Say goodbye to boring dinners with delicious Spam Fried Rice. Packed with flavor and easy to make, it’s a satisfying meal that will have you craving seconds.
Welcome to the world of fusion cuisine, where the delicious marriage of different culinary styles results in delicious dishes like spam fried rice. This recipe is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of those who turned a once-stigmatized food into a treasured ingredient. Combining the savory flavors of spam with aromatic vegetables and perfectly cooked rice, this dish offers a tantalizing balance sure to please any palate. Spam fried rice not only serves as a delicious weeknight dinner, but it’s also a versatile option that can be customized to suit individual tastes. So get ready to embark on a flavorful journey as we explore this delicious example of culinary ingenuity and resilience.
The Origins of Spam Fried Rice
As a result of World War II and the American military presence in Asia, spam was introduced to the region as part of soldiers’ rations. Suffering from food shortages and hardships due to the war, locals have had to adapt and find creative ways to incorporate this new food into their traditional dishes like Spam fried rice. However, spam was considered inferior and carried a negative stigma.
Although spam was originally seen as a symbol of foreign influence and a reminder of the hardships they faced during wartime, the people of these Asian countries managed to make it a popular part of their culinary culture.
Spam’s stigma
As a processed canned meat product, Spam was considered inferior to fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The nature and taste of spam was also very different than usual, leading to initial resistance and skepticism. The presence of spam in a household could also be seen as a sign of impoverishment and a reminder of the challenging times during the war.
However, over time, the stigma surrounding spam has lessened as people discovered its versatility and began to appreciate its unique flavor. Creative recipes have helped reshape perceptions of spam, making it a valued ingredient in many cultures today.
frequently asked Questions
Absolutely! You can substitute other proteins like chicken, shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu for Spam for a different flavor profile.
Feel free to add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, broccoli or zucchini to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.
Substitutions & Serving Suggestions
- For a healthier alternative Consider using brown rice instead of white rice.
- For an additional taste kick Try sriracha or oyster sauce in addition to soy sauce.
Serve spam fried rice with a refreshing cucumber salad or a warm bowl of miso soup for a full, filling meal.
Storage and reheating instructions
Spam fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or heat the dish in a skillet over medium-high heat until heated through, adding a little oil if needed to prevent sticking.
Discover authentic Asian flavors with just one cookbook
If you’re looking for authentic Asian recipes, Just One Cookbook (JOC) is an acclaimed food blog run by Nami, a Japanese home cook. It offers a wealth of traditional and modern recipes that are easy to follow and delicious. Nami’s expertise in Asian cuisine and her commitment to sharing her culinary heritage make her a respected authority on the field. Exploring JOC not only gives you an insight into the rich variety of Asian flavors, but also develops a deeper understanding of the cultural context behind dishes like Spam Fried Rice.
Say goodbye to boring dinners with our delicious Spam Fried Rice recipe. Packed with flavor and easy to make, it’s a satisfying meal that will have you craving seconds.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon cooking oil
- 2 tablespoon sesame oil
- 12 ounces spam diced into 1/2 inch pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 1/2 cups frozen peas and carrots
- 2 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 4 Big Eggs beaten
- 1/2 Cup chopped green onions
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 1/4 Cup soy sauce normal or low sodium
instructions
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In a large skillet or wok, heat cooking oil and sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once heated, add the diced spam and season with black pepper and ginger. Fry and cook for 5-7 minutes.
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Reduce heat to low, remove spam and set aside. Add the peas and carrots to the pan and sauté for about 2 minutes.
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Add minced garlic to pan and sauté for about 1 minute.
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Push the vegetables to the edge of the pan, pour in the beaten eggs and cook along with the sautéed vegetables.
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Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the cooked spam, rice, and scallions to the skillet, stirring gently to combine.
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Drizzle the mixture with soy sauce and heat thoroughly.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
Calories: 461kcal | Carbohydrates: 39G | Protein: 15G | Fat: 27G | Saturated Fatty Acids: 8thG | Polyunsaturated fat: 4G | Monounsaturated fatty acids: 13G | Trans fats: 0.01G | Cholesterol: 149mg | Sodium: 1436mg | Potassium: 404mg | Fiber: 3G | Sugar: 1G | Vitamin A: 3567ie | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 2mg
