Musubi Spam Fried Rice is a quick and satisfying meal inspired by the flavors of classic Spam Musubi. Packed with crispy Spam, fluffy scrambled eggs, and colorful veggies, this nostalgic dish is perfect for using up leftover rice and comes together in just 15–20 minutes. It’s a staple in many Asian households and a comforting tribute to simple, flavor-packed home cooking.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 can SPAM, cut into ½-inch cubes

• 2–3 cups day-old jasmine rice

• 2 eggs, whisked

• ½ cup frozen corn, thawed

• ½ cup frozen carrots and peas, thawed

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 bunch green onions (white part for sautéing, green for garnish)

• 1 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium or tamari)

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1 tbsp water

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• Avocado oil (or any neutral oil) for frying

• Salt and white pepper, to taste

• Nori strips and sriracha, for garnish

Directions

1. Prep Ingredients:

   • Thaw frozen veggies by running under hot water for 1 minute.

   • Mince garlic and separate green onion parts.

   • Whisk eggs and cut Spam into cubes.

   • Mix soy sauce, sugar, and water in a small bowl to make the musubi-style sauce.

2. Cook the Spam:

   • Heat a wok over medium-high heat.

   • Fry Spam cubes for 2 minutes until crispy. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté Aromatics:

   • Add oil, then sauté garlic and the white parts of green onions until golden and fragrant.

4. Add Rice:

   • Add day-old rice and break it apart in the wok.

   • Season with salt and white pepper.

5. Cook Eggs:

   • Make a well in the center, add oil, and pour in the whisked eggs.

   • Let sit for a minute, then stir to combine with rice.

6. Add Veggies:

   • Push rice aside, add more oil, and cook corn, carrots, and peas for about 2 minutes.

   • Mix everything together.

7. Finish:

   • Add crispy Spam back into the wok. Stir well.

   • Drizzle sesame oil over the finished fried rice.

8. Garnish & Serve:

   • Top with chopped green onions, nori strips, and a drizzle of sriracha.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approx. 4 servings)

• Calories: ~450 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~45g

• Protein: ~18g

• Fat: ~22g

• Sugar: ~6g

• Sodium: ~900mg

The History and Influence of Spam Musubi

Spam Musubi has a fascinating history that traces back to Hawaii during World War II, when Spam was introduced to the island due to its long shelf life and affordability. With Spam being a pantry staple in many Hawaiian households, it became a central part of local cuisine, especially for on-the-go meals. The dish has roots in Asian cooking, with its rice and nori combination reminiscent of Japanese onigiri.

Over time, Spam Musubi has evolved into an iconic Hawaiian comfort food, with its unique combination of ingredients. What began as a simple and practical solution to wartime shortages has grown into a beloved snack, and its influence continues to spread worldwide. Today, Spam Musubi is a common sight at Hawaiian BBQs, picnics, and even as a lunchbox staple.

By blending the elements of Spam Musubi with the widely-loved concept of fried rice, Musubi Spam Fried Rice transforms the traditional snack into a filling, one-pan meal that can be enjoyed by families and foodies alike.

Why Spam Works So Well in Fried Rice

The star of this dish is undeniably the Spam. While many people may have reservations about Spam’s reputation, there’s no denying its ability to elevate a dish with its unique flavor and texture. When cooked in fried rice, Spam adds a delightful crispiness on the outside while maintaining its juicy, salty interior. This contrast of textures makes it a perfect protein choice for fried rice.

Spam also absorbs the flavors of the ingredients it’s cooked with, such as soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic, which deepens the overall taste of the fried rice. The crispy Spam cubes become little flavor bombs that complement the other ingredients in the dish, making every bite more exciting. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Spam or a newcomer, this dish is sure to make you appreciate the humble canned meat in a whole new way.

The Beauty of Day-Old Rice

One of the keys to perfect fried rice is using day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice can be too soft and moist, which makes it harder to achieve the desired crispy texture when stir-frying. Day-old rice, on the other hand, has had time to cool and dry out, making it the ideal base for fried rice. It separates easily, allowing for a better mix of ingredients and a perfect crunch.

In Musubi Spam Fried Rice, day-old jasmine rice works wonderfully because of its delicate fragrance and slight stickiness. This rice holds the flavors of the sauce and seasonings well while still maintaining its lightness, preventing the dish from becoming too heavy. If you don’t have leftover rice, no problem—simply spread fresh rice on a baking sheet and let it cool for a bit to mimic the day-old texture.

The Role of the Veggies and Aromatics

To balance the richness of the Spam and the fried rice, this dish incorporates a variety of vegetables, including corn, peas, and carrots. These ingredients add color, texture, and a slight sweetness that complement the savory elements in the dish. Frozen vegetables are an excellent choice here, as they’re quick to thaw and cook, making the dish even more convenient.

Garlic, green onions, and sesame oil are key aromatics that infuse the fried rice with deep, savory flavors. The garlic adds a fragrant aroma, while the white part of the green onions sautéed at the beginning of the cooking process brings a mild onion flavor that doesn’t overpower the dish. Sesame oil ties everything together, giving the fried rice a rich, nutty finish that adds depth to the overall flavor profile.

Customizing Musubi Spam Fried Rice

While this recipe uses a basic set of ingredients, one of the best things about Musubi Spam Fried Rice is how adaptable it is. The vegetables can easily be swapped for others based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers, bok choy, or mushrooms could make great additions or substitutes, allowing for seasonal variety or personal preference.

For those who prefer a little heat, adding sriracha or chili paste into the sauce can give the dish a spicy kick. Alternatively, you could sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving for an extra burst of flavor. If you’re vegetarian or want to skip the Spam, tempeh or tofu could be used as a protein substitute, making the dish suitable for different dietary preferences.

The Quickness and Simplicity of the Recipe

One of the biggest draws of Musubi Spam Fried Rice is how quickly it comes together. In just 15–20 minutes, you can create a meal that feels like a treat but is simple enough to make on a busy weeknight. With most of the ingredients being pantry staples or easy-to-find frozen vegetables, this dish is incredibly accessible and convenient.

Unlike more complicated fried rice recipes, which require multiple steps or specialized ingredients, this recipe is designed for home cooks of all levels. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find that Musubi Spam Fried Rice is an easy, satisfying dish that requires minimal effort and time.

A Comforting, Flavor-Packed Meal

Musubi Spam Fried Rice is an ideal meal for anyone craving a comforting, flavor-packed dish. The combination of savory Spam, fluffy scrambled eggs, sweet veggies, and aromatic seasonings creates a well-balanced plate that is both hearty and satisfying. It’s a dish that combines the best elements of Asian home cooking, making it a perfect option for those who love bold flavors in an easy-to-make package.

Whether you’re using up leftover rice, preparing a quick dinner, or looking for a fun twist on a classic favorite, this dish delivers all the comforting flavors you crave. It’s a celebration of home-cooked simplicity—delicious, easy, and sure to please everyone at the table.

Conclusion: A Fusion of Tradition and Convenience

Musubi Spam Fried Rice is a perfect example of how traditional ingredients and modern convenience can come together to create something special. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Spam Musubi, this dish offers a simple, flavorful way to enjoy the savory goodness of Spam in a quick and satisfying fried rice format.

The balance of textures—from the crispy Spam to the soft rice and tender vegetables—creates a dish that’s as enjoyable to eat as it is easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a fast meal after a busy day or a comforting weekend dish, Musubi Spam Fried Rice provides all the familiar flavors of home cooking with a modern twist.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you need a satisfying, flavorful dish that delivers both nostalgia and comfort. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll find that it becomes a regular in your cooking repertoire—quick, customizable, and absolutely delicious.