Glorious Spam Burgers With Guacamole & Fried Egg

My earliest memory of Spam isn’t a childhood one, actually. It was a hazy, hungover brunch in college, fueled by desperation and a nearly empty fridge. My roommate, a self-proclaimed culinary genius, nonchalantly slapped a slice of Spam into a frying pan. I watched with a mixture of horror and fascination as it crisped up. He then proceeded to create a surprisingly delicious Spam, egg, and cheese sandwich. That day, my culinary horizons were irrevocably broadened, and I’ve been experimenting with this surprisingly versatile ingredient ever since. This Spam burger is my ultimate creation, a symphony of flavors and textures that will change your mind about canned meat forever.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yields: 4 Spam burgers
• Dietary Type: Varies (See Variations for Gluten-Free)

Ingredients

• 1 avocado, peeled & pitted
• ½ lime, juice of
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1 green onion, finely sliced
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 (12 ounce) can Spam, sliced lengthwise into four equal-sized slices
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 4 eggs
• 4 hamburger buns, sliced
• 8-12 pickled jalapeno peppers
• 1 tomato, sliced

Equipment Needed

• Small bowl
• Potato masher
• Skillet
• Separate pan

Instructions

1. Prepare the guacamole: In a small bowl, combine the avocado and lime juice. Use a potato masher to mash until smooth.
2. Fold in aromatics: Gently fold in the crushed garlic, finely sliced green onion, and finely chopped cilantro until everything is well incorporated. Set the guacamole aside.
3. Spice the Spam: Melt one tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Season the Spam slices on both sides with cumin, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
5. Fry the Spam: Place the seasoned Spam slices in the hot skillet and fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close watch, as the sugars in Spam can cause it to burn quickly.
6. Fry the eggs: While the Spam is cooking, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in a separate pan over medium heat.
7. Crack the eggs into the pan and cook until the whites are firm but the yolks are still runny. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent the bottoms of the eggs from burning before the yolks are cooked to your desired doneness.
8. Assemble the burgers: Spread the prepared guacamole generously on the bottom half of each hamburger bun.
9. Add toppings: Place sliced tomato and pickled jalapeno peppers on top of the guacamole.
10. Add the Spam: Top the tomato and jalapenos with a crispy fried slice of Spam.
11. Finish with a fried egg: Carefully place a freshly fried egg on top of each Spam slice.
12. Serve immediately: Serve the Glorious Spam Burgers immediately. The runny yolk adds a wonderful richness to the overall flavor.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Guacamole Variations: For a smoky flavor, char your garlic before crushing it. Also, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika to your guacamole. For a bit more kick, use a serrano pepper instead of jalapeno, finely diced.
• Spam Cooking Techniques: Pat the Spam slices dry with a paper towel before frying to help them crisp up better. You can also score the Spam slices in a crosshatch pattern before frying for increased surface area and extra crispiness.
• Egg Perfection: To get perfectly round fried eggs, crack them into ramekins first, then gently slide them into the buttered pan. This helps contain the whites and prevents them from spreading too thin.
• Bun Choices: While regular hamburger buns are great, brioche buns add a touch of sweetness and richness that complements the Spam and egg. Alternatively, pretzel buns offer a nice savory, chewy contrast. Toasting the buns lightly will also help prevent them from getting soggy.
• Make-Ahead Guacamole Tip: To prevent your guacamole from browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole before refrigerating.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Glorious Spam Burgers immediately while the eggs are still runny and the Spam is crispy. These burgers are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store the components separately. The Spam can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The guacamole is best consumed within 24 hours, stored as described above to prevent browning. The fried eggs are best made fresh, as reheating them can result in a rubbery texture. Reheat the Spam in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy. Assemble the burger with fresh tomato, jalapenos, and guacamole. It’s best to prepare a fresh fried egg just before serving. Avoid leaving these burgers at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	607 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	388 g	64%
Total Fat	43.2 g	66%
Saturated Fat	15.1 g	75%
Cholesterol	260.1 mg	86%
Sodium	2219.5 mg	92%
Total Carbohydrate	33.4 g	11%
Dietary Fiber	6.2 g	24%
Sugars	5.2 g	20%
Protein	23.5 g	46%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spice It Up: For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the guacamole, or use habanero peppers instead of jalapenos.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free hamburger buns to make this burger gluten-free.
• Cheese Addition: Add a slice of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or cheddar, on top of the Spam while it’s still hot in the skillet.
• Vegetarian “Spam”: While not quite the same, you could substitute the Spam with thick slices of grilled halloumi cheese for a vegetarian alternative, seasoned with the same spices.
• Deconstructed Burger Bowl: Serve all the components of the burger over a bed of rice or quinoa for a deconstructed bowl version.
• Sriracha Mayo: Mix sriracha sauce with mayonnaise for a spicy, creamy topping that complements the other flavors.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use regular bacon instead of Spam?
A: While you can substitute bacon, Spam offers a unique, slightly sweet and salty flavor profile that works exceptionally well with the other ingredients in this burger. Bacon also tends to be less dense, which changes the texture.

Q: How can I prevent my fried egg yolk from breaking?
A: Use fresh eggs and cook them over medium heat. Avoid overcrowding the pan, and don’t flip the eggs unless you prefer a fully cooked yolk. A non-stick pan is essential.

Q: Is it necessary to use pickled jalapenos? Can I use fresh ones?
A: Pickled jalapenos offer a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that complements the richness of the Spam and egg. Fresh jalapenos can be used, but they will provide a much stronger heat, so adjust the quantity accordingly.

Q: Can I make the guacamole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the guacamole up to a day in advance. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole to prevent browning and store it in the refrigerator.

Q: What other sauces would pair well with this burger?
A: A chipotle mayo, a drizzle of honey, or a simple lime crema would all be delicious additions. Consider the heat level of the jalapenos when choosing your sauce.

Final Thoughts

I urge you to step outside your comfort zone and give this Glorious Spam Burger a try. It’s a surprisingly delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and toppings to create your own signature Spam burger. And please, share your feedback and creations – I’m always eager to hear how you’ve made this recipe your own! Consider pairing it with a crisp Mexican lager to cut through the richness of the burger. Happy cooking!