This is the Best Spam Sandwich recipe because it's a Mexican twist that taps into the elements of a traditional torta, which is topped with refried beans, cheese, and fresh or pickled veggies.
Yep. You read that right. Spam Torta. I went there. It's about to get deliciously controversial. If you came here looking for a unique spam sandwich (torta) recipe, you've found the golden ticket.
This is the Best Spam Sandwich Recipe because it's paired with Mexican flavors. And is one seriously unique spam sandwich idea.
Spam is one of those polarizing ingredients that people either love or hate, kind of like cilantro. I hope you fall into the love camp because Spam is right at home on a torta. Because Spam is so rich it really benefits from being paired with fresh and pickled veggies to help provide a lovely flavor balance.
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What is a torta?
What is this torta thing you speak of? Essentially it’s a sandwich, only it’s much more than just a sandwich. Picture a plate of Mexican food, like carnitas with all the fixings. You’ve got meat, refried beans, lettuce. And likely sour cream, pico de gallo, pickled jalapenos, avocado. Got it? Now, picture all that on a sandwich. A torta is a big, messy, flavorful Mexican sandwich. A taco in sandwich form.
What do you put on a spam sandwich (torta)?
What don't you put on a torta is a question with a shorter answer. Since a torta is essentially a sandwich version of a taco, you can put pretty much anything on it - refried beans, avocado, spicy fresh or pickled peppers—and any meat and/or cheese of your choosing. In Mexico, they come in all sorts of varieties. Carnivore or plant-based, you can customize the torta to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Like this carnivore did with this Spam Torta (aka The Best Spam Sandwich Recipe).
Refried beans on a sandwich!? YES. It’s indescribably good and whoever thought of it deserves to have a parade thrown in his or her honor.
Spam, the can-shaped ham, somewhat questionable upon being released from its iconic rectangular container, is transformed into something truly special upon slicing thin and frying to a perfect crisp. It is these beautifully crisp, salty slices of Spam that make this torta so special. Traditional tortas often come topped with sliced griddled hot dogs. So topping a torta with Spam isn't that much of stretch, just a Minnesotan Spam-loving variation.
Tortas are typically served on bolillo (shown below) or telera rolls, like this guy. It kind of looks like a football.
Bolillos (also referred to as lanches) are torpedo-shaped rolls that are similar to a soft baguette. If you can't find bolillos, you can substitute a French baguette.
Teleras are more round in shape than bolillos, as well as flatter and softer. They usually have two distinct score marks down the center. If you can't find teleras, you can substitute a Kaiser roll.
How to make a Fried Spam Sandwich (Torta)
Fried spam is the star of this torta and is what makes it stand out from traditional Mexican recipes. While I encourage experimentation with your sandwich toppings, follow this fried spam sandwich recipe for a guaranteed winner.
INGREDIENTS
*This recipe makes one fried spam sandwich.
- 1 bolillo roll
- 3-4 slices Spam, cut about ¼ inch thick
- 1 tablespoon crema
- 1 generous spoonful (or two) of refried beans (like these Easy Seasoned Refried Beans)
- 3-4 slices medium to large-sized tomato, thinly sliced
- 1 leaf Romaine lettuce
- 3 slices cheese (I used Manchego)
- 4-5 slices pickled jalapeno
INSTRUCTIONS
Fry the slices of Spam in a pan over medium heat, until you’ve achieved the desired level of crispness. Two to three minutes per side is usually sufficient.
Remove Spam slices from pan and let cool on paper towels. Slice the bolillo roll in half and butter the cut sides.
Place cut sides down in the pan, still on medium heat, and lightly toast. You want it to get a little color, but not be super crisp like toast.
Remove from heat. Slather some refried beans (either cool or heated) on one side of the roll. Slather some crema on the other half.
Layer the Spam, Romaine lettuce, tomato, pickled jalapenos, and cheese on that roll (in whatever order strikes your fancy).
Close that torta up and dive right in.
*I recommend making my Easy Seasoned Refried Beans for this glorious fried spam sandwich-making endeavor.
Prepare yourself for a large, messy bite.
Salty-crispy-fatty Spam paired with fresh lettuce and tomato, dreamy refried beans, spicy but not too spicy pickled jalapenos, and cooling crema and cheese, sandwiched between fluffy, slightly crusty buns. It’s indulgent but doesn’t weigh you down.
What else can you put on a fried spam sandwich?
The Best Spam Sandwich Recipe can be customized to suit your tastes and what you might have on hand. Here are a few suggestions.
- Greens - Romaine is an obvious choice, but mix it up with a spring mix, butter lettuce, or spinach.
- Cheese - Manchengo is fantastic, but so are a variety of cheddars, pepper jack, mozarella, Monterey, and more.
- Crema - Sour cream or mayo would also work well here to add that creaminess.
- Pickled goodies - I love pickled jalapenos here, but you can also add banana peppers, dill pickles, or sliced olives (black or green).
- Refried beans - If you don't have time to whip up some Easy Seasoned Refried Beans, use canned or slather on some premade bean dip in a pinch.
This is all kinds of wrong (i.e., untraditional, inauthentic, bastardized cuisine, dear Lord there's Spam in it), but this Fried Spam Sandwich (Torta) is so delicious I don't want to be right.
Want to learn more about Tortas?
If you want to learn more about tortas, namely all of the delicious ways you can eat them, I highly recommend Tacos, Tortas, and Tamales by Roberto Santibañez.
If you dig this fried spam sandwich recipe, try pairing it with chips and Citrus Jalapeno Salsa, Spicy Pico de Gallo, or Roasted Garlic Guacamole.
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The Best Spam Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bolillo roll
- 3-4 slices Spam, cut about ¼ inch thick
- 1 tablespoon crema
- 1 generous spoonful (or two) of refried beans
- 3-4 slices medium to large-sized tomato, thinly sliced
- 1 leaf Romaine lettuce
- 3 slices cheese (I used Manchego)
- 4-5 slices pickled jalapeno
Instructions
- Fry the slices of Spam in a pan over medium heat, until you’ve achieved the desired level of crispness. Two to three minutes per side is usually sufficient.
- Remove Spam slices from pan and let cool on paper towels. Slice the bolillo roll in half and butter the cut sides.
- Place cut sides down in the pan, still on medium heat, and lightly toast. You want it to get a little color, but not be super crisp like toast.
- Remove from heat. Slather some refried beans (either cool or heated) on one side of the roll. Slather some crema on the other half.
- Layer the Spam, Romaine lettuce, tomato, pickled jalapenos, and cheese on that roll (in whatever order strikes your fancy).
- Close that torta up and dive right in.
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