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Love it or hate it, Spam has developed a cult following since it was invented in 1937. Though the salty canned meat may be off-putting to some, its versatility, convenience, and flavor can be used to elevate a great number of dishes. It's also a good source of protein and can hold its own as the star of a dish — commonly enjoyed with a side of white rice and a fried egg. We tracked down 28 delicious spam recipes for you to try at home.
The rumors are true: The Aloha State runs on Spam musubi. Before visiting Hawaii, I had only heard of how much locals there loved Spam; it wasn't until I saw Spam musubi being sold at every convenience store that I realized the magnitude of it.
They're also simple to put together. Lightly fry spam in some soy sauce and brown sugar, use the meat to sandwich white rice, and wrap it with seaweed. You can buy a rice press on Amazon for less than $8 to make perfectly shaped Spam musubi every time you put on "50 First Dates."
Recipe: Favorite Family Recipes
The beauty of fried rice is that you can add or subtract as many ingredients as you like, and no one can say you're doing it wrong. To make Spam fried rice, fry two beaten eggs and sauté cubed Spam in some soy, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. Toss the eggs and meat with your cooked rice (leftover rice is best) with some peas and carrots (or whatever veggies you prefer) and enjoy.
Recipe: Christie at Home
Perhaps the most classic Spam dish is most perfectly suited for breakfast and couldn't be easier to make: Lightly fry Spam in some oil and soy sauce and serve with a side of rice and fried or scrambled eggs. Pro tip: Add spice and sweetness by drizzling on some Sriracha and shaking on some furikake, a dry Japanese condiment made from a combination of toasted sesame seeds, dried seaweed, salt and sugar.
Recipe: Eating Richly
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This one will set your taste buds on fire, but in the best way. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook your Spam for 3 to 5 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Top each slice with cheese and serve on your choice of bread. Add toppings such as caramelized onions, vegetables, spicy mayonnaise, or a fried egg for extra protein and nutrients.
Recipe: Serious Eats
If you like adding bacon to your mac and cheese, try swapping it out for Spam. To re-create this recipe, add fried Spam (sautéd for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown) to cooked macaroni and top with cheese and butter. Consider adding sprinkles of nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and a dash of Dijon mustard to create an even richer, more flavorful sauce.
Recipe: All Recipes
Slices of Spam, green onions, and a fried egg in a savory broth make cheap, store-bought ramen restaurant-worthy. Cook noodles according to the ramen package directions (don't forget to add the seasoning packet) and combine with your fried Spam and top the noodles with fried or boiled eggs. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and a dash of sesame oil.
Recipe: Omnivore's Cookbook
Related: These Mouth-Watering Ramen Recipes From TikTok Will Elevate Your Noodle Game
Enjoy the zesty combination of this Korean classic with julienned carrots, cucumbers, and spinach. Place a sheet of the dried seaweed called nori and layer rice and Spam (cut into strips) with the vegetables. Roll it into a cylinder, cut into bite-size pieces, and you've got yourself homemade sushi rolls. You can buy a rolling mat to ensure a perfect shape every time.
Recipe: Two Plaid Aprons
Re-create these spicy, tangy tacos by first sautéing Spam over medium-high heat until lightly browned. Add taco seasoning and a little bit of water, then lower the heat to a simmer and let the Spam continue cooking for a few minutes. Warm up your tortillas and serve with toppings such as avocado, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, onions, and olives. Top with some lemon juice and Sriracha for an extra touch of acidity and heat.
Recipe: All Recipes
This Hawaiian Spam skillet recipe will have you daydreaming of sipping piña coladas on a beautiful sandy beach. In a large skillet, cook your Spam for a few minutes and add bacon, pineapple, mango, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and garlic powder. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until browned. Serve over a bed of rice and drizzle balsamic glaze for more umami. To be extra fancy, try serving it in a carved out pineapple.
Recipe: Spam
If you're a fan of deep-fried foods, this one's for you. Coat sliced Spam in a beaten egg mixture and dredge it with some flour or corn starch. Repeat this step twice to ensure your Spam is fully coated. Drop into a deep-frying pan filled with oil and let fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until its golden and crispy. Serve with dipping sauce of your choice. We recommend a tangier sweet sauce to counteract the saltiness of the Spam.
Recipe: Panlasang Pinoy
Budae Jigae, also known as army stew or army base stew, is a popular Korean dish that incorporates processed foods such as spam, sausages, beans, and cheese. The dish was invented by locals during the Korean War as a way to sell food to American soldiers longing for familiar ingredients. The recipe is easy to make: Throw everything in a pot with some chicken stock or water and let it cook for about eight minutes. Add the tofu and cheese last, as they will cook the quickest.
Recipe: My Korean Kitchen
For a satisfying boost of protein and flavor, substitute potatoes with Spam to make crunchy Spam fries that are perfect for snacking. To recreate this recipe, slice your Spam into thin strips and fry in small batches until golden brown. For a less greasy alternative, pop them in the air fryer at 360 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes, or until done to your desired level of crispiness. Serve with a side of spicy mayo, ketchup, or your choice of dipping sauce.
Recipe: Spam
Related: 7 Top Tips for Cooking Frozen French Fries in an Air Fryer
Step up your burger game with this recipe that calls for Spam instead of ground beef. Grill or pan-fry slices of Spam until browned on both sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Place on a buttered bun with your choice of toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, and your choice of condiments. This alternative to a traditional burger offers a distinct taste and packs a punch of protein and flavor. It's also quick and easy to whip up.
Recipe: Spam
The beauty of sandwiches is that there's no wrong way to make 'em, and this Spam sandwich is no different. While this recipe calls for caramelized onions and pickles, you can substitute this for whatever toppings you like. To cook the protein, sear your Spam slices on a buttered pan for about five minutes on each side. Coat your toast with whatever spread you're feeling (mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup), add your cooked Spam slices, and top with your choice of veggies like tomatoes, lettuce, onion, etc.
Recipe: Food Network
This Spam Waffle recipe reimagines the classic breakfast staple by introducing savory elements to a traditionally sweet dish. Start by preparing your waffle batter using eggs and buttermilk, and combine with your dry ingredients until a lumpy, thick mix is formed. Heat your waffle maker to 350 degrees and pour in your batter along with finely diced Spam and shredded cheese. Cook until waffle is crispy and top with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. The Spam bits will offer a nice crunch and burst of saltiness.
Recipe: Spam
This hearty breakfast dish will kickstart your morning with a boost of protein to help you stay energized all day long. Start by melting butter on a pan and sauté a medley of diced Spam, cubed potatoes, and onions over medium-high heat. Season with salt and pepper and cook for about 12 minutes until flavors meld together and potatoes are softened. For an extra dose of nutrients, consider adding other vegetables such as bell peppers, kale, and tomatoes. Garnish with freshly minced parsley.
Recipe: Taste of Home
For a simple yet flavorful dish, try this baked Spam recipe. Place a can of Spam in a glass dish and marinate with a mixture of mustard and brown sugar. Cover with tin foil and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. This recipe allows the Spam to develop a lightly sweetened crust while its interior retains its characteristic salty taste. But the real star of the show is the resulting glaze that is bursting with flavors of tangy, sweet, and savory. "It is like baking a ham," writes one user in a review.
Recipe: Food.com
For those looking to incorporate Spam into a creamy pasta dish, Spam Carbonara is a solid choice that is easy to whip up and requires minimal ingredients. Begin by dicing the Spam into small cubes and frying them until slightly crispy. Prepare your traditional carbonara sauce using eggs, cheese, and black pepper. Combine the sauce with your preferred pasta, and fold in your crispy Spam bits before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and more pepper or cheese.
Recipe: Spam
For a twist on this beloved breakfast classic, consider making Spam Benedict. Instead of using Canadian ham or bacon, slice Spam to your desired thickness and pan-fry it until it's warm and lightly browned. Prepare your poached eggs and place them atop a bed of spinach and sliced tomatoes on toasted English muffins. Add your Spam slices and drizzle generously with hollandaise sauce. Garnish with thinly sliced chives.
Recipe: Just a Pinch
If you're looking for a new spin on your usual salad, Spam can help add both flavor and substance. Dice Spam into bite-sized cubes and lightly sauté them until they have a mild crispness. Toss the cubes into a salad made up of romaine lettuce, other veggies you like, and your choice of cheese such as feta, gruyere, or a sharp Cheddar. Dress with a salad dressing or vinaigrette of your choice and garnish with garlic croutons and more cheese.
Recipe: Yummly
For fried food enthusiasts, Spam fritters offer another way to enjoy a satisfying bite with a crunchy outside, and tender, savory interior. Start by slicing Spam into even-sized pieces. Then create your batter by mixing flour, white pepper, salt, beer, and baking soda until it reaches a smooth consistency. Dip your Spam slices into the batter while ensuring an even coat. Deep-fry until golden brown and crispy and drain on paper towels once done. Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce.
Recipe: Don't Go Bacon My Heart
Substitute chicken for Spam in this creamy and satisfying pasta dish. Begin by dicing the Spam into small cubes or thin slices and sautéing them until they're lightly browned. Prepare your Alfredo sauce using butter, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese, and cook on low heat until it becomes rich and velvety. Mix in cooked spaghetti until it's well-coated with the sauce and add in the sautéed Spam. Garnish with fresh parsley and a pinch of black pepper.
Recipe: Just a Pinch
This delectable fusion of Japanese and Western flavors leverages the saltiness of Spam perfectly. To recreate this recipe, slice Spam into thick slabs, coat them in a mixture of flour and egg, and and cover them with Panko breadcrumbs. Deep-fry the coated Spam until golden brown and crispy and let them drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil. To plate, place a slab of your crispy Spam katsu between slices of fluffy white bread and serve with Kewpie mayo, mustard, or tonkatsu sauce.
Recipe: The Peach Kitchen
Looking for something new to bring to the next cookout? Consider Spam kebabs as an alternative to traditional grilled skewers. Begin by cutting the Spam into even-sized cubes and pair them with your choice of vegetables such as peppers, onions, tomatoes, pineapple, and zucchini. Before grilling, consider marinating the skewers in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and garlic for an added layer of flavor. (Or you can also opt for store-bought teriyaki sauce.) Grill the kebabs until the Spam is slightly charred and the vegetables are tender.
Recipe: Spam
This fun twist on a traditional Mexican breakfast dish features bold flavors and packs a real protein punch. On a lightly oiled skillet, cook corn tortillas until they're slightly crispy but still pliable. In the same skillet, fry eggs to your liking (aim for a runny yolk for traditional huevos rancheros), add sliced Spam, and fry until golden brown on both sides. To assemble, lay a tortilla on a plate, add your cooked Spam slices and veggies, and top with an egg. Serve with salsa of your choice and garnish with fresh cilantro and lots of cotija, or a similar crumbly cheese.
Recipe: Spam
This Spam-fueled sandwich is sure to hit the spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Begin by slicing Spam into thin slabs and pan-frying them until lightly browned and crispy on the edges. Toast your choice of bread and top with the Spam, cheese (optional), and a fried egg or two. For the sauce, combine Kewpie mayo and sriracha and add it to the sandwich. If it's too spicy, add more mayo; if it's not spicy enough, add more sriracha.
Recipe: Toast to Home
This play on a classic bánh mi is enhanced with the sharp and salty taste of Spam and further elevated with marinated vegetables. Slice the Spam into even-sized strips and pan-fry them with some soy sauce until they're golden brown and slightly crispy. Prepare your pickled vegetables in a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and salt. Slice a fresh baguette horizontally without cutting all the way through and assemble with spicy mayo or sweet chili sauce, Spam slices, and pickled vegetables. Top with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
Recipe: Spam
For those who enjoy poke but dislike raw fish, this Spam variant might be the perfect solution. Begin by dicing your Spam into cube-sized pieces and fry them in a skillet until golden brown with a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey. To plate, add your cooked rice and glazed Spam cubes, and top with fresh toppings of your choice: cucumbers, avocados, shredded nori, edamame beans, and pickled ginger. Drizzle a light soy or terikayi sauce and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Recipe: Spam
