Last Updated on March 11, 2023 by Lauren Beck
Spam is a canned meat product that has been a pantry staple for many households for decades. Although it’s often associated with being a cheap and low-quality meat, there are many delicious and creative ways to use Spam in your cooking.
In this article, we’ll explore what to make with Spam, what Spam is, what it’s made of, and how to use it in 15 different recipes.
15 Spam Recipes and How To Make It?
- Spam Fried Rice: Cook some rice and let it cool, then fry some diced Spam, diced onions, peas, and scrambled eggs in a pan. Add the cooled rice and soy sauce, and stir until everything is combined.
- Spam Musubi: Place a slice of Spam on top of a block of sushi rice, wrap it with a strip of nori seaweed, and brush it with soy sauce.
- Spam and Cheese Omelet: Beat some eggs in a bowl, then pour them into a hot pan. Add some diced Spam and shredded cheese to one side of the omelet, then fold the other side over the top and cook until the cheese is melted.
- Spam Fries: Cut Spam into thin fry shapes, then coat them in flour and fry in hot oil until crispy and golden brown.
- Spam Hash: Fry diced Spam and diced potatoes in a pan until they’re golden brown and crispy. Add diced onions and cook until they’re translucent.
- Spam and Pineapple Skewers: Thread cubes of Spam and pineapple onto skewers, then grill until the Spam is crispy and the pineapple is caramelized.
- Spam Fried Noodles: Cook some noodles according to the package instructions, then fry diced Spam and diced vegetables in a pan. Add the cooked noodles and soy sauce, and stir until everything is combined.
- Spam Tacos: Fry diced Spam in a pan until it’s crispy and golden brown, then use it as a filling for tacos with lettuce, cheese, and salsa.
- Spam and Egg Breakfast Sandwich: Fry a slice of Spam and an egg, then place them on a toasted English muffin with cheese and ketchup.
- Spam and Kimchi Fried Rice: Cook some rice and let it cool, then fry some diced Spam, diced kimchi, and scrambled eggs in a pan. Add the cooled rice and soy sauce, and stir until everything is combined.
- Spam Mac and Cheese: Cook some macaroni according to the package instructions, then make a cheese sauce by melting butter, flour, and milk in a pan. Add shredded cheese and diced Spam, then mix with the cooked macaroni.
- Spam and Potato Salad: Boil some potatoes until they’re tender, then dice them and mix with diced Spam, mayonnaise, diced onions, and chopped pickles.
- Spam and Vegetable Stir-Fry: Fry diced Spam and diced vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and carrots in a pan. Add soy sauce and stir until everything is cooked through.
- Spam and Cheese Quesadillas: Fry diced Spam in a pan until it’s crispy and golden brown, then place it on a tortilla with shredded cheese. Fold the tortilla over and fry until the cheese is melted.
- Spam and Cabbage Soup: Fry diced Spam and shredded cabbage in a pot until they’re softened, then add water and seasoning. Simmer until everything is cooked through and serve hot.
What Is Spam?
Spam is a canned meat product that was first introduced by Hormel Foods Corporation in 1937. It’s made from chopped pork shoulder meat, ham, salt, water, sugar, and sodium nitrite. It’s a popular food item because of its long shelf life and affordable price.
What Is Spam Actually Made Of?
Spam is made from a combination of pork shoulder meat, ham, salt, water, sugar, and sodium nitrite [1]. The pork shoulder meat is ground up into a fine texture and mixed with the ham, salt, and other ingredients. The mixture is then packed into cans and cooked at high temperatures to preserve it.
What Does Spam Taste Like?
Spam has a unique taste that’s difficult to describe. It’s salty, slightly sweet, and has a savory flavor that’s similar to ham. Some people love the taste of Spam, while others find it unappetizing.
Cooking Tips:
Here are some cooking tips to help you get the most out of your Spam:
- Slice it thinly: Spam can be quite salty, so it’s best to slice it thinly and use it sparingly in your dishes.
- Fry it up: Frying Spam can help to reduce its saltiness and bring out its flavor. Simply slice it thinly and fry it in a pan until it’s crispy and golden brown.
- Use it as a topping: Spam can be a great topping for pizza, ramen, or noodles.
- Add it to your breakfast: Spam is a popular ingredient in breakfast dishes like Spam and eggs, Spam hash, or Spam breakfast sandwiches.
Where Can I Find Spam?
Spam is widely available in most grocery stores, usually located in the canned meat section. It comes in a variety of flavors and sizes, including original, low sodium, and hickory smoked.
What Food Goes Well With Spam?
Spam can be paired with a wide variety of foods, including rice, noodles, vegetables, and eggs. It’s also a popular ingredient in Hawaiian cuisine, where it’s often served with rice and seaweed in a dish called Spam Musubi.
Can Spam Be Eaten Raw?
No, Spam should not be eaten raw. It’s important to fully cook Spam before consuming it to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.
Should You Wash Spam Before Cooking?
There’s no need to wash Spam before cooking it. The canning process ensures that the meat is clean and safe to eat.
How Long Does Spam Last After Opening?
Once a can of Spam has been opened, it should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 7 days. If you have leftover Spam that you won’t be able to use in that time frame, you can freeze it for up to 6 months.
Conclusion
Spam may not be the most glamorous food item, but it’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of delicious dishes. From Spam fried rice to Spam and cheese omelets, there are plenty of creative ways to use this pantry staple. Whether you’re a longtime Spam fan or trying it for the first time, these recipes are sure to satisfy your taste buds. So go ahead and give Spam a chance – you might just be surprised by how tasty it can be!
Reference:
- https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/what-is-spam-made-of
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