Oh, you know those nights, right? When you get home late, the fridge looks sad, but you absolutely need something delicious that actually tastes like you tried? That’s why I keep this recipe tucked right up near the front of my rotation. Seriously, who needs takeout when you can whip up this Irresistible Spam Fried Rice Recipe In 30 Minutes? It hits every single craving—salty, savory, a little bit of that smoky goodness from the Spam—and it’s on the table before the delivery app can even give you a decent ETA. Trust me, this isn’t just fast food; this is flavour done quickly, and it’s become my standard for unbelievably satisfying weeknight dinners.
Why This Irresistible Spam Fried Rice Recipe In 30 Minutes Works So Well
I get asked all the time how I manage to pull off a dinner that tastes this good in under half an hour, and honestly, it’s all about smart cooking, not magic! This recipe truly delivers on its promise without sacrificing that deep, satisfying flavour you want from a good stir-fry. It’s the perfect combination of speed and satisfaction.
- It’s incredibly fast! You have maybe 10 minutes of prep while the oil heats up, and the rest is pure high-heat action.
- You get huge flavour payoff from just a few pantry staples, especially that famous canned meat!
- It rarely results in mushy rice, which is a win in my book.
Speed and Simplicity: The 30-Minute Promise
The secret to delivering that Irresistible Spam Fried Rice Recipe In 30 Minutes promise is the stir-fry technique itself. We are cooking hot and fast! Because we deal with the Spam first, then quickly sauté the veggies, and then introduce the cold rice, everything cooks evenly without getting soggy. It really just flies off the stove.
Flavor Profile: Savory and Satisfying
Wow, the taste is what hooks you. You get that perfect salty punch from the Spam that just permeates the rice. Then, the garlic hits, followed by that umami bomb blast from the soy sauce and oyster sauce combination. It’s a flavour powerhouse that makes you forget you made it between folding laundry and signing permission slips.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Irresistible Spam Fried Rice Recipe In 30 Minutes
One of the main reasons this whole process is so smooth is because we don’t have a million fancy things we need to buy. Most of this is stuff I usually have sitting in the pantry, which is a huge plus when you’re aiming for a 30-minute job! But listen closely, preparation is everything here, especially when it comes to the rice. You absolutely must use rice that’s cooked the day before and chilled—it keeps its shape way better under a hot pan.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into perfecting your rice game in general, I found this amazing tutorial on mastering fried rice technique that really helped me understand why that cold rice matters so much.
Here’s what you need to have ready to go before you even think about turning on the heat:
- One tablespoon of vegetable oil—just regular stuff to get us going.
- One cup of Spam, diced up nicely. Don’t skimp on the searing time for this later; those crispy edges are key!
- One small onion, chopped up into pieces that aren’t too huge.
- Two cloves of garlic, minced super fine—we want that fragrance everywhere!
- One cup of frozen peas and carrots mix. Don’t thaw them; straight from the freezer into the wok is perfect.
- Three cups of cooked, wonderfully cold white rice. I can’t stress this enough!
- Two tablespoons of soy sauce for that salty base.
- One tablespoon of oyster sauce for depth—it adds tons of flavour without much effort.
- One tiny teaspoon of sesame oil; this goes in right near the end for maximum aroma.
- Two large eggs, beaten lightly in a small bowl until they are just mixed together.
- Two green onions, sliced thin, just for that final, fresh pop of color when we serve it up.
Essential Equipment for Your Irresistible Spam Fried Rice Recipe In 30 Minutes
You don’t need a whole professional setup to nail this, thank goodness! Since we’re cooking hot and fast, having the right pan makes all the difference in keeping that “stir-fry” feeling alive. My favorite tool for this job is my big, heavy wok, but if you don’t have one, my biggest cast iron skillet works like a charm too.
Here’s the short list of what you absolutely need ready to go:
- A large skillet or wok—the wider the surface area, the better for getting that sear.
- A good, sturdy spatula or rice paddle that won’t splash hot oil everywhere.
- A sharp knife and cutting board, obviously, to get those onions and Spam prepped!
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Irresistible Spam Fried Rice Recipe In 30 Minutes
Okay, now for the fun part—the actual cooking! Since we are moving fast, make sure you have all your ingredients measured out and sitting right beside your stove. This is called mise en place, and for a quick stir-fry, it’s absolutely non-negotiable. Also, a huge tip I learned the hard way: keep that heat up! You want a hot pan so that everything sears rather than steams. If your pan cools down between steps, the rice will get gummy, and that’s the enemy of good fried rice.
If you’re looking for another super speedy dinner that maximizes flavour in half an hour, check out my recipe for chicken and pineapple fried rice—it follows a similar high-heat method!
Searing the Spam and Aromatics
First things first, let’s get that Spam ready to shine. We start by heating up that tablespoon of vegetable oil in your large skillet or wok until it’s shimmering over medium-high heat. Add the diced Spam in a single layer if you can manage it. You need to let it cook until it gets those beautiful, crispy, lightly browned edges, which usually takes about 4 minutes. Once it’s looking golden and savory, scoop that Spam out with a slotted spoon and set it aside in a little bowl.
Now, don’t dump out the pan! That little bit of rendered Spam fat is pure gold. Drop your chopped onion right into that skillet and cook it down until it softens up a bit, maybe 3 minutes. Right after that, add your minced garlic—be careful here! Garlic burns fast. Cook it until you can really smell that wonderful aroma, which is usually just 30 seconds. Next, toss in your frozen peas and carrots mix and let them cook, stirring them around for about 2 minutes until they start looking bright.
Incorporating Rice and Eggs
This next step is where the magic of texture happens, so pay attention! Add your cold rice into the skillet. Remember what I said about cold rice? This is why! Break up any big clumps with the back of your spoon and let it cook, stirring constantly for about 3 minutes. We need to heat that rice through and start getting it toasting a little bit.
Here’s the sneaky trick: push all the rice and veggies over to one side of the skillet. That empty space on the hot metal? That’s your egg station! Pour those lightly beaten eggs right into that empty spot. Let them sit for just a second without stirring, and then gently scramble them until they look like fluffy, cooked curds. Once they’re set, mix those cooked eggs right into the rice mixture until everything is combined.

Final Toss and Seasoning
Now we bring back the star of the show! Return that cooked, crispy Spam back into the skillet with the rice mixture. It’s time for flavour layering. Drizzle your soy sauce, that tablespoon of oyster sauce, and the teaspoon of sesame oil right over everything. Toss, toss, toss! You need to move quickly for about 2 minutes, making sure every single grain of rice gets coated in that glorious sauce and everything is piping hot.
When it’s all beautifully integrated and sizzling, take it off the heat immediately. Serve this up right away in bowls, and don’t forget to sprinkle those finely sliced green onions over the top for that fresh, clean finish!

Tips for Making Perfect Irresistible Spam Fried Rice Recipe In 30 Minutes
Honestly, I’ve made this Spam fried rice so many times over the years that I’ve picked up a few tricks for making sure it turns out restaurant-quality, even when I’m rushing. My biggest advice, the one I keep underlining in my notes, is about that rice. Seriously, use day-old, cold rice, okay? Freshly cooked rice is too wet, and when you hit it with high heat, it just turns into a sticky, gummy mess instead of those lovely distinct grains we’re looking for.
It’s like the rice has already dried out just the right amount overnight, which is exactly what you want for that perfect texture. I even look at my leftover rice like it’s a special ingredient, because for this recipe, it really is!
Also, don’t be scared of your soy sauce! Taste as you go! The saltiness level of different soy sauces varies like crazy, so start with a little less than the recipe calls for, stir everything through, and then taste it before you add the last drizzle. You can always add more salt, but you can’t take it out!
My personal expert tip? Blast the heat when you’re adding the sauces and Spam back in. You want some moisture to evaporate super fast; creating those little crispy bits in the pan keeps the whole dish from tasting flat. If you want to dive deeper into the science of rice for stir-fries, this guide on mastering fried rice is fantastic!
Ingredient Substitutions for Your Spam Fried Rice Recipe
Now, what if you’re out of Spam? Or maybe you just want to mix things up a little bit? Flexibility is key in a 30-minute meal, right? You can totally swap out the main star. Diced ham works amazingly well here because it gives you that salty, cured meat flavour we love. Regular bacon bits work in a pinch too, though they render more fat, so maybe cut back on the oil slightly.
If you’re skipping pork products entirely, firm tofu, pressed very well and fried until golden, makes a great substitute. Just make sure you season that tofu aggressively with a little extra salt or a dash of smoked paprika to mimic that Spam punch.
For the sauce, if you’re avoiding oyster sauce (maybe you need something vegetarian?), a teaspoon of mushroom soy sauce or even just another half teaspoon of good quality soy sauce does the trick. It won’t be *exactly* the same, but it’ll still be delicious! If you are curious about swapping out other pantry staples, I have a fun little guide on making common kitchen swaps that might help you in a pinch.
Serving Suggestions for This Quick Meal
Since we made such a quick, flavour-packed meal, you don’t need much else, but a little something fresh on the side cuts through that richness perfectly. I always try to have some sort of quick vegetable ready. My go-to pairing is usually a simple, tangy smashed cucumber salad—it’s so refreshing!
If you haven’t tried one, you absolutely have to; I have the recipe for the ultimate smashed cucumber salad right here! Otherwise, a drizzle of Sriracha or chili garlic sauce on the side for anyone who likes a little kick is always a winner. Boom, dinner solved!
Storing and Reheating Your Irresistible Spam Fried Rice Recipe In 30 Minutes
Even though this Spam fried rice comes together so fast, sometimes you want leftovers! If you actually manage to have any left (which is rare in my house), storage is pretty easy. Just pop the cooled leftovers into an airtight container as soon as you can. It stays perfectly good in the fridge for about three days, tops.
When it’s time to eat it again, skip the microwave if you can, because reheating it in the microwave tends to steam the rice and make it soft, which we totally don’t want! I always reheat mine in a clean skillet over medium heat. Just splash in a tiny bit of water or soy sauce—maybe a teaspoon—cover it for a minute to steam those grains gently, then uncover and toss until everything is hot and the rice starts getting a little toasty again. That keeps that great texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spam Fried Rice
I figured you might have a few questions after whipping up such a lightning-fast meal! It’s common when you change up your routine, especially when dealing with something as beloved as Spam fried rice. Let’s clear up any confusion so you can make this recipe a staple!
What is the best rice to use for fried rice?
This is my number one tip, and I’ll probably repeat it until the end of time because it makes such a huge difference! You absolutely need cold, day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice has too much internal moisture, and when you throw it in a hot wok, it steams. Steamed rice equals mushy rice, and that’s the opposite of what we want in a great quick rice recipe. The cold rice grains separate easily, allowing them to heat through and toast up perfectly when they hit that hot oil.
Can I add other vegetables to this quick rice recipe?
Please do! This recipe is so adaptable. Since your pan is going to be hot, just make sure whatever you add cooks almost as fast as the frozen peas and carrots. Finely chopped broccoli florets or thinly sliced bell peppers are fantastic additions. You want to toss those in right after the onion and garlic, giving them a minute or two to brighten up before the rice goes in. It’s an easy way to boost the nutrients in this easy dinner!

If you ever want to dive into another fast meal that utilizes quick-cooking ingredients, my easy chicken adobo recipe is a classic that comes together surprisingly fast too!
But what if you don’t have Spam sitting around? Or maybe you want to cut down on the sodium?
What other proteins work well if I run out of Spam?
Spam brings that unique salty, smoky flavor, so it’s hard to replace 100%, but we can get close! Diced ham is a solid, readily available substitute, or even some leftover shredded rotisserie chicken works beautifully. If you want to go vegetarian, pressing a block of extra-firm tofu really well and then tossing it in a tiny bit of liquid smoke *before* frying gives a really nice, meaty texture that plays well with the sauces.
How can I make this less salty or adjust the sodium?
That’s a very common concern, as Spam naturally carries a high sodium load. My suggestion is to look closely at your soy sauce. You can use a low-sodium soy sauce if you have it. More importantly, when you are adding the soy sauce and oyster sauce, only add about three-quarters of what the recipe calls for initially. Toss everything, taste it, and *then* add more if you feel it needs it. A few grains of salt are much easier to add than trying to remove excess salt from a pan full of rice!
Nutritional Snapshot (Estimated Values)
Now, I have to start this section with a little disclaimer because you know I’m not a lab or a nutritionist—I’m just a cook trying to make something delicious on a Tuesday night! These numbers are just educated guesses based on the standard ingredient breakdown, so they should be treated as estimates only. You know how much a splash of extra soy sauce can change things!
What’s great about this Irresistible Spam Fried Rice Recipe In 30 Minutes is that it’s a complete meal in one bowl. You get your carbs from the rice, protein from the eggs and Spam, and fats from the oil and Spam. For three hearty servings, here’s what my kitchen calculator told me:
- Calories: Roughly 450 per serving. That’s a solid dinner price for something this comforting!
- Protein: We’re clocking in around 25 grams, mostly thanks to those wonderful eggs and the Spam.
- Fat: About 20 grams total fat, which includes the fat rendered from the Spam itself.
- Carbohydrates: Around 45 grams, primarily coming from that wonderful white rice base.
- Sodium: This is the big one, coming in around 950 mg due to the soy sauce and the cured meat. We talked about adjusting that earlier, so feel free to try recipes with lower-sodium soy sauce if that number concerns you!
It’s a great, satisfying meal that comes together in no time. Just remember, these are just estimates based on the base recipe, so factor in your own extra drizzles of sauce if you’re anything like me!
Print
Irresistible Spam Fried Rice Recipe In 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Make a quick and flavorful Spam fried rice that is ready in half an hour.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup diced Spam
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 3 cups cooked, cold white rice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced Spam and cook until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Remove the Spam and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the frozen peas and carrots mix and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the cold rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps with your spoon. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring often.
- Push the rice to one side of the skillet. Pour the lightly beaten eggs into the empty space. Scramble the eggs until just set, then mix them into the rice.
- Return the cooked Spam to the skillet.
- Drizzle the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil over the rice mixture. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through, about 2 minutes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions.
Notes
- Use day-old, cold rice for the best texture in your fried rice.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce based on your preference for saltiness.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 950
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 13
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 150
Keywords: Spam fried rice, quick rice recipe, easy dinner, Asian rice, 30 minute meal

