Almost 40 Spam Recipes to Make Mealtimes Memorable
Spam and I go way back when I was a broke college student and only had basic knowledge about cooking. I couldn’t distinguish between different meats or meat cuts, and working with fresh raw meat seemed like a challenge I wasn’t ready to undertake.
I have come a long way since then, but spam remains a staple in my household for its convenience and superior taste. Spam makes cooking easy by saving time and providing that ‘true and tried’ flavor that never gets old.
Since my acquaintance with spam is as old as time, I’ve incorporated it in countless recipes to date. If you’re a fan of good old spam, these recipes will encourage you to enjoy and appreciate it even more!
1. Hawaiian SPAM Musubi
Do you know that spam used to be a military ration and gained commercial popularity during World War 2? Nobody back then would’ve guessed that it could be turned into a version of modern sushi!
2. Spam Fried Rice
All my family members are huge fans of Asian food, so fried rice graces our dining table at least once a week. I have tried many variations of Chinese-style fried rice, and this spam recipe definitely makes it to the top three.
3. Grilled SPAM Steak Sandwich
If making a steak for lunch or dinner seems like too much work, go for the shortcut method of using spam. It cooks in no time and comes pre-seasoned, so you just have to fetch some fresh salad and bread.
4. SPAM Tacos
When I can’t make up my mind over what to put in my taco, spam is always the easy and reliable option. I don’t need to add any salt and pepper or worry about ending up with a bland snack.
5. Spam Onigirazu
I’ve never been to Japan, but I am a huge fan of their bizarre and eye-catching foods. From all the videos and vlogs I’ve seen of Japanese foods, Spam Onigirazu certainly looks like something you’d get at their famous convenience stores.
6. 10-Minute Spam Ramen
When you want to make something exclusive using packaged and canned food, instant ramen and spam are the ultimate duo. I’ve never cooked ramen in two minutes, so ten minutes is quite reasonable for me.
7. Caramelized Spam and Eggs Recipe
Once upon a time, spam was labeled as “poor man’s food,” but today, it is being used by professional chefs in gourmet cooking. Caramelized spam and eggs is a simple recipe to try when you crave a protein-packed breakfast or brunch.
8. Crispy Spam Steak
I was babysitting my 6-year-old niece a couple of months ago when she started nagging me for “nuggets” about an hour after having breakfast. I improvised with this easy spam recipe, and she was thrilled that the nuggets were so big.
9. SPAM Fries
Whenever you’re in the mood for a crunchy fried snack, make spam fries instead of visiting your nearest fast food joint. Enjoy them with ketchup or a dip of your choice, such as sriracha mayo or creamy ranch.
10. Budaae Jjigae (Army Stew) Recipe
Budaae Jjigae, also known as “Army Stew,” is a Korean dish made from canned or processed foods. Popular ingredients in this stew include spam, kimchi, baked beans, sausages, and instant noodles; if that makes your mouth water, I rest my case.
11. Cheesy Macaroni Bake
Bringing out a dish of classic “Mac & Cheese” is the most straightforward way to please my family. However, adding chunks of spam to the mix is what gets them grinning ear to ear.
12. Spam Mac and Cheese Recipe
Here’s another spam-my mac and cheese that is perfect for times when you need indulgent and comforting food. There’s no point in counting calories in these moments, so devour this treat guilt-free.
13. Spam Spaghetti
My kids didn’t bat an eye when I spent hours making a fancy beef stew, but their excitement was contagious when I made this spam spaghetti in fifteen minutes. Happiness can truly be found in the simplest and smallest things.
14. Bacon-Wrapped Spam Bites
This spam recipe is dedicated to meat lovers who like their meat wrapped in more meat. If you’re a “ketopian” and need to avoid carbs at all costs, just wrap your spam in bacon because lettuce wraps are too mainstream at this point.
15. Spam-Filled Fried Donuts
If someone offers me a donut, I’d never say “no” because that would be ridiculous. I’d probably return the favor by making this sweet and savory spam donut for them, which tastes like food from heaven.
16. Folded Gimbap
TikTok started this trend where sushi married sandwich and gave birth to the notorious “Folded Gimbap” – the best of both worlds! Grab your spam and sushi rice because this is one of the best inventions of our time.
17. Classic Spam Fritters Recipe
Spam is a fairly controversial canned meat; you either love it or not it, so there’s nothing in between. If you’re here, you obviously adore spam, and this is one of many recipes that will delight your spam-my soul. Everything tastes better when battered and deep-fried, after all.
18. Gong Zai Mein (Hong Kong Breakfast)
Gong Zai Mein is a beloved breakfast dish served in Hong Kong’s tea cafes. It is delicious, hearty, and inexpensive, so its popularity is understandable. It mainly consists of instant ramen with pieces of crispy spam and a sunny-side-up egg.
19. SPAM Fritters Katsu Curry
I introduced you to the spam fritters earlier, but if you want to take things up a notch, this dish is your next stop. Serve this slightly spicy and fragrant curry with white rice and fresh salad for a satisfying meal.
20. Spam Fried Potatoes
My kids love to have potatoes for breakfast over the weekend, and I try my best to be innovative to add more excitement to their meals. Spam-fried potatoes have been a huge hit, and they’re super easy to make.
21. Pasta Salad with Spam
If someone tells you that anything with spam in it cannot be healthy, prove them wrong with this pasta salad. In case they still don’t agree, take your salad bowl and let them know you won’t share.
22. Kimchi Spam Pizza
My BFF is obsessed with tart and sour foods; kimchi and pickles are among her favorites. I made this pizza for her on her birthday, and she said that it was the best cake ever. I thought it wasn’t going to be my thing, but it was pretty dope.
23. Kimchi Fried Rice with Spam
Kimchi and spam nicely complement each other, so toss them in a rice bowl with your favorite veggies and savor the delightful flavor. The egg on top adds some gooey goodness, and that’s all you need to complete the experience.
24. SPAM Charcuterie Board
My partner and I wanted to put together an epic charcuterie board for game night with friends at our place. We looked up different ideas, and this recipe inspired us to include spam; it was a decision that paid off.
25. SPAM Katsu Sando
Katsu Sando is a traditional Japanese sandwich made with fluffy white bread, a crispy pork cutlet, shredded cabbage, and a special “tonkatsu” sauce. This spam recipe is a humbler homemade version that will steal your heart.
26. Hawaiian Spam Sliders
When I see the word “Hawaiian” in a recipe, I automatically assume that it includes pineapple, but this one was different. Here, the word is to represent Hawaiian sweet rolls that are ideal for making spam sliders.
27. Spam & Egg Deopbap for One
This spam recipe is inspired by a Korean dish, and “Deopbap” translates to “covered rice.” You simply take a bowl of cooked rice and cover it with chunks of spam, scrambled eggs, and a bunch of seasonings.
28. Smoked Spam Burnt Ends with Sriracha Whiskey BBQ Sauce
Do you miss the smoky, charred flavor of barbequed meat? If you don’t have the time, skill, and equipment to prepare fresh meat, season it, and put it on the grill, this spam recipe is all you need to satisfy your craving.
29. Caramelized Spam Benedict
There is no need to visit a posh breakfast café when in the mood for eggs Benedict. It may sound overwhelming, but making it at home is no big deal. If you want something even more special, go for Caramelized Spam Benedict.
30. Spam and Egg Sandwich
Most days, I just want a strong cup of coffee and a no-fuss sandwich to start my day. This spam sandwich is the definition of simplicity, and yet it’s so tasty and addictive.
31. Smokey SPAM Chilli
Last month my sister came to visit and asked if there was a nice place nearby that could deliver spicy food. I was offended because she told me that my food was bland. I recreated this spam recipe and made her take those words back.
32. SPAM® Western Pasta Salad
Pasta salads usually get a better response at the dining table compared to regular salads, but they don’t make anyone dance with joy. However, when you put in some spam, the pasta salad suddenly becomes the center of attention.
33. SPAM Salad with Garlic Croutons and Gruyère
Eating more salads is usually the first step towards eating healthier, but it’s easier said than done. The transition is harder when your family members aren’t fully on board. Luckily, there are many ways to make salads more appealing, and this spam recipe is one of them.
34. Spam Kimbap
Kimbap is a Korean-style sushi roll, and spam is a popular protein option used in the filling. This recipe features carrots and pickled radishes, but you can experiment with other vegetables as well.
35. Spam Carbonara
I don’t know what Italians will have to say about this, but I totally approve of this Indonesian-style Spam Carbonara. This recipe has everything I desire in a pasta dish, so you must try it first and judge later.
36. Spam Musubi in a Bowl
Spam musubi is a wonderful snack for anyone trying to cut down on carbs. This is more of a complete meal with cauliflower rice, which also aligns perfectly with a low-carb diet.
37. Honey Butter Spam
You can save this spam recipe for the laziest of days when getting out of bed seems like a lot of work. You just scoop out the spam, slice it up, dip it in honey butter, and cook it in a pan. Adding any toppings and dressing is optional.
38. Air Fryer Spam
Air-fried crispy spam is better than deep-fried in terms of calorific value and taste. Not to mention, it’s a more convenient and hassle-free option as opposed to cooking spam any other way.
39. Fried Spam Musubi Rice Dog
Fried Spam Musubi Rice Dog is a creative spin on the classic corn dog. It’s a clever Asian and Hawaiian fusion snack that is perfect for serving at house and work parties.
Spam-Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheesy Tomato Glaze
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers (any color)
- 1 can of spam, finely diced
- 1 cup cooked rice
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup diced zucchini
- ½ cup diced mushrooms
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup grated mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the bell pepper tops and scoop out the seeds and membranes.
- Blanch the peppers in boiling water for a few minutes, take them out, and set aside.
- Sauté the diced spam in a skillet over medium heat until it's moderately browned and crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a little oil and sauté the diced onion, zucchini, and mushrooms until they're tender. Next, add the minced garlic and dried Italian herbs, cooking for another minute. You may also season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spam, sautéed vegetables, and cooked rice. Mix well to create the stuffing mixture.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the spam and vegetable mixture, pressing it down gently.
- In a separate bowl, mix the tomato sauce with a pinch of salt. Pour a small amount of the tomato sauce into each bell pepper, allowing it to seep into the stuffing.
- Place the stuffed bell peppers in a baking dish. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the peppers.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese over the tops of the peppers, and return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once cooked, remove the stuffed bell peppers from the oven and let them cool down. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Serve the spam-stuffed bell peppers with their cheesy tomato glaze and savor this state-of-the-art creation!
