Spam Fried Rice
Yes, it’s time you get over your fear of this canned delicacy
This week’s recipe is dedicated to Hawaii
A few weeks ago, I shared my love for Hawaii with my salmon poke recipe. Unsurprisingly, I’m back again. At this point, it’s less of a phase and more of a personality trait…but I’m trying not to take it as a sign to move there—my Sagittarius soul can’t take it!
And lately, Hawaii has been on my mind for more than just the food.
The island of Oahu has been experiencing intense flooding—especially on the North Shore—and it hasn’t been getting nearly the attention it deserves. I wish I could show up and help in a real, tangible way, but since I can’t, here’s a recipe that’s paired with a donation link to the LĀHUI FOUNDATION, which works to help the island recover.
On my tour of the beautiful Kualoa Ranch (where many Jurassic Park movies have been filmed), my guide taught me that “ono” means delicious. And honestly, that word has been living rent-free in my brain ever since.
So today, I’m here to deliver a very ono recipe that anyone can make.
Spam is one of those foods that sits at the intersection of cultures. It’s deeply loved in Hawaii, and also a staple in Filipino cooking—something I grew up with and still reach for when I want something comforting, salty, and easy.
While I can’t fly across the world to help clean, I make this recipe in honor of Hawaii and its beautiful people and lands.
What You Need
Serves 2-3
1 can Spam, diced
2 cups cooked, day-old rice
2 eggs
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
1 scallion, sliced (whites + greens separated)
2 garlic cloves, minced
2-3 tbsp soy sauce (start with 2, add more as needed)
1 tsp sesame oil
Black pepper
Neutral oil, for cooking
How to Make It
Step 1: Crisp the Spam
Heat a pan over medium-high with a little oil. If you drop in a wooden spoon and the oil gently sizzles around it, you’re ready to go.
Add the diced Spam and let it cook until golden and crispy on the edges. Stir occasionally, but give it time to sit so it can really brown.
Once it’s crispy, remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Scramble the eggs
Using the oil from the Spam, crack in the eggs and scramble. Don’t overcook; they’ll finish cooking with everything later.
Remove and set aside with the Spam.
💫Tip: no need to mix the eggs in a bowl before putting them into the pan. You can scramble it straight from the shell.
Step 3: Start the flavor base
Add a drizzle of oil, then toss in the scallion whites and garlic.
Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the frozen vegetables. Stir and let everything warm through.
Step 4: Fry the rice
Add the day-old cold rice, breaking it up with your spatula.
This is where fried rice becomes…fried rice.
Step 5: Bring it home
Add the Spam and eggs back in.
Pour in the soy sauce, drizzle in the sesame oil, and season with freshly cracked black pepper. Stir in most of the scallion greens (save some for garnish).
Toss everything together. Taste and adjust as you go. For me, sometimes a little more soy or pepper will go a long way.
Plate and top with the remaining scallion greens. And if I’m feeling a little extra, I’ll top with sesame seeds, chili oil, or a quick spicy mayo made from sriracha and Kewpie mayo.
Serve immediately. And if you’re like me, it’s best enjoyed with a spoon!
Final thoughts
What I love about this recipe is that there’s no wrong way to do it. It’s the ultimate fridge clean-out meal. Leftover veggies? Toss them in. Half an onion hanging on for dear life? Perfect.
Consider this a foundation, not a rulebook.
And again, thinking of you, Hawaii 🤍
