Kimchi Spam Fried Rice

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite comfort food. This Fiery Comfort Kimchi Spam Fried Rice is a sizzling, soul-hugging dish that packs a punch of bold flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of meal that makes your taste buds dance and leaves you craving just one more spoonful. Think crispy edges on the Spam, tangy kimchi that’s just funky enough, and perfectly fluffy rice all brought together with a touch of spice and toasted sesame oil. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer. Whether you’re cooking up a late-night snack or need a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this fried rice has your back.

Why You’ll Love Fiery Comfort Kimchi Spam Fried Rice

Versatile: Serve it solo, with a runny egg on top, or paired with stir-fried veggies—it works for weeknight dinners, casual brunches, or even lazy weekends when takeout just won’t do.
Budget-Friendly: Spam, kimchi, rice—three low-cost staples that magically come together to create something greater than the sum of their parts.
Quick and Easy: You’ll go from stovetop to table in under 30 minutes. No fancy skills required—just a hot pan and a spatula.
Customizable: Craving more heat? Add gochujang. Want a milder version? Ease up on the spice and toss in extra rice. This recipe adapts to your vibe.
Crowd-Pleasing: Crispy, savory, tangy, and a little spicy—it checks all the boxes. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or spice lovers, this dish is always a hit.

Ingredients in Fiery Comfort Kimchi Spam Fried Rice

Spam

That salty, savory meatiness brings serious umami flavor. When pan-fried until golden, it adds crispy texture and satisfying bites.

Kimchi

The real flavor bomb here. Fermented, funky, spicy, and a little tangy—it infuses the whole dish with bold Korean flavor. Use well-fermented kimchi for best results.

Cooked Rice

Day-old rice is best. It’s slightly dried out, which makes it perfect for soaking up flavors without turning mushy.

Onion

Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to balance the tanginess of the kimchi and the saltiness of the Spam.

Garlic

Because garlic makes everything better. A couple of cloves add warmth and aroma that lifts the whole dish.

Gochujang (optional)

For a deeper heat and slight sweetness. This Korean chili paste takes things to the next level.

Soy Sauce

Adds a savory base note and helps bring all the flavors together.

Sesame Oil

A few drops at the end give the dish a nutty, toasty aroma that’s absolutely irresistible.

Scallions

For freshness, crunch, and that mild oniony kick. They make the whole thing pop.

Eggs (optional)

Fried eggs with crispy edges and jammy yolks on top turn this into a full-on comfort meal.

Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients

Chop the Spam into cubes, dice the onion, mince the garlic, slice the scallions, and make sure your rice is loosened and ready to go.

Crisp the Spam

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil and toss in the Spam. Fry until golden and crispy on all sides. Set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Toss in the onion and garlic. Cook until fragrant and the onion is soft and translucent.

Add the Kimchi

Stir in the chopped kimchi and cook for a few minutes until it starts to caramelize slightly. The pan will smell amazing at this point—spicy, funky, and inviting.

Stir in the Rice

Add the rice and stir well to combine with the kimchi mixture. Press down gently with a spatula to get some crispy bits on the bottom. This is key to that signature fried rice texture.

Season and Toss

Drizzle in the soy sauce and gochujang (if using). Add the cooked Spam back in and stir everything until evenly coated and heated through.

Add Sesame Oil and Scallions

Turn off the heat and finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and a generous handful of scallions. Toss to combine.

Optional Egg Topping

If you’re feeling fancy (and I think you should), fry up an egg or two and place on top of each serving. That rich yolk + spicy rice combo? Unreal.

How to Serve Fiery Comfort Kimchi Spam Fried Rice

Top with fried eggs for a hearty meal. Serve with a side of cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch, or add a drizzle of sriracha if you’re all about the heat. It’s also great with a sprinkle of roasted seaweed or a handful of sesame seeds.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: Dice your Spam and chop the kimchi in advance for quicker cooking.
Rice Tip: Cold rice straight from the fridge works best—less sticky, more crispy.
Add-ins: Try tossing in peas, carrots, or even a handful of shredded cabbage to bulk it up.
Make It Vegan: Swap Spam with tofu or mushrooms and use vegan kimchi.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute Spam with another protein?
A1: Absolutely! Try cooked bacon, diced ham, tofu, or even tempeh for a plant-based twist.
Q2: Can I use freshly cooked rice?
A2: It’s better to use day-old rice, but if you must use fresh, spread it out on a tray and let it cool to dry slightly before using.
Q3: How spicy is this dish?
A3: Mild to medium, depending on your kimchi and gochujang. You can always adjust the heat to suit your taste.
Q4: Can I make this in advance?
A4: Totally! It reheats well and tastes just as good the next day—maybe even better.
Q5: How can I make it gluten-free?
A5: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and make sure your kimchi is gluten-free.
Q6: What’s the best oil to use for frying?
A6: Neutral oils like canola, vegetable, or avocado oil work great.
Q7: Can I freeze this fried rice?
A7: You can! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating in a skillet.
Q8: What’s the secret to really good fried rice?
A8: Cold rice, high heat, and not overcrowding the pan. Let it sit to get those crispy bits!
Q9: What sides go well with this?
A9: Try Korean-style pickles, miso soup, or even a light salad with sesame dressing.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! Just be sure to cook in batches so the rice fries instead of steaming.

Conclusion

Fiery Comfort Kimchi Spam Fried Rice is that magical mix of bold, cozy, spicy, and savory that turns a simple pantry meal into something crave-worthy and memorable. It’s unfussy, deeply satisfying, and endlessly customizable—perfect for solo dinners, lazy brunches, or impressing your favorite foodie friend. The combo of crispy Spam, punchy kimchi, and smoky sesame oil is honestly addictive, and once you’ve made it, you’ll be dreaming of the next time. So go ahead, grab that skillet, crank up the heat, and let your rice sizzle into something spectacular.

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