During Asian and South Asian Heritage Month, we are sharing the stories of Asian leaders in our community, team members, and Asian & South Asian-led organizations that we at The Mississauga Food Bank are proud to work with.
Meet Ming Smith, People & Culture Manager at The Mississauga Food Bank!
For Ming, understanding food insecurity also means understanding the different foods clients need and are able to eat.
“It’s important to provide culturally appropriate food to our clients to be inclusive of their needs. For example, there’s a stigma around canned or tinned meat; however, canned meat can be a high-quality source of protein and it’s very convenient and quick for when you’re pressed for time. Canned meat is shelf-stable and Spam and luncheon meat are culturally important to Asian culture, as is rice and soy sauce.”
In celebration of Asian & South Asian Heritage Month, Ming is sharing her recipe for Spam or luncheon meat fried rice.
“My mom used to make fried rice with leftover rice and meat from previous dinners and it was a staple in my house growing up. When I moved away from school, I didn’t know how to grocery shop or even cook. When I did buy protein, I was always too busy to cook it and it would spoil. When I went home for the holidays, my mom taught me how to make Spam fried rice because the meat was shelf-stable and I could add another protein to my diet. Many years later, I still make this dish for my family and taught my own daughters how to make it.”
Ming, thank you for everything you do at The Mississauga Food Bank and for taking the time to share with us!
Spam or Canned Luncheon Meat Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients:
- Can of SPAM or any canned Luncheon meat 8 to 12 oz, diced
- 2 – 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 4 eggs beaten
- ½ cup diced carrots*
- ¼ cup green onion*
- ¼ cup canned corn*
- 2 – 3 cups of cooked left over rice (best if it’s from the day before)
- 4 tablespoons of soy sauce
*Or whatever vegetables you have
Steps:
- In a large skillet, frying pan or wok, heat ½ tablespoon oil over medium heat.
- Add eggs. Cook, stirring until eggs are cooked, to your desired doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, on medium heat another ½ tablespoon of oil. Cook your SPAM or luncheon meat, carrots, green or whatever vegetables you’re using until they are tender and the meat has formed a nice crust.
- Add your remaining tablespoon of oil, turn the heat to high and stir in your rice and saute until combined; add your cooked eggs, and soy sauce and saute heat until the soy sauce has cooked off and absorbed by your rice, vegetables and protein.
- Serve warm with your favourite vegetable side dish.
Bon Appétit!
