Spam Ketchup Pasta: A Simple and Delicious Recipe
Chef’s ‘Fun-staurant’ Spam Ketchup Pasta Recipe
Let’s make a simple dish using Spam! We’ll be making the ‘Fun-staurant’ Spam Ketchup Pasta, a recipe from Chef Oh Nam Sun. This recipe is easy to follow and delivers a surprisingly delightful flavor.
Main Ingredients
- Spam 100g (about 1/2 of a small can)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 medium onion
- 1 serving spaghetti pasta
- 2 liters water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the Spam. You’ll need 100g, which is about half of a small can. The salty and savory flavor of Spam will add depth to your pasta.
Step 2
Place the Spam in a plastic bag and use your palm to press and mash it into rough pieces. Avoid making it too fine; some texture is desirable for a better bite.
Step 3
Finely mince half of a medium onion. Mincing the onion will mellow its sharpness and enhance its natural sweetness in the sauce.
Step 4
In a large pot, bring 2 liters of water to a boil. Add 4 tablespoons of soy sauce to the boiling water. Once boiling, add 1 serving of spaghetti pasta. Cook according to the package directions, but for this recipe, slightly undercook it by about 1-2 minutes since it will be stir-fried later. (Around 8 minutes is generally suitable).
Step 5
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander. To prevent the spaghetti from clumping, toss it with a little olive oil. This step ensures the pasta remains separate and will absorb the sauce better during stir-frying.
Step 6
Now, let’s make the sauce. Heat a pan over medium heat and add about 2 rounds (approx. 2 Tbsp) of cooking oil. Add the mashed Spam and stir-fry until it becomes slightly crispy and golden brown. Frying the Spam well helps render its fat and remove any gamey odor. Once the Spam is nicely browned, reduce the heat slightly and add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, stir-frying until fragrant.
Step 7
Add the minced onion to the pan and continue to sauté over medium heat until the onion becomes translucent. Lower the heat, add 1 tablespoon of sugar, and stir-fry until it starts to caramelize. Pour 2 tablespoons of soy sauce along the edges of the pan; let it sizzle and caramelize slightly before mixing everything together. This creates a deeper flavor profile.
Step 8
Stir in 4 tablespoons of ketchup until well combined. Don’t be shy with the ketchup; you can estimate about 4 squeezes from a bottle. Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan. Pour in about 1 cup (200ml) of the reserved pasta water and stir-fry everything together, allowing the sauce to coat the noodles beautifully. The pasta water helps emulsify the sauce and adds flavor.
Step 9
Finally, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar and mix well to add a touch of brightness. Turn off the heat. Now, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of ketchup and stir it in without further cooking. Using both cooked and uncooked ketchup creates a more complex flavor. Transfer the pasta to a serving plate. Generously grind some whole black pepper over the top for a final touch. Your Spam Ketchup Pasta is ready. Enjoy!
