This Spam and zucchini stir fry is a fast, savory dish that turns simple pantry staples into a deeply satisfying meal. Salty pan-seared Spam, tender zucchini, and a subtle kick from jalapeño come together in one pan, making this recipe perfect for busy days when you still want bold flavor. Served over warm rice, it’s comforting, budget-friendly, and incredibly easy to prepare.
Spam has long been embraced in Korean home cooking for its convenience and rich, savory depth, often paired with fresh vegetables to balance its saltiness. In this stir fry, zucchini is sliced into thin matchsticks so it cooks quickly while staying tender, soaking up the soy-based seasoning without becoming watery. A brief salting step draws out excess moisture, helping the zucchini sauté instead of steam. Finished with sesame oil and seeds, the dish delivers a nutty aroma and clean finish that makes it perfect as a simple rice bowl or a side dish alongside other Korean favorites.
Key Ingredients & Their
Roles
- Spam
→ Provides salty, umami-rich flavor and a crisp exterior when pan-fried
- Zucchini
(courgette) → Adds freshness and a soft, juicy texture that balances
the meat
- Jalapeño
pepper → Brings gentle heat and brightness without overpowering
- Soy
sauce → Deepens savory flavor and ties the ingredients together
- Sugar
→ Rounds out saltiness with subtle sweetness
- Sesame
oil → Adds aroma and a nutty finish
- Sesame
seeds → Provide light crunch and visual appeal
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Cuisine: Korean-inspired |
Estimated Calories: ~380 kcal per serving | Serving Size: 2 servings
📝 Ingredients
- 1
can Spam (340 g / 12 oz)
- 1
medium zucchini (courgette)
- 1
jalapeño pepper
- ½
tsp salt
- 1
Tbsp soy sauce
- ½
Tbsp sugar
- ½
Tbsp sesame oil
- 1
Tbsp sesame seeds
- Neutral
oil for cooking
- Steamed
rice, to serve
👨🍳 Instructions
- Slice
the zucchini into thin matchsticks, about 0.7–1 cm (¼–⅜ inch)
thick. Place in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes
to release excess moisture.
- After
resting, gently squeeze the zucchini to remove water and set aside.
- Slice
the Spam into strips similar in size to the zucchini for even cooking.
- Heat
a frying pan over medium-high heat (190°C / 375°F) and add a small
amount of oil.
- Add
the Spam and cook for 3–4 minutes, turning until golden brown on
all sides.
- Push
the Spam to one side of the pan. Add the zucchini and sliced jalapeño to
the empty side.
- Stir-fry
for 2–3 minutes until the zucchini softens but still holds its
shape.
- Add
soy sauce and sugar, tossing everything together so the seasoning coats
evenly.
- Turn
off the heat and drizzle with sesame oil. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and
give a final toss.
- Serve
immediately over freshly steamed rice.
Tips & Ingredient
Substitutions
- Vegan
swap: Use firm tofu or pan-fried mushrooms instead of Spam
- Gluten-free:
Use gluten-free tamari in place of soy sauce
- Extra
flavor: Add sliced garlic or onion at the start of cooking
- Time-saving
tip: Prep zucchini and Spam ahead and store separately in the fridge
FAQ Section
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook it in advance and reheat gently in a pan or microwave.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I use another vegetable instead of zucchini?
Yes, cabbage, capsicum (bell pepper), or green beans work well.
Is this dish very spicy?
No, the jalapeño adds mild heat, but you can adjust or omit it.
Wrap-Up
This Spam and zucchini stir fry proves that simple
ingredients can create big flavor with just one pan and a few minutes of
cooking. It’s comforting, adaptable, and perfect for a quick homemade meal. How
would you customize this dish—extra spice, more veggies, or a different
protein?
For more easy Korean-inspired rice dishes, visit cookwithjuyea.blogspot.com.
Keywords (키워드)
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