Pineapple spam fried rice

1. The Day Before
Empty the canned pineapple tidbits into a strainer set inside a large measuring cup (4-cup) or bowl. Allow pineapple to drain well while preparing other ingredients. Reserve juice for the rice.

2. Clean and chop/dice sweet peppers and green onions. Store peppers and onions separately in sealed containers and refrigerate.

3. Open the can of Spam and place vertically onto a cutting board. Cut the block of Spam into fifths lengthwise (1/4” thickness) vertically with a chef knife to make ¼” thick Spam patties. Cut each individual patty into ¼” strips, then cut the strips into ¼” cubes. Place the cubes in a sealed container and refrigerate.

4. Transfer drained pineapple tidbits to a sealed container and refrigerate.

5. Combine coconut milk, pineapple juice and water in a large pot (at least 3 qt). Place on stovetop and heat over high heat, stirring often until it reaches a boil.

6. Place dry rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and add to boiling liquid. Stir well to distribute rice evenly.

7. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18 minutes without uncovering.

8. Remove from heat and allow to sit for 5-10 minutes until all liquid is absorbed.

9. Transfer cooked rice to a large microwave-safe bowl or 9 x 13" glass Pyrex baking tray and allow to cool.

10. Cover the bowl with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

11. The Day Of
Remove ingredients from the refrigerator 15-30 minutes prior to cooking. Warm the rice to room temperature in the microwave if necessary.

12. Add oil to a large skillet or wok and heat over medium-high heat.

13. When oil starts to shimmer, add Spam cubes and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes or until the cubes begin to get crispy edges.

14. Add cashew nuts and stir-fry until the nuts become aromatic and slightly brown, about 1-2 minutes.

15. Add diced peppers stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.

16. Add pineapple and stir-fry for 1 minute.

17. Reduce heat slightly and add cooked rice. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes.

18. Add sesame oil and soy sauce if desired. Personally, I prefer to add Chinese dumpling sauce as a condiment instead of an ingredient.

19. Add chopped scallions and stir-fry for 1 minute until heated through. Serve alone or with potstickers (prepare your favorite brand from your grocer's freezer).