Savory Spam Ramen Meal

Here’s my go-to spam ramen recipe, with a quick and satisfying combo of crispy fried spam, tender noodles, and a rich broth that comes together in just minutes.

This spam ramen has become my late-night comfort food champion. I always keep the ingredients in my pantry because my kids ask for it at least once a week. And honestly, who can blame them? It’s the perfect mix of salty, savory goodness.

What Kind of Spam Should I Use?

The classic Spam Original works perfectly in this ramen recipe, but don’t feel limited to just the basic variety. Spam Lite can work if you’re watching calories, while Spam Hot & Spicy adds an extra kick that pairs really well with the Korean chili flakes. When cutting your Spam, aim for medium-sized cubes that are about half an inch – this size allows them to get nicely crispy on the outside while staying tender inside. Just make sure to pat the Spam dry with paper towels before frying to help it develop a better crust in the pan.

Options for Substitutions

This tasty ramen recipe can be tweaked based on what you have in your kitchen:

• Spam: While Spam gives this dish its signature flavor, you can use other protein options like diced ham, bacon, or even leftover cooked chicken. Just keep in mind that each substitute will give a different flavor profile.
• Korean chili flakes: If you can’t find Korean chili flakes (gochugaru), regular chili flakes work fine – just use half the amount since they’re usually spicier. You could also try paprika mixed with a pinch of cayenne for a milder heat.
• Shin ramyun noodles: Any instant ramen noodles will work here – just remember to skip the seasoning packets. You could even use fresh ramen noodles or thin Chinese egg noodles.
• Milk: The milk adds creaminess, but you can use half-and-half, coconut milk, or even soy milk. For a non-creamy version, just replace it with more broth or water.
• Oyster sauce: If you need a substitute, try hoisin sauce or soy sauce mixed with a tiny bit of sugar. For a vegetarian option, use mushroom sauce instead.
• Sesame oil: This gives a nice nutty flavor, but if you’re out, you can use regular oil – the dish will still taste good, just with less of that toasted sesame note.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when making spam ramen is overcooking the noodles – they should be cooked just until al dente since they’ll continue softening in the hot broth, so aim for about 30 seconds less than the package instructions suggest.

Another common error is adding the milk too quickly or at too high a temperature, which can cause it to curdle – instead, lower the heat and slowly stir in the milk while the broth is at a gentle simmer.

When it comes to the spam, don’t skip the step of crisping it up properly – taking an extra 3-4 minutes to brown the cubes on all sides adds a wonderful texture contrast and deeper flavor to your ramen.

For the eggs, timing is everything – add them at the very end and let them poach just until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny, about 2-3 minutes, as overcooked eggs will make the dish less enjoyable.

What to Serve With Spam Ramen?

This hearty bowl of spam ramen is practically a meal on its own, but there are some simple sides that make it even better! A few Korean banchan (side dishes) like kimchi or pickled radish add a nice tangy crunch that cuts through the richness of the soup. If you want to add more veggies to your meal, try some quick-sautéed bok choy or blanched broccoli on the side. For extra protein, a soft-boiled egg (besides the ones already in the recipe) or some pan-fried tofu would fit right in with these flavors. Keep in mind that since this dish is already pretty filling, you’ll want to keep portions of any sides on the smaller side.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: If you end up with leftover spam ramen, separate the noodles and broth into different containers. The noodles tend to get mushy if they sit in the broth too long. Keep them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days – though honestly, this dish tastes best when it’s fresh!

Prep Ahead: Want to save some time? You can dice the spam, chop the garlic, and prep your green onions a day ahead. Store these prepped ingredients in separate containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, everything will be set to go!

Warm Up: If you’re reheating leftovers, warm the broth separately on the stovetop until it’s nice and hot. Heat the noodles and spam quickly in the microwave, then combine them with the hot broth. Add a fresh sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds to make it taste almost like new!

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: 1500-1700
• Protein: 60-70 g
• Fat: 90-100 g
• Carbohydrates: 150-160 g

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 340g of spam, cut into medium cubes
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon korean chili flakes (or 1/2 tablespoon regular chili flakes)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 packs of instant shin ramyun noodles, excluding seasonings
• 100 ml milk
• Sesame seeds, for topping
• Finely chopped green onions, for topping

Step 1: Fry the Spam

Start by placing your frying pan on medium/high heat and drizzle it with vegetable oil.

Add in your cubed spam and fry for a few minutes until it turns golden brown.

This will give the spam a nice, crispy exterior.

Step 2: Add Flavorful Ingredients

Once the spam is golden brown, pour in your garlic, sesame oil, oyster sauce, gochugaru flakes, and sugar.

Mix everything well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.

Then, reduce the heat to low, allowing the flavors to meld together while you prepare your noodles and eggs.

Step 3: Cook Noodles and Boil Eggs

While the spam is infusing with flavors, cook your noodles according to the packet instructions.

In the same pot with the boiling water, gently add the eggs and boil them for 6 minutes to achieve a perfectly soft-boiled center.

Once done, remove the eggs and run them under cold water to stop the cooking process and make peeling easier.

Step 4: Combine Noodles and Spam Mixture

After draining the noodles, transfer them to the frying pan with the spam mixture.

Mix everything thoroughly to coat the noodles with the savory sauce.

Add in your milk and stir for an additional minute until the sauce is well blended with the noodles.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Serve the prepared noodles and spam on a plate, and top with the soft-boiled eggs.

Feel free to add any garnishes you like, such as scallions or sesame seeds, for extra flavor and texture.

Enjoy your deliciously savory dish!