When it comes to quick and delicious meals, few ingredients can rival the humble can of Spam. This classic American staple has become a beloved ingredient in many Korean dishes, where its salty flavor and versatility make it a perfect addition to a wide range of recipes. From hearty stews to flavorful stir-fries, Korean cooks have discovered countless ways to incorporate Spam into their meals.
In this article, we’ll explore 20 spicy Korean Spam recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting to experiment with new flavors, these recipes will show you how easy it is to elevate the humble can of Spam into a star of your meal. From classic dishes like kimchi stew and bibimbap, to creative twists like spicy pancake and ramen bowls, we’ll take you on a culinary journey that’s sure to spice up your dinner routine.
Read on to discover the delicious world of Spicy Korean Spam recipes!
Spicy Korean Spam Fried Rice
A spicy twist on traditional fried rice, this recipe combines the savory flavors of Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) with the unctuous goodness of Spam. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 can Spam, diced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add diced Spam and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
5. Push cooked ingredients to one side of the pan.
6. Pour beaten egg into the other side of the pan; scramble until cooked through.
7. Mix egg with Spam mixture.
8. Add cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
9. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, adding Korean chili flakes and salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes.
Korean Spam Kimchi Stew
This spicy and savory stew is a popular comfort food in Korea, where the sweet and smoky flavor of Spam combines with the bold taste of kimchi. This recipe is an easy twist on traditional Korean stews that will warm your heart and belly.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of Spam, diced
– 2 cups of kimchi, chopped
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons of Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 4 cups of beef broth
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced Spam and cook until browned.
2. Add the chopped kimchi, soy sauce, Gochujang, onion, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot over rice.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spam and Tteokbokki Stir-Fry
A sweet and savory fusion of Korean street food and American classic, this Spam and Tteokbokki stir-fry is a unique twist on traditional dishes. Satisfy your cravings with the bold flavors of Korea’s popular tteokbokki noodles paired with the savory goodness of Spam.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of Spam, sliced
– 200g of tteokbokki noodles (or substitute with rice noodles)
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of tteokbokki sauce (or substitute with gochujang and soy sauce mixture)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the tteokbokki noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the sliced Spam and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Add the tteokbokki sauce (or gochujang and soy sauce mixture) to the pan and stir to combine with the onion and garlic mixture.
6. Add the cooked noodles and Spam back into the pan, stirring to combine.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Korean Spam Bibimbap
A twist on traditional bibimbap, this Korean Spam Bibimbap combines the savory flavors of canned Spam with mixed vegetables and a fried egg, all wrapped up in a crispy rice bowl.
Ingredients:
– 1 can Spam, diced
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (beansprouts, carrots, zucchini)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 egg
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: kimchi or gochujang for added spice
Instructions:
1. Cook rice according to package instructions.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add diced Spam and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes.
4. Push Spam to one side of the pan, crack in an egg, and scramble it until cooked through.
5. In a separate bowl, combine mixed vegetables and a pinch of salt.
6. To assemble bibimbap, place a scoop of rice in a bowl, add the Spam mixture on top, followed by the vegetables.
7. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a dash of soy sauce (optional).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spam and Egg Kimchi Pancake
Start your day with a bold twist on traditional pancakes, combining the savory flavors of Spam, eggs, and kimchi in a crispy and fluffy pancake.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup kimchi, chopped
– 2 slices Spam, diced
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup milk
– Vegetable oil or cooking spray for greasing
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add chopped kimchi, diced Spam, eggs, and milk to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined (do not overmix).
4. Grease the preheated pan with vegetable oil or cooking spray.
5. Using 1/4 cup of the batter for each pancake, cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side, until bubbles appear on the surface.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on pancake size)
Spicy Spam Ramen with Kimchi
Elevate your ramen game with this spicy and savory twist featuring Spam, kimchi, and a rich tonkotsu broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 package ramen noodles
– 1 can Spam, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup kimchi, chopped
– 4 cups tonkotsu broth (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), optional
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds.
3. Add Spam strips and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add kimchi and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Pour in tonkotsu broth and bring to a simmer. If using gochugaru, add it now.
6. Combine cooked noodles with the spicy Spam mixture. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Korean Spam Jjigae (Spam Stew)
A comforting and spicy Korean-inspired stew that’s surprisingly addictive! This classic dish is a staple in many Korean households, and with this simple recipe, you can easily recreate it at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of Spam, cut into small pieces
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 1/2 cup of soy sauce
– 1/4 cup of sugar
– 1/4 cup of water
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Optional: kimchi, chopped green onions, and toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened.
3. Add the Spam pieces and cook until browned.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the chili flakes, soy sauce, sugar, and water.
5. Pour the mixture into the pot and stir to combine.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with kimchi, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Spam and Cheese Army Stew (Budae Jjigae)
A hearty, comforting Korean-inspired stew that combines the savory flavors of Spam, cheese, and vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of Spam, diced
– 2 cups of mixed vegetables (e.g., carrots, potatoes, zucchini)
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 4 cups of beef broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the diced Spam and stir to combine with the vegetables.
6. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. Reduce heat to low and let stew cook for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
8. Stir in the grated cheese until melted and well combined.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Korean Spam Kimbap Rolls
Experience the unique fusion of Korean and American flavors with these crispy kimchi-infused rolls filled with savory Spam. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds!
Ingredients:
– 1 package of kimchi (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 can of Spam, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 2 cups of kimchi leaves (if using fresh kimchi)
– 4-6 sheets of kimchi seaweed wraps (nori)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the Spam slices and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
4. In a separate pan, add a small amount of kimchi juice (if using fresh kimchi) or store-bought kimchi. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. To assemble the rolls, lay a sheet of nori flat on a surface. Spread a thin layer of kimchi and place a few pieces of crispy Spam on top.
6. Roll up the nori tightly, applying gentle pressure to form a compact roll.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spam and Rice Cake Skewers
Elevate your snack game with these savory skewers featuring crispy Spam, fluffy rice cakes, and a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients:
– 1 can Spam, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
– 12-15 rice cakes (preferably Japanese-style)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and vegetable oil.
3. Thread a rice cake onto each skewer, followed by a piece of Spam, and then another rice cake.
4. Brush the honey-soy mixture evenly over the Spam and rice cakes on each skewer.
5. Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the Spam is crispy and caramelized.
7. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Spicy Spam Stir-Fry with Gochujang
Experience the bold flavors of Korea with this spicy and savory stir-fry, featuring canned Spam and the sweet-and-spicy gochujang paste.
Ingredients:
– 1 can Spam, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 tablespoon gochujang paste
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add Spam and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Add onion and garlic to the pan and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add bell peppers and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang paste, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes.
6. Pour the sauce into the pan and stir to combine with vegetables.
7. Return Spam to the pan and stir-fry everything together for about 1 minute.
8. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Korean Spam Fried Noodles
A twist on traditional Korean fried noodles, this recipe incorporates the savory flavor of SPAM for a unique and delicious twist.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup SPAM, diced
– 2 cups rice noodles (dried)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat.
3. Add diced SPAM and cook until crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Add sliced onion and minced garlic to the pan and stir-fry until translucent.
5. Add Gochujang, soy sauce, salt, and pepper to the pan and stir-fry for an additional minute.
6. Add cooked noodles to the pan and stir-fry until well combined with the sauce.
7. Return SPAM to the pan and stir-fry until everything is well coated with the sauce.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spam and Kimchi Dumplings
These savory dumplings combine the salty, sweet flavor of Spam with the spicy kick of kimchi, all wrapped up in a crispy wonton wrapper. Perfect for a quick snack or light meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 package wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 1 can Spam, diced
– 1/2 cup kimchi, chopped
– 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine diced Spam, chopped kimchi, green onions, garlic, and soy sauce. Mix well.
2. Lay a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of the Spam-kimchi mixture in the center of the wrapper.
3. Dip your finger in a small amount of water and run it along the edges of the wrapper.
4. Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point. Press the edges together to seal the dumpling.
5. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
6. Cook dumplings in boiling, salted water for 10-12 minutes or pan-fry with oil until crispy.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Korean Spam Scallion Pancake
Experience the unique fusion of Korean flavors with this crispy and savory pancake, featuring SPAM and scallions. This addictive snack is perfect for game days or as a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of SPAM, diced
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup of water
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/4 cup of chopped scallions (green onions)
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
2. Gradually add in water to form a smooth batter.
3. Add the diced SPAM and chopped scallions to the batter; mix well.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Using a ladle, pour the batter into the hot oil, forming small pancakes (about 3-4 inches in diameter).
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain excess oil on paper towels; serve warm.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes total, depending on the size of your pancakes.
Spam and Sweet Potato Hash
This sweet and savory recipe combines the salty goodness of Spam with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, creating a delicious hash that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of Spam, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated.
3. Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
4. In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the sliced Spam to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 7-8 minutes.
6. To assemble the hash, place the roasted sweet potatoes in a serving dish or individual ramekins. Top with the cooked Spam mixture.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes
Spicy Spam Lettuce Wraps
A twist on classic wraps, these Spicy Spam Lettuce Wraps combine the savory goodness of Spam with a kick of heat and freshness from crisp lettuce leaves.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of Spam, sliced
– 2 tablespoons of spicy Sriracha sauce
– 4 large lettuce leaves
– 1/4 cup of shredded carrot
– 1/4 cup of diced cucumber
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the sliced Spam and Sriracha sauce.
2. Lay a lettuce leaf flat on a surface.
3. Place about 1/4 cup of the spicy Spam mixture onto the center of the lettuce leaf.
4. Top with shredded carrot and diced cucumber.
5. Fold the bottom half of the lettuce leaf up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll the wrap into a neat package.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a snack or light meal.
Korean Spam Udon Soup
A hearty and comforting Korean-inspired soup that combines the savory flavors of Spam with chewy udon noodles.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of Spam, diced
– 2 cups of udon noodles
– 4 cups of chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons of Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of sugar
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup of sliced green onions for garnish
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the udon noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, combine chicken broth, Gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and diced Spam. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add the cooked udon noodles to the soup and stir well.
4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spam and Tofu Spicy Stew
This hearty stew combines the savory flavor of Spam with the creamy texture of tofu, all wrapped up in a spicy and aromatic broth. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Ingredients:
– 1 can of Spam, sliced
– 1 block of firm tofu, drained and cubed
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can of diced tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Water, as needed
Instructions:
1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced Spam and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the cubed tofu, diced tomatoes, soy sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Stir well.
5. Add the browned Spam back into the pot and stir to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Korean Spam Corn Cheese
This addictive snack combines the savory flavors of Spam, sweet corn, and creamy cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy Korean-inspired package.
Ingredients:
– 1 can Spam, diced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 bag of Korean-style corn chips (such as Tak Kaisen)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together diced Spam, corn kernels, cheddar cheese, green onions, Gochujang, garlic, and soy sauce.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the mixture evenly.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve warm with Korean-style corn chips.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spam and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Sesame
A savory twist on the classic Spam dish, this recipe combines the humble canned meat with a medley of colorful vegetables and nutty sesame flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of Spam, sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and snap peas)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced Spam and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Add the mixed vegetables to the pan and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and sesame oil. Pour the mixture over the vegetables and stir to combine.
5. Return the cooked Spam to the pan and stir-fry everything together for about 1 minute.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Looking for quick and delicious recipes to spice up your busy weeknights? Look no further! This article shares 20 mouthwatering Korean Spam recipes that are sure to please. From classic dishes like Spicy Korean Spam Fried Rice and Korean Spam Bibimbap, to creative twists like Spam and Egg Kimchi Pancake and Spicy Spam Ramen with Kimchi, there’s something for everyone. With a focus on simplicity, ease, and flavor, these recipes will become your new go-to’s for a hassle-free dinner that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
