Kimchi and Spam Fried Rice Recipe

a classic

Category
Dinner
Cuisine
Asian
Serves
4 servings
Time
30 minutes
From
Serious Eats

kimchiricespam

Adapted from: https://www.seriouseats.com/kimchi-spam-fried-rice-recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked white rice (12 ounces; 350g) (see note)
  • 3/4 pound kimchi with juices (about 1 cup packed; 340g)
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable or canola oil, divided
  • 1 (12-ounce; 340g) can of Spam, cut into 1/4- to 1/2-inch dice
  • 1 large onion, finely diced (1 1/2 cups; 12 ounces; 340g)
  • 4 scallions, white and pale green parts only, thinly sliced (about 1/4 cup; 40g)
  • 2 medium cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons; 10ml)
  • 1 hot red or green chili (such as jalapeño, serrano, or Thai bird), stemmed and thinly sliced
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons (10ml) Asian fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves and fine stems (1/2 ounce; 14g)
  • Kosher salt
  • Fried eggs, for serving
  • Hot sauce, for serving

Instructions

  1. If using day-old rice, transfer to a medium bowl and break rice up with your hands into individual grains before proceeding.
  2. Place kimchi in a fine-mesh strainer set over a large bowl and squeeze out excess liquid. Reserve liquid and finely chop kimchi.
  3. Heat 1/2 tablespoon oil in a wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. Add Spam and cook, tossing and stirring frequently, until well browned and starting to crisp.
  5. Add chopped kimchi and onion and cook, stirring and tossing regularly, until vegetables are softened, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
  6. Add another 1/2 tablespoon oil to wok. Increase heat to high and heat until smoking. Add half of rice and cook, stirring and tossing, until rice is pale brown, toasted, and has a slightly chewy texture, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl. Repeat with another 1/2 tablespoon oil and remaining rice.
  7. Return all rice to wok and press it up the sides, leaving a space in the middle. Add another 1/2 tablespoon oil to the space. Add scallions (reserving some for garnish), garlic, and chile. Stir gently and cook until lightly softened and fragrant, about 1 minute. Toss with rice to combine.
  8. Add onion, kimchi, and Spam mixture and toss to combine. Pour in reserved kimchi juice and season generously with black pepper.
  9. Add fish sauce, sesame oil, and cilantro (reserving some cilantro for garnish). Toss everything to combine. Season to taste with salt if necessary.
  10. When ready to serve, allow rice to sit in wok without tossing for 45 seconds to create a crisp crust underneath.
  11. Turn rice out onto a serving platter, trying to get as much of the crispy rice facing up as possible.
  12. Top with fried eggs, sprinkle with reserved scallions and cilantro, and serve immediately with hot sauce.

Notes

  • Draining the kimchi allows us to brown it for better flavor. Adding the liquid back afterward yields even better results.
  • Letting the rice sit undisturbed in the wok for a few moments before serving gives it a nice crisp crust.