Popular in Hawaii as a potluck dish, fried saimin is a yummy combination of fresh saimin noodles topped with char siu, Spam, kamaboko, and veggies. Seasoned with saimin dashi, shoyu, and oyster sauce, it is easy to make and delicious to eat.
It’s all about the prep …
Depending on how good your knife skills are, prepping this dish can take anywhere between 10-20 minutes. Or if you’re like me and have two hungry pups waiting for handouts, it can take longer. There isn’t a lot of fancy knife work required, but generally you want your toppings to be about the same size.
… and the noodles
My choice for noodles is Sun Noodles Saimin. As shared in other posts, saimin is unique to Hawaii and is a chewier cousin of ramen. Saimin noodles are also curly compared to other types of Asian noodles. Sun Noodles can be found in stores outside of Hawaii. You can check out their website for a store near you.
If you can’t find Hawaii-style fresh saimin noodles, use another Asian-style fresh noodle – choose a thicker noodle rather than a thin one. In a pinch you could use dried ramen (the kind you ate in college). In either case the texture will be a little different than what you would find in Hawaii.
Other Modifications
- Often you will find egg in fried noodles – fried as a simple omelet and then sliced into bite-sized pieces. Our family is not keen on eggs so we leave it out.
- If you don’t like Spam (then you’re not from Hawaii, jk), you can substitute with ham.
- Kamaboko, Japanese fishcake, adds texture and color to the dish. If you can’t find it, you can leave it out.
Fried Saimin
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Fried saimin, a popular local Hawaii dish, is a yummy combination of fresh saimin noodles topped with char siu, Spam, kamaboko, and veggies.
Ingredients
1 package Sun Noodle Original Saimin or other fresh noodles, about 10–11 ounces
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
6 ounces low-sodium Spam, julienned (half a can)
1 medium carrot, julienned
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 cup cabbage, thinly shredded
3 ounces kamaboko fishcake, julienned (half a package)
4 ounces char siu, julienned
3 green onions sliced
Sauce
1 packet of saimin dashi (included with the noodles)
2 tablespoons shoyu
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
Instructions
Boil a medium pot of water. Drop the noodles in the boiling water and cook according to package directions. Drain and rinse well. Set aside.
In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients. Set aside
In a large frying pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil. Fry the Spam to release some of the fat, about 1 minute.
Add the onions and carrots and stir fry for 1-2 minutes to soften (you still want a little crispness to the carrots).
Add the cabbage and stir fry until the cabbage begins to wilt, about 30 seconds.
Add the kamaboko fishcake and char siu. Stir fry to heat through, about 1 minute.
Add the noodles to the frying pan and combine with vegetables and meat. If the noodles are clumped together, rinse with a little cold water before adding to the pan.
Pour the reserved sauce mixture over the noodles and stir to combine.
Sprinkle with green onions before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Cuisine: Japanese-American
Nutrition
- Calories: 669
- Sugar: 5 g.
- Sodium: 1185 mg.
- Fat: 23 g.
- Saturated Fat: 6 g.
- Carbohydrates: 92 g.
- Fiber: 5 g.
- Protein: 22 g.
- Cholesterol: 30 mg.
Keywords: fresh saimin, Spam
Who knew the magic of Hawaii lay in a pan-fried bundle of noodles and Spam? This recipe is a delightful reminder that sometimes, the most delicious dishes come from the most unexpected combinations (and perhaps a love for things that might raise an eyebrow elsewhere). The authors helpful tips on substitutions are pure gold, especially for the egg-averse or Spam skeptics (though I say bring on the Spam!). Its a testament to the Aloha spirit: if you like it, add it; if you dont, well, you can always find a friendly green onion to side-eye you. Definitely trying this for my next what have I done? dinner. Mahalo, Shes Almost Always Hungry!
This Fried Saimin recipe is a hula hoop of deliciousness! Who doesnt love a dish named after a popular local snack? Its like a warm, savory hug from Hawaii. The instructions are super easy to follow, making it a breeze to whip up a tasty feast. Im not sure about the egg thing, though – maybe its a secret island ingredient? Who knows? But overall, its a winner for sure. Try it out and let the saimin party begin! 🌺🍜🌊
This Fried Saimin recipe is a hula hoop of deliciousness! Who knew Sun Noodle Original Saimin could be the star? And I gotta say, leaving out the eggs? Solid choice, family! 🥚💥 But really, who doesn’t love a good Spam fight (julienned, of course)? The only modification I’d suggest? Maybe just a tiny bit more oyster sauce for the soul. Cant wait to stir-fry my way to happiness! #shesalmostalwayshungry 🍜💖
This Fried Saimin recipe is a delightful journey through the heart of Hawaii, served right on your plate! The inclusion of Spam, that iconic Hawaiian staple, is a bold statement that screams, Im from Hawaii! The step-by-step instructions are as clear as a bright Hawaiian sunrise, making it easy even for a novice chef to whip up this dish. The optional additions like egg and kamaboko are like the aloha spirit—they add a touch of extra flair. And for those who cant find the specific Hawaiian noodles, the article has a witty backup plan, showing that in Hawaii, even the substitutes are sunny! Overall, a recipe that’s as vibrant and tasty as a luau! 🌺🍜🌴