Spam and Ketchup Pasta: An Easy and Delicious Spam Recipe
Chef Ryu Soo-young’s ‘Pyeonstaurant’ Recipe! How to Make Simple Spam Ketchup Pasta
This is a simple yet delicious Spam and Ketchup Pasta inspired by Chef Ryu Soo-young’s recipe from the TV show ‘Pyeonstaurant’. Featuring the savory flavor of Spam combined with a sweet and tangy ketchup sauce, this dish is easy to make and perfect for a satisfying meal.
Pasta Ingredients
- Spaghetti for 1 serving (approx. 100g)
- 1/2 can Spam (approx. 200g)
- 1/2 onion
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, in a large pot, add 2L of water and 4 Tbsp of soy sauce. Bring to a boil over high heat. This initial seasoning will subtly flavor the pasta itself.
Step 2
Once the water is boiling, add 1 serving (approx. 100g) of spaghetti. Cook over high heat for about 7-8 minutes, or 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions, to achieve al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
Step 3
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the Spam. Open 1/2 can (approx. 200g) of Spam and cut it in half, using only one half for this recipe (for one serving).
Step 4
Place the Spam you’ll be using (approx. 100g) into a plastic bag. Mash it using a rolling pin or your hands. Mashing the Spam helps the sauce penetrate better and adds an interesting texture.
Step 5
Preheat a frying pan over medium heat. Add 2 swirls of cooking oil (about 2 Tbsp) and add the mashed Spam. Stir-fry until fragrant, allowing the Spam’s own fat to render.
Step 6
It’s important to fry the Spam until it’s golden brown and slightly crispy. This process removes any unwanted porky smell and enhances its savory flavor.
Step 7
Finely dice 1/2 an onion. The sweetness of the onion will add depth to the sauce.
Step 8
Once the Spam is well-fried, add the diced onion and 1 Tbsp of minced garlic to the pan. Stir-fry until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 9
Reduce the heat to low. Add 1 Tbsp of sugar and stir constantly, ensuring all ingredients are coated evenly with the sugar. Be careful not to burn the ingredients over low heat.
Step 10
Push the Spam and onion mixture to one side of the pan. Pour 2 Tbsp of soy sauce into the empty space and let it sizzle over medium heat for a moment, as if caramelizing. This deepens the soy sauce flavor. Then, mix everything together.
Step 11
Turn off the heat completely. Add 4 Tbsp of tomato ketchup. Stir to combine using the residual heat.
Step 12
Mix thoroughly until the ketchup is well incorporated with the other ingredients, creating a delicious Spam ketchup sauce.
Step 13
Add the drained spaghetti to the sauce pan. Pour in 1 cup (approx. 200ml) of the reserved pasta water. Stir and cook over medium heat, allowing the sauce to coat the pasta evenly. The pasta water will help emulsify the sauce and give the pasta a nice sheen.
Step 14
Finally, add 1 Tbsp of vinegar and 1 Tbsp of ketchup. Stir well. The vinegar adds a pleasant tanginess that balances the sauce, and the extra ketchup enhances both flavor and color.
Step 15
Transfer the finished Spam Pasta to a serving plate. Generously grind fresh black pepper over the top for an extra layer of flavor. I added a sprinkle of parsley flakes for color. Enjoy your delicious meal!
