Kimchi and Spam Fried Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s quick and easy to make. The tangy kimchi and savory Spam come together perfectly in this satisfying meal.
Start by heating a bit of oil in a large skillet or wok. Dice the Spam into small cubes and fry them until they are crispy and golden. Remove the Spam from the pan and set it aside.
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté chopped onions and garlic until they are fragrant. Add in the kimchi and cook for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.
Add cold, cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir well to combine the rice with the kimchi mixture. Return the crispy Spam to the pan and mix everything together.
Season the fried rice with a bit of soy sauce and a dash of sesame oil for extra depth of flavor. If you like it spicy, add some gochujang or red pepper flakes.
Finish the dish by stirring in some chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot, with a fried egg on top if you like.
Kimchi and Spam Fried Rice is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice and is sure to please with its bold flavors and satisfying textures. Enjoy!
Kimchi and Spam Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil like sunflower or avocado
- 6 ounces Spam diced (Half a 12-ounce can)
- 1 small onion small diced
- 1 medium carrot small diced
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger peeled and finely minced
- 1 cup kimchi drained and chopped
- 1 cup chopped curly kale stems removed
- 4 green onions sliced into 1/4-inch slices, white and green parts separated
- 1/4 cup kimchi juice
- 3 cups day-old cold rice
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or to taste
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- Toasted sesame seeds to garnish
- 4 fried eggs 1 per serving, optional
Instructions
Crisp the Spam:
- Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the oil along with the Spam. Sauté until crispy around the edges, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
Cook the vegetables:
- Add the onion and carrot to the skillet with the Spam drippings. Sauté on medium-high heat until the onions turn translucent and the carrots soften and take some color.
- Add the garlic and ginger and sauté until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the kimchi, kale, and white parts of the green onions and stir fry until the kimchi and kale start to caramelize and the onions are translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the kimchi juice and simmer until heated through.
Stir fry the rice:
- Add the rice and toss until everything is combined evenly. Drizzle in the soy sauce and sesame oil as you continue mixing. Taste and adjust with more soy sauce, sesame oil, or kimchi juice if needed for flavor.
- Turn the heat down slightly and let the rice continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until some crispy bits can be seen on the bottom. Stir in the Spam and most of the green parts of the green onions.