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There are tons of different luncheon meats out there, but for me, SPAM holds a special place. It’s the one I grew up on, and it’s also probably the most well-known. This salty, savory goodness is a surprisingly fantastic and super quick way to level up your instant ramen. Don’t knock it ’til you try it. Let’s dive into a few easy ways to get that SPAM magic into your bowl.
Table of Contents
How to Slice SPAM
Sometimes, simplicity is key. Just a few slices of SPAM can add a satisfyingly salty and meaty element to your ramen without any fuss.
How to do it: Open up that can of SPAM and carefully slice it into your preferred thickness. About ¼ to ½ inch slices works well. You can layer these directly on top of your cooked ramen for a quick and easy protein addition. The heat of the broth will warm them up perfectly.
The Flavor Result: You get that classic SPAM flavor – savory, slightly salty, and undeniably comforting. The texture remains a bit softer, melding nicely with the hot noodles and broth.
How to Cube SPAM
Want SPAM in every slurp? Cubing it up is the way to go! These little morsels distribute the flavor throughout your bowl.
How to do it: First, open up that can of luncheon meat and slice it into thick pieces, about ½ to ¾ inch thick. Then, stack a few of these slices on top of each other and cut them into small, bite-sized cubes. This makes the cubing process much more manageable and even. Once cubed, you can mix the SPAM right in with your noodles and other toppings.
The Flavor Result: You get that consistent SPAM flavor in every bite, making for a more integrated and substantial ramen experience. The cubes also tend to soak up a bit of the broth’s flavor.
How to Pan-Sear SPAM
Okay, now we’re talking next-level quick protein! A little pan-searing transforms this luncheon meat into crispy, golden-brown bites that add amazing texture and a richer flavor to your ramen.
How to do it: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat (you don’t even need oil if you don’t want it since SPAM has its own fat). Add your sliced or cubed luncheon meat to the hot pan in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re nicely browned and slightly crispy. The edges should get a little caramelized.
The Flavor Result: Pan-searing intensifies the savory flavor of the SPAM and creates a delightful crispy exterior with a slightly softer interior. This adds a fantastic textural contrast to the soft noodles and makes your ramen feel a bit more gourmet (even though it’s still SPAM!).
SPAM: Your Speedy Ramen Sidekick
So there you have it – three super easy ways to use SPAM to quickly add protein and a whole lot of flavor to your instant ramen. Whether you’re slicing it straight from the can or taking a few extra minutes to pan-sear it to crispy perfection, SPAM is a reliable and surprisingly delicious way to satisfy those ramen cravings in a flash.
Have you ever tried SPAM in your ramen? What’s your favorite way to add it? Let me know in the comments below!
