A popular Hawaiian breakfast, Spam and Eggs is a quick, protein-packed meal.
Spam—where do I even begin? I’m not a food snob, but I was hesitant to try Spam and eggs, mainly because I prefer fresh, local food. Fortunately, I also love convenience, history, and pop culture—and somehow, Spam ticks all those boxes.
Invented in 1937, Spam was originally used as lunch meat before becoming a dinner staple. The canned meat gained widespread popularity during World War II, feeding soldiers around the world and becoming a go-to food during the final years of the Great Depression due to its affordability and convenience. Beyond feeding the masses, Spam made its mark in pop culture with a famous Monty Python sketch titled Spam, where every dish at a restaurant featured the canned meat. Fun fact: the term ‘spam,’ referring to junk email, supposedly comes from that sketch and refers to the idea of something unsolicited and sent in excess. Who knew?
Back to the food Spam. Spam is made of pork shoulder and ham. It can easily replace ham in Egg Muffins with Ham, Kale, and Cauliflower Rice, or Ham and Potato Soup. What is great about Spam is its affordability and convenience. This Spam and eggs recipe is super easy and ready in a few minutes.
Are Spam and Eggs Healthy?
Though eggs contain important vitamins and minerals and are a high-quality protein, this dish is very high in saturated fat and can’t be considered healthy. Additionally, Spam is an ultra-processed food and contains a lot of sodium. Therefore, save this recipe for those occasional indulgences, such as a lazy Sunday brunch. If you want to balance the splurge, consider adding a side of sautéed veggies.
How To Cook Spam
In our Spam and eggs recipe, we’ll be cubing and frying it, just like you would with ham. However, if you’re craving more ways to enjoy Spam, I’ve discovered it can be prepared in several different ways. First, Spam doesn’t even need to be cooked—it can be eaten straight from the can, making it great for traveling, camping, or emergencies. You can also microwave Spam or even bake it. This convenient canned meat is surprisingly versatile!
How to make ahead and store
Since this is a quick dish, I recommend making it when you want to eat it. However, if you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
In Hawaii, where Spam and eggs is a popular dish on restaurant menus, it is usually served with rice. Elevate your meal with Vegetable Rice Pilaf, Black Beans and Rice, or Quinoa Fried Rice. You can also toss some Fajita Veggies in the pan with your Spam and eggs for added nutrients, or serve it with Coconut Milk Quinoa Fruit Salad or a Strawberry Pineapple Smoothie on the side.
Ingredients
- 1 12-ounce can Spam cubed
- 4 large eggs beaten
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Add cubed Spam to the skillet and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes.
- Pour beaten eggs over the Spam in the skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook and stir until eggs are fully set, about 3-4 minutes.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment