Cantonese Sweet and Sour Spam

May 19, 2023May 19, 20230 0
Cantonese Sweet and Sour Spam - A Fresh Take on a Classic Comfort Food
in Main

Prep

15 min

Cook

10 min

Ready In

25 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

2 tablespoons cooking oil
1 large carrot , sliced diagonally
6 green onions , chopped
1 garlic clove , minced
1 small cucumber , cut in chunks
2/3 cup water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons catsup
3 tablespoons vinegar
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 can Spam , diced into 1/2-inch cubes
1 can bamboo shoots , drained

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
4
Calories
400
Sugar
20g
Fat
22g
Sweet and sour dishes are a staple of Cantonese cuisine. When the dish was introduced to the Western world in the mid-twentieth century, it soon became a popular comfort food due to its warm and savory flavors. Spam was a popular wartime food due to its long shelf life, and it has since been enjoyed in households for its convenience and affordability. When combined with a sweet and sour sauce, this canned meat finds new life, and it's become a favorite recipe in many households. This take on Cantonese Sweet and Sour Spam creates a balance of flavors that can be enjoyed by anyone, and it proves, once again, that good food doesn't have to be expensive to be delicious.

Instructions

1.In a wok or large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil on high heat.
2.Add the sliced carrots, chopped green onions, and minced garlic to the wok or skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until the vegetables are slightly softened.
3.Add the cucumber and continue to stir-fry for another minute.
4.In a small bowl, mix together the water and cornstarch until the cornstarch has dissolved.
5.Add the sugar, catsup, vinegar, ginger, and soy sauce to the wok or skillet. Mix thoroughly.
6.Add the diced Spam and bamboo shoots to the wok or skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until the Spam is heated through and the sauce has thickened. Serve hot over rice.

PROS

Cantonese Sweet and Sour Spam is a quick and easy dish to prepare that provides a balanced mix of salty, sweet and sour flavors.

It is a good way to dress up Spam – a convenient and inexpensive cupboard staple.

This dish makes for great leftovers and can easily be reheated for a quick lunch or dinner.

CONS

Spam is high in sodium and low in nutritional value.

The addition of sugar in the sweet and sour sauce also greatly increases its calorie content.
While this dish is delicious, it should be consumed in moderation to maintain a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Cantonese Sweet and Sour Spam includes a variety of vegetables, which provide important vitamins and minerals. Cucumbers, for example, are a good source of hydration, as well as vitamin C and vitamin K. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Beta-carotene is important for maintaining healthy eyesight and may also provide some defense against certain types of cancer. The ginger in this dish also has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help alleviate muscle soreness and nausea.

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