Are you getting tired of eating spam out of the can? Or are you craving to try out fried spam but don’t know how to fry them?
Simply cut them into smaller pieces and throw them into the frying pan. Avoid using oil, and if you must use there are better options which I will discuss further in the article.
Frying spam is not a complex task, but you must know how to go about it properly. Since spam is already pre-cooked before they are canned, certain steps are needed to fry this delicacy.
In this article, I will give a step-by-step guide on how to fry spam, healthy ingredients to try out, and other ways of cooking spam.
What is spam?
Spam is canned, processed meat that is made from ground and processed ham and other meat. It is usually pre-cooked before they are put in the can to ensure that all the microorganisms in them die.
Spam tastes much like ham, but they are more salty, spicy, and flavorful. This is because of the additives used in the production process.
SEE: Is Spam Unhealthy For You?
How to fry spam?
As earlier mentioned, frying spam is an easy method of cooking that takes minimal time. There are two methods to fry spam they include; regular pan frying and the air frying method.
Method 1: Pan frying
This is the most used method. Some of the ingredients and appliances you might need include;
- Oil, e.g., coconut oil, peanut oil, or avocado oil (keep in mind that this ingredient is optional)
- Spam
- Cast iron pan
- Minced garlic
- Greaseproof paper.
- Knife
SEE: See Things To Never Do With Your Kitchen Knife
Step 1: Cut the spam into smaller pieces
Cut the spam into smaller pieces so you can fry them easily, and the flavor goes all around. I recommend cutting them in a fries-like shape or into thick matchsticks.
With a 12 ounce can of spam, you can get around 24 thick matchstick-shaped cuts. You can also cut it into smaller pieces if you prefer.
SEE: Are French Fries Really Vegan?
Step 2: Heat the oil or pan
If you are on a weight loss diet, then it would be best if you fry your spam without oil. They would be just fine since meat has small amounts of oil.
But if your diet is oil-friendly, I still recommend going for healthier varieties. Coconut oil, peanut oil, and avocado oil are some of the healthiest kinds for you.
Pour a very little amount of oil on the cast iron pan and allow it to heat up to a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The cast iron pan is the best choice for frying spam because it helps retains the heat.
If you want to fry your spam without oil, simply place the pan over medium heat and allow the pan to heat for a minute or two.
SEE: Is Avocado Oil Good For Facial Treatment?
Step 3: Fry the spam
After the oil has reached the required temperature, add the spam in batches into the pan. Add a glove of minced garlic for extra flavor.
Allow them to fry for 3 minutes on medium heat, remember to stir often, so they don’t get burnt. After 3 minutes, the spam should be getting a golden brown coating, you can take them out of the pan and start the next batch.
After frying, place it on a plate that is lined with greaseproof paper. This will make sure that all the oil in the spam is dried up, living you with a dry and crispy delicacy.
SEE: Is Fried Chicken Bad For Gout?
Step 4: Serve your fried spam
Serve your fried spam and watch a movie or chat with friends. You can also enjoy this dish with a mayonnaise and chili pepper or mustard mix, and the rich flavor is a perfect blend for fried spam.
SEE: Can You Freeze Mayonnaise to Extend Its Shelf Life?
Method 2: Air frying
Air frying is another great way of cooking spam; this is because it leaves the spam with a crispy outside but soft insides.
The ingredients and appliances needed include;
- Spam
- An air fryer
- Oil(Optional)
- Knife
- Timer
Step 1: Cut the spam
Use a knife to cut the spam into smaller sizes, so they fit properly into the air fryer.
Step 2: Preheat the air fryer
Set the air fryer to a temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit, which will take around 5 minutes to heat. You can also use the timer to be on the safer side.
Step 3: Air fry the spam
Place the sliced spam into the air fryer and allow to fry for 10 minutes. Use the timer to get the accurate timing, and flip after 5 minutes on each side.
You can spray the ham with a little bit of oil and go for a healthier choice, such as coconut oil, peanut oil, or avocado oil. Although it is not compulsory, you can fry them without any added oil as there is oil in the meat already.
SEE: What Oil Does Popeyes Use For Its Foods?
Step 4: Serve and enjoy
Serve your air-fried spam and enjoy it with your family and friends.
SEE: Is Spam Good For You or Should You Avoid It?
What other ways can you cook spam?
1. Spam fried rice
You can use your ham in cooking spam fried rice, simply cut the ham into smaller slices and fry for 2 to 3 minutes.
After which, add them to your fried rice recipe and heat until the required temperature. They serve as a great entrée dish and even as a good side dish.
2. Spam and egg
Another great way of enjoying spam is to fry them alongside eggs. Simply add the fried ham to scrambled eggs or omelets, toss in some cheese, and you’re good to go.
SEE: Are Eggs Considered Meat?
3. Spam burgers
Spam burgers are particularly my favorite. Start by slicing the spam into a thin square shape and frying them. You can also broil, microwave, or grill them.
After which, add a slice of cheese and place them between two buns or slices of bread. You can also add your own favorite condiments for more flavor.
SEE: Are Medium Rare Burgers Safe?
FAQs
Is fried spam worth trying?
Yes, they are. Fried spam is a treat that is incredibly delicious and versatile, and they are worth the hype.
What is spam made of?
Spam is made of ham, salt, sodium nitrate, water, sugar, and modified potato starch.
Which country eats spam the most?
Columbia eats the most amount of spam.
Can you eat spam raw?
Yes, you can. All spam is pre-cooked before they are put in the can; they are not really 100% raw.
Can you freeze fried spam?
Yes, you can. They can stay up to 3 months in the freezer, and you can thaw them in the microwave. However, it might lose its crispiness.
Conclusion
Fried spam is a delight that is well worth your time; they are easy and quick to prepare. Simply follow the guidelines listed above to get the best taste out of them.
Although, you must remember to consume in moderation. This is because excess intake may be associated with weight gain and a few other health problems.
I hope you enjoyed this article, if you did, you should also see if egg fried rice is healthy.
Thank you for reading this article.
