20 Creative Spam Recipes: Delicious Ways To Cook Spam
Hey guys! Ever stared at a can of Spam and wondered, "What can I actually do with this?" Well, you're not alone! Spam might have a bit of a quirky reputation, but it's surprisingly versatile. Let’s dive into some creative and delicious ways to prepare Spam that might just change your mind about this canned classic.
1. Spam Musubi: A Hawaiian Favorite
Spam musubi is where it's at, my friends. This popular Hawaiian snack is super simple but incredibly satisfying. It’s essentially a slice of grilled Spam on top of a block of rice, all wrapped together with a strip of nori (seaweed). Think of it as the sushi you never knew you needed! To make it, you'll want to slice your Spam into even pieces—about ¼-inch thick is perfect. Get those slices into a hot pan and let them sizzle until they're golden brown and crispy. While that’s happening, cook up some sushi rice. You want it to be sticky and slightly sweet, so a little rice vinegar and sugar mixed in does the trick. Now, the fun part: assembly! You can use a musubi mold for that perfect shape, or just do it by hand. Lay down a sheet of nori, place the rice on top, press it down firmly, and then add your grilled Spam. Wrap it all up with the nori, and bam! You’ve got yourself a delicious Spam musubi. This is a fantastic way to introduce Spam to those who might be a bit skeptical. The combination of salty Spam, fluffy rice, and savory nori is just chef's kiss. Plus, it's super portable, making it great for lunches, picnics, or just a quick snack. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked. Feel free to experiment with different sauces too – a little teriyaki glaze can add a whole new dimension of flavor. So, next time you're looking for something different, give Spam musubi a whirl. You might be surprised at how much you love it!
2. Spam Fried Rice: A Quick and Easy Meal
If you are looking for a quick and easy meal, Spam fried rice is your new best friend. This dish is a fantastic way to use up leftover rice and turn a simple can of Spam into a complete dinner. Plus, it's incredibly customizable – you can throw in whatever veggies you have on hand! To get started, dice your Spam into small cubes. You want them to be small enough to distribute evenly throughout the rice but still big enough to get that satisfying Spam bite. Heat up a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil. Add the Spam and cook it until it's nicely browned and crispy. This step is crucial for adding flavor and texture to the dish. Once the Spam is ready, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Next, toss in your veggies. Onions, carrots, peas, and bell peppers are all great choices. Cook them until they're tender-crisp, then add your cooked rice. Make sure the rice is broken up and not clumpy. Stir everything together well, then add back the Spam. Now it’s time for the flavor boosters: soy sauce, sesame oil, and maybe a dash of sriracha if you like a little heat. Mix everything thoroughly, making sure the rice is evenly coated with the sauce. For an extra touch, you can push the rice to one side of the pan and scramble an egg or two in the empty space. Once the eggs are cooked, mix them into the fried rice. Serve it hot and garnish with some green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor. Spam fried rice is not only delicious but also a great way to reduce food waste. So, next time you have leftover rice and a can of Spam, you know what to do! This recipe is so versatile, you can easily adapt it to your own tastes and preferences. Enjoy!
3. Spam and Eggs: A Classic Combination
There's a reason Spam and eggs is a classic combination: it's simple, satisfying, and incredibly tasty. This is the perfect go-to breakfast (or even a quick dinner) when you want something hearty and flavorful. The saltiness of the Spam pairs perfectly with the richness of the eggs, creating a balanced and delicious meal. To get started, slice your Spam into your preferred thickness. Some people like it thick-cut for a meaty bite, while others prefer it thinly sliced for extra crispiness. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the Spam slices. Cook them until they're golden brown and slightly crispy on both sides. The key here is to get a nice caramelized crust on the Spam, which adds a ton of flavor. While the Spam is cooking, crack your eggs into a bowl and whisk them lightly. You can cook the eggs however you like – scrambled, fried, or even as an omelet. If you're frying them, cook them in the same pan as the Spam to soak up all that delicious flavor. Once the Spam and eggs are cooked to your liking, serve them up together. You can add some toast, a side of potatoes, or even some avocado to complete the meal. This dish is all about comfort food at its finest. The simplicity of Spam and eggs is what makes it so appealing. It's a no-fuss meal that's packed with flavor and sure to satisfy your cravings. Plus, it's a great way to start the day with a protein-packed breakfast. So, next time you're in a breakfast rut, give Spam and eggs a try. You might just find your new favorite morning meal!
4. Spam Grilled Cheese: A Savory Twist
For a savory twist on a classic comfort food, try Spam grilled cheese. This takes the familiar grilled cheese sandwich to a whole new level with the addition of crispy Spam. The salty, savory Spam pairs perfectly with the melty cheese, creating a sandwich that's both satisfying and delicious. To make this, start by slicing your Spam into thin slices. You want them thin enough to get crispy in the pan but not so thin that they fall apart. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the Spam slices. Cook them until they're golden brown and crispy on both sides. This step is crucial for adding texture and flavor to the sandwich. While the Spam is cooking, butter the outside of two slices of bread. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in the pan. Add a generous layer of your favorite cheese – cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of both work great. Top the cheese with the crispy Spam slices, then add another layer of cheese. Place the second slice of bread on top, butter-side up. Cook the sandwich until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. You might need to flip the sandwich a few times to ensure it cooks evenly. Once the grilled cheese is ready, remove it from the pan and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. The combination of crispy Spam, melty cheese, and buttery bread is simply irresistible. This Spam grilled cheese is perfect for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a late-night snack. It's a fun and delicious way to enjoy Spam in a familiar format. So, next time you're craving a grilled cheese, why not add a little Spam for an extra kick of flavor? You won't be disappointed!
5. Spam and Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Speaking of ultimate comfort food, let's talk about Spam and mac and cheese. This is a match made in food heaven! The creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese combined with the salty, savory flavor of Spam is a total game-changer. It's a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. To make this, start by cooking your favorite mac and cheese – whether it's from a box or homemade. While the mac and cheese is cooking, dice your Spam into small cubes. You want them to be small enough to mix easily into the mac and cheese but still big enough to get a good bite of Spam. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the diced Spam. Cook it until it's lightly browned and slightly crispy. This step adds a nice textural contrast to the creamy mac and cheese. Once the mac and cheese is ready, drain it if necessary and add the cheese sauce. Mix well until everything is smooth and creamy. Then, add the cooked Spam to the mac and cheese and stir it in thoroughly. Make sure the Spam is evenly distributed throughout the dish. Serve the Spam and mac and cheese hot. You can garnish it with some breadcrumbs, a sprinkle of paprika, or even some chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal. This dish is pure comfort food at its finest. It's hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Spam and mac and cheese is perfect for a cozy night in, a potluck, or anytime you're craving something indulgent. So, next time you're making mac and cheese, don't forget to add some Spam for an extra layer of deliciousness. It's a combination you'll absolutely love!
6-20. More Creative Spam Ideas:
Okay, guys, we've covered some of the classics, but let's keep the Spam-spiration flowing with even more creative ideas!
- Spam Tacos: Crispy Spam in a taco with all your favorite toppings – salsa, guacamole, and a squeeze of lime.
- Spam Sliders: Mini Spam patties on slider buns with your choice of condiments.
- Spam Pizza: Top your pizza with slices of Spam for a salty, savory twist.
- Spam Hash: Diced Spam mixed with potatoes and onions for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
- Spam Salad: Cubed Spam added to a salad for a protein boost.
- Spam Skewers: Grill Spam cubes on skewers with veggies for a fun and flavorful appetizer.
- Spam Spring Rolls: Use Spam as a filling for fresh spring rolls with rice noodles and veggies.
- Spam Shepherd's Pie: Add Spam to your shepherd's pie filling for extra flavor.
- Spam Chili: Diced Spam in your favorite chili recipe for a meaty kick.
- Spam Wontons: Fill wonton wrappers with a Spam mixture and fry or bake them.
- Spam Empanadas: Use Spam as a filling for savory empanadas.
- Spam Stir-Fry: Add Spam to your favorite stir-fry recipe with veggies and sauce.
- Spam Benedict: Replace Canadian bacon with Spam in a classic eggs Benedict.
- Spam Burgers: Grind Spam and form it into patties for a unique burger experience.
- Spam and Kimchi Fried Rice: A spicy and flavorful twist on classic fried rice.
So there you have it – 20 exciting ways to prepare Spam! Who knew this humble canned meat could be so versatile? Don't be afraid to get creative in the kitchen and experiment with different flavors and preparations. Spam is a blank canvas just waiting for your culinary touch. Happy cooking, everyone!