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Spam Kimchi Fried Rice: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food

This Spam Kimchi Fried Rice is a quick and flavorful dish that combines crispy Spam, tangy kimchi, and perfectly cooked rice. Ideal for using up leftover rice, it’s a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy. Enjoy a delicious blend of savory and spicy flavors in every bite!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 can of Spam (12 oz), diced
  • 1 cup kimchi, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Rice: If you haven’t already, cook your rice according to package instructions. For the best results, use day-old rice as it has a firmer texture that holds up better in fried rice dishes. If you’re using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool and dry out a bit.
  2. Prepare the Spam: Open the can of Spam and carefully remove it. Dice it into small cubes, about 1/2 inch in size. This will help it crisp up nicely when cooked.
  3. Chop the Kimchi: Take your kimchi and chop it into smaller pieces if it’s in large chunks. This will help distribute the flavor throughout the fried rice.
  4. Mise en Place: Gather all your ingredients and have them ready to go. This will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
  5. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to sizzle when you add the Spam.
  6. Cook the Spam: Add the diced Spam to the hot oil. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and crispy on the edges.
  7. Add Aromatics: Once the Spam is crispy, add the minced garlic and diced onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
  8. Incorporate the Kimchi: Add the chopped kimchi to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes.
  9. Add the Rice: Break up any clumps of cooked rice and add it to the skillet. Stir everything together, ensuring the rice is well mixed with the Spam and kimchi.
  10. Season the Rice: Pour in the soy sauce and gochujang. Mix well to ensure the rice is evenly coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  11. Fry the Rice: Let the rice cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a crispier texture, let it sit without stirring for a minute or two before mixing.
  12. Create Space for Eggs: Push the rice mixture to one side of the skillet, creating a space for the eggs.
  13. Scramble the Eggs: Crack the two eggs into the empty space in the skillet. Scramble them gently until they are just set, about 1-2 minutes. Mix the scrambled eggs into the rice mixture.
  14. Finish with Sesame Oil: Drizzle 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over the fried rice and give it one last stir.
  15. Garnish: Transfer the Spam kimchi fried rice to a serving dish or individual bowls. Top with chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds if desired.
  16. Enjoy: Serve your Spam kimchi fried rice hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, you can substitute Spam with tofu or tempeh.
  • Adjust the amount of kimchi and gochujang based on your spice preference.
  • This dish is best served immediately but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.