Microwave Cheesy Egg Rice with Spam and Kimchi

published Apr 19, 2023
Cheesy egg rice with spam and kimchi on serving platter with spoon beside.
Credit: Perry Santanachote

A simple microwave egg rice with melty mozzarella cheese, salty spam, and spicy kimchi.

Serves1 to 2

Makes1 to 2 servings

Prep5 minutes

Cook5 minutes

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Cheesy egg rice with span and kimchi up close.
Credit: Perry Santanachote

It was the day after a party-all-night type of weekend. I was craving that comforting taste of spam and kimchi egg rice, but I was too tired to bother with turning on the stove. So I went on a mission to make that dish with minimal effort and dishes, and without turning on the stove.

To begin, I cracked eggs directly into a bowl of straight-from-the-fridge cooked white rice and mashed it all together using the back of my spoon. Then, using that same spoon, I scooped bits from a half-opened can of spam, added drizzles of soy sauce and toasted sesame oil, and mixed once more. I popped the bowl into the microwave for a few minutes, and, just like that, I created my ultimate comfort cure. I devoured that savory rice bowl faster than the time it took to make the dish.

Credit: Perry Santanachote

Once I experienced (and tasted!) the convenience of using a microwave to make that delicious egg-rice bowl, I developed this slightly leveled-up version with all the satisfying flavors and textures of egg rice with very minimal effort. Because the rice is reheated after it’s mixed with raw egg, each grain of rice is wonderfully coated with scrambled eggs. Spicy kimchi adds much-needed crunch and a pleasant heat. I also add fresh scallions and melty mozzarella cheese, which significantly improve the flavors and texture. If you like, you can top with one, two, or all of the following options: crispy shallots, chili crisp, furikake, and bonito flakes. Wrap a bite in a sheet of toasty Korean seaweed, and you’ll be in heaven. 

The best part: It takes less than 10 minutes to make and is highly customizable with whatever you have in the fridge. Will this be my go-to recipe that I will make even when I’m a 90-year-old grandpa? I think so.

Microwave Cheesy Egg Rice with Spam and Kimchi Recipe

A simple microwave egg rice with melty mozzarella cheese, salty spam, and spicy kimchi.

Prep time 5 minutes

Cook time 5 minutes

Makes 1 to 2 servings

Serves 1 to 2

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 1 cup

    cold, cooked white rice

  • 2

    large eggs

  • 3 ounces

    Spam luncheon meat

  • 2

    medium scallions

  • 2 teaspoons

    soy sauce

  • 1 teaspoon

    toasted sesame oil

  • 1/2 cup

    drained kimchi

  • 1/2 cup

    low-moisture shredded mozzarella cheese

  • Korean seaweed (gim), for serving (optional)

Instructions

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  1. Place 1 cup cold, cooked white rice in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Crack 2 large eggs into the rice. Break the eggs up with a spoon and stir until each grain of rice is evenly coated with egg.

  2. Dice 3 ounces Spam (about 2/3 cup). Thinly slice 2 medium scallions; reserve 1 tablespoon of the dark green parts for garnish.

  3. Add the Spam, remaining scallions, 2 teaspoons soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil to the rice and stir to combine. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap (leave a small gap for venting) or a larger microwave-safe plate.

  4. Microwave, stirring halfway through, about 3 minutes total. If the eggs are not almost set, continue to microwave in 30-second intervals.

  5. Uncover and top the rice mixture with 1/2 cup drained kimchi (cut into bite-size pieces if large) and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Microwave uncovered for 1 minute and 15 seconds. If the cheese is not melted and the eggs are not fully set, continue to microwave in 15-second intervals. Sprinkle with the reserved scallion greens and top with desired toppings. Serve with Korean seaweed if desired.