Spam Sandwich!

[furtech]

I just had a Spam sandwich!

One of my recent activities has been working with a JA oral history project. Apparently any discussion group involving Japanese Americans talking about our history eventually turns toward two things: the Internment of WWII and food. Spam musubi has come up so many times that I've been craving it for weeks now.

I snagged a can at the local Quickiemart (man, does that stuff EVER expire? I think the expiration date was over two and a half years from now!) and this morning opened it up. Visually, it was as unappetizing as I remember...but I sliced a piece off and microwaved it: semi-success. It made a decent sandwich. I think the secret is that you have to pan-fry it. I remember my Dad doing this years ago-- the first time he'd had it in literally decades-- on a whim. OMG. Fried spam is food magic: how else could you explain how the personification of "pink slime" could turn into a smokey-sweet, delicious cabochon of meat?

And the dogs! Man, you would have thought it was communion at an evangelical focus meet! Apache, who is a drooler when it comes to treats generally, was an unattractive waterfall of saliva. I slivered up a slice and gave it to them. They then spent the next ten minutes licking layers of stainless steel off their bowls in an effort to get every molecule of Spam.

I do appreciate that Hormel seems to have a resigned sense of humor about the use of their name as a label for unwanted internet ads. Here's something from their website regarding the shelf life of Spam : But if you find yourself sitting on a stock of SPAM® products during a zombie invasion, be sure to check the date before you enjoy.

Spam is one of America's biggest exports to Japan, along with Tabasco sauce (you're more likely to find a bottle of Tabasco sauce on any restaurant table than salt or pepper). This dates back to the US occupation of Japan after WWII: Hormel was (some would say) overly generous in sending Spam to the troops. This led to Spam becoming a kind of scrip in Japan, where it was traded to locals for souvenirs or services. Food was scarce then-- and meat had been scarce even before that-- so Spam was like mana from heaven.

There you go! More than you ever wanted to know about Spam on a Sunday!

Comments

[okojosan.livejournal.com]

Spam is really big in Hawaii too, maybe because of the Japanese influence? I remember on one of our tours the guide pointed out a McDonald's that served Spam like it was something important/unusual!

[gilmorelion.livejournal.com]

It's also good if you dice it, and then add it to eggs as you scramble them.

I have also tried "Spam Sushi", which is apparently the rage in Hawaii. As far as I'm concerned, it can stay there. Yuck.

[shoka.livejournal.com]

Argh, just your mention of spam musubi makes me want some now. Need to hit L&L Hawaiian BBQ this week to get some (only place I know where to find it here).

[kvogel.livejournal.com]

The reduced salt version I will eat "raw" in a sandwich or a finger food nibble, though remember fried spam from my childhood. It was a bit salty even then, and just too much nowadays.

[vulpesrex.livejournal.com]

I dunno - It's been years since i have (knowingly) eaten SPAM. The "Reduced Sodium" product sounds like a good idea (and I'm supposed to be on a diet emphasizing that), but after looking at the ingredients - "Mechancally Separated Chicken" and even more chemical compounds with sodium in them than the original recipe - It doesn't sound either appetizing, or particularly healthy.

I'm intrigued enough to buy a can of the "Classic" to experiment with. I make my own split-pea soup, and sauteing diced SPAM chunks might be a good substitute for dicing up a fatty ham steak. for that classy ham flavor. It might even make for a good "Canadiian Bacon" substitute on a home-made hawaiian pizza. But I'll have to make it a point not to consume too much of it at any one time.

[furtech.livejournal.com]

Actually, the "Spam Lite" has pretty decent numbers: about 1/3 fewer calories, half the fat and less sodium than regular (classic) Spam. I might give this a try: if it's similar in taste, it's a nice emergency (ie, too lazy or tired to go out and get food) meal.

Also: ingredients are a dangerous area for the weak-of-heart. I have to turn a blind eye to some of my favorite foods in this area (like, sausages...).

[furtech.livejournal.com]

@Steve: yeah-- I remember you chowing down on this. I think the last time I had Spam was at your place. Cooking definitely brings out the flavors, though.

[mognetcentral.livejournal.com]

Definitely pan fry unless you're going to add it to soup, like kimchee jjige--OMG, Spam + kimchee + ramen = SUCH GOOD FRIENDS.

I like to pan fry it, then make Spam sushi rolls with avocado and fried egg. This, along with Spam musubi, can usually convince anti-Spammers to give it a shot.

[furtech.livejournal.com]

All these comments with Spam recipies are killing me...I wish I were in Japan right now, where I could get some musubi at any hour from the local 7-11 equivalent...Spam fried rice: Mmmmm (Homer Simpson-style).

[fuzzytoedcollie.livejournal.com]

Spam fried rice! Now you've got me drooling like Apache :)

[iisaw.livejournal.com]

I think I last ate spam when I was in Hawaii, where everyone ate it. Still love it pan-fried and as sushi!

[furtech.livejournal.com]

Yeah, Hawaii is the biggest consumer of any state in the US and almost the world. Again, this dates back to WWII and rationing.

Apparently Hormel has always had a sense of humor about their product: the company reacted enthusiastically when they first heard about Monty Python's "Spam Song" and even offered to send them a case (which, according to Michael Palin, was politely declined). I do like a company with a sense of humor about itself. We could use more of that these days.

[zillabean.livejournal.com]

That sounds fascinatingly horrid but now I want it. How could you :(