Crispy & Juicy Spam Jeon (Spam Pancakes)
Make Delicious Spam Jeon (Spam Pancakes)! A Crowd-Pleasing Meat Side Dish!
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside! Spam Jeon is the ultimate meat side dish. Its delightful texture and savory flavor make it a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Main Ingredients- 1 can Spam Lite (rinsed in hot water to remove excess grease)
- 1 stalk green onion (white part preferred)
- 2 Korean chili peppers (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbsp potato starch (or cornstarch)
- 3 pinches black pepper
Optional Ingredients- Carrot (finely minced)
- Carrot (finely minced)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the Spam under hot water for about a minute. This helps to reduce the saltiness and the amount of grease, resulting in a more pleasant texture.
Step 2
Pat the rinsed Spam dry thoroughly with paper towels. Excess moisture can make the mixture too wet and difficult to form.
Step 3
Mash the Spam finely using a mortar and pestle or a food processor. Alternatively, you can mince it very finely with a knife. If you prefer some texture, leaving small chunks is fine.
Step 4
Prepare the vegetables that will add flavor and freshness. Finely chop the green onion for a mild onion flavor, and mince the Korean chili peppers if you like a bit of heat. Feel free to add any other vegetables you have on hand, like carrots or onions.
Step 5
Finely mince the chopped green onion and chili peppers. If you’re adding carrots, dice them very finely. Mincing the vegetables finely ensures they blend well with the Spam and cook evenly.
Step 6
In a bowl, combine the mashed Spam with the minced vegetables, beaten egg, starch, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well incorporated. The starch acts as a binder, helping the patties hold their shape and adding a slight chewiness.
Step 7
Use a spoon or clean hands to mix and knead the ingredients until they form a cohesive mixture. Kneading helps to develop the texture.
Step 8
Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into round patties, about 1.5 cm thick. These bite-sized portions are easy to handle and cook quickly. This recipe yields about 10 patties.
Step 9
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Allow the oil to heat up properly; if it’s too cool, the patties will absorb too much oil, and if it’s too hot, they’ll burn on the outside before cooking through.
Step 10
Carefully place the formed Spam patties into the hot oil. Reduce the heat to medium-low. This lower heat ensures that the patties cook through to the center while developing a wonderfully crispy exterior.
Step 11
Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side, flipping them regularly to prevent burning. Continue to cook until they are golden brown and cooked through. Patience here is key for that perfect texture.
Step 12
Once both sides are beautifully golden brown and the patties are cooked through (you can check by inserting a chopstick; if no pink liquid comes out, they are done), they are ready to serve.
Step 13
Transfer the cooked Spam Jeon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Enjoy these delicious Spam pancakes as a side dish, appetizer, or a tasty snack!
