Homemade Spam (Lao Style)
What is Lao spam?
Most people are familiar with the beloved SPAM found in many Asian dishes, so I wanted to create a new flavor that reflects my Lao culture—thus, Lao SPAM was born. This version has flavors similar to the filling of Lao sausage but made in a loaf form. It's a great alternative if you're looking for a unique SPAM flavor you won't find anywhere else. It pairs perfectly with this Lao musubi, made with sticky rice and a spread of jeow bong.
Ingredients
Loaf
ground pork: when it comes to spam, it has to be made with pork for the rich fatty flavor
Galangal, Lemongrass, shallot, garlic cloves: aromatics for flavor
green onion and cilantro: herbs to freshen up the spam
Sticky rice: helps with texture and binds the ingredients
lime leaves: adds that fragrant aroma
fresh bird eye chili: increase the spiciness
oyster sauce: brings out the flavor in the pork
Lao spices bbq blend: boost of flavor
fish sauce and padaek: adds the funkiness
Musubi
Sticky rice: the base
jeow bong paste: spread on the sticky rice
Nori sheets: holds everything together
Where can I get Lao Spices BBQ Seasoning Blend?
The Lao Spices Laab blend is available online at www.laospices.com. It is made with salt, coriander powder, lemongrass powder, garlic powder, msg, sugar, black pepper, onion powder, paprika powder. Its a blend made to make fast and easy bbq recipes.
Where can I get the musubi mold?
My friend Jeanelleats designed her own musubi mold, and it's one of the best I've used for making perfectly shaped musubis. It has a solid, sturdy press, a see-through case, and a sharp bottom for cutting precise SPAM slices. You can get your own mold on the MyMusubi website!
Homemade Spam (Lao Style)
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, galangal, lemongrass, shallots, green onion, cilantro, sticky rice, lime leaves, garlic, bird’s eye chili, oyster sauce, salt, sugar, black pepper, padaek, and fish sauce. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a food processor and pulse until fully combined and sticky.
- Lightly spray a musubi mold with oil, press the meat mixture into the mold, then remove and wrap it in aluminum foil. Repeat with the remaining meat to make about 3 and a half loaves.
- Steam the wrapped loaves for 45 minutes, then let them cool for one hour. Once cooled, cut the Lao SPAM into thin slices and sear each side in an oiled pan for about 1 minute per side.
- To assemble, place ½ cup of cooked sticky rice in the musubi mold, press it down, spread jeow bong on top, and add a slice of Lao SPAM. Wrap it with nori paper and enjoy!
Sabaidee, I’m Saeng!
I’m a personal chef who specializes in Lao food. Here at Saeng’s Kitchen, you’ll find all your favorite traditional Lao foods and also some new twists to Lao style dishes.