Monday, March 3, 2025

Spam and Egg Fried Rice

 Spam and egg fried rice is a popular dish in many Asian countries, especially in Japan.  It’s a clever way to use leftover rice and Spam.  This fried rice appeals to children and adults, offering a quick and delicious meal option.  It is a versatile and satisfying dish. It is perfect for utilizing leftovers and providing a hearty meal in a short amount of time.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups of day old, cooked rice
  • 2 eggs
  • 6 oz. Spam, cut into cubes
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, corn, or any available)
  • 1/4 cup diced white onion
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic clove
  • Salt, black pepper, sugar, and soy sauce (to taste)
  • 3 tablespoons cooking oil (plus extra if needed)
  • 2 green onions, diced (for garnish)

Directions:

1.    Preparing the eggs: Beat the eggs in a bowl.  Heat one tablespoon of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat.  Pour in the beaten eggs, spreading them thinly across the pan.  Once cooked, break the eggs into small pieces and set aside.

2.    Cooking the Spam: In the same pan, add the cubed Spam and fry until crispy.  Add the diced onions and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant.  Then, add the mixed vegetables and stir until they're cooked through.  Remove this mixture from the pan and set aside.

3.    Frying the rice: Add another tablespoon of cooking oil to the pan. Add the cold, cooked rice and stir to separate the grains. Season with salt, black pepper, sugar, and soy sauce to suit your taste.

4.    Combining the ingredients: Return the Spam, vegetables, and eggs to the pan with the rice.  Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed.  Drizzle a bit more soy sauce if desired.  Continue to stir-fry for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to absorb the seasonings.

5.    Garnishing and Serving: Sprinkle the diced green onions over the fried rice as a garnish.  Serve hot.


Steamed Pompano with Vermicelli in a Rice Cooker

The combination of steamed pompano with ginger, onions, and vermicelli makes it both light and flavorful.  Using a rice cooker is a smart way to prepare it easily without needing extra kitchen equipment.  This easy and nutritious dish is perfect for college students looking to save time and money while eating well.  The combination of tender steamed pompano, fragrant ginger, and savory Korean vermicelli makes for a satisfying one-pot meal—no extra rice needed!  This dish is flavorful, nutritious, and easy to prepare—all in one rice cooker. It's perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!

 

Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 whole pompano, cleaned and gutted
  • 6 oz. Korean vermicelli (sweet potato noodles), soaked until soft
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • ½ cup white onion, cut into wedges
  • 1 piece ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 cup mixed bell peppers (yellow, red, and green), sliced

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tsp honey
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp mushroom seasoning
  • ¼ tsp turmeric powder
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil

Directions:

1.    Preparing the fish: Wash the pompano thoroughly and pat dry.  Score the fish with a few shallow cuts to help it absorb flavors.

2.    Soaking the vermicelli: Place the Korean vermicelli in warm water and let it soften for about 10 minutes.  Drain and set aside.

3.    Making the sauce: In a small bowl, mix fish sauce, honey, black pepper, oyster sauce, mushroom seasoning, turmeric powder, water, and sesame oil.

4.    Assembling in the rice cooker:

·         Line the bottom of the rice cooker with onion wedges, crushed garlic, and ginger slices.

·         Place the pompano on top.

·         Spread the soaked vermicelli and sliced bell peppers over the fish.

·         Pour the sauce evenly over everything.

5.    Steaming the dish: Close the lid and turn on the rice cooker. Let it cook for about 20 minutes or until the fish is fully cooked and the flavors are well absorbed.

6.    Serving and enjoying: Carefully transfer the fish and vermicelli to a serving plate.  Garnish with chopped green onions, and enjoy as a complete meal!