Short Description
Caramelized Spam and Eggs is a delightful fusion of savory and sweet flavors, combining crispy, golden-brown Spam cubes glazed with soy sauce and sugar, paired with soft, fluffy scrambled eggs. Served over a bed of steamed white rice and garnished with fried garlic, furikake, and green onions, this dish offers a comforting and satisfying meal that is both easy to prepare and deeply flavorful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a total preparation and cooking time of just 35 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy mornings or weeknight dinners.
- Flavorful: The combination of caramelized Spam, seasoned eggs, and aromatic garnishes creates a harmonious blend of tastes and textures.
- Versatile: Suitable for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and easily customizable with various garnishes and sides.
- Comfort Food: This dish offers a nostalgic and hearty meal that is both filling and satisfying.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 7 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 large eggs, whisked
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of white pepper
- 10 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (12 oz) Spam, cut into cubes
- 2 ½ teaspoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup white rice
Optional Garnishes:
- Furikake seasoning
- Sesame seeds
- Green onion
Directions
- Cook the Rice: Prepare the white rice using a rice cooker or stovetop method according to package instructions.
- Prepare Fried Garlic: In a small frying pan over medium-high heat, add 5 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Eggs:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and white pepper.
- In a medium pan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to grease the pan.
- Pour in the whisked eggs and gently stir with a rubber spatula until soft curds form, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat slightly undercooked, as they will continue to cook off the heat.
- Cook the Spam:
- In a medium pan over medium heat, cook the Spam cubes until browned and crispy on the edges, tossing every 2 minutes, for about 4-5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce and water. Sprinkle sugar evenly over the Spam and toss to coat.
- Pour in the soy sauce mixture, swirl the sauce, and toss the Spam to distribute evenly. Let it simmer until nearly dissolved, about 4-5 minutes, flipping the Spam cubes every 2 minutes.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Serve the caramelized Spam and scrambled eggs over the cooked white rice.
- Top with fried garlic, furikake seasoning, sesame seeds, and chopped green onion as desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 3
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of Sriracha or chili flakes to the soy sauce mixture for a spicy version.
- Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the scrambled eggs before serving for added richness.
- Vegetable Addition: Incorporate sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Alternative Proteins: Substitute Spam with turkey or chicken luncheon meat for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
What is Spam?
Spam is a canned cooked meat product made from pork and ham, known for its long shelf life and versatility in various dishes.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute Spam with other luncheon meats like turkey or chicken, or even use tofu for a vegetarian option.
Is this dish suitable for breakfast?
Absolutely. Caramelized Spam and Eggs is a popular breakfast choice, especially in Hawaiian cuisine, but it can be enjoyed at any meal.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, adding ingredients like Sriracha, chili flakes, or hot sauce to the soy sauce mixture can provide a spicy kick.
What is furikake seasoning?
Furikake is a Japanese seasoning typically made from a mixture of dried fish, sesame seeds, chopped seaweed, sugar, and salt. It adds a savory flavor and crunch to dishes.
How can I make the eggs fluffier?
For fluffier eggs, cook them slowly over medium-low heat and avoid over-stirring. Removing them from heat slightly undercooked will also help maintain a soft texture.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components like the fried garlic and cooked rice ahead of time to expedite the cooking process.
What type of rice works best?
Steamed white rice, such as jasmine or short-grain rice, complements the flavors well. However, brown rice or other grains can be used based on preference.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure that the soy sauce used is labeled gluten-free, and verify that all other ingredients meet gluten-free standards.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach can enhance the nutritional value and add more flavor to the dish.
Conclusion
Caramelized Spam and Eggs is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines the savory taste of Spam with the softness of scrambled eggs, all served over a bed of steamed rice. Its quick preparation and versatile nature make it an excellent choice for any meal of the day. Whether you’re seeking a hearty breakfast or a satisfying dinner, this recipe offers a delightful culinary experience.
Print
Caramelized Spam and Eggs Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-Fry
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Halal
Description
A sweet and savory twist on a classic breakfast, this caramelized Spam and eggs recipe features crispy Spam glazed in a brown sugar sauce, paired with soft scrambled or fried eggs.
Ingredients
- 1 can Spam (12 oz), sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or canola)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream (optional, for scrambled eggs)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Cooked rice (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Slice the Spam into even pieces about 1/4-inch thick.
- Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add the Spam slices and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Reduce the heat to low and add brown sugar and soy sauce to the skillet. Stir gently to coat the Spam evenly.
- Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the sugar to caramelize and form a glaze on the Spam.
- Remove the Spam from the skillet and set aside.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs with milk or cream, salt, and pepper.
- In the same skillet (wiped clean if needed), scramble or fry the eggs to your preferred doneness.
- Serve the caramelized Spam over or beside the eggs. Garnish with green onions if desired. Serve with rice if preferred.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- You can substitute soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Use leftover rice to make it a complete meal, similar to a Hawaiian breakfast plate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 230mg
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