Spam Fries With Banana Ketchup Recipe

Prepare and cook ketchup

In a small saucepan, combine the mashed banana, tomato paste, brown sugar, rice vinegar, water, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk to a smooth consistency.

Place over medium-low heat and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Cook for 6–8 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and the flavors meld. If it becomes too thick, add up to 1–2 tablespoons water to reach a ketchup-like consistency.

Season with garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Taste and adjust acidity or sweetness: add a little more vinegar for brightness or more brown sugar for sweetness. Stir in the optional 1/2 tsp neutral oil for gloss.

Remove from heat and let cool. Transfer to a jar and refrigerate; ketchup will thicken further as it cools. Makes about 3/4 to 1 cup.

Slice and prep Spam

Remove Spam from the can and pat dry with paper towels. Trim any excess skin if desired. Slice the block into 12 long sticks: first cut the block lengthwise into three slabs (about 4 slices across the short dimension), then cut each slab into 4 (or adjust to yield 12 uniform fries roughly 3/4" x 3/4" x 3–3.5"). Keep the slices chilled while you bread to make cleaner cuts.

Set up breading station

Place the flour in a shallow bowl and season with 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Beat the two eggs in another shallow bowl. Combine panko and fine breadcrumbs in a third bowl and stir in remaining 1/4 tsp pepper and remaining 1/4 tsp salt.

Lightly dredge each Spam stick in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the beaten egg, letting extra drip off, then press into the panko mixture to coat all sides. For extra-crispy fries, repeat the egg and panko step for a double coating. Place breaded fries on a sheet pan and chill for 10 minutes to help coating set.

Fry the fries

Heat a wide skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil; you want about 1/8"–1/4" oil depth. Heat until shimmering and a small breadcrumb sizzles (about 350°F if using a thermometer). Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, add the breaded Spam fries in a single layer and fry 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Use tongs to turn carefully so coating doesn't fall off. Add more oil between batches if needed and maintain medium heat to prevent burning.

After frying, transfer fries to a paper-towel-lined tray and sprinkle immediately with a light pinch of salt. Let rest 1–2 minutes to firm up.

Arrange Spam fries on a serving platter. Spoon or pipe banana ketchup into a small bowl alongside for dipping.

Garnish fries with chopped scallions and fried garlic or toasted sesame seeds. Serve with lime wedges to squeeze over if desired.

Best served hot. Leftover banana ketchup keeps refrigerated up to 5 days; reheat gently if you prefer it warmed.