Spam Fries with Spicy Garlic Sriracha Dipping Sauce Recipe

Spam: A canned meat product made from pork, often used in various dishes for its savory flavor.

All-purpose flour: A versatile flour used for coating the spam sticks to help the panko breadcrumbs adhere.

Eggs: Beaten eggs act as a binding agent to help the panko breadcrumbs stick to the spam sticks.

Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breadcrumbs that are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, providing a crunchy texture.

Oil: Used for frying the spam fries until they are golden brown and crispy.

Mayonnaise: Forms the base of the spicy garlic sriracha dipping sauce, adding creaminess.

Sriracha: A hot sauce made from chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt, adding heat to the dipping sauce.

Garlic: Minced garlic adds a pungent, aromatic flavor to the dipping sauce.

Lemon juice: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the flavors in the dipping sauce.

When preparing the spam sticks, make sure to cut them into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. For an extra crispy texture, double-coat the spam by repeating the flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs steps. This will create a thicker, crunchier crust. Additionally, when frying, maintain the oil temperature at medium heat to avoid burning the panko breadcrumbs before the spam is heated through. For the spicy garlic sriracha dipping sauce, allow the flavors to meld by preparing it in advance and letting it sit for at least 15 minutes before serving.

• spam - Substitute with firm tofu: Firm tofu can be marinated and fried to achieve a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a good vegetarian alternative.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with rice flour: Rice flour provides a similar coating and is gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. This is a common vegan substitute that helps bind the breadcrumbs to the tofu.

• panko breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes offer a similar crunch and can be a gluten-free alternative if you use gluten-free cornflakes.

• oil for frying - Substitute with air frying: Using an air fryer can significantly reduce the amount of oil needed, making the dish healthier while still achieving a crispy texture.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar creamy texture and tanginess but with fewer calories and more protein.

• sriracha - Substitute with chili garlic sauce: Chili garlic sauce offers a similar heat and garlic flavor, making it a good alternative if sriracha is unavailable.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Use ⅛ teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic. This is a convenient alternative that still provides the desired garlic flavor.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it an effective substitute for lemon juice.

• Allow the spam fries to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Place the cooled spam fries in an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to maintain their crispiness.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For optimal taste and texture, consume within this timeframe.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the spam fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
• For freezing, arrange the cooled spam fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
• Transfer the frozen spam fries to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months.
• Reheat frozen spam fries by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the fries on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until hot and crispy.
• For the spicy garlic sriracha dipping sauce, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Stir well before serving.
• If you prefer to freeze the dipping sauce, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw the dipping sauce in the refrigerator overnight. Stir well before serving to recombine any separated ingredients.

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the spam fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.

• Use an air fryer set to 350°F (175°C). Place the spam fries in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are hot and crunchy.

• Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil and reheat the spam fries in batches, turning occasionally, until they are warmed through and crispy.

• For a quick microwave method, place the spam fries on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. Note that this method may not retain the original crispiness.

• To reheat the spicy garlic sriracha dipping sauce, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds, stirring halfway through, until it reaches your desired temperature. Alternatively, you can warm it gently in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.

• Cutting board: A sturdy surface to safely cut the spam into fry-shaped sticks.

• Chef's knife: Essential for slicing the spam into uniform pieces.

• Mixing bowls: Needed for holding the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs separately.

• Tongs: Useful for handling the spam sticks while coating them and during frying.

• Frying pan: Used to heat the oil and fry the spam sticks until golden brown and crispy.

• Thermometer: Helps to ensure the oil is at the right temperature for frying.

• Paper towels: For draining excess oil from the fried spam fries.

• Small bowl: To mix the mayonnaise, sriracha, minced garlic, and lemon juice for the dipping sauce.

• Whisk: Useful for beating the eggs and mixing the dipping sauce ingredients.

• Measuring cups: To measure out the flour, panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, and sriracha accurately.

• Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic clove quickly and efficiently.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Cut the spam into fry-shaped sticks and measure out the flour, panko breadcrumbs, and mayonnaise in advance.

Use a deep fryer: A deep fryer can cook the spam fries more evenly and quickly compared to a frying pan.

Make sauce in bulk: Prepare a larger batch of the spicy garlic sriracha dipping sauce and store it in the fridge for future use.

Assembly line method: Set up a station with flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs to coat the spam sticks efficiently.