Vietnamese Rice
A flavorful Vietnamese-inspired rice dish packed with savory Spam, tender vegetables, and scrambled eggs. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that combines salty, umami, and fresh flavors, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook rice and set aside.
- Cook celery and onions in oil until tender.
- Add eggs and scramble.
- Add Spam, rice, and cabbage; toss to combine.
- Sprinkle with soy sauce and toss again.
- Cover and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful dish, consider adding minced garlic or ginger when cooking the celery and onions. If you don't have Spam, cooked chicken or tofu can be great substitutes. For a vegetarian version, replace Spam with mushrooms or a meat alternative. Using jasmine rice will enhance the aroma and texture of this Vietnamese rice dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Vietnamese rice as a standalone dish or alongside a fresh salad for a light meal. It pairs beautifully with Chewy Chocolate Macaroons for a sweet finish. For an added crunch, consider garnishing with sliced green onions or chopped peanuts before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice before microwaving to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vietnamese Rice contains roughly 261 calories, with 7g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2565mg per serving (112% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting Spam with tofu or a mix of vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. This will maintain a satisfying texture while keeping the dish meat-free.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Jasmine rice is an excellent choice for this Vietnamese rice recipe due to its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture. However, you can also use long-grain white rice or basmati rice if that's what you have on hand.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Feel free to include additional vegetables such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers for more color and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the celery and onions until they are tender for a delicious twist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).