Peanut Butter Spam Shells

Stop everything. If you’re looking for a mind-bending, flavor-packed, outrageously delicious lunch idea, you’ve just stumbled upon a culinary revolution. Peanut Butter Spam Shells? You heard that right. No, this isn’t a prank from some bored foodie with too much time on their hands. This is the lunch you never knew you needed. Peanut butter and Spam—two of the most polarizing pantry items—come together in a match made in gastronomic heaven. It’s absurd, it’s rebellious, and it’s absolutely genius.

Let’s face it: lunch can be a snooze fest. A boring salad, an uninspiring sandwich, or the “I’ll just eat whatever’s in the fridge” routine. Well, we’re here to turn that upside down. Picture this: a golden, crispy shell made from Spam, stuffed with creamy, luscious peanut butter—savory meets sweet in a way your taste buds have only dreamed about. It’s unexpected. It’s chaotic. And yes, it’s delicious. This dish breaks all the rules of conventional cooking. Who says lunch can’t be a playground for culinary experimentation?

But wait, there’s more! This isn’t just some throwaway recipe you’ll forget by next Tuesday. No, Peanut Butter Spam Shells are here to redefine your concept of comfort food. They’re the perfect storm of saltiness, crunch, and creaminess, crafted for those who have the guts to take food to the next level. This is the lunch equivalent of that one quirky uncle who shows up at every family gathering with the wildest stories and the most unpredictable dance moves.

So, why Spam? Well, folks, Spam is the unsung hero of the canned food world. It’s versatile, it’s nostalgic, and it’s begging for a little recognition. Think of it like that edgy underdog at the Oscars—you didn’t see it coming, but now that it’s here, you can’t look away. And when combined with peanut butter? Hold onto your forks because this is a match made in culinary chaos, and it’s here to stay.

Whether you’re a die-hard foodie or just someone who wants a quick and unforgettable lunch, these Peanut Butter Spam Shells are the ticket to food freedom. They’re bold, they’re unconventional, and they’ll change the way you look at lunch forever. Get ready to push your taste buds to the limit and embrace the madness that is Peanut Butter Spam Shells.

Yield and Total Time

• Yield: Serves 2-3 hungry humans, or 1 if you’re really feeling rebellious.
• Total Time: 20 minutes – yes, you read that right. A quick, jaw-dropping masterpiece in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 200g Spam (the classic, don’t get fancy with those low-fat versions)
• 2 tbsp smooth peanut butter (or crunchy if you like a little extra texture)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (for that salty kick)
• 1 tbsp honey (for the sweet balance)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
• 2-3 small flour tortillas (or go bold and try wraps)
• Fresh coriander (optional, for garnish)
• A squeeze of lime (optional, to cut through the richness)

Direction

1. Prepare the Spam: First things first—slice your Spam into thick, satisfying slabs. Think 1cm thick. You want these bad boys to hold up against the heat and the peanut butter. Get a non-stick frying pan heated over medium heat, and drop in your Spam. Sear each side until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. The goal? A crisp, salty crust that’s almost too satisfying to resist.
2. Make the Peanut Butter Filling: While your Spam is doing its thing, grab a small bowl and mix your peanut butter with the soy sauce and honey. Stir it until it becomes a smooth, luxurious sauce that you can easily spread. It should have a balance of salty, sweet, and a hint of umami. If you feel fancy, you can add a tiny splash of rice vinegar for that perfect tang.
3. Assemble the Shells: Take your tortillas and heat them in a dry pan for about 30 seconds on each side. They should be warm and pliable, ready to embrace the Spam. Lay your crispy Spam slices in the middle of each tortilla. Now, take that silky peanut butter concoction and generously spread it over the Spam. Don’t be shy—go wild. Then, roll the tortillas up tightly, making little “shells” of joy.
4. Fry and Crisp: In the same pan you used for the Spam, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Place your wrapped shells seam-side down and fry them for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re golden and crispy. The outside should be crunchy, while the inside remains a glorious, melty mess of peanut butter and Spam.
5. Serve: Once they’re perfectly crispy, remove them from the pan and let them rest for a minute (if you can wait). Slice them into bite-sized pieces, garnish with fresh coriander, and squeeze a little lime over the top for that extra pop. Now, grab a fork, or, let’s be real—just eat them with your hands.

Tips for the Recipe

1. Spam Variety: Don’t overthink it—get the classic Spam. You can try different flavours, but nothing beats the original in this recipe. Trust us.
2. Peanut Butter Texture: Smooth peanut butter works best for a velvety filling, but if you’re feeling adventurous, crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful texture. Do what feels right.
3. Soy Sauce Substitute: If you’re not into soy sauce, try tamari or even coconut aminos for a gluten-free twist.
4. Don’t Skip the Lime: The lime brings a refreshing contrast to the richness. Don’t even think about leaving it out.
5. Fry Until Crisp: The secret to perfection is that crispy, golden crunch. Make sure each side of the shell is properly fried.
6. Double the Batch: Trust us, you’ll want extra. Make a second batch for later, because these things disappear fast.
7. Serve with a Side: Want a little extra crunch? Try pairing it with a simple side salad or some lightly pickled veggies.
8. Meal Prep: These Peanut Butter Spam Shells are perfect for meal prep. Make them in bulk, and they’ll last in the fridge for a few days. Reheat them for a quick, satisfying lunch.
9. Vegetarian Twist: If you’re not a fan of Spam, substitute with crispy tofu or seitan for a plant-based version that still packs a punch.
10. Crispy Edges are Key: Don’t be shy with the frying oil. The crispy edges are what make this dish stand out.

Substitutions

1. Spam Alternatives: If Spam isn’t your thing (though why wouldn’t it be?), you can replace it with any other protein you prefer. Try crispy chicken breast, tofu, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version. The crispy texture is the key, so make sure to get a nice, golden crust on whatever you choose.
2. Tortillas: While flour tortillas are the classic choice for this recipe, feel free to swap them out for corn tortillas if you want a more authentic Mexican spin. If you’re feeling rebellious, use a wrap or pita for a wild spin on the original concept.
3. Peanut Butter: If you’re not a peanut butter fan (seriously?), go ahead and use almond or cashew butter for a similar texture but with a different nutty vibe. You can even try sunflower seed butter for a more neutral, allergy-friendly option.
4. Honey Replacement: If you’re more into savory than sweet, switch the honey out for a small splash of balsamic vinegar or a touch of sriracha for a spicy-sweet contrast. Your taste buds will thank you.

Summary

If you’re tired of the same old lunch options and want to make a bold statement with your food, Peanut Butter Spam Shells are the answer. This dish is a glorious fusion of salty, sweet, and crunchy, combining two unlikely ingredients—Spam and peanut butter—into a symphony of flavors that will have you questioning everything you knew about lunch. It’s a rebellious take on comfort food that’s perfect for anyone with a love of culinary chaos and adventure.

With simple ingredients that are easy to find in your local supermarket, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for a quick, unforgettable meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing friends with your daring kitchen skills, these Peanut Butter Spam Shells will never fail to surprise and delight.

So why settle for boring when you can have something bold, adventurous, and absolutely delicious? Peanut Butter Spam Shells are not just a recipe; they’re a statement, a tribute to the wild side of food. Give them a try and prepare to be amazed.

Once you’ve had your first bite, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been eating like this all along. So, let’s keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the kitchen and make lunchtime the highlight of your day.

Photo by Chelsea Lupkin