Spam Cooking Hack: Oil The Pan Or Not?

Spam is a polarising food, with some people loving its saltiness and others turned off by its seemingly endless shelf life. However, it is a versatile food that can be cooked in many ways, including frying, grilling, baking, and air-frying. When frying, grilling, or air-frying, it is not necessary to add oil to the pan as the fat from the spam will prevent it from burning.

Spam is already cooked so no need to add oil

Spam is a polarising food, with some people loving its salty, slightly slimy texture, and others finding it unappetising. However, it is a versatile food that can be cooked in many ways.

One common misconception is that you need to add oil to the pan when frying Spam. This is not the case, as the meat will render its own fat. Adding more oil will only make the Spam greasier and less appetising.

Spam is already cooked before it is packaged, so it can be eaten straight from the can. However, most people prefer to warm it up and get the edges crispy.

If you are frying Spam, make sure not to crowd the pan, as this will lower the cooking temperature and prevent the meat from crisping up properly. Simply place the Spam slices in a hot pan and fry until caramelised, about 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

You can also bake Spam in the oven, microwave it, or cook it in an air fryer.

Oil alternatives: peanut oil, peanut alternatives

Peanut oil is a popular choice for frying spam, but other alternatives include vegetable, canola, grapeseed, and sunflower oils. Peanut oil is a type of vegetable oil derived from the seeds of the peanut plant. It has a high smoke point, making it ideal for frying. However, for those with peanut allergies or dietary restrictions, several alternatives can be used.

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is a versatile and affordable option derived from various plants, including soybeans, sunflowers, and corn. It has a neutral flavour and a high smoke point, making it suitable for frying spam and other high-heat cooking methods.

Canola Oil

Canola oil is another versatile option with a neutral flavour and a high smoke point. It is derived from the seeds of the canola plant and contains monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, offering similar health benefits to peanut oil.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil has a neutral flavour and a high smoke point, making it a superb substitute for peanut oil in frying, sautéing, and dressing applications. It is derived from the winemaking industry as a byproduct.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is a healthy alternative to peanut oil, derived from sunflower seeds. It has a high smoke point, making it suitable for frying and deep frying, and its delicate flavour won't overpower other ingredients. However, those with peanut allergies should avoid sunflower oil as it is also nut-based.

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is a staple in Asian cuisine with a rich, nutty flavour. While it can be used as a substitute for peanut oil, its robust flavour may overpower dishes. It is recommended to blend it with a milder oil, such as canola or vegetable oil, in a 1:3 ratio.

Almond Oil

Almond oil is a luxurious and healthy alternative to peanut oil, offering monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, as well as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. It is perfect for baking, sautéing, grilling, and salad dressings. When used for frying, choose the refined version for its higher smoke point.

In conclusion, while peanut oil is a popular choice for frying spam, several alternatives offer similar or even improved flavour, health benefits, and cooking characteristics. It is important to consider individual preferences, allergies, and the specific requirements of the dish when selecting the most suitable oil alternative.

No oil: air fryer

Air Frying Spam with No Oil

Air frying is a great way to cook spam with no oil required. It's fast, easy, and produces a delicious result. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect air-fried spam:

Step 1: Prepare the Spam

Start by slicing your spam into even pieces. The number of slices can vary, but a common recommendation is to cut the block in half, then continue halving each piece to get 8 slices. This thickness ensures the spam cooks evenly without becoming too hard.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to a temperature of 400°F (200°C). It usually takes around 5 minutes to heat up.

Step 3: Arrange the Spam in the Air Fryer

Place the spam slices in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. This arrangement allows for even cooking.

Step 4: Air Fry the Spam

Cook the spam for about 10 minutes at 400°F. For a crispier texture, you can increase the cooking time slightly. It's important to flip the spam halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.

Step 5: 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 before serving.

Tips and Variations:

• No Oil Needed: Spam typically contains enough fat that additional oil is unnecessary. However, if you prefer a crispier texture, you can spray a light coating of oil onto the spam before air frying.
• Creative Serving Ideas: Spam is incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways. Try it with rice and nori to create katsu musubi, or pair it with white rice and a fried egg. You can also chop it up for a salad, add it to sandwiches, or serve it with pan-fried potatoes.
• Marinade: For added flavour, you can marinate the spam slices in a mixture of brown sugar and shoyu (Japanese soy sauce) for 10-15 minutes before air frying. This combination gives the spam a smoky and sweet flavour.
• Spices and Seasonings: While spam is tasty as is, you can enhance the flavour by adding your favourite spices and seasonings. If you're using dry spices or herbs, a touch of oil will help them stick to the surface of the meat.
• Flip for Even Cooking: Be sure to flip the spam halfway through the cooking time to achieve a perfectly crispy and evenly cooked result.

Oil amount: 4 inches

Frying spam in oil is a great way to prepare this versatile dish. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it with an oil amount of 4 inches:

Oil Preparation:

Firstly, you will need to heat the oil. Pour 4 inches of peanut oil into a heavy pan or fryer and heat it to 350°F. This temperature is crucial for optimal frying results.

Spam Preparation:

While the oil is heating, you can prepare the SPAM® Classic. Open a 12-ounce can and cut the SPAM® into 6 slices. Then, cut each slice into 4 thick matchsticks, resembling fries.

Frying Process:

Once the oil reaches the desired temperature, carefully place the SPAM® fries into the hot oil in small batches. This ensures even cooking and prevents overcrowding in the pan. Fry the SPAM® fries for approximately 3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Final Steps:

When the SPAM® fries are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the oil and drain them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This will help ensure a crisp texture. Serve them warm with your favourite dipping sauces, such as Sriracha Mayo or stir-fry sauce.

Tips:

If you prefer to use an air fryer, simply place the SPAM® fries into the air fryer basket and cook at 360°F for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness.

Oil temperature: 350°F

Spam is a popular meat product that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including frying. When frying, it is important to ensure that the oil is at the right temperature to achieve the desired level of crispiness and browning.

If you are frying spam and aiming for an oil temperature of 350°F, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, this temperature falls within the ideal range for most frying, which is between 350 and 365°F. At this temperature, your spam should develop a nice crispiness on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside.

To achieve this temperature without a thermometer, there are a few methods you can use:

• Stick the end of a wooden spoon or chopstick into the oil. If you see many bubbles forming around the wood and they start to float up, your oil is likely around 350°F and ready for frying.
• Drop a small piece of bread into the oil. If it takes about 30-40 seconds for the bread to brown, then your oil is probably at or close to 350°F.
• Drop a tiny blueberry-sized piece of batter or dough into the oil. If it quickly sizzles up to the surface and browns instantly, your oil is too hot and needs to be turned down or turned off for a few minutes.

By using these methods and adjusting your heat source as needed, you can achieve and maintain the desired oil temperature of 350°F for frying spam.

Frequently asked questions