SPAM takes a lot of flack for being meat in a can. But the not-so-dirty secret is, it’s pretty delicious. SPAM fried rice? Yum. SPAM on a sandwich? A SPAMwich, if you will? Great as well. And now Hormel is expanding the line with a brand new flavor, SPAM Korean BBQ.
"SPAM Korean BBQ Flavored is a nod to the relationship the SPAM brand has to Korean food culture and the ongoing celebration of global tastes," said Jennesa Kinscher, senior brand manager for the SPAM brand via press release. "This new variety not only satisfies the comfort and nostalgia our current fans crave, but it also attracts new fans who are eager to try the sweet and zesty flavors that the Korean BBQ dish and experience offers."
As Kinscher notes, SPAM is an essential part of the cuisine of many cultures, just not necessarily many folks here in America. And again, as the PR adds there are Korean dishes like Budae Jjigae that are celebrated and cherished, of which SPAM is a cornerstone ingredient.
If you haven’t had SPAM before, and are intrigued by the Korean BBQ variety, the brand suggests grilling it up (which sounds great), serving it over rice (also great), or putting it on a bun with some kimchi slaw (honestly salivating even considering that).
Hormel has also teamed with chef Esther Choi to introduce a recipe for a SPAM Korean BBQ Flavored Bowl. I won’t reprint the whole recipe here – you can check it out at the linked press release above – but it’s got cubed SPAM Korean BBQ, mayo, chili garlic sauce, cucumber, carrot, radishes, green onions, mint, is served over rice and okay you twisted my arm I’m going to make it for dinner tonight.
Beyond your basic SPAM and this new Korean BBQ SPAM, there are actually multiple varieties ranging from maple, to jalapeño and more. And to get real for a second here, if you are an American raised to think SPAM equals “gross” then there’s probably no more guilty an eat (per the name of our site) than that. So put that guilt away, and try some SPAM today.
SPAM Korean BBQ is sold in Walmart stores nationwide, and on SPAM.com.