Spam and Potato Stir Fry | Quick Korean-Style Comfort Dish You’ll Make Again!

Crispy potatoes, savoury spam, and glossy soy glaze — this Spam and Potato Stir Fry (스팸 감자볶음) is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s the kind of simple, homestyle Korean side dish that transforms humble ingredients into something irresistibly satisfying. Perfect for a quick dinner or as a banchan (side dish) with rice, it’s salty, sweet, and full of umami in every bite.

This dish takes inspiration from classic Korean stir-fried potatoes (gamja-bokkeum) but with a hearty twist — spam! In many Korean homes, spam isn’t just a pantry staple; it’s a nostalgic ingredient that brings back memories of quick, flavourful meals. The combination of golden potatoes, caramelised carrots, and savoury spam creates the perfect balance of texture and taste. The sweet and salty soy glaze lightly coats everything, giving it a glossy finish that’s impossible to resist.

For best results, use waxy potatoes (like red or baby potatoes) — they hold their shape after boiling and stir-frying. You can make this dish ahead and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. It reheats beautifully in a pan or microwave, making it great for meal prep or lunchboxes.

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Key Ingredients & Their Roles

• Spam → Adds rich, savoury depth with a satisfying umami punch and crispy edges when pan-fried.
• Potato → Provides the soft, comforting base; when slightly crispy, it contrasts beautifully with the spam.
• Carrot → Adds colour, sweetness, and subtle crunch.
• Onion → Enhances the savoury flavour and adds natural sweetness.
• Soy Sauce & Oligo Syrup → Together create the signature glossy, sweet-salty Korean-style sauce.
• Sesame Oil & Seeds → Add nutty aroma and finish the dish with warmth and depth.
• Spring Onion → Gives a fresh pop of colour and brightness to balance the savoury flavours.

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Spam and Potato Stir Fry Recipe Details

📌 Prep Time: 10 mins |Cook Time: 20 mins |Total Time: 30 mins |Cuisine Type: Korean-inspired / Home-style |Calories: Approx. 400 kcal per serving |Serves: 4

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📝 Ingredients

• 1 can Spam (340 g), diced

• 6 potatoes (about 400 g), diced

• 1 carrot, diced

• ½ onion, diced

• 1 tbsp neutral oil (e.g. vegetable or canola oil)

• 3½ tbsp soy sauce

• 3 tbsp oligo syrup (or honey/maple syrup)

• 5 tbsp water

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

• 1 spring onion, chopped

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the veggies and spam:
Dice potatoes, carrots, and onion into bite-sized cubes. Cut spam into small even pieces and set aside. 

2️⃣ Parboil in the pan:
Add the diced potatoes and carrots to a large pan, pour in enough water to just cover them, and boil for about 5 minutes or until slightly tender. Drain the water carefully and keep them in the pan. 

3️⃣ Sauté aromatics:
Add 1 tbsp oil to the same pan over medium heat (180°C / 350°F). Add onion and cook until translucent and fragrant.

4️⃣ Cook the spam:
Add diced spam and stir-fry until golden brown and slightly crispy. 

5️⃣ Add the sauce:
Pour in soy sauce, oligo syrup, and water. Stir well and let it simmer until the liquid reduces and coats the ingredients nicely.

6️⃣ Finish & garnish:
Turn off the heat, drizzle sesame oil, and sprinkle sesame seeds and spring onion on top. 

7️⃣ Serve:
Serve warm with a bowl of steamed rice or pack it into a lunchbox for a delicious Korean-inspired meal.

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Tips & Ingredient Substitutions

✔ For a lighter version: Use chicken breast or firm tofu instead of spam.
✔ No oligo syrup? Substitute with honey or brown sugar.
✔ Add spice: A teaspoon of gochugaru (Korean red chilli flakes) adds heat and colour.
✔ Time-saving tip: Parboil potatoes in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days for faster cooking.
✔ For extra flavour: Add a clove of minced garlic when frying the onion.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ Section)

Q1. Can I make Spam and Potato Stir Fry ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.

Q2. What can I use instead of oligo syrup?
You can replace it with honey, corn syrup, or maple syrup.

Q3. Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Reheat in a pan to restore texture.

Q4. Which potatoes work best?
Use waxy potatoes like red, Yukon gold, or baby potatoes — they stay firm and don’t fall apart during stir-frying.

Q5. Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.

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Wrap-Up 

If you’re craving something simple, satisfying, and full of flavour, this Spam and Potato Stir Fry is your answer. It’s the kind of dish that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients for a delicious meal.

✨ Have you tried making it yet? Share your version in the comments — I’d love to see your twist on it!
🍚 You might also enjoy: Spam Fried Rice.

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Keywords (키워드)

Spam and potato stir fry, easy Korean side dish, Korean potato recipe, quick spam recipe, Korean comfort food, 스팸 감자볶음, 간단한 밥반찬, 한식 반찬, 초간단 요리, 감자 요리

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