Spam Fried Rice with Eggs and Scallions

Spam fried rice is a quick, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal inspired by the popular Pacific island favorite. Made with crispy cubes of Spam, cold white rice, eggs, garlic, green onion, and a simple savory sauce, this easy fried rice recipe comes together fast and makes a satisfying lunch or dinner.

If you have been craving the flavors of Hawaii but do not have a trip planned, this Spam fried rice is a delicious way to bring a little island-inspired comfort food into your own kitchen.

This recipe is simple, filling, and full of bold flavor. The Spam browns beautifully in a hot skillet, giving each bite a salty, savory edge that pairs perfectly with fluffy rice, soft scrambled eggs, and a lightly sweet soy sauce mixture.

Spam has been especially popular in Hawaii since World War II, and it remains a well-loved ingredient in many Hawaiian-style dishes. Once you taste it fried until golden and tossed with rice, garlic, and green onion, it is easy to understand why it works so well in quick everyday meals.

One of the best things about this easy Spam fried rice recipe is how practical it is. It uses simple pantry ingredients, takes only minutes to cook, and is a great way to use leftover cold rice. It is hearty enough to serve as a main course but also works well as a side dish for a larger meal.

Ingredients

To make homemade Spam fried rice, you will need a short list of everyday ingredients:

• Sauce ingredients – Soy sauce, seasoned rice wine vinegar, and sugar create a balanced sauce that is salty, tangy, and lightly sweet.
• Canola oil – Used in divided amounts to cook the eggs and brown the Spam.
• Eggs – Beaten eggs add richness and texture to the fried rice.
• Spam – Use one 12-ounce can, cut into small cubes so the pieces brown evenly.
• Garlic – Minced garlic adds fresh, aromatic flavor.
• Rice – Cold steamed white rice is best because it fries well without becoming mushy.
• Green onion – Thinly sliced green onion adds color and a fresh finish.
• Sesame seeds – Optional, but they make a nice garnish before serving.

How to Make

This Spam fried rice is fast and easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights, quick lunches, or anytime you want a filling meal without a lot of prep.

Start by making the sauce. Whisk the soy sauce, seasoned rice wine vinegar, and sugar together in a small bowl until the sugar begins to dissolve. Set the sauce aside while you prepare the rest of the recipe.

Heat one tablespoon of canola oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the beaten eggs. Scramble them gently, cooking only until they are about three-quarters done. They should still be very soft because they will continue to cook from residual heat and will be added back to the skillet later.

Transfer the eggs to a plate and set them aside. Add the remaining oil to the same skillet, then add the cubed Spam. Cook, stirring often, until the Spam is browned on all sides. This usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes and gives the fried rice its signature savory flavor.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 60 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter quickly over high heat.

Add the cold white rice and prepared sauce to the skillet. Stir everything together until the rice is evenly coated and the Spam is distributed throughout. Continue stir-frying for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the moisture has cooked off and the rice is hot.

Return the eggs to the skillet, breaking them apart as you stir them into the rice. Remove the skillet from the heat, then fold in the sliced green onion.

Serve the Spam fried rice warm. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra sliced green onion if desired.

Enjoy this easy Hawaiian-inspired Spam fried rice as a complete meal or serve it alongside your favorite island-style dishes.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Spam fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat it in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Rice can dry out a little after chilling, so if needed, add a small splash of water or a little extra sauce while reheating to bring back moisture and flavor.

Tips and Tricks

• Do not overcook the eggs. Cook them only until they are about three-quarters done. They will finish cooking from residual heat while they rest and when they are added back to the fried rice.
• Cold rice works best for fried rice because it is firmer and less sticky than freshly cooked rice.
• You can substitute store-bought teriyaki sauce for the soy sauce mixture if you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor.
• If you like saucier fried rice, taste the finished dish first, then add a little extra sauce as needed.
• Use a large skillet so the rice has enough room to fry instead of steam.

Other Hawaiian Recipes

Spam fried rice is a quick and easy way to enjoy Hawaiian-inspired flavors at home. It is savory, satisfying, and ready in minutes, making it a great recipe to keep in your regular meal rotation.

If you enjoy this recipe, you may also like these Hawaiian-style favorites:

• Spam Musubi
• Huli Huli Chicken
• Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

If you try this Spam Fried Rice, leave a comment and let us know how it turned out. We always enjoy hearing from readers and seeing how recipes come together in your kitchen.