Spam Kimchi Fried Rice: A Delectable Twist on a Classic
The Ultimate Guide to Making Simple and Delicious Spam Kimchi Fried Rice
For parents like us, making kimchi fried rice can be a chore, especially when trying to cater to different palates. We often find ourselves making three versions: one for us adults, one spicy for our elder child (who can’t handle true spice), and a mild one for our second child. This often leads to us skipping it altogether! Last week, however, we had a rare moment to enjoy a simple lunch just for us adults, so I whipped up some Spam Kimchi Fried Rice. Join me as we embark on making this comforting, adult-approved dish!
Ingredients- Well-fermented Kimchi: 1 bowlful (approx. 200g)
- Green Onion: 1 stalk (finely chopped)
- Spam (small can): 1 can (approx. 100g)
- Eggs: 2 (adjust to your preference)
- Cooked Rice: 2 bowls (warm rice)
- Sugar: 1 Tbsp (to balance the kimchi’s sourness)
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes): 1 Tbsp (for a touch of heat)
- Sesame Seeds: a pinch (for nutty aroma)
- Sesame Oil: a drizzle (for finishing fragrance)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the green onion for making scallion oil. Finely chop 1 green onion, using both the white and green parts. This fragrant scallion oil will elevate the flavor of your fried rice.
Step 2
Next, prepare the kimchi. Use about 1 bowlful of well-fermented kimchi. The sourness and umami of the kimchi are key to a great fried rice, so opt for kimchi that is ripe rather than too fresh. Chop the kimchi into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3
Heat a wide pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Add the chopped green onions and sauté gently until fragrant, being careful not to burn them. Once you start smelling the sweet aroma of the scallions, it’s time to add the next ingredients.
Step 4
Once the scallion oil is fragrant, add the chopped kimchi to the pan and stir-fry them together. It’s important to sauté the kimchi thoroughly until some of its moisture evaporates and it gains a slightly chewy texture.
Step 5
If the kimchi tastes too sour, add 1 tablespoon of sugar to mellow out the acidity. The sugar will balance the kimchi’s flavor, creating a more harmonious taste. Continue stir-frying until the kimchi softens slightly.
Step 6
Now it’s time to add the Spam. Dice 1 small can of Spam into small cubes. The salty flavor of the Spam will add a wonderful savory depth to the kimchi fried rice.
Step 7
Add the diced Spam to the sautéed kimchi and stir-fry them together. The fat from the Spam will meld with the kimchi, deepening the overall flavor. Cook until the Spam is lightly browned.
Step 8
For a bit of heat, add 1 tablespoon of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). This will enhance the color and add a pleasant spiciness to your fried rice. You can adjust the amount to your preference or omit it entirely.
Step 9
Because Spam is already salty, no additional seasoning is usually needed. The saltiness from the kimchi and Spam is often enough. If you find it a little bland, you can add a splash of kimchi juice or a tiny pinch of salt to adjust.
Step 10
When the kimchi and Spam are nearly cooked, add 2 bowls of warm cooked rice. Use a spatula to break up any clumps and stir-fry the rice evenly with the kimchi and Spam mixture. Ensure the rice grains are separated and fluffy as you stir-fry.
Step 11
Continue to stir-fry everything together until the rice, kimchi, and Spam are thoroughly combined. This ensures all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 12
Just before turning off the heat, drizzle a circle of sesame oil around the pan and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds for a fragrant finish. The sesame oil and seeds will add an extra layer of aroma and flavor.
Step 13
Transfer the finished Spam Kimchi Fried Rice to a serving plate. For an extra touch, you can top it with crumbled seaweed (gim) or a perfectly fried egg with a runny yolk. This makes for a visually appealing and incredibly satisfying meal.
Step 14
Enjoying this Spam Kimchi Fried Rice, made to satisfy adult tastes rather than children’s preferences, was a delightful and hearty meal for us. One bowl of this deliciousness is often enough without needing any side dishes.
Step 15
The best part is poking the runny yolk of the fried egg and mixing it with the rice – it creates a burst of creamy richness! Make this delicious Spam Kimchi Fried Rice today and savor every bite!
