diy essentials: spam, spam, spam

Wichita, KS
Updated on Oct 26, 2019

Every time I ruminate on Spam, I think of the great Monty Python Spam sketch (check it out on YouTube). Spam is basically pork, ham, and spices. For this batch, I added the usual spices, and then some of my own. Have fun with it and add things that make you happy. So, you ready… Let’s get into the kitchen.

prep time 15 Min
cook time 3 Hr
method Bake
yield Several

Ingredients

  • PLAN/PURCHASE
  • 2 1/2 pounds pork shoulder, freshly ground, if possible
  • 1/2 pound ham, i used hickory smoked flavor
  • 2 teaspoons tender quick
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar, granulated variety
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons potato starch
  • 2 teaspoons salt, kosher variety, fine grind
  • 1/2 cup filtered water, ice cold
  • PREP/PREPARE
  • cayenne pepper, for a bit of heat
  • ground cumin, for depth
  • nutritional yeast, for yumminess

How To Make diy essentials: spam, spam, spam

  • Step 1
    PREP/PREPARE
  • Step 2
    The meat ratio in this recipe is 5/1… 5-parts pork 1-part ham
  • Step 3
    The type of ham you use will influence the overall taste of the final product. I choose hickory smoked over things like honey-cured, because I felt that gave the recipe a good depth of flavor and complimented the pork shoulder.
  • Step 4
    You can use potato starch (my choice), or you could use corn starch, or arrowroot powder.
  • Step 5
    Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
  • Step 6
    Place a rack in the bottom position and preheat the oven to 250f (120c).
  • Step 7
    Cut the pork and ham into cubes.
  • Step 8
    Grind using a medium plate.
  • Step 9
    Chef’s Note: If you do not have a meat grinder, you can have your butcher do it for you. Or, you can purchase it pre-ground. In my opinion, freshly ground is the best way to go.
  • Step 10
    Mix the remaining ingredients into the cold water.
  • Step 11
    Add to the meat and mix with your hands. It should resemble a thick paste. YUMMY!!!
  • Step 12
    Add to a bread pan loaf, tightly cover with foil, and place into the preheated oven for 2.5 – 3 hours, or until an instant-read thermometer reads 155f (68c).
  • Step 13
    Chef’s Tip: To make it easy to remove the Spam loaf from the pan, I line it with some parchment paper.
  • Step 14
    Remove from the oven, place a foil-wrapped brick on top, and place into the fridge overnight.
  • Step 15
    PLATE/PRESENT
  • So yummy
    Step 16
    Remove from fridge and use like “normal” Spam. Enjoy.
  • Stud Muffin
    Step 17
    Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

Discover More

Category: Pork
Ingredient: Pork
Method: Bake
Culture: American

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