If there’s one dish that never fails to satisfy cravings for bold flavors and comfort in one bowl, it’s Spicy Kimchi Spam Fried Rice. This isn’t your everyday fried rice—it’s a punchy, savory, slightly tangy version that takes the humble can of Spam and transforms it into a crave-worthy meal. It hits all the right notes: smoky, spicy, umami-rich, and delightfully crispy at the edges. Whether you’re into Korean flavors, looking for spam recipes dinners easy enough for weeknights, or just trying to use up that last scoop of rice in your fridge, this dish is a no-brainer. Bonus: it’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and only gets better with a runny egg on top.
Spicy Kimchi Spam Fried Rice
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Korean
Servings 2 generous portions
Non-stick skillet or wok The key to great fried rice is a hot pan that won’t have your rice sticking to it. A wok gives the best results due to its shape and heat distribution.
Spatula A silicone or wooden spatula helps you stir-fry without scraping your cookware.
Cutting board and sharp knife For prepping your ingredients efficiently.
Small bowl (optional) To beat the egg if you're adding one on top.
Main Ingredients
- 1½ cups cooked white rice preferably day-old for best texture
- 1 cup kimchi chopped (more if you like it extra tangy)
- ½ can Spam diced into small cubes (about 6 oz)
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon gochujang Korean chili paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or neutral oil
- 1 egg optional, for topping
- 1 green onion finely sliced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- Roasted seaweed cut into strips (optional, for garnish)
Optional Add-ins
- A dash of fish sauce for depth
- Frozen peas or corn for a pop of sweetness
- Shredded nori or furikake seasoning for extra umami
Prep the ingredients
Dice the Spam into small cubes so you get maximum surface area for browning. Chop your kimchi into bite-sized pieces, and mince the garlic. If you're using leftover rice, break up any clumps so it fries evenly.
Fry the Spam
Heat a tablespoon of oil in your skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced Spam and let it crisp up for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should be golden and slightly crispy on all sides—like little meaty croutons.
Sauté garlic and kimchi
Once the Spam is nicely browned, add in the minced garlic and chopped kimchi. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, allowing the kimchi to caramelize and infuse the oil with its signature tangy heat.
Add rice and sauces
Toss in the rice, breaking it up and mixing it thoroughly with the kimchi and Spam. Add soy sauce, gochujang, and sesame oil. Stir-fry everything together for another 4–5 minutes until the rice is heated through, evenly colored, and slightly crisped at the bottom.
Top with an egg (optional)
If you're adding an egg, either fry it sunny-side up in a separate pan or push the rice to one side and cook it directly in the skillet. The yolk running into the spicy rice adds an extra luxurious texture.
Finish and serve
Turn off the heat. Sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds over the top. Garnish with strips of roasted seaweed or a dusting of furikake if you like. Serve it hot in a bowl for the ultimate spam rice bowl experience.
Pairings in Detail
Spicy Kimchi Spam Fried Rice shines on its own, but it becomes a next-level meal when paired with:
- A cold cucumber salad – Offers a refreshing crunch and cooling contrast to the spicy, salty flavors.
- Miso soup or seaweed soup – Adds a cozy, brothy element that rounds out the meal.
- Pickled daikon or radish – Bright and vinegary pickles cut through the richness of fried Spam and kimchi.
- A crisp lager or light beer – Especially one with a clean finish to balance the heat.
- Iced barley tea or sparkling water – Cleansing and great for keeping the palate fresh.
You could also serve this fried rice alongside other Hawaiian spam recipes or dishes like spam musubi bowl or a spam sushi roll for a themed dinner.
FAQs
1. Can I use Spam Lite or other varieties?
Absolutely. Spam Lite or the low-sodium version works great here, especially if you're watching your salt intake. Some folks even love the spicy or teriyaki-flavored Spam for an extra kick, turning this into a completely unique variation on the classic spam fried rice recipe easy enough for anyone to tackle.
2. Can I substitute the rice?
Yes! While white rice (short or medium grain) is the most common, you can use brown rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter twist. Just make sure it’s cold and dry—fresh, steamy rice will get mushy and clump together.
3. What kind of kimchi should I use?
Traditional napa cabbage kimchi is the best bet. The funkier and more fermented it is, the deeper the flavor. Avoid overly watery varieties, as they can make your fried rice soggy.
4. What’s the best cut of Spam to use?
All Spam varieties are pre-cooked and come in a uniform block, so the key is in how you prepare it. Cutting it into small, even cubes helps it crisp up well, giving you that satisfying contrast of crispy edges and tender inside.
5. Can I make it a full meal?
This dish is already pretty hearty thanks to the protein and carbs, but adding a fried egg, tofu cubes, or even turning it into a spam and rice bowl with extra veggies makes it a more balanced meal. Leftovers also work great in a spam rice and seaweed wrap for a grab-and-go lunch the next day.
