Spam Ramen

Certainly the true Ramen connoisseur is more likely than most to be familiar with other cheap, tasty, and enjoyable kitchen delights, of which spam is near the top of the food chain (and, if left sufficiently long post-opening in one's refrigerator, is perhaps even capable of actually consuming all other refrigerator occupants in order to keep itself 'fit and trim.' Or something like that.)

Though I'd heard of Spam before leaving for college, it wasn't until midway through my freshman year that I had a memorable involved eating experience. I lived in the dorms, which had no kitchen, but a friend lived in an apartment and often cooked his own meals in the evenings. I stopped by once in a while to join him, and though stir-fry (of varying sorts; I'll spare you the details, and oh what a kindness that is) was his standard meal, we occasionally branched out (per my urging, I can assure you) into various Ramen-related exploits.

And now, the recipe:

One (1) package of Spam
One (1) package of your favourite flavour of Ramen
Chop the spam into cubes approximately 3/4" on each side. Fry the spam cubes in a pan until golden-brown (but no black!). Cook the ramen in a pot while frying. Pour ramen into a bowl. Stir in fried spam cubes. Eat and enjoy.

It's possible that my Spam Ramen experience was partially enhanced by the college surroundings in which my friend's roomates (they were sophomores, and in a fraternity, whereas we were freshmen and not) would invite sorority girls over and play quarters (the happy beer-drinking game) at the kitchen table throughout our meal preparation and consumption exercises. But I'm convinced that Spam Ramen is tasty enough to be worth trying even if you haven't the roommates, girls, quarters, or beer. And hopefully I've convinced you, too.

Walter Korman

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