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Spicy Garlic Spam Fried Rice

Spicy Garlic Spam Fried Rice - Friendsgiving Food Ideas

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!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Calories: 400

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
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.

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Sauce
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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!

Notes

  1. Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too sticky. Using cold, day-old rice will prevent clumping.
  2. 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.
  3. Get Creative with Add-ins: You can add veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or corn for extra nutrition.
  4. Don’t Rush the Spam: Let it get nice and crispy for the best texture.
  5. Play with Seasonings: Experiment with sauces like Sriracha or oyster sauce if you want to enhance the flavor even further.