crunchiness: The scallions and optional peas bring texture, making every bite interesting.

Altogether, it’s a harmonious explosion on your taste buds that can make you smile with every mouthful.

What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Spicy Garlic Spam Fried Rice?

While there’s no shortage of fried rice recipes in the world, this version stands out because of its unique combination of flavors and textures. The use of garlic sauce—composed of soy sauce, garlic, Thai chilies, sesame oil, and rice vinegar—creates a balanced symphony of salty, spicy, and savory.

The addition of toasted sesame seeds and crushed nori flakes enhances the crunchy profile of the dish while infusing it with depth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delightful dish, gather these ingredients:

1 can of Spam: Diced into bite-sized cubes.
2 stalks of scallions: Finely chopped for crunch.
2 large eggs: For that fluffy, protein-rich texture.
4 cups of cold, day-old cooked rice: Older rice works best for fried rice due to less moisture.
1 cup of crushed roasted seaweed: Adds an umami crunch.
½ cup of frozen peas (optional): A pop of color and sweetness.

Garlic Sauce:

2.5 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
4–5 cloves of fresh garlic: Finely chopped for that “wow” factor.
2 Thai red chilies: Thinly sliced for some kick.
½ tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil: For that beautiful nutty flavor.
1 tablespoon light brown sugar: For a touch of sweetness.
1 teaspoon rice vinegar: To brighten the dish.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Sauce

To kick things off, let’s whip up the garlic sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, finely chopped garlic, sliced Thai chilies, toasted sesame oil, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Set this flavor bomb aside for later. Trust me, your taste buds are going to thank you.

Step 2: Cook the Spam

In a large skillet or wok, heat a splash of oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced Spam and fry until crispy and golden. This should take about 5–7 minutes. You want it to be delightful and crispy, not soggy.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

Once the Spam is done, push it to one side of the skillet. Crack the eggs into the clearing and scramble them. Stir them until they’re cooked through and then mix them with the Spam.

Step 4: Add the Rice

Scoop your day-old rice into the skillet. Stir everything together, breaking up any clumps. This step is crucial—get that rice evenly coated with flavors. It’ll take about 2–3 minutes for this magic to happen.

Step 5: Incorporate the Garlic Sauce

Pour your prepared garlic sauce over the rice and continue to stir. Make sure the sauce gets evenly distributed throughout the fried rice. Stir in the peas, if using, and add half of the chopped scallions. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 6: Add Seaweed and Serve

Finally, sprinkle the crushed nori flakes and toasted sesame seeds on top. Toss everything well just before serving. Garnish with the remaining scallions for a fresh touch. This is the moment where you can take a step back and smile at your culinary creation!

How to make Spicy Garlic Spam Fried Rice

Tips on Making Spicy Garlic Spam Fried Rice

Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too sticky. Using cold, day-old rice will prevent clumping.
Adjust Spice Levels: If you’re not a fan of heat, reduce the amount of Thai chilies or leave them out entirely. That way, you still get flavor without too much fire.
Get Creative with Add-ins: You can add veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or corn for extra nutrition.
Don’t Rush the Spam: Let it get nice and crispy for the best texture.
Play with Seasonings: Experiment with sauces like Sriracha or oyster sauce if you want to enhance the flavor even further.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming 4 servings):

Calories: Approximately 400
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g

Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on specific ingredients and portions used.

How Can I Store This Spicy Garlic Spam Fried Rice?

After enjoying your feast, you might have some leftovers (though I doubt it!). Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or soy sauce to help revive the rice’s texture.

Ingredient Substitutes

If you find yourself lacking any specific ingredients, here are some substitutes:

Spam: Cooked chicken or tofu can be delicious alternatives.
Thai Red Chilies: If you can’t find them, try red pepper flakes for heat.
Soy Sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.
Sesame Oil: As an alternative, olive oil or peanut oil will work for cooking.

Conclusion

And there you have it—a comprehensive journey through the delicious world of spicy garlic Spam fried rice. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a fusion of flavors and textures crafted from everyday ingredients. The beauty of this dish lies in its transformative nature, elevating a can of Spam into a satisfying and flavorful experience.

So the next time you find yourself in a busy week with leftover rice and a can of Spam sitting in your pantry, remember this recipe. Combining simplicity with flavor, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your rotation. Cook it up, enjoy it with your chosen sides, and share the joy!

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Print Recipe

Spicy Garlic Spam Fried Rice – Friendsgiving Food Ideas

Author: Iris Miller Cuisine: Asian, Chinese Courses: Dinner, Main course

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 20 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 400

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Spicy garlic Spam fried rice. It’s a mouthful, isn’t it? I remember the first time I indulged in this dish; it was a late-night kitchen experiment that turned into a delightful surprise.