The Spam Rice Bowl is a delightful dish that brings together the savory taste of Spam with the comforting texture of rice and the freshness of vegetables. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick, satisfying meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how to make it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of Spam, rice, and a simple sauce creates a rich, satisfying meal.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with different vegetables or additional proteins.
- One-Pan Convenience: Minimal cleanup required, as you use one skillet for most of the cooking.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients that you might already have at home.
- Kid-Friendly: The familiar taste of Spam and the fun of a rice bowl make this a hit with kids.
Ingredients & Preparation Notes
- Spam: Choose a 12 oz can of Spam and slice it into 1/4-inch thick pieces for even cooking.
- Rice: Use cooked jasmine or sushi rice for the best texture and flavor.
- Vegetable Oil: Any neutral oil will work, but vegetable oil is recommended for its high smoke point.
- Peas and Carrots: Frozen and thawed, these add color and nutrition to the dish.
- Green Onions: Sliced for a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant garnish.
- Eggs: Optional, but a fried egg on top adds richness and a delightful runny yolk.
- Soy Sauce: Use regular or low-sodium soy sauce based on your preference.
- Sesame Oil: A small amount adds a nutty flavor to the sauce.
- Sriracha: Optional, for those who like a bit of heat.
For substitutions, consider using tofu or chicken instead of Spam for a different protein. If you’re avoiding soy, tamari is a good alternative to soy sauce.
Professional Tips & Techniques
- Cooking Spam: Cook Spam over medium heat to ensure it browns without burning. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Rice Texture: Add the rice to the skillet after the vegetables are heated through to prevent it from becoming too soft.
- Sauce Integration: Stir the sauce into the rice thoroughly to ensure every grain is coated for maximum flavor.
- Egg Doneness: For a runny yolk, fry the egg for about 2-3 minutes on medium heat. If you prefer a fully cooked yolk, cover the pan while frying.
- Visual Cues: The Spam should be golden brown on both sides, and the rice should be glossy and well-coated with the sauce.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace Spam with tofu or a plant-based meat substitute.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
- Spicy Version: Add more sriracha or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Seafood Twist: Add shrimp or crab meat to the rice for a seafood-inspired bowl.
- Breakfast Bowl: Serve with scrambled eggs instead of fried for a morning-friendly version.
- Seasonal Vegetables: Swap out peas and carrots for seasonal vegetables like asparagus in spring or roasted squash in fall.
- Kimchi Addition: Mix in some kimchi for a Korean-inspired flavor.
- Pineapple Twist: Add diced pineapple for a sweet and savory Hawaiian touch.
Serving Suggestions
- Family Dinner: Serve the Spam Rice Bowl as a main dish with a side of kimchi or pickled vegetables.
- Lunch on the Go: Pack into a bento box for a convenient and tasty lunch.
- Party Platter: Make a large batch and serve buffet-style with various toppings like avocado, seaweed, and sesame seeds.
- Presentation Tip: Arrange the Spam slices on top of the rice for an appealing presentation, and place the fried egg in the center.
- Pairing Suggestion: Serve with a cold glass of iced tea or a light beer to complement the flavors.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the Spam Rice Bowl, but the texture of the rice may change. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if the rice is dry.
- Make-Ahead: Cook the rice and Spam ahead of time, then assemble the bowl when ready to serve for a quicker meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Spam and rice in advance and store them separately. Combine and heat when ready to serve.
Q: Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
Consider using low-sodium Spam and adding more vegetables to increase the nutritional value.
Q: Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, you can use any type of rice, but jasmine or sushi rice work best for their sticky texture.
Q: How can I add more flavor to the dish?
Try adding garlic or ginger to the sauce, or use different seasonings on the Spam before cooking.
Q: What if I don’t like Spam?
Substitute with tofu, chicken, or another protein of your choice.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, replace the Spam with tofu or a plant-based meat alternative.
Q: How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?
Add the rice to the skillet after the vegetables are heated through and cook it just long enough to heat it up.
Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with this?
Kimchi, pickled vegetables, or a simple green salad would complement the Spam Rice Bowl well.
Conclusion
The Spam Rice Bowl is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any meal, especially busy weeknights. With its quick preparation time and satisfying flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your creations on social media and let us know how you enjoyed it.
Happy cooking!
Spam Rice Bowl
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Small bowl
- Spatula
- Separate frying pan for eggs
Ingredients
- 1 can Spam 12 oz, sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces
- 2 cups cooked rice preferably jasmine or sushi rice
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots thawed
- 2 green onions sliced
- 4 eggs optional, for topping
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sriracha optional, for heat
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced Spam and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- While the Spam is cooking, mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha in a small bowl to create a sauce. Set aside.
- Once the Spam is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the peas and carrots and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the rice and stir to combine, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the rice is heated through and well-coated with the sauce.
- Return the cooked Spam to the skillet and mix it with the rice and vegetables. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to reheat the Spam.
- If using eggs, fry them in a separate pan to your desired doneness. Serve the Spam Rice Bowl topped with a fried egg and garnished with sliced green onions.