Healthy Spam Tacos

Growing up, Spam was always that mysterious meat in a can that sat in our pantry for emergencies. My mom would occasionally fry it up with eggs, but that was about it. It wasn’t until I married into a family with Hawaiian roots that I discovered Spam could be so much more.

Turns out, Spam makes some pretty fantastic tacos. And while some people might turn their nose up at the idea, those who’ve tried these tacos know – it’s all about how you prepare it. The key is getting those edges nice and crispy while keeping the inside tender, and pairing it with the right toppings. Trust me, these aren’t your emergency-food-supply tacos.

What Kind of Spam Should I Use?

While classic Spam is the go-to choice for these tacos, there are actually several varieties that could work well here. The original or lite Spam will give you that traditional flavor, but you might also try the low-sodium version if you’re watching your salt intake. For a different twist, Spam with bacon or jalapeño can add an extra layer of flavor to your tacos – just keep in mind these varieties might be a bit saltier than regular Spam. When preparing it, make sure to slice your Spam into thin pieces or small cubes so it can get nicely crispy in the pan, which adds a great texture contrast to your soft tortillas.

Options for Substitutions

This fun twist on tacos is pretty adaptable – here’s what you can switch up:

• Luncheon meat: While Spam® is the classic choice here, you can use any brand of luncheon meat. Turkey or chicken versions work too if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just keep in mind they might be a bit less salty.
• Flour tortillas: Feel free to swap these with corn tortillas for a more traditional taco, or use hard taco shells if that’s what you prefer. Low-carb tortillas work great too!
• Cheddar cheese: Any shredded cheese works here – try Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for some extra kick.
• Taco seasoning: Out of taco seasoning? Make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. Or try fajita seasoning for a different flavor profile.
• Toppings: The toppings are totally up to you! Skip the olives, add jalapeños, swap lettuce for cabbage, or throw on some avocado. You can also use red onions instead of white, or add sour cream and hot sauce.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when preparing Spam tacos is slicing the luncheon meat too thick, which can make your tacos difficult to eat and throw off the meat-to-topping ratio – aim for thin, quarter-inch slices that will crisp up nicely.

Getting the right texture is crucial, so avoid rushing the cooking process; make sure to pan-fry the Spam until it develops a golden-brown crust, which typically takes 2-3 minutes per side over medium-high heat.

When adding the taco seasoning, a common error is not using enough water to help the spices coat the meat evenly – start with the recommended amount and add a splash more if the mixture seems too dry.

For the best serving experience, warm your tortillas separately in a dry skillet or microwave between damp paper towels, as cold tortillas can crack and make your tacos fall apart.

What to Serve With Spam Tacos?

These fun and easy spam tacos pair perfectly with classic Mexican side dishes that’ll round out your meal. A simple pot of Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice makes an excellent base, while refried beans add that authentic taco truck experience to your plate. For something fresh, try a quick corn and black bean salad tossed with lime juice, or whip up some fresh guacamole and tortilla chips for snacking. I also like to put out some pickled jalapeños, extra lime wedges, and a variety of salsas (from mild to spicy) so everyone can customize their tacos just the way they like them.

Storage Instructions

Keep Components Separate: For the best taco experience, store your cooked seasoned spam and toppings separately. The seasoned spam will stay good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep your prepped veggies in separate containers – they’ll stay crisp for 2-3 days.

Prep Ahead: You can cook and season the spam up to 2 days before you need it – this actually lets the flavors develop even more! Chop your veggies the morning of or the night before, but wait to cut the tomatoes until you’re ready to serve to keep them fresh.

Assemble Fresh: For the tastiest results, warm up your stored spam in a skillet or microwave when you’re ready to eat, and heat your tortillas just before serving. Then build your tacos with the cold toppings – this gives you that perfect mix of warm meat and cool, crisp vegetables!

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	15-20 minutes
Total Time	25-35 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1800-2000
• Protein: 80-90 g
• Fat: 110-120 g
• Carbohydrates: 150-160 g

Ingredients

• 1 (12 oz) can of light luncheon meat (similar to spam®)
• Spray oil for cooking
• Half (1.25 oz) packet taco seasoning mix, adjust to taste
• 2 tablespoons of water, add more if necessary
• 8 flour tortillas (6-inch size)
• 8 oz shredded lettuce
• 8 oz cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 (2.25 oz) cans of sliced olives, drained
• 1 small tomato, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped

Step 1: Prepare the Luncheon Meat

Start by shredding the luncheon meat onto a large plate using a cheese grater.

This will help it cook evenly and mix well with the other ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Luncheon Meat

Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat.

Add the shredded luncheon meat and cook, stirring frequently, until it begins to brown, about 5 minutes.

Mix in the taco seasoning and a little water, then continue to cook and stir until the meat is evenly seasoned and lightly browned, approximately 5 to 7 more minutes.

Once cooked, reduce the heat to low to keep the mixture warm.

Step 3: Warm the Tortillas

Spray another skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat.

Place a tortilla in the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds per side, just until it is heated through.

Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas, stacking them on a plate as you go to keep them warm.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

Lay out the warm tortillas and top each one with the cooked luncheon meat.

Add your preferred toppings such as shredded lettuce, Cheddar cheese, sliced olives, diced tomato, and chopped onion.

Serve immediately and enjoy your tasty tacos!