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Spam Fried Rice

Name: Spam Fried Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups day old white rice; 2 cans low sodium SPAM; 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce; 4 tablespoons butter (divided); 4 large eggs; 1 medium onion (diced); 1 cup frozen corn (thawed); 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix (thawed); 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce; Salt and pepper (to taste)

By Julie Chiou

Jun 24, 2026

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This Spam Fried Rice is the weeknight dinner I turn to when I need something fast, satisfying, and deeply savory. Day-old rice, pan-fried Spam, scrambled eggs, veggies, and soy sauce all come together in one hot wok. It’s better than takeout and on the table in 30 minutes.

A skillet filled with fried rice mixed with diced ham, corn, peas, and carrots, with a wooden spoon resting inside.

Simple Spam and Egg Fried Rice with Butter

Spam might not be the most glamorous-sounding ingredient, but it’s one of the most satisfying ones I know. The key is treating it with a little respect. Pan-fry the Spam first in a little soy sauce until it’s golden and caramelized—it takes just five minutes and makes a huge difference in the final dish. You get crispy, salty little cubes of Spam that hold their texture and deliver a savory punch in every bite, instead of soft, forgettable pieces that disappear into the rice.

We’re also adding butter (not oil) to this fried rice, which is not traditional but is 100% worth it. Butter adds richness and a gentle nuttiness that you just can’t get from vegetable oil, and finishing the rice off the heat with one last tablespoon creates a glossy, silky coating that elevates the whole dish. Trust me on this one.

Plan Ahead: Use Day-Old Rice

Day-old, cold rice is non-negotiable for the best fried rice texture. Fresh rice is too moist; it’ll steam and clump in the wok instead of frying up light and separate. If you have leftover rice in the fridge, you’re already set.

If you forgot to plan ahead, cook a fresh batch right now, spread it in a thin layer on a baking sheet, and refrigerate it uncovered for at least 1–2 hours before you start. It won’t be quite as dry as true day-old rice, but it’s a solid workaround in a pinch. In a true pinch, minute rice (cooked and cooled) can work, but day-old is always best.

A bowl of fried rice with vegetables and diced meat, served with chopsticks, ice water, and a small bowl of pepper on a light green surface.

How to Make Spam Fried Rice

This dish is super simple. First, slice the spam, cook it with a bit of soy sauce until golden brown, then dice it into cubes. Next, scramble the eggs in butter, then remove and set aside. Then, cook the onion, corn, peas, and carrots in butter.

Add warmed, day-old rice, and fold everything together. Pour in the soy sauce to taste, stirring and tasting until it’s to your liking. Finally, remove the wok from the heat, add the eggs, spam, and a little butter, and toss until glossy.

✨ Click to see the recipe card below for exact measurements & instructions ✨

Variations and Additions

One of the best things about fried rice with Spam is how endlessly customizable it is. Here are some easy ways to make it your own:

Swap the veggies: Edamame, diced bell peppers, broccoli florets, green onions, or baby bok choy all work well. Stir-fry them with the onion, and adjust cooking time as needed.
Use Brown rice: It has a slightly chewier texture that holds up well to wok cooking. Just make sure it’s day-old or cooked and cooled.
Add pineapple: Add ½ cup of diced pineapple (fresh or canned, well-drained) when you add the rice. The sweetness is a natural match for the savory-salty profile.
Make it spicy: Stir in a tablespoon of gochujang or sriracha along with the soy sauce.
Kimchi fried rice: Add ½ cup of roughly chopped kimchi to the wok along with the vegetables. The funky, fermented flavor is an incredible complement to the salty Spam.
Korean-style Spam fried rice: Add a tablespoon of gochujang and a drizzle of sesame oil at the end, and top with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

A white bowl filled with fried rice mixed with diced ham, corn, carrots, and peas. A second bowl of the same dish is partially visible in the background.

Serving Suggestions

This Spam and egg fried rice is a complete meal on its own, but here’s how I love to round it out:

Serve alongside Eggplant Tofu or Sticky Korean-Style Chicken Wings for a full spread.
Pair with a simple Korean Cucumber Salad or some kimchi on the side.
Top with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for color and crunch.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Spam fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a skillet set over medium heat with a small splash of water or soy sauce to loosen it up. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 60-second intervals, stirring in between. The microwave works fine; this is not a precious dish!