Imagine wandering the sunny shores of Hawaii, not a worry to unfold your beach chair, because, let’s be real—who has time to jet off to paradise on a whim? That’s where my Baked Hawaiian Fried Rice comes into play. Bursting with the sweet and savory flavors of the islands, this dish is a little escape tucked into your weeknight dinner routine. The star of this home-cooked getaway? Good ol’ classic SPAM, cubed up and golden brown, just like your favorite Hawaiian barbecue spot. Why make this dish, you ask? Because we all deserve a taste of vacation without all the hassle—or the airfare. Plus, it’s super easy to prep, which is my kind of mid-week magic.
Pair this tropical treasure with some chilled pineapple slices or a tangy Asian slaw to amp up the fresh vibes. If you’re feeling particularly peckish, a sunny-side-up egg on top adds an extra layer of rich comfort.
Baked Hawaiian Fried Rice
Servings: 6
Ingredients- 1 can of SPAM, cubed
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 3 cups of cooked white rice, preferably a day old
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color will add a nice pop!)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 1/2 cup of pineapple chunks, drained
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Directions1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. While it's heating up, grab your favorite ovenproof skillet (I love my cast-iron one for this).
2. Warm up 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Toss in your SPAM cubes and cook until they're a lovely golden brown. Trust me, this is where the magic starts.
3. Scoop out the SPAM and set aside. In the same skillet, add a little more oil as needed. Stir in onions and bell pepper, cooking until they’re soft and singing with color.
4. Toss in the garlic and heat it until it's fragrant—about a minute—before adding the peas and carrots. The rainbow in your skillet should be all kinds of happy by now.
5. Now, fold in the rice, pineapple, and that beautiful SPAM. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir until everything’s coated and feeling friendly.
6. Make a well in the center of your rice mixture. Pour in the beaten eggs and let them set for a moment before scrambling them into the rice. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
7. Pop the whole skillet into the oven for about 15-20 minutes—just to get a delightful crust on your rice.
8. Give it a final sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds before serving. It’s like a luau on your taste buds, without the sand between your toes!
Variations & Tips- Vegetarian friends? Swap the SPAM for firm tofu. Just press it well, cube it up, and brown it like you would the SPAM.
- Want a kick? Drizzle some Sriracha on top or mix in a little chili garlic sauce while you're at it.
- Short on time? Use a bag of mixed frozen veggies to cut down on prep.
- Planning for leftovers? This rice is even better the next day, and it's perfect for lunch boxes.
Cooking is my little haven of 'me time,' and I hope this easy-peasy Hawaiian pleasure adds some zest to your dinner doldrums. Let's get that weekday island vibe going, shall we?
