Focus keyword: $5 lunch idea spam meal
I don’t know about you but working from home I try and spend very little on lunch items for me. I wanted to let you know if you’re looking for a simple way to stretch your grocery budget, don’t overlook a can of Spam. It may not be the first thing you think of when planning lunch, but it has become one of my favorite pantry staples because it goes much farther than you might expect. It is something David will eat with me on his days off and Charlie to if he has Raman Noodles to add it to. Not Gerald though even though we grew up with Spam.
Even though Gerald and Charlie were home for lunch yesterday I opened a can of Spam for lunch. I sliced off three pieces and warmed them in the microwave and simply enjoyed them on a plate. Normally, I like to fry the slices in a skillet until they’re golden brown and a little crispy around the edges, then make a sandwich with light white bread and a little mayonnaise. But yesterday I was feeling lazy, so I skipped the frying pan and the bread altogether.
The best part was realizing just how far one can stretched. I enjoyed it again for lunch today, and I still have enough left for another meal tomorrow. That means one can of Spam gave me three lunches, making it an excellent choice for anyone trying to stay within a $5 lunch budget. When you’re watching your grocery dollars, finding foods that stretch over several meals is always a win.
Spam is also incredibly versatile and it is a dish you can fry, dice it into scrambled eggs, add it to fried rice, make grilled sandwiches, serve it with macaroni and cheese, or enjoy it just the way I did—simple and quick. Do you have a recipe you use with Spam or what is your favorite way to cook Spam and why? What sides do you serve with Spam?
Before you say yuck Sam I would never eat that I know Spam isn’t for everyone, but it’s one of those pantry staples that has earned a permanent place in my kitchen. It’s shelf-stable, easy to prepare, and perfect for those days when you need something filling without spending a lot of money.
If you’ve never tried using Spam as part of your weekly meal plan, you might be surprised by how many meals you can get from a single can.
Would I buy it again?– Absolutely! One can gave me three lunches, tasted great, and helped me stay well under my $5 lunch goal. That’s a budget-friendly win in my book.
10 Fun Facts About Spam
- Spam has been around since 1937.
- It is fully cooked before it reaches the can.
- You can enjoy it hot or cold.
- One can can stretch into several meals.
- Spam is popular around the world.
- It doesn’t need refrigeration until opened.
- It works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- It can be fried, baked, grilled, or air-fried.
- Many families keep Spam as an emergency pantry staple.
- It pairs well with eggs, rice, potatoes, sandwiches, and macaroni and cheese.
🍳 Crispy Spam Sandwich
- 2-3 slices Spam
- 2 slices bread
- Mayonnaise
- Optional: cheese, lettuce, tomato
- Slice Spam about ¼-inch thick.
- Fry in a skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
- Spread mayonnaise on the bread.
- Add the Spam and your favorite toppings.
- Enjoy with chips, fruit, or soup.
💲 Budget Tip
One can of Spam gave me THREE lunches!
Yesterday I enjoyed it for lunch, I had it again today, and I still have enough left for tomorrow. That’s an easy way to stay under a $5 lunch budget while reducing food waste.
If you could create a recipe using Spam what would you use and why?
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
