Maybe you grew up eating Spam sandwiches and have sworn off the stuff. Or maybe you've always just suspiciously eyed the cans of this mystery meat in the grocery store and wondered who in the heck actually eats it. Or maybe even, you've always wanted to try it but the term 'canned meat' threw you off. Whatever your reasoning, if you've never eat Spam as an adult, it's time to change that. It's having a major resurgence right now and if you don't hop onboard this trend, you'll be missing out on some serious flavor.
Spam is considered a Hawaiian meat because this is where the meat has the highest consumption per capita. In diners and restaurants, you'll always find Spam on the menu and they really know how to infuse life into it and make it super delicious. Not all of the tips below include Hawaiian ingredients or cooking methods but they do all still have one thing in common. They all showcase delicious Spam!
1. Use it in place of bacon or ham
If you're new to the Spam game, this may be the easiest place for you to start. Spam is really just 90% pork shoulder and 10% ham, so if you like both of those meats, you'll probably like Spam. Cube it up and fry it up with your Brussel sprouts, or just cut a nice thick slice and fry it on its own for breakfast in place of your bacon or ham. It's a tasty, salty treat your breakfast plate will thank you for.
2. Spam hot pot
Korea has some of the most delicious food on this planet, and you can make a Korean hot pot using Spam. Fry up some sausages and Spam and set aside. In the same skillet fry up cabbage and Kimchi, add broth and ramen noodles and then slice up the sausage and place them, along with the Spam, back into the pot to heat through. It's delicious and so quick, it may become one of your favorite weeknight meals.
3. Spam fried rice
Fried rice is one of those simple staples that is so delicious, it becomes a go-to for many people. Fry some cubed Spam in a large skillet or wok. Add cooked rice, frozen vegetables (usually a carrot/corn/pea mix), soy sauce, and a scrambled egg and you've got yourself one mighty tasty side dish.
4. Spam Musubi
Musubi is definitely a Hawaiian Spam dish and it's a must-try for anyone who likes Sushi. Spam is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce and sugar before being fried quickly in a pan. Then it gets placed, along with rice, onto seaweed, before being wrapped up tight and cut into snackable sizes. If you'd like, you can even add egg on top of the Spam before rolling it tight, but it does take a little finesses learning how to fold an egg so it will fit nicely on top of the Spam and not fall out of the seaweed.
5. Spammy melts
A patty melt with Spam in its place! Fry up some Spam along with a couple of onions and then pile it all onto Rye bread and top with cheese (Swiss is traditional for melts, but whatever you like best will work). Generously slather the outside of the bread with butter or mayonnaise (we're not kidding, give it a try!) and then fry it over medium-high heat until juices run down your arm and you're in melt heaven. Yep, this sandwich is that good!
6. Bread it
Fried Spam is delicious, but you know what's even better? Spam that's been breaded and deep fried to a crisp golden brown. It's inherent fattiness and saltiness make it a perfect pairing with the deep-fry method, and that crunch that you get out of it will never be able to be attained by pan-frying alone.
7. Spam donuts
Even Spam diehards may have a hard time getting with this trend but believe me, it's worth a shot. All you have to do is add some cubed fried Spam to your favorite donut batter and then deep fry those bad boys. For those who really like the salty/sweet combo, a sugar glaze can even be drizzled over top.
