Delicious and Easy-to-Make Spamsilog: A Classic Filipino Comfort Food

Ingredients

  • 1 can (12 ounces) of Spam
  • 2 cups of cooked Jasmine rice
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • Fried garlic (for garnish, optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Cut the Spam into 8 even slices. Set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it's golden brown. Be careful not to burn it. Remove half of the fried garlic and set it aside for garnishing.
  3. Add the cooked Jasmine rice to the pan with the remaining fried garlic. Stir well to combine and let it cook for a few minutes until the rice is heated through.
  4. Season the garlic rice with the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and ground black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings. Remove the rice from the pan and set it aside.
  5. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Cook the Spam slices for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they're nicely browned and crispy.
  6. Remove the cooked Spam from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, fry the eggs to your desired doneness.
  7. To assemble, divide the garlic rice among four plates. Top each plate with two slices of the Spam and a fried egg.
  8. Garnish with the chopped green onions and the reserved fried garlic. Serve hot.

Tools for making

  • Cutting Board - A sturdy surface for slicing the Spam.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for cutting the Spam into slices.
  • Pan - A frying pan or skillet for cooking the Spam, garlic rice, and eggs.
  • Spatula - A utensil for flipping and removing the Spam slices from the pan.
  • Garlic Press or Knife - A tool for mincing the garlic cloves.
  • Measuring Spoons - Utensils for accurately measuring the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and ground black pepper.
  • Stove or Cooktop - The source of heat for cooking the recipe.
  • Plate - Dishware for serving the finished Spamsilog.
  • Chopping Board - For chopping the green onions (optional for garnishing).
  • Egg Ring or Mold - Optional for shaping the fried egg into a round shape.

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of meat instead of Spam, such as bacon, ham, or sausage.
  • Replace the rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa for a low-carb option.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or peas to the garlic rice for added flavor and texture.
  • Experiment with different sauces or seasonings to customize the flavor profile, such as teriyaki sauce, Sriracha, or chili garlic sauce.
  • Make it spicy by adding chopped chili peppers or hot sauce.
  • Add a slice of melted cheese on top of the Spam for a cheesy twist.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan option, substitute the Spam with tofu or tempeh.
  • Try using different types of rice, such as brown rice or sticky rice, for a unique taste and texture.
  • Create a breakfast burrito by wrapping the Spamsilog components in a tortilla.
  • Include additional toppings like sliced tomatoes, avocado, or pickled vegetables.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our recipe for Spamsilog! This popular Filipino breakfast dish consists of deliciously seasoned garlic rice (sinangag), pan-fried slices of Spam, and a perfectly fried egg (itlog). It's a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for breakfast but can be enjoyed any time of the day. This recipe is easy to follow and only requires a few simple ingredients you may already have in your pantry. Expect wonderful flavors and textures in every bite - the crispy, salty spam, the flavorful garlic rice, and the creamy egg yolk create a harmony that makes for a truly comforting dish. Enjoy making and eating this delightful recipe!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of rice?
    Yes, you can use any type of rice you prefer or have on hand. However, Jasmine rice is traditionally used for Spamsilog.
  2. Can I use a different type of meat instead of Spam?
    Certainly! If you're not a fan of Spam or prefer a different meat, you can substitute it with other protein options such as ham, bacon, or even grilled chicken.
  3. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
    Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting the Spam with vegetarian-friendly alternatives such as tofu or tempeh.
  4. Can I make the garlic rice ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make the garlic rice ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to reheat it before assembling the Spamsilog.
  5. Can I add additional vegetables or toppings?
    Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Spamsilog by adding vegetables like sautéed bell peppers, onions, or diced tomatoes. You can also top it with shredded cheese, hot sauce, or a drizzle of vinegar for extra flavor.
  6. How long does it take to cook the Spam slices?
    Cooking the Spam slices takes about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely browned and crispy.
  7. Can I use other sauces or seasonings?
    Yes, you can experiment with different sauces and seasonings to suit your taste. Some popular alternatives to soy sauce and oyster sauce include Worcestershire sauce or teriyaki sauce.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Frying Pan - A non-stick frying pan is ideal for cooking the Spam and frying the eggs.
  • Chef's Knife - A sharp chef's knife is essential for slicing the Spam and mincing the garlic.
  • Cutting Board - A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients.
  • Spatula - A spatula is useful for flipping the Spam slices and eggs during cooking.
  • Mixing Spoon - A mixing spoon or spatula is needed for stirring the garlic rice and combining the seasonings.
  • Small Bowl - A small bowl can be used to mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and ground black pepper before adding them to the garlic rice.
  • Plates - Plates are necessary for serving the Spamsilog.
  • Chopping Board - A separate chopping board can be used for garnishing the dish with chopped green onions.
  • Frying Garlic (optional) - If using fried garlic as a garnish, a separate small bowl or container can hold the reserved fried garlic.

Origin stories

Spamsilog, a popular Filipino dish, is a unique fusion of the country's culinary culture and the influence of canned foods introduced from the United States during World War II. It's a delightful combination of Spam (the canned meat product from the U.S.), sinangag (Filipino garlic fried rice), and itlog (egg). The name itself is a portmanteau of its main components, a common naming practice for many dishes in the Philippines. This hearty meal is typically served for breakfast, but its popularity has made it a beloved comfort food any time of the day. The dish is a testament to the Filipino knack for creativity and resourcefulness, turning simple, readily available ingredients into a meal that's more than the sum of its parts. It's a flavorful snapshot of history on a plate, loved by locals and visitors alike.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.