If you’re craving something sweet, savory, and seriously satisfying, this Hawaiian fried rice with pineapple and spam is about to become your new go-to. It’s packed with bold flavors, comes together quickly, and is perfect for weeknights or casual get-togethers.
Think juicy pineapple, crispy spam, tender rice, and a savory sauce all tossed together in one pan. It’s simple comfort food with a tropical twist, and honestly, it’s hard to stop at just one bowl.
If you love easy, flavor-packed meals like this, you’ll definitely want to check out other reader favorites, like honey lime grilled chicken or even something hearty like maple pecan jalapeno smoked ribs for your next dinner lineup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes
- Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
- Great way to use pantry staples and leftover rice
- Totally customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins
- Super easy cleanup
- Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
Key Ingredients
You’ll find a full list of the ingredients and their exact amounts in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- SPAM: Brings a salty, savory, slightly crispy bite. It’s the main protein and adds a ton of flavor when it gets browned.
- Pineapple: This is what makes it special. Adds a sweet, juicy contrast that balances the salty meat and savory sauce.
- Soy Sauce: The backbone of the flavor. It gives that deep, salty, umami taste you expect from fried rice.
- Garlic & Onion: These build the flavor right from the start. They make everything smell amazing and add depth.
- Mirin: Adds a mild sweetness and helps round out the saltiness from the soy sauce, so it’s not too harsh.
- Veggies: Bell peppers, peas, and carrots add color, texture, and a touch of freshness to balance the rich, salty ingredients.
Variations
- Swap the SPAM: Try leftover ham, chicken, or shrimp. My Dutch oven pulled pork and beef brisket recipe also works well.
- Add Eggs: Add scrambled eggs for more protein and classic fried rice texture.
- Add Heat: Add jalapenos for a spicy kick.
- Change the Rice: Use brown rice instead. Or, try cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
How to Make Hawaiian Fried Rice with Pineapple and SPAM
Step 1: Mix the sauce ingredients and set aside.
Step 2: Saute the veggies in sesame oil until the onions are translucent. Then, add the garlic and stir until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the frozen peas and corn and cook for 30 seconds. Then, add the SPAM and cook until browned, stirring once.
Step 4: Add the remaining ingredients and cook until heated through. Top with green onions, and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Cut your Spam and veggies into small, uniform sizes.
- Mix the sauce before you begin. This cooks quickly!
- Use cold or day-old rice for the best texture.
- Adjust the sauce to taste if you like it saltier or sweeter.
Hawaiian Fried Rice with Pineapple and SPAM FAQs
Yes! Canned pineapple works just fine. Just be sure to drain it well so your fried rice doesn’t become watery.
Jasmine rice is ideal for its light, fluffy texture, but any long-grain rice will work. Day-old or chilled rice gives the best results.
Absolutely. This dish reheats very well and often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have blended.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Yes, you can. Freeze it for up to 3 months in an airtight, freezer-safe container.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture. You can also microwave it. Just add a splash of soy sauce to refresh the flavor.
Tasty Dishes to Pair with Your Fried Rice
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Hawaiian Fried Rice with Pineapple and Spam
Ingredients
- 8.8 ounce microwave ready jasmine rice
- 1 cup pineapple, fresh
- 1 cup diced SPAM, or ham steak
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons mirin
- ½ teaspoon white ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Preheat a wok or a large heavy bottom pan over medium high heat.
- While the pan is heating, in a small bowl whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, ginger and white pepper.
- Once the wok is hot add sesame oil.
- Coat the pan with the oil and add the bell peppers and onions.
- Stir fry for 2-3 minutes, or until onions have begun to turn translucent.
- Add the garlic, and stir in for 30 seconds.
- Next add the frozen peas and corn.
- Cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add spam, and cook for about 3 minutes, only stirring once (to brown spam).
- Next, add in the pineapple, green onions, and drizzle the sauce over the top of the fried rice.
- Stir for an additional minute and remove from heat.
- Top with green onions
Notes
- Cut your ham and veggies into small, uniform sizes.
- Mix the sauce before you begin. This cooks quickly!
- Use cold or day-old rice for the best texture.
- Adjust the sauce to taste if you like it saltier or sweeter.
Nutrition
Love this for the warmer months ahead! It’s so fresh and flavorful…great for bbqs!
Just yum… This brought me back to my vacation in Hawaii. I really miss the beautiful views and the delicious food. Adding in the Spam made this dish perfect. I had a little bite of Hawaii on my plate.
I know Spam is a “love it or hate it” thing, but it’s so good in this. The sweet pineapple with the savory rice is the perfect combo. It’s a super quick and fun weeknight dinner.
This is fully awesome. I love SPAM in anything, and it works really well for this recipe.
This is yummy! It’s the best way to use SPAM that I’ve tried.