The Ultimate Spam Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe
Flavor Explosion! The Perfect Harmony of Spam and Kimchi in Delicious Fried Rice
Unlock the secret to an amazing Kimchi Fried Rice using your leftover aged kimchi! This recipe masterfully combines the savory, salty goodness of Spam with the delightful tang of kimchi, creating a dish that will have you craving more with every bite.
Core Ingredients
- 1 bowl of cold cooked rice (approx. 200g)
- 1 cup well-fermented aged kimchi (approx. 150g, finely chopped)
- 1 can (120g) Spam, diced into 1cm cubes
- 1 stalk of green onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your base: 1 bowl of cold, cooked rice. Using rice that has been refrigerated is key for fried rice, as it’s drier and will result in a fluffier texture compared to freshly cooked, hot rice.
Step 2
Measure out 1 cup of your aged kimchi and chop it finely with scissors or a knife. For easier cleanup, consider chopping it directly in a bowl rather than on a cutting board.
Step 3
Open your can of Spam (120g) and dice it into uniform cubes, about 1cm in size. This ensures the Spam distributes evenly throughout the fried rice and provides a pleasant bite.
Step 4
Finely chop 1 stalk of green onion. The aromatic green onion will add a wonderful depth of flavor to your fried rice as it sautés.
Step 5
Prepare your garnish: finely chop 1 stalk of scallion. If you don’t have scallions, you can omit them or use a little extra green onion from the previous step.
Step 6
Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the chopped green onion and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. This process infuses the oil with delicious onion flavor, forming the foundation of your fried rice.
Step 7
Once the green onions are fragrant, add the diced Spam to the pan. Sauté over medium heat until the Spam is golden brown and slightly crispy. Frying the Spam well enhances its savory flavor.
Step 8
When the Spam is nicely browned, stir in 1 teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the kimchi, and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce for an extra layer of umami. Cook for about 1 more minute, stirring constantly, to allow the seasonings to meld with the Spam.
Step 9
Add the chopped kimchi to the pan along with 1 teaspoon of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for color and a gentle heat. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the kimchi to soften and absorb the flavors.
Step 10
Once the kimchi is well-cooked, add the bowl of cold rice to the pan. Gently break up any clumps of rice with your spatula and mix it thoroughly with the kimchi and Spam mixture.
Step 11
Increase the heat to medium-high and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, ensuring every grain of rice is coated with the flavorful mixture. Continue to stir-fry until the rice is slightly toasted and fluffy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding a pinch of salt or a dash more soy sauce.
Step 12
For the perfect finishing touch, prepare a sunny-side-up fried egg. Cook it to your preference, but a runny yolk is highly recommended as it adds a rich, creamy element to the fried rice.
Step 13
Spoon the finished kimchi fried rice into a small, rounded bowl. Press down gently with the back of a spoon or spatula to compact the rice and shape it.
Step 14
Carefully invert the bowl onto a serving plate. A gentle tap on the bottom or sides of the bowl should help the rice release cleanly.
Step 15
Place the sunny-side-up fried egg right on top of the molded fried rice. The golden yolk is simply irresistible!
Step 16
Finally, garnish with the finely chopped scallions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Your delicious Spam Kimchi Fried Rice is now ready to be enjoyed. Bon appétit!
