
Pan-Fried Spam and Kimchi Rice Balls
Pan-Fried Spam and Kimchi Rice Balls
[Easy Lunchbox Side Dish] Utilize Leftover Rice! Pan-Fried Spam and Kimchi Rice Ball Recipe
Don’t throw away leftover rice! This recipe is perfect for using it up. When pan-fried, it tastes even better. It’s a delicious snack or lunchbox side dish.
Ingredients- 2 bowls of cooked rice (warm rice)
- 1/2 head of kimchi (well-fermented)
- 1/2 can of Spam
- 5 stalks of water parsley (minari)
- 1/2 sheet of gim (seaweed)
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the key ingredient for the kimchi rice balls: kimchi. Wash 1/2 head of kimchi thoroughly, drain any excess water, and finely chop it. Dice 1/2 can of Spam into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the 5 stalks of water parsley after washing them clean. Preparing the ingredients in advance makes cooking much smoother.
Step 2
Heat a pan over medium-low heat and add 2 Tbsp of cooking oil. Add the chopped kimchi and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until its sourness mellows and it develops a slight sweetness. Stir-frying it sufficiently is crucial for flavor development.
Step 3
Once the kimchi is partially cooked, add the diced Spam and stir-fry together. The Spam’s fat will enrich the kimchi’s flavor and add a savory depth. Continue to cook until the Spam is lightly browned.
Step 4
After stir-frying the Spam and kimchi, add 2 bowls of warm cooked rice. Use a spatula to break up any clumps of rice and mix everything thoroughly. Ensure the rice is evenly coated with the kimchi and Spam mixture.
Step 5
When the rice is well-stirred and starting to become slightly dry, add the chopped water parsley and a pinch of salt. Stir-fry briefly. Water parsley has a strong aroma, so add it near the end to preserve its fresh scent. Taste and add more salt if needed.
Step 6
Turn off the heat and stir in 1 tsp of sesame oil. This will add a wonderful nutty aroma and enhance the overall flavor. Your delicious Spam and kimchi fried rice is now ready!
Step 7
Using a triangular onigiri mold, press the Spam and kimchi fried rice firmly into shape. If you don’t have a mold, you can hand-shape them into round, flattened discs or squares. Make them a size that’s easy for both children and adults to eat.
Step 8
Now it’s time to pan-fry. Lightly grease a heated pan with cooking oil and place the shaped rice balls in it. Pan-fry them until golden brown on both sides over medium-low heat. This will create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and delicious.

