Hawaiian Spam Pasta Pineapple Salsa (Print Version)

Savory Spam and sweet pineapple salsa combine for a vibrant Hawaiian-style main featuring tender pasta.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz penne or fusilli pasta
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - Salt, for boiling water

→ Spam and Sauce

04 - 12 oz can Spam, diced
05 - 1 tbsp vegetable oil
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 small red onion, finely chopped
08 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
09 - ½ cup pineapple juice
10 - 2 tbsp soy sauce
11 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
12 - ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
13 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Pineapple Salsa Burst

14 - 1 ¼ cups fresh pineapple, small dice
15 - 1 small red chili, seeded and minced
16 - ½ small red onion, finely diced
17 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - Juice of 1 lime
19 - Pinch of salt

# Directions:

01 - Boil pasta in generously salted water until al dente. Drain, then gently toss with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent adhesion. Set aside.
02 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Add diced Spam and render until all sides achieve a golden-brown crispness, approximately 4-5 minutes. Transfer cooked Spam to a separate plate and reserve.
03 - Using the same skillet, introduce minced garlic, finely chopped red onion, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender and fragrant.
04 - Return the crisped Spam to the skillet. Incorporate pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, chili flakes (if using), and freshly ground black pepper. Allow to simmer for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce achieves a slight reduction and thickness.
05 - Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the Spam and sauce mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure even coating and heat through.
06 - In a mixing bowl, combine the diced fresh pineapple, minced red chili, finely diced red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
07 - Plate the warm Spam pasta, generously topping each serving with the vibrant Pineapple Salsa Burst.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses affordable pantry staples like canned Spam
  • Perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors
  • Bright and colorful presentation that impresses guests
  • Versatile recipe that can be adjusted to your spice preference
02 -
  • This dish combines three distinct culinary traditions Hawaiian, Asian, and Italian
  • Can be prepared ahead and reheated with excellent results
  • Excellent source of vitamin C from the fresh pineapple and bell peppers
  • Perfect gateway recipe for Spam skeptics
03 -
  • For maximum flavor contrast, make sure your Spam gets truly crispy before adding it to the sauce. Those caramelized edges are what transforms this humble ingredient into something special. I like to cut my Spam slightly smaller than the recipe suggests to increase the surface area for browning.
  • When selecting pineapple, look for one with a fragrant sweet smell at the base and golden color extending up the sides. A perfectly ripe pineapple makes all the difference in the freshness of the salsa. If using canned pineapple in a pinch, drain well and pat dry before dicing to prevent a watery salsa.

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