When you think of Spam, you might not immediately consider it a gourmet ingredient, but you'd be surprised at its versatility in the kitchen. You can whip up everything from Spam Fried Rice to mouthwatering Spam Sliders that are perfect for gatherings. Imagine crispy Spam tucked into warm tortillas for Spam Tacos or a hearty breakfast of Spam and eggs to kickstart your day. Each recipe brings something unique to the table, and you'll want to investigate which one fits your taste best. So, which dish are you curious to try first?
Spam Fried Rice
Spam Fried Rice is a quick and easy dish that combines the savory flavor of Spam with the satisfying texture of fried rice. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rice and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.
Whether you're looking for a hearty meal or a tasty side dish, Spam Fried Rice is sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 can of Spam, diced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced Spam and cook until browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the Spam from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until translucent. Stir in the frozen peas and carrots, and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet, pour in the beaten eggs on the other side, and scramble until fully cooked.
Add the day-old rice, browned Spam, soy sauce, sesame oil, and stir everything together until well combined and heated through. Season with salt, pepper, and top with sliced green onions before serving.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, use cold, day-old rice as it helps prevent the fried rice from becoming mushy.
You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn, and feel free to adjust the soy sauce and sesame oil to your taste.
If you're looking for extra flavor, consider adding a splash of oyster sauce or a sprinkle of garlic powder.
Enjoy your Spam Fried Rice!
Spam Sliders
Spam sliders are a fun and delicious way to enjoy the iconic canned meat in a bite-sized format. Perfect for parties, game day, or a simple weeknight dinner, these sliders are easy to make and packed with flavor.
With the savory taste of Spam complemented by fresh toppings and a soft bun, they're sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of Spam (12 oz), sliced into ¼-inch thick pieces
- 12 slider buns
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup of barbecue sauce
- ½ cup of coleslaw mix
- ¼ cup of sliced pickles
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: sliced jalapeños for added heat
Instructions:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and cook the Spam slices until they're golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Once cooked, remove the Spam from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, lightly toast the slider buns until they're golden.
Assemble the sliders by spreading a layer of barbecue sauce on the bottom half of each bun, placing a piece of Spam on top, followed by a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, a spoonful of coleslaw, and a few pickle slices.
Top with the other half of the bun and secure with a toothpick if desired.
Extra Tips:
For an extra flavor boost, consider marinating the Spam slices in the barbecue sauce for about 30 minutes before cooking.
You can also customize your sliders by adding different toppings like sliced avocado, sautéed onions, or even a fried egg for a breakfast twist.
If you're serving a crowd, you can keep the cooked sliders warm in the oven at a low temperature until ready to serve.
Enjoy these sliders with your favorite sides like chips, fries, or a fresh salad!
Spam Tacos
Spam tacos are a fun and unique twist on traditional tacos, offering a savory and satisfying meal that's easy to prepare. The combination of crispy Spam and fresh toppings wrapped in a warm tortilla creates a deliciously unexpected flavor profile.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, these tacos will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of Spam, diced
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Salsa or hot sauce (optional)
Instructions:
Begin by heating a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the diced Spam to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's crispy and golden brown.
While the Spam is cooking, warm the tortillas in a separate pan or microwave until pliable. Once the Spam is ready, assemble the tacos by placing a generous amount of the crispy Spam onto each tortilla.
Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, shredded cheese, and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges and your choice of salsa or hot sauce.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider marinating the diced Spam in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic powder, and chili powder for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will infuse the Spam with extra taste and depth.
Additionally, feel free to customize your toppings based on your preferences—try adding jalapeños for heat, or sour cream for creaminess.
These tacos also make great leftovers; simply reheat the Spam and tortillas separately for a quick meal. Enjoy experimenting with different toppings and sauces to make this dish your own!
Spam Stir-Fry
Spam stir-fry is a quick and delicious meal that brings together the savory flavors of Spam with a colorful medley of vegetables. This dish isn't only easy to prepare, but it also allows for creativity by incorporating your favorite veggies and sauces.
Ideal for busy weeknights or when you're craving a unique twist on traditional stir-fry, Spam stir-fry can be served over rice or noodles for a complete meal that satisfies your hunger.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of Spam, diced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced Spam and cook until it's golden brown and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the Spam from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add the minced garlic and mixed vegetables, cooking until the vegetables are tender-crisp, approximately 3-5 minutes.
Return the Spam to the pan and add the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring the ingredients are well-coated and heated through.
Extra Tips:
Feel free to customize your Spam stir-fry by adding your favorite proteins or different vegetables according to what you have on hand.
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. For a vegetarian version, you can substitute Spam with tofu or tempeh.
Additionally, make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, as stir-frying is a quick process that requires your attention to avoid burning.
Spam and Egg Breakfast
Spam and Egg Breakfast is a hearty and satisfying way to kickstart your day. This dish combines the savory flavor of Spam with fluffy scrambled eggs, making it a quick and delicious breakfast option. Whether you're in a rush or have time to savor your morning meal, this recipe is simple to follow and is sure to fill you up.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of Spam
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions or bell peppers for garnish
Cooking instructions: Begin by slicing the Spam into thin strips or cubes, depending on your preference. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the Spam and cook for about 5-7 minutes until it's golden and crisp, stirring occasionally.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Push the cooked Spam to one side of the skillet and add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the empty side. Once the butter has melted, pour in the eggs and scramble them gently until they're cooked to your liking.
Finally, mix the Spam and eggs together in the skillet and serve hot, garnished with optional green onions or bell peppers.
Extra tips: For added flavor, consider using flavored Spam varieties, such as Spam with bacon or teriyaki. You can also experiment with different spices, like paprika or garlic powder, to improve the taste.
If you're looking for a more filling breakfast, serve your Spam and eggs with toasted bread or over a bed of sautéed spinach. Don't forget to adjust the cooking time based on how well-done you like your eggs!