In my latest installment, “How the World Eats Spam,” I introduced the episode with a humble Singaporean dish that doesn’t really have a name. Known as a poor man’s dish, this stir fried spam with potatoes and baked beans is notorious for being a “rice stealer” dish. Everyone always wants seconds, and before you know it, you’re out of rice!

This recipe comes from Yan, who hails from Singapore. Although this dish isn’t a traditional Singaporean dish, Yan tells us that fellow students will sit in cozy groups on the floor during study breaks and eat heaps of this stuff. She also recommends it as a simple dish to whip up at home when you’re not feeling inspirational or need something simple yet comforting. 

If you love rice and need more options for rice-based meals, stir fried spam with potatoes and baked beans is a great solution. The savory yet tangy mixture of English baked beans, tomato sauce, and American spam makes for a deliciously homely meal. The potatoes, beans, and spam are salty and full of carbs, filling you with warm, cozy feelings and satisfying lunch or dinner. I also think it would make a great breakfast hash if you add a runny egg on top! 

If you’re interested in but uncertain about spam, this stir fried spam with potatoes and baked beans is a careful, safe introduction to it. It really just adds saltiness, existing as a part of the whole versus as the star of this dish. The saltiness combined with sweet tomato sauce is a wonderful balance.