Let me introduce you to your new go-to comfort food: Kimchi Spam Fried Rice. This dish is bold, spicy, savory, and completely satisfying in the way only a sizzling, flavor-packed rice bowl can be. It’s like a hug in a hot skillet fiery kimchi meets crispy, golden Spam, and it all comes together in a way that’ll have you sneaking bites straight from the pan. It’s the perfect fusion of pantry staples and Korean-inspired flair, and trust me, you’ll be hooked after the first bite. Whether you’re trying to jazz up your weeknight dinner or simply craving something cozy and quick, this fried rice delivers every single time.

Why You’ll Love Kimchi Spam Fried Rice

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Works for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty breakfast with a fried egg on top.
Budget-Friendly: Uses budget-friendly ingredients that pack a ton of flavor without a hefty grocery bill.
Quick and Easy: One pan, a handful of ingredients, and boom flavor bomb on your plate in under 30 minutes.
Customizable: Swap the Spam for tofu, add extra veggies, or make it spicier totally up to you.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients

Ingredients in Kimchi Spam Fried Rice

Here’s the lineup that makes this dish so crave-worthy. Simple, bold, and oh-so-delicious:

Spam: Salty, crispy, and just the right amount of indulgent. Once it’s golden brown, it adds irresistible texture and flavor.
Kimchi: The heart of the dish. It brings spice, tang, and a little funk that makes every bite pop.
Cooked Rice: Preferably day-old rice it holds up better and gets that perfect fried texture.
Garlic: Adds that rich, aromatic base. A little goes a long way.
Green Onions: For freshness and a pop of color.
Soy Sauce: Just enough umami to tie it all together.
Sesame Oil: Adds depth and a nutty, toasty flavor.
Eggs: Scrambled in for creaminess and a touch of protein.
Gochujang (optional): For an extra kick of heat and depth if you like things spicy.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to get everything crisp and toasty.

Combine Ingredients: Start by adding a splash of oil, then sauté the diced Spam until it’s golden and crispy on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, then toss in the garlic and chopped kimchi. Cook for a few minutes until fragrant and the kimchi starts to caramelize.

Assemble the Dish: Push the kimchi to one side of the pan and scramble the eggs in the empty space. Once set, mix everything together, then add the rice and Spam back in.

Cook to Perfection: Stir-fry everything together, breaking up any clumps of rice. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and gochujang if using. Stir well until everything is hot and coated in saucy goodness.

Finishing Touches: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot straight from the pan or with a fried egg on top for the ultimate finishing touch.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 3
Calories per serving: 450

(put them as notes)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Kimchi Spam Fried Rice

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Top with a fried egg and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that classic Korean-style finish.
Serve with a side of seaweed sheets for scooping up every bite.
Add extra gochujang or sriracha if you love heat.
Pair with a light cucumber salad or pickled veggies to balance the richness.
Enjoy it straight from the skillet (because why dirty another plate?).

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Use cold, day-old rice for the best texture fresh rice tends to get mushy.
If your kimchi is extra juicy, drain a bit of the liquid so your rice doesn’t get soggy.
Don’t overcrowd the pan cook in batches if needed to keep everything crisp.
Want it vegetarian? Use tofu or mushrooms instead of Spam.
Gochujang adds depth, but feel free to skip it for a milder dish.
Taste as you go kimchi and Spam are salty, so you may not need much soy sauce.
Let the rice sit in the pan a bit to get those crispy golden bits on the bottom.
Add a dash of rice vinegar or lime juice for a tangy twist.
Top with shredded nori or furikake for an extra layer of flavor.
Leftovers reheat beautifully just pop them in a hot skillet or microwave.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
You can, but the texture won’t be as good. Day-old rice gives better results.

2. What’s the best Spam flavor to use?
Classic Spam works great, but feel free to try spicy or garlic versions too!

3. Can I make it less spicy?
Absolutely use mild kimchi and skip the gochujang for a gentler heat.

4. How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

5. Can I freeze Kimchi Spam Fried Rice?
Yes, it freezes well. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot.

6. What’s a good substitute for Spam?
Try bacon, ham, or tofu for a different protein option.

7. Should I rinse the kimchi before cooking?
Nope! That flavorful brine adds depth to the dish.

8. Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Peas, carrots, or bell peppers work well.

9. Is it okay to cook everything in one pan?
Yes, that’s the beauty of fried rice less mess, more flavor.

10. Do I need oil if I use a nonstick pan?
A little oil still helps things crisp up and adds flavor don’t skip it!

Conclusion

Kimchi Spam Fried Rice is one of those magical meals that hits every craving in one bowl savory, spicy, crispy, and totally comforting. It’s the kind of dish you can throw together when you’re short on time but want big, bold flavors that warm you from the inside out. Once you try it, it’ll become part of your regular rotation promise. So grab your skillet, crank up the heat, and treat yourself to a bowl of this irresistible fried rice.

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