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Ingredients
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Steamed Rice
Garlic Rice
Spam (Pan-fried)
Method
Steamed Rice
Rinse rice
Place 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water, swirling with your hand, until water runs mostly clear (about 1–2 minutes). Drain well.
Cook rice
Combine rinsed rice, 2.5 cups water, 0.5 tsp salt, and 1 tablespoon butter or oil (optional) in a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, uncovered.
When boiling, reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer without lifting the lid for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove from heat and let steam, still covered, for another 10 minutes.
Fluff rice with a fork and keep covered until ready to use. For garlic rice, chill leftover rice in the refrigerator for best texture before frying.
Garlic Rice
Prepare rice
If you haven't already, use 3 cups cooked, preferably day-old chilled steamed rice. Break up any clumps with your hands or a fork so grains are separated.
Cook garlic
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat until butter melts and starts to foam. Add 4 cloves finely minced garlic and sauté, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly golden (about 30–60 seconds). Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Fry rice
Add the 3 cups of rice to the skillet. Spread it out and let it sit undisturbed for 30–60 seconds to develop slight crispness, then stir and press down to contact the pan. Continue frying and stirring occasionally for 3–4 minutes until rice is heated through and some grains are lightly toasted.
Season
Stir in 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 0.5 tsp sesame oil (optional), 0.5 tsp salt (adjust to taste), and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. If using, stir in 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions right at the end.
Transfer garlic rice to a serving dish and serve immediately alongside steamed rice or Spam.
Spam (Pan-fried)
Slice Spam
Open 1 can of Spam and remove from the can. Place on a cutting board and slice crosswise into 8 even slices (about 1/4–1/2 inch thick), or preferred thickness.
Heat skillet
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon oil. Let oil shimmer but not smoke.
Fry Spam
Add Spam slices in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook without moving for 2–3 minutes until the bottom is deeply golden and crisp. Flip and cook 1.5–2 minutes more until both sides are browned and heated through.
Optional glaze
If using the optional glaze, reduce heat to medium-low, push Spam to one side and pour 2 tablespoons combined soy sauce + honey (or soy sauce + maple syrup) into the pan. Let it bubble for 10–20 seconds, then spoon glaze over the Spam slices to coat. Cook 15–30 seconds more. Remove from pan.
Transfer Spam to paper towels briefly to drain excess oil, then arrange on a plate and serve alongside steamed rice and garlic rice.