Frying Spam: Is It Worth The Hype?

Yes, you can put Spam in the deep fryer! In fact, there are several recipes for deep-fried Spam, including Spam fries, fritters, and steaks.

Spam is a canned meat product that mainly consists of pork and ham. It is loved and hated in equal measure and is particularly popular in Hawaii, where they consume 7 million cans per year.

Deep-frying Spam is a great way to make it crispy, and it can be done in a variety of ways, including breading and battering.

Spam fritters

Ingredients

• 1 x 340g or 12oz/350g can of Spam Chopped Pork and Ham
• 1 cup/150g of plain/all-purpose flour
• 1 cup/240ml of cold beer (or milk, water, or milk and water)
• 1 tsp of baking powder
• 1/4 tsp each of white pepper and salt
• Oil for deep frying (sunflower, vegetable, rapeseed, or peanut oil)
• 4 squares of cheese (Cheddar or Swiss)
• Dijon mustard

Method

• Remove the Spam from the tin in one piece and slice into eight wedges.
• Spread a thin layer of mustard on each wedge and press a slice of cheese on top.
• Combine the flour, baking powder, white pepper, and salt in a bowl.
• Coat each fritter in the flour mixture.
• Pour 3-4 cups/750ml-1 litre of oil into a deep pan and heat to 180C/356F.
• Pour the cold beer into the flour mixture and whisk until you have a thick batter.
• Use a fork to dip each fritter into the batter and carefully place into the hot oil.
• Fry in batches of 3-4 for a couple of minutes on each side until golden.
• Drain on a wire rack with paper towels underneath.

Serving suggestions

Spam fries

Ingredients:

• 1 (12-ounce) can of Spam Classic
• Cooking oil of your choice (peanut oil is recommended)
• Flour (all-purpose or plain)
• Panko (Japanese-style breadcrumbs)
• Eggs
• Sriracha Mayo, HOUSE OF TSANG® General Tsao Stir Fry Sauce or Sriracha Ketchup, for dipping

Optional Ingredients:

• Garlic
• Paprika
• Salt
• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• Cayenne or Jalapeno/Habanero ketchup

Method:

• Heat about 4 inches of oil in a heavy pan or fryer to 350°F.
• Cut the Spam Classic into 6 slices, then cut each slice into 4 thick matchsticks.
• In small batches, place the fries in the hot oil. Fry for 3-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crisp.
• Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.
• Serve with your choice of dipping sauce.

Air Fryer Method:

Place the fries into the air fryer basket and cook at 360°F for 12 to 15 minutes or until the desired crispiness is achieved.

Tips:

• For an extra crispy texture, slice and fry the Spam straight out of the can.
• You can also add a layer of breading for extra crispiness.
• If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• You can also freeze Spam fries by battering them and storing them in the freezer until ready to eat, or by par-frying and then storing.

Air-frying spam

Air-frying is an excellent way to cook spam, creating a crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy and tender interior. This method is ideal for those who enjoy their spam extra crispy. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect air-fried spam:

Step 1: Prepare the Spam

Begin by slicing the spam into uniform pieces. Typically, it is recommended to cut the spam into 6 to 8 equal slices or thick matchsticks. This can be adjusted based on your preferred size.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to around 360°F to 400°F. However, some opt to start the air fryer with the spam inside and let it preheat together.

Step 3: Cook the Spam

Place the sliced spam into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring it is not overcrowded. If needed, work in batches. Cook the spam for approximately 10 minutes, flipping it halfway through for even cooking. For crispier spam, increase the cooking time slightly.

Step 4: Make a Sauce (Optional)

While the spam is cooking, you can prepare a sauce to brush onto the spam. One option is to make a marinade by mixing brown sugar and shoyu (Japanese soy sauce) in a shallow pan. Alternatively, you can create a spicy Sriracha mayo by whisking together mayonnaise, Sriracha, and ketchup.

Step 5: Brush on the Sauce (Optional)

About 2-3 minutes before the spam is done cooking, brush the sauce of your choice onto both sides of the spam. This step is entirely optional but will add a delicious glaze to your air-fried spam.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the spam is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool slightly. Air-fried spam is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Enjoy it as a snack, in a sandwich, with rice, or get creative and make your own unique dish!

Battering spam

Spam fritters are a British classic, and for good reason. They're delicious, easy to make, and the perfect introduction to deep frying. The key to a great spam fritter is the batter, so here's everything you need to know about battering spam.

The first step to battering spam is preparing the meat itself. You'll need a 12-ounce can of Spam Classic, which you'll slice into 8 even wedges. If you're feeling adventurous, you can spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on each wedge and top it with a slice of cheese, pressing down firmly so that it sticks to the meat. Cheddar or Swiss cheese works best, but feel free to get creative and use your favourite variety.

Now it's time to make the batter. In a medium-sized bowl, combine plain flour, white pepper, salt, and baking powder. You can also add some extra ingredients to enhance the flavour and texture of your batter. For a crispier batter, add a teaspoon of baking powder, which will react with the hot oil to produce tiny air bubbles. If you want a bubbly batter, use beer instead of water or milk. The foaming agents in beer will give your batter a nice, airy texture. Just be sure to use cold beer straight from the fridge, and don't overwork the batter or you'll burst those precious bubbles.

Once your batter is ready, it's time to coat your spam wedges. Carefully dredge each wedge in the batter, making sure to coat it evenly. Use a fork to lower the battered spam into the hot oil, working in batches of 3-4 to avoid overcrowding. Fry for a couple of minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and place on a wire rack with paper towels underneath to absorb any excess oil.

And that's it! You now have perfectly battered and fried spam fritters. Serve them as finger food with ketchup or your favourite dipping sauce, or go traditional and pair them with chips and beans or peas. Enjoy!

Marinating spam

Marinating your Spam is a great way to add an extra layer of flavour to your dish. The iconic canned meat product is already cooked when it comes out of the can, so you only need to heat it up before eating it. However, marinating it in your favourite sauce or seasoning can add a whole new dimension to your meal.

To marinate your Spam, place it in a shallow dish and cover it with your chosen marinade. You can use a variety of liquids, such as soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, or barbecue sauce. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight if you're planning ahead. This will allow the flavours to really soak into the meat.

Once your Spam has been marinated, you can cook it in a variety of ways. Frying is a popular option, and you can either shallow or deep fry it. If you're deep frying, it's important to use an oil with a high smoking point, such as sunflower, vegetable, or rapeseed oil. Heat the oil to 180°C/356°F before carefully adding your Spam to avoid oil splatter. You can also pan-fry your Spam with a small amount of oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side.

Another option is to bake your marinated Spam. Preheat your oven to 375°F and place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until crispy. You could also try air frying, which is a healthier alternative to pan-frying. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and place the slices in the basket, cooking for 5-7 minutes or until crispy.

So, whether you're frying, baking, or air frying, marinating your Spam is a great way to enhance the flavour and make your meal even more delicious. Don't forget to experiment with different sauces and seasonings to find your perfect combination!

Frequently asked questions