Gilligan's Island Fried Rice

In memory of the beloved "Professor" aka Russell Johnson, who passed away yesterday, I thought I would publish this little gem!  Without you I would never have known how to deactivate my radioactive vegetables!  RIP!

A few years ago, I was invited to a friend's birthday party.  It was a  Gilligan's Island theme party in honor of my friend Mary, who loved the TV show, Gilligan's Island, and is a reputed GI trivia expert. We were challenged to bring Polynesian-themed food to the party.  This recipe caught my eye in an internet search.  It was a huge hit with the ladies and many went back for seconds. 

I have waited to publish this recipe until I have established credibility with you all.  This is because the secret ingredient is Spam.  Now you don't have to use Spam or any other meat for that matter, however, the recipe tastes significantly better with Spam.  Trust me and try it - It's a winner.
 

 

Gilligan’s Island Fried Rice

Inspired by All Recipes.com

 

 

11/2 cups Jasmine rice

3 cups water

2 TBL Canola Oil

12 ounces of ham or spam – julienne cut (skinny strips)

½ cup of some other goodie you might have in the fridge–       shrimp,  peas, mushrooms, or pork sausage

2 eggs

1 cup shredded carrots

1 can water chestnuts - chopped

1/2 cup chopped macadamian nuts

 

3 TBL canola oil

1 8-oz can of pineapple tidbits – drained but save the juice

3 chopped green onions or fresh chives

Sauce

3 TBL Mirin (chinese sweet wine found in ethnic aisle)

3 TBL soy sauce

3 TBL pineapple juice

 

Prepare rice by bringing water to a boil.

Add rice, cover and cook until rice is tender and  liquid is absorbed – appx 10 minutes

Set aside and cool completely

Meanwhile, in a skillet, heat oil

Add  meat and stir until slightly brown (5 minutes).  Set side

Pour eggs in skillet and stir fry until set – set aside

stir fry carrots until tender.  Add water chestnuts and/or nuts and stir fry for 1 minute. Set aside

Add remaining oil to skillet

Toss cooled rice in hot oil until blended  and heated through (5 minutes or so)

Add back meat and eggs,   and other goodies .  toss until blended  (5 minutes or so)

Add green onions – toss 1 minute

Add pineapple tidbits

Add sauce and toss until well blended

Serve immediately

If making ahead of time, save half of the sauce to pour over just after reheating. And just before serving.