Spam Fried Rice Recipe

Spam and Rice is one of the easiest family dinners you can make, and it is especially great for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any night when you need a simple meal with very little prep. This easy Spam and rice recipe uses just two main ingredients: cooked rice and crispy pan-fried Spam. The result is warm, savory, filling, and surprisingly kid-friendly. If you have children who enjoy Asian-inspired dinners, this is a great recipe to add to your regular meal rotation. My kids always enjoy simple rice bowls, and these Korean Beef Bowls are another favorite at our house.

I first learned about this dish from a friend who makes it often for potlucks. Every time she brings it, the pot is scraped clean. She learned how to make it while living in China, and even though Spam may not be an ingredient everyone reaches for right away, this is one of those recipes that is worth trying at least once. The Spam gets browned in a pan until the edges are crisp, then it is tossed into fluffy rice. It is simple, comforting, and very easy to customize.

When I asked my friend how she serves Spam and Rice, she said it can be eaten plain, but her family’s favorite way is with Sriracha sauce and mayonnaise on top. They like using Japanese-style mayonnaise called Kewpie, but regular mayonnaise also works. A sprinkle of sliced green onions adds freshness and color, making the bowl feel complete without adding much extra work.

Some people like to stir a little butter into the rice before adding the fried Spam. I usually skip that step because the browned Spam adds plenty of flavor and richness on its own. I often use lower-sodium Spam for this recipe, although the regular version does have a slightly stronger savory flavor. Use whichever variety works best for your family.

This Spam and rice dinner is quick, budget-friendly, and easy to serve. It is also a fun way to try something a little different while still using familiar ingredients. Serve it in bowls with your favorite toppings, let everyone add their own sauce, and enjoy a no-fuss dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes.

My Favorite Rice-Based Dinners

• Beef and Broccoli Fried Rice
• Chicken and Mushroom Wild Rice Soup
• Chicken Taco and Rice Skillet
• Greek Bowl Recipe
• Easy Ham Fried Rice
• Chicken Rice Soup
• Easy Tex-Mex Shredded Pork

Step-by-Step Photos: How to Make Spam and Rice

Tips for Making Spam and Rice

• Start the rice first so it can cook while you cut and brown the Spam. This helps everything finish around the same time.
• Jasmine rice works beautifully in this recipe, but long-grain rice or short-grain rice can also be used. Brown rice may work as well, though the cooking time will be different.
• Cut the Spam into small, even cubes so the pieces brown well and mix evenly through the rice.
• Use a non-stick pan to crisp the Spam without needing to add extra oil.
• Lower-sodium Spam and regular Spam both work. You can also try other flavors, such as teriyaki, hickory, jalapeno, or hot and spicy.
• Top each serving with Sriracha, mayonnaise, and green onions for the best flavor.
• If you do not have Sriracha, try Tapatio hot sauce, sweet chili sauce, or Tabasco.
• This is an easy potluck dish because it travels well, serves a crowd, and is popular with kids.

Chef’s Tools

• Rice Cooker
• Cutting Board
• Chef’s Knife
• Rice Paddle
• Sriracha Sauce
• Kewpie Mayonnaise