There’s nothing quite like a nice hot slice of spam straight out of the oven. The salty, savory flavor is perfect for a quick snack or a light meal. But what if you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to heat up the oven? Can you microwave spam instead?
In this article, I’ll answer the question, “Can you microwave spam?” I’ll also give you some tips on how to heat up spam in the microwave, how to store and reheat microwave spam, and some alternative ways to enjoy spam.
So, Can You Microwave Spam?
The answer is yes, you can microwave spam. It’s quick and easy to do, and it’s a great way to enjoy spam if you’re short on time. Just pop a slice or two in the microwave and cook on high for about 30 seconds. That’s all there is to it!
Spam is already cooked when you buy it, so you don’t actually have to cook it to eat it. However, heating spam whether it’s in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave will help to enhance the flavor and make it more enjoyable.
However, keep in mind that microwaving spam won’t give you the same results as cooking it in the oven. The spam won’t get brown and crispy like it would if you cooked it in the oven.
Rather, microwaving spam will make it hot and slightly soft. It’s still delicious, but it won’t have that crispy texture that oven-cooked spam has.
Is It Safe to Microwave Spam?
Yes, it’s perfectly safe to microwave spam. Here’re a few myths about microwaving spam that you shouldn’t believe:
Microwave Ovens Release Harmful Radiation
The first thing people often wonder about microwaves is whether or not they emit harmful radiation. The answer is no—at least, not any more harmful than other appliances in your home like your TV or your toaster oven.
All appliances emit electromagnetic radiation, but the levels emitted by microwave ovens are well below the levels that are known to be harmful to humans.
Microwave Ovens Can’t Cook Spam Evenly
Another common concern is that microwaves don’t cook food evenly. Since spam is already cooked, you don’t have to worry about cooking it evenly. But it’s recommended to slice the spam before microwaving it to help it heat up more evenly.
Microwaves Zap Your Spam’s Flavor
Finally, some people believe that microwaving spam causes it to lose its flavor. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Microwaving can help bring out the natural flavors of meats and other foods by causing them to release their juices and fats.
How Long Should I Microwave Spam?
You only need to microwave spam for about 30 seconds to heat it up any longer than that and you risk overcooking the spam. If you’re microwaving more than one slice of spam, you may need to cook it for a minute or two. Just keep an eye on it and stop cooking it as soon as it’s heated through.
How to Heat Up Spam in the Microwave
Now that you know it’s perfectly safe to microwave spam, let’s take a look at how to do it. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Take the spam out of the can and cut the spam into slices.
- Place the sliced spam on a microwave-safe plate or dish.
- Cook the spam on high for 30 seconds. Flip the spam over and cook for an additional 30 seconds if needed.
- Remove the spam from the microwave.
- Let the spam cool for a minute or two before enjoying.
How to Store and Reheat Microwave Spam
Cooked spam can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. If you are going to store it in the refrigerator, put it in a sealed container and store it for up to four days. If you are going to store it in the freezer, put it in a freezer-safe bag and store it for up to two to three months.
To reheat, remove the spam from the refrigerator or freezer and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Cook on high for 30 seconds to one minute, until heated through. You can also reheat spam in the oven or on the stovetop.
An Alternative to Microwaving Spam
Another easy way to heat spam is on the stovetop. Just add a little oil to a skillet and cook the spam over medium heat for two to three minutes per side, or until heated through.
If you want to give your spam a little extra flavor, try frying it in garlic-infused oil. This will give the spam a delicious garlic flavor that goes great with just about anything.
5 Ways to Enjoy Spam
We all know Spam is delicious. That salty, savory goodness is hard to resist. But sometimes, we need a little inspiration in the kitchen. Here are 5 recipes that will make you love spam even more!
1. SPAM Scrambled Eggs – Start your day off right with a delicious twist on a classic dish. diced spam, eggs, and your favorite seasonings come together to create a meal that is sure to please.
2. SPAM Fried Rice – This dish is a tasty way to use up any leftover rice you may have. Just add in some diced spam, veggies, and soy sauce for a quick and easy meal.
3. SPAM Sandwich – A classic sandwich gets a savory upgrade with the addition of spam. Add it to your favorite bread with some cheese and condiments for a hearty lunch or snack.
4. Macaroni & Cheese SPAM – This dish is comforting food at its finest. The addition of spam takes an ordinary mac and cheese up a notch, making it even more flavorful and enjoyable.
5. SPAM Bake – This recipe is perfect for a potluck or large gathering. Simply mix together spam, Bisquick, eggs, and milk, then bake until golden brown. Serve with ketchup or syrup for a delicious dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
Conclusion
I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide on microwaving spam. Now that you know it’s perfectly safe, give it a try! Cooked spam can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer and reheated in the microwave for a quick and easy meal.
An alternative to microwaving is heating it on the stovetop or you can also bake it in the oven. Be sure to try some of the recipes listed above for a delicious way to enjoy spam.
Thanks for reading!
