How to : How to Creatively Prepare Spam: 20 Exciting Options

Things You Should Know

For a savory-sweet treat, drizzle maple syrup on top of fried Spam, pair a Spam burger with pineapple rings, or put cubed Spam in dough to cook up donuts.
For a healthier take on Spam, bake it on a wire rack to drain off excess fat and throw it in a salad with hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, and cheese.
Feed a whole crowd with Spam by setting up a taco bar where everyone can make their own Spam tacos or whipping up Spam kimbap rolls.
Enjoy many international dishes, like spam and egg macaroni soup from North Korea, a chanpuru scramble from Japan, or spamsilog from the Philippines.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Spam as an Appetizer

1
Fry your Spam in a skillet to give it a crisp finish. Pour 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 mL) of oil into your skillet and place it on the cooktop over medium heat until the oil begins to shimmer. Cut the Spam into 1 in (2.5 cm) slices and fry them for 2-3 minutes, then flip them and let them cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Once you’re all finished, they’ll have a perfect crusty exterior and a soft, meaty center.^{[1]

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Be careful not to burn your Spam. The meat product is precooked, so you won’t need to fry it for very long.
Frying Spam is one of the best ways to prepare it if you’ve never eaten it before because its texture is such a crowd-pleaser.
Add a drizzle of maple syrup to the skillet to balance out the saltiness of the Spam and give it a candy-like caramelized crust.^{[2]

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2
Bake your Spam in the oven to reduce its fat content. Set your oven to 425–450 °F (218–232 °C) and let it preheat. While the oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and slice up your Spam and arrange the pieces on top of it, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each. Bake the Spam slices for 10-12 minutes, or until they start to brown around the edges.
- If you want to cut back on even more calories, bake your Spam slices on a grill pan or wire rack to drain off some of the excess fat.
3
Throw Spam on the grill for a mouth-watering charbroiled flavor. To char broil them, heat your grill and wait for it to get nice and hot—about 400 °F (204 °C) works. Then, dice up your Spam and lay the cubes evenly across the grill top. Cook them for 1-2 minutes. Once the cubes are heated through on their first side, flip them over and give them 1-2 more minutes, or until they reach the desired doneness.^{[3]

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You’ll know your Spam is ready to come off the grill when it’s slightly darker in color and criss-crossed with perfect grill marks.
Top each slice with a juicy pineapple ring for some complementary sweetness.}
4
Microwave single servings of Spam for 1-2 minutes. Cut the Spam into slices or strips and pop them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds at a time. In just a couple minutes, you’ll have a hot, satisfying meal that pairs easily with tons of different dishes.^{[4]

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Just remember to remove the Spam from its can before popping it in the microwave.}
5
Eat Spam right out of the can. One of the best things about Spam is that it comes fully cooked, which technically means it needs zero prep and can be eaten raw. This can be a major plus if the power goes out, you find yourself in a situation without any cookware, or you’re just looking for something quick, easy, and filling to wolf down.^{[5]

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Bring a few cans of Spam along with you on your next all-day hike or camping trip. Since it doesn’t require heating, it makes a perfect high-protein snack to gobble down on the go.
Keep in mind that when eaten straight from the can, Spam has a softer, gelatinous texture, so it’s definitely an acquired taste.^{[6]

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6
Put together a tasty Spam musubi. Spam musubi is a popular Hawaiian snack that has its roots in traditional Japanese cuisine. To see what all the fuss is about and make a Spam musubi, grill or fry a slice of Spam, then pat out a block of sushi rice into the same shape and place it on top. Wrap a sheet of nori (roasted seaweed) around your Spam musubi’s fillings to hold it all in place.^{[7]

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If you’re having trouble getting the nori to stick to stay sealed, wet the pad of your finger and run it along the lower of the 2 overlapping edges before sticking it down.
You can also use your leftover rice and nori to make hand-rolled Spam sushi.}
7
Fry up some Spam donuts. Trim 1 in (2.5 cm) slices of Spam into large circles, then cut smaller circles out of the center of the slices. Fry your Spam donuts in a spacious skillet filled with 2 inches (5.1 cm) of cooking oil for about 2 minutes per side and allow them to cool for an additional 2-3 minutes before getting your munch on.
- To keep your frying oil from scorching between batches, use an oil with a high smoke point, like olive, vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
- If you’d like a sweet and savory treat that’s a twist on a traditional donut, dice the canned meat into tiny cubes to make a yummy filling and mix it by hand into rings of homemade dough.^{[8]
  
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8
Serve Spam potstickers as an addictive appetizer. Grate ginger and combine it with finely-diced Spam, minced garlic and green onion, chopped cabbage, and sesame oil. Stuff your filling into store-bought dumpling skins and crimp the edges closed. Blanch your potstickers in a pot of boiling water, then cool them in an ice bath and brown them on both sides in a well-oiled skillet.^{[9]

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Dunk your dumplings in sweetened soy sauce or tangy gyoza sauce, or make your own Asian Tahini dipping sauce to continue with the trend.^{[10]

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Spam could also be used in place of pork and other meats in egg rolls and Chinese-style steamed buns.}
9
Put together delectable Spam Kimbap rolls from South Korea. Boil spinach in a pot of water for 15-30 seconds, then drain. Rinse with cold water, then squeeze the spinach to remove excess water. Transfer the spinach to a bowl, season with ¼ of a tsp (1.42 g) of salt and ½ a tbsp (7.39 mL) of sesame oil. Mix well and set aside. Add 3 eggs and ¼ of a tsp (1.42 g) of salt to a bowl. Mix well. Add 2 tbsp (29.5 mL) of oil to a large nonstick pan and pour in the beaten eggs.^{[11]

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Cook the eggs until they’re 70-80% set, then fold the egg over itself. Set the egg aside to cool, then cut it into 7 strips.
Cut Spam into 15 strips. Add 1 tsp (4.9 mL) of cooking oil to a large pan and seat the strips of Spam over high heat for 1-2 minutes until they’re seared, then remove from the pan and set aside.
Add 2 tbsp (29.5 mL) of cooking oil, 1 sliced up carrot, and ¼ of a teaspoon (1.42 g) of fine salt. Sauté over medium heat until they’re tender. Remove from the pan and set them aside.
Place a nori sheet on a bamboo mat. Pat down freshly made kimbap rice on the nori sheet. Place a slice of egg, 2 slices of Spam, 1 slice of pickled radish, 2-3 grated pieces of burdock root, and a strip of carrots and spinach in the middle of the rice.
Roll up your kimbap roll, cut it into 8-10 pieces, and serve up your colorful treat.}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Spam for Breakfast

1
Start your day with a hearty Spam skillet hash. First, dice a whole tin’s worth of Spam into 1 in (2.5 cm) cubes and fry them lightly over medium heat. Once they start to brown up, add 1 cup (100 g) of parboiled potato chunks, along with thin slices of white onion, green bell peppers, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook everything together until it’s hot and crisp and enjoy with a steaming mug of coffee or a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice.^{[12]

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Crack an egg or sprinkle a handful of shredded cheese on top of your hash as it finishes cooking to make it even more filling.
For a last-minute breakfast that doesn’t require as much prep, simply toss some cubed Spam in with your scrambled eggs.^{[13]

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2
Bake up a hearty Spam Yorkshire Breakfast from England. Preheat your oven to 220 °F (104 °C). Put 200g of plain flour, ¼ of a tsp of salt, and a pinch of pepper into a large bowl. Crack 2 large eggs and add them to the bowl. Pour in 11.8 fl oz (350 mL) of milk and beat your mix. Gradually fold in 200 g (7.1 oz) of plain flour until you’ve made a smooth batter. Leave your batter out for 30 minutes.
- Spread ¼ of a tin of Spam Chopped Pork and Ham onto a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until it’s golden brown.^{[14]
  
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- Take out a 12 hole pudding tin. Pour ½ of a tbsp of vegetable oil into 8 of the holes. Heat for 5 minutes.
- Ladle your batter into 8 of the holes and top with the remaining cubes of Spam Chopped Pork and Ham. Bake for 30 minutes until your Yorkshire puddings are golden brown.
- Take your Yorkshire puddings out of the oven and drizzle all of them with a tablespoon of Henderson’s Relish.
3

Cook up savory Spamsilog from the Philippines. Heat 2 tbsp (30 mL) of cooking oil in a non-stick skillet. Sauté 8 tsp (39.4 mL) of minced garlic until they’re fragrant, then add rice. Stir for about 1-2 minutes. Drizzle in 2 tsp (9.9 mL) of fish sauce and continue mixing for 30 seconds. Turn off heat and transfer your rice to a plate. Cook 2 eggs sunny side up and fry 3 Spam slices, then serve with your mouth-watering garlic rice.^{[15]

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4
Serve a delish Spam Loco Moco from Hawaii. Cook 1.5 cups (192 g) of rice and garnish with 2 tbsp (28.3 g) of green onion. Fry 2 eggs sunny side up. Add 2-6 slices of Spam in a large skillet and sizzle on medium heat. Sear until browned and crispy. Remove from heat and set your Spam and eggs on a plate.^{[16]

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To make your gravy, sauté garlic, onion, and mushrooms until they’re translucent. Sprinkle in 2 tbsp (28.3 g) of flour and whisk for 1 minute.
Add 2 tbsp (28.3 g) of butter and keep whisking for 2 minutes. Slowly pour in 1 cup (237 mL) of water, 2 tsp (5 mL) of soy sauce, 2 tsp (5 mL) of browning seasoning, and continue stirring.
Whisk for 5 minutes until your gravy thickens. Add salt and pepper to taste, then serve with your Spam and eggs. Garnish with furikake and green onions for a special touch.}
5
Stir up a delightful Chanpuru scramble from Japan. Cut 1 bitter melon in half lengthwise. Spoon out the seeds and the pulpy core. Cut each half into 0.19–0.38 in (0.48–0.97 cm) thick pieces and place them in a bowl. Add in 1 tsp (4.9 g) of salt and toss the slices. Let them sit for 10 minutes, rinse them, and drain them. Heat 1 tbsp (14.8 mL) of cooking oil in a large pan over high heat. Add tofu and cook until they’re lightly browned, then remove them from the pan.^{[17]

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To complete your scrumptious scramble, add in 6.3 oz (179 g) of thinly sliced pork belly and cook for 2 minutes. Then, drop in your bitter melon and stir gently for 1 minute.
Put the tofu back in the pan and drizzle in 2 tsp (5 mL) of soy sauce, 2 tsp (mL) of sake, 2 tsp (mL) of water, and 1.5 tsp (5 g) of salt. Mix well to coat your scramble with the seasoning.
Crack 3 eggs and add them into the scramble. Leave for 15 seconds, then shake the pan to toss all the ingredients. Turn the heat to low, add bonito flakes, gently mix everything, and turn off the heat.
Serve immediately to enjoy your exquisite and flavorful scramble.}
6
Serve a delish Spam Loco Moco from Hawaii. Cook 1.5 cups (192 g) of rice and garnish with 2 tbsp (28.3 g) of green onion. Fry 2 eggs sunny side up. Add 2-6 slices of Spam in a large skillet and sizzle on medium heat. Sear until browned and crispy. Remove from heat and set your Spam and eggs on a plate.^{[18]

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To make your gravy, sauté garlic, onion, and mushrooms until they’re translucent. Sprinkle in 2 tbsp (28.3 g) of flour and whisk for 1 minute.
Add 2 tbsp (28.3 g) of butter and keep whisking for 2 minutes. Slowly pour in 1 cup (237 mL) of water, 2 tsp (5 mL) of soy sauce, 2 tsp (5 mL) of browning seasoning, and continue stirring.
Whisk for 5 minutes until your gravy thickens. Add salt and pepper to taste, then serve with your Spam and eggs. Garnish with furikake and green onions for a special touch.}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Spam for Lunch or Dinner

1
Eat your Spam on a sandwich or burger. Prepare 1 or more slices of Spam using your preferred cooking method and slap it between 2 pieces of bread. This canned wonder food can also be eaten on a burger as a more substantial alternative to bacon or even as the burger patty itself. Pile on crisp lettuce leaves, juicy tomato slices, sweet onion rings, or any other toppings and condiments you like and dig in.^{[19]

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If you’re on a low-carb or gluten-free meal plan, you can even substitute fried slices of Spam for bread to “double down” on your protein intake.^{[20]

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Experiment with Spam-themed versions of your favorite sandwiches, like a grilled Spam and cheese, Speuben (Spam Reuben), Spam-LT, or a deep-fried Spam Monte Cristo.}
2
Conquer your hunger with zesty Spam street tacos. Load corn tortillas with chunks of pan-fried Spam and toss in some pickled red onions, cotija cheese, and cilantro. Customize your tacos with add-ons like grilled jalapeños, mango, sour cream, and homemade guacamole or pico de gallo. ^{[21]

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Play around with making your own specialty fusion items using Spam tacos as inspiration, such as Hawaiian pineapple and teriyaki wonton tacos or Mediterranean-style Spam gyros.^{[22]

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Create a taco bar for your next summer party and encourage your guests to build their own Spam tacos.

Whip up scrambled eggs and add chopped jalapenos, salsa fresca, and black beans rolled into a warm corn tortilla.}
3
Top a salad with Spam for a light lunch. Cut cooked Spam into small cubes or thin strips and transfer them to a bed of mixed greens and veggies. Leave room for halved hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, and cheese for a thrifty take on the classic chef salad, or get creative and invent your own unique salad recipe.^{[23]

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Bake or microwave your Spam to cut the calorie count a bit and keep your Spam salad from turning into a cheat meal.
Spam can make a welcome addition to other kinds of salads, as well, including pasta salad, ham salad, macaroni salad, and egg salad.^{[24]

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4
Whip up some Spam fried rice. To cook up fried rice, toss cubed Spam with white rice, eggs, peas, carrots, a stir fry sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil and white pepper. Add some scallions, diced pineapple, or thin-sliced Fresno peppers to turn up the flavor a few degrees.^{[25]

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If you’re short on time, cook up your rice and Spam, then simply stir in a bag of frozen veggies and 2–3 tablespoons (30–44 mL) of bottled stir fry sauce.
Making fried rice is a great way to use up leftover portions of cooked Spam.}
5
Put together a flavorful Sandwich de Mezcla from Puerto Rico. Drop 12 ounces of chopped low sodium Spam, 8 tbsp (4 oz) of roasted peppers, 15 fl oz (444 mL) of cheese sauce, 2 tbsp (1 oz) of sliced black olives, and 2-4 tbsp (1-2 fl oz) of evaporated milk into a food processor. Drizzle in ¼ tsp of smoked paprika, ⅛ of a tsp of coriander, and ⅛ of a tsp of black pepper. Add ½ of a tsp of lemon juice. Pulse on high speed.^{[26]

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Once you’ve whipped up your mix, take out 3 loaves of white bread. Cut off all the crusts.
Take out 2 slices of bread at a time. Spread 1 tsp of your Spam mix on 1 slice of bread and top with another slice of bread.
Cut each sandwich in half to create 2 triangles.
Repeat with the remaining Spam mix to make all your sandwiches.}
6
Whip up a yummy Spam & Egg Macaroni Soup from Hong Kong. To prepare the broth, pour 3.5 cups (828 mL) of chicken broth and drop 2 slices of ginger into a small pot. Bring to a boil, then add 1 tsp (2.5 mL) of sesame oil. Add salt or fish sauce to taste. In a separate pot, cook 1.5 cups (355 mL) of elbow macaroni and drain. Slice ½ a can of Spam into 0.25 in (0.64 cm) thick strips. Sear in a pan until slightly brown. Fry 2 eggs in a pan and add salt and pepper to taste.^{[27]

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To plate your lovely comfort food, separate your elbow macaroni into 3 bowls. Top each bowl with about 4-6 strips of Spam, add 1 chopped up scallion, and pour ⅓ of your broth into each bowl.
Add a dash of white pepper powder, salt, or fish sauce and top each bowl with an egg, then dig in!}

Tips

There’s no need to just stick with the same old Spam standbys—try out different products to introduce some diversity into your dishes. In addition to classic Spam, there’s Spam Lite, Spam with Cheese, Spam with Real Hormel Bacon, Spam Hickory Smoke, and Spam Hot and Spicy. There’s even Spam Spread, which comes in a spreadable form, and pre-sliced Spam known as Spam Singles.^{[28]

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Place any uneaten portions of your Spam dishes in an airtight container and stash them in the refrigerator. They should last for 3-4 days.

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Warnings

Spam is somewhat infamous for being high in sodium and saturated fat. It’s a good idea to limit your intake of processed meats like Spam, especially if you suffer from high blood pressure or have a history of heart disease or other diet-related illnesses.

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