Aloha and welcome to an exciting culinary exploration of Spam recipes. Spam might not be the first item that leaps off the shelves when you’re strolling down the grocery store aisle. Yet, this underestimated gem could just be the secret ingredient your kitchen has been missing.
Already a staple in Hawaiian cooking Spam might just deserve a regular spot on your shopping list, opening a gateway to a variety of meals that are as delicious as they are easy to whip up.
So, grab your can opener! From the traditional Hawaiian Spam Musubi to the lesser-known, yet equally delicious, Spam fritter, prepare to embrace the unexpected, indulge in the extraordinary, and truly understand why Hawaii loves Spam. Check out these Spam Recipes below and let us know which is your fave!
Spam Recipes
Spam Garlic Fried Rice
Presenting Spam Fried Rice – a vibrant, hearty dish bursting with flavor and color. At its core is succulent Spam, seared until golden and mixed with perfectly cooked rice, resulting in a delicious blend of flavors that sings of comfort and satisfaction. Generously studded throughout are vibrant peas and crunchy carrots, bringing a wonderful freshness and a subtle sweetness to balance the rich, savory notes of the Spam. If you don’t have vegetable oil or sesame oil in your cabinet, reach for olive oil. It’s not the most traditional, but it will work in a pinch.
Budae Jjigae (Army Stew)
A melting pot of flavors and textures, Budae Jjigae or Army Stew, is a warming Korean delicacy. This dish features Spam simmered alongside a myriad of ingredients such as ramen noodles, tofu, and vegetables in a robust, spicy-savory broth, serving up comfort in a bowl.
Spam Ramen
Elevate your ramen game with Spam cubes, sizzled to perfection and added to a steaming bowl of noodles. These savory bites complement the umami-rich broth and chewy noodles, adding a delightful meaty texture to this comfort food staple. Try making it with rice noodles if you’re gluten-free.
Spam and Garlic Cacio e Pepe
An unexpected spin on the classic Italian pasta dish, Spam and Garlic Cacio e Pepe blends grated pecorino cheese, cracked black pepper, and fragrant garlic with bite-sized pieces of Spam. It’s a playful twist on tradition, delivering a punch of protein and a wonderful blend of flavors.
Fried Spam
A classic, straightforward delight, Fried Spam allows the taste of this canned marvel to truly shine. Pan-fried to golden perfection, the salty Spam develops a crisp exterior that beautifully contrasts its tender, juicy interior. The process intensifies its unique flavor, providing a rich, savory taste that’s satisfyingly simple yet completely irresistible. It’s proof that sometimes, the simplest dishes can offer the most delectable experience.
Teriyaki Spam Musubi
An emblematic Hawaiian snack, Teriyaki Spam Musubi is a delicious sushi-style treat. The savory-sweetness of teriyaki-glazed Spam, coupled with sushi rice and wrapped in a strip of nori, offers a delightful contrast of flavors that’ll leave you craving more. Want to make your own sauce? We have a great recipe for teriyaki sauce!
Caramelized Spam and Eggs
A delightful breakfast treat, Caramelized Spam and Eggs feature Spam slices caramelized in a sweet-savory glaze, served alongside fluffy scrambled eggs. The caramelized exterior gives way to tender Spam, creating a breakfast experience that’s truly next level.
Breaded Crispy Spam Steak
For a hearty, satisfying meal, look no further than Breaded Crispy Spam Steak. It’s Spam, breaded, and fried to golden perfection, delivering a crunchy exterior that gives way to a tender, juicy interior.
Baked Spam and Pineapple
A dish that sings of tropical summers, Baked Spam and Pineapple combines succulent Spam and juicy pineapple slices baked together. The sweet, tangy pineapple complements the savory Spam, creating a delightful flavor harmony. Serve as a main course or a tasty side dish.
Cold Spam Sandwich
The Cold Spam Sandwich is a testament to the versatility of Spam. Thinly sliced Spam pairs beautifully with crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and a swipe of mayonnaise, nestled between two slices of fresh bread for a quick, satisfying meal.
Spam, Potatoes, and Pepper Hash
A great Spam recipe and a perfect way to get your vegetables in! A comforting dish that’s perfect for breakfast or dinner, this hash features pan-fried Spam, golden-browned potatoes, and crisp bell peppers. The ingredients come together in a one-pan symphony of flavors, providing a hearty, satisfying meal. Top with a fried egg.
Furikake Spam Buns
These delightfully soft buns pack a surprise inside – a filling of delectably savory Spam. The buns are then sprinkled with furikake, a Japanese seasoning blend that adds a burst of umami, enhancing the flavor profile and adding a touch of visual appeal. The combination of fluffy bread, rich Spam, and flavor-packed furikake makes these buns an unforgettable treat.
Spam, Egg, and Seaweed Bowl
This bowl is a beautiful medley of textures and flavors, designed for those who appreciate simplicity and taste. It combines tender, salty Spam with perfectly cooked eggs, served atop a bed of warm rice. Crisp, paper-thin strips of seaweed add a hint of oceanic freshness, rounding out the dish and bringing a sense of balance to the hearty ingredients. This bowl is comfort food at its finest, delivering nourishing simplicity with every bite. You can also try one of our sauces for rice recipes.
Hawaiian Spam Tacos
Embrace island flavors with Hawaiian Spam Tacos. Tender pieces of Spam, tropical pineapple salsa, and a dash of spicy sauce, all tucked into a soft tortilla, make for a delightful fusion of flavors. Sprinkle with green onions for an extra pop of flavor.
Crispy Spam Fritters
These fritters bring together Spam, vegetables, and a simple batter (often a beer batter!), fried until golden and crispy. They’re perfect for a snack, appetizer, or a fun addition to your meal. The perfect Spam recipe if you ask us!
Spam Fries
A unique and irresistible treat, Spam Fries are strips of Spam, fried until golden and crispy. They’re the perfect unconventional snack, providing a fun, delicious twist on the traditional fry.
Kimchi Spam Pizza
A fusion of Korean and Italian flavors, the Kimchi Spam Pizza features a spicy-savory topping of kimchi and Spam on a perfectly baked pizza crust. It’s a global flavor experience, right from your own kitchen.
Air Fryer Spam
Achieve a perfect sear on each slice of Spam using an air fryer. It’s a healthier, fuss-free method that brings out the best in Spam, giving it a lovely texture and a rich, savory flavor. If you like this recipe, try some of our other air fryer recipes.
Bacon-Wrapped Spam Bites
A meat lover’s dream come true, these bites feature Spam cubes wrapped in smoky bacon. The result is a bite-sized treat that’s bursting with flavor, making for an appetizing snack or party appetizer.
Best Ways to Cook Spam
Cooking with Spam opens up a world of culinary possibilities that are as diverse as they are delicious. Let’s explore the best ways to cook this versatile canned meat:
- Pan Frying: Possibly the most straightforward and popular method, pan-frying transforms the soft canned meat into a deliciously crispy and caramelized delight. All you need is a hot pan, a dash of oil, and slices of Spam. Cook until each side is a beautiful golden-brown, and you’re ready to go.
- Grilling: Grilling Spam imbues it with an irresistible smoky flavor. Whether on a barbecue or a grill pan, Spam can be grilled to perfection, resulting in a slightly charred exterior that beautifully complements the tender, juicy interior.
- Baking: Spam can be baked, too! Perfect for dishes like Baked Spam and Pineapple, baking allows the Spam to cook evenly, absorbing the flavors of any accompanying ingredients.
- Sautéing: Dicing Spam into small cubes or strips and sautéing it with veggies, garlic, or onions can amp up the flavors of a simple stir-fry or fried rice. The sautéed Spam cubes offer a lovely contrast of textures and a meaty, savory touch to any dish.
- Broiling: Looking for a slightly crisp, caramelized exterior with a moist, tender interior? Broiling Spam under your oven’s broiler accomplishes just that. This method works especially well when the Spam is glazed with a sauce or marinade.
- Air Frying: For a healthier alternative, try air frying your Spam. It requires little to no oil, yet achieves a beautifully crispy exterior. A simple slice of Spam becomes something truly special when air-fried.
- Boiling: For soups and stews like the Korean Budae Jjigae (Army Stew), Spam is often boiled. This method allows the Spam to contribute its savory richness to the broth, making the dish even more flavorful.
SPAM Recipes
Ingredients
SPAM Recipes
- Spam Garlic Fried Rice
- Budae Jjigae (Army Stew)
- Spam Ramen
- Spam and Garlic Cacio e Pepe
- Fried Spam
- Teriyaki Spam Musubi
- Caramelized Spam and Eggs
- Breaded Crispy Spam Steak
- Baked Spam and Pineapple
- Cold Spam Sandwich
- Spam, Potatoes, and Pepper Hash
- Furikake Spam Buns
- Spam, Egg, and Seaweed Bowl
- Hawaiian Spam Tacos
- Crispy Spam Fritters
- Spam Fries
- Kimchi Spam Pizza
- Air Fryer Spam
- Bacon-Wrapped Spam Bites
Instructions
- Choose recipe.
- Gather ingredients.
- Cook and enjoy!
Spam FAQs
What is Spam?
Spam is a type of canned precooked meat product made by Hormel Foods Corporation. It was first introduced in 1937 and gained popularity worldwide after its use during World War II. The classic version is made from a combination of pork with ham meat added, salt, water, potato starch, sugar, and sodium nitrite. It’s known for its long shelf life, versatility, and unique taste.
What can I do with a can of Spam?
You can do a surprising number of things with a can of Spam! It can be sliced, diced, or chopped for use in a variety of dishes. You can fry it and serve it with eggs for breakfast, add it to sandwiches, stir it into pasta or fried rice, grill it for a BBQ flavor, bake it in the oven, or even turn it into a pizza topping. It’s also often used in traditional Hawaiian dishes like Spam Musubi. The possibilities are numerous, making Spam a versatile ingredient in your pantry.
What is the best way to cook Spam?
There’s no definitive “best” way to cook Spam as it largely depends on your personal preference and the recipe you’re following. That being said, pan-frying is one of the most popular methods. It gives Spam a crispy exterior and enhances its savory flavor. Grilling, baking, sautéing, broiling, boiling, and even air frying are also great methods to cook Spam.
What are different ways to eat Spam?
Spam can be eaten in a myriad of ways. It can be served as part of a hearty breakfast, added to sandwiches or wraps, mixed into stir-fries or fried rice, tossed with noodles or pasta, included in soups and stews, baked with other ingredients like pineapple, made into snacks like fries or skewers, or used as a unique pizza topping. Its versatility means you can get as creative as you like with it.
What is the most common way to eat Spam?
One of the most common ways to eat Spam is to simply slice it and fry it in a pan until it’s crispy and golden. These slices can be served with eggs and toast for breakfast drizzled with soy sauce, tucked into a sandwich, or eaten on their own. Another popular preparation, particularly in Hawaii, is Spam Musubi, where a slice of grilled Spam is placed on a block of rice and wrapped in seaweed, similar to sushi. However, the use of Spam varies widely across different cultures and cuisines, and there’s no one “correct” way to enjoy it.
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Have questions or suggestions about Spam recipes? Leave them in the comments below.
