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Pork

Spam Fritters

March 29, 2020 by Chris Collins

Spam Fritters are an absolute British classic. Here I show you how to make them at home in the easiest and most delicious way possible!

fritters fresh out the fryer on wire rack with ketchup blurred in background

Homemade Spam Fritters

Anyone else’s childhood just come streaming back to them? You know, the spam fritters you either got from the chippy, or, dare I say, the ones you got from the store to oven bake?? C’mon we’ve all been there 😂

For those of you completely lost right now and wondering how and why you ended up here, let’s just clear a few things up really quickly.

What is Spam?

Spam is a canned meat mainly consisting of pork and ham. It’s fairly universally distributed but also fairly controversial (love it or hate it kinda deal #teamlove)

What are Spam Fritters?

Spam fritters are essentially slices of spam deep fried in a batter. Word has it these came about in WW2 when there was a shortage of fish in Britain, so we decided to replace it with Spam. As you do.

Today I’m going to show you just how easy it is to make your own Spam fritters. Here’s exactly how I like mine:

spam fritter sliced open with labels for ingredients

Now, the cheese and mustard is negotiable, but the beer batter is not. We’ll talk more about the batter in just a sec, but first let’s talk Spam.

For this recipe you’ll just need the one can of Spam, which will give you 8 fritters. It’s important to get the Spam out in once piece (just follow the can instructions) don’t scrape around with knife.

Rest it on it’s side and slice into 8 even wedges. If you’re using mustard just a thin slather on top then press down the cheese.

What is the best cheese to use?

Cheddar or Swiss work great. In all cases just make sure it’s sliced to the exact size of the fritters.

Can I make them without cheese and mustard?

Absolutely! Classic Spam fritters don’t have either and still taste delicious. I’m just extra.

How to slice spam - 3 step by step photos

Beer Batter

Using beer in the batter is perfect for a couple of different reasons. Firstly, it contains foaming agents which make the batter nice and bubbly (the more air bubbles, the crisper the batter). The second reason is it adds a richer flavour in comparison to milk or water.

Baking Powder

Alongside plain flour, seasoning and beer, I always add a tsp of baking powder. The baking powder causes a chemical reaction in the hot oil which produces tiny air bubbles in the batter, and as I just mentioned, the more of those tiny air bubbles the crispier the batter. Think of it like tiny holes in honeycomb.

Beer Batter Tip #1 – Make sure you don’t overwork the batter or you’ll burst all the bubbles and the batter won’t be quite as crispy. Some small lumps in the batter are fine.
Beer Batter Tip #2 – Work quick! You want the batter nice and bubbly/frothy when it hits the oil. The longer you leave it the flatter it goes.

How to make batter for fritters (quick summary)

  1. Combine flour, white pepper, salt and baking powder.
  2. Dredging all your fritters.
  3. Pour in beer and mix.
  4. Dredge each fritter in the beer batter

How to make Spam fritters - 4 step by step photos

Deep Fried Spam Fritters

I’ve seen similar recipes to this shallow fry the fritters, but deep frying is a far superior method. You get a far more uniformed batter and it’s much crispier.

If you’re not confident deep frying then these are the perfect introduction. Because the Spam is already cooked, at the very least you won’t get food poisoning if you stuff it up 😂But all jokes aside deep frying is incredibly easy, especially with this recipe.

Tips for deep frying Spam

  • Oil: Important to use an oil with a high smoking point such as sunflower, vegetable or rapeseed. Do not use olive oil.
  • Heat: You’ll need to get the temp up to 180C/356F before adding the fritters. If the oil isn’t hot enough they’ll absorb too much oil and come out soggy.
  • Batches: Work in batches of 3-4 so a) they don’t stick together and b) it doesn’t lower the temp too much. If you’re not overly confident then start with just one.

After a couple of minutes each side they’ll hopefully look something a little like this:

overhead shot of fritters deep frying in pot of oil

Serving Spam Fritters

Once they’re done in the oil, pop them on a wire rack with paper towels UNDERNEATH (I find they go soggy as they cool if placed directly on paper towels). Allow them to cool then tuck in!

Traditionally Spam fritters are either served at the chippy, or with chips and beans/peas. Here I’ve just served them as some finger food with a good helping of ketchup!

If you’re looking for a similar beer battered recipe then check out my Beer Battered Onion Rings!

But for now, let’s tuck into the full Spam Fritters recipe shall we?!

fritter resting on small glass pot of ketchup on cooling rack

How to make Spam Fritters (Full Recipe & Video)

fritters fresh out the fryer on wire rack with ketchup blurred in background

Spam Fritters

Spam Fritters are an absolute British classic. Here I show you how to make them at home in the easiest and most delicious way possible! I recommend skimming through the recipe notes before getting started!
5 from 7 votes
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Servings (click & slide): 8 fritters
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: British
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories per serving: 229kcal
Cost per serving: £1.50 / $2

Equipment:

  • 1 Large Pot/Deep Pan, for deep frying
  • Medium Sized Dish & Whisk (for batter)
  • Sharp Knife & Chopping Board
  • Wire/Cooling Rack
  • Kitchen Tongs
  • Paper Towels
  • Cooking Thermometer

Ingredients (check list):

  • 1x 12oz/350g can of Spam
  • 1 cup / 150g Plain/All Purpose Flour
  • 1 cup / 240ml COLD Beer (see notes)
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1/4 tsp each: White Pepper, Salt
  • Oil, for deep frying (see notes)

Optional

  • 4 squares of Cheese, halved/sliced to the size of one fritter (Cheddar or Swiss work great)
  • Dijon Mustard, as needed

Instructions:

  • Remove spam from tin (follow instructions on can, make sure it comes out whole). Place on chopping board and slice into 8 equal sized wedges. I find this easiest by halving (2), halving those halves (4), then halving each of those (8).
  • Lay each wedge flat and very lightly spread with dijon mustard (not too much, just enough for the cheese to stick ~1/2tsp). Lay each slice of cheese on top and firmly press down so it sticks to the spam.
  • Combine flour in a bowl with baking powder, white pepper and salt. Making sure the cheese stays intact, carefully (but thoroughly) coat each fritter in flour.
  • At this point pour 3-4cups/750ml-1litre oil in a deep pan and heat it to 180C/356F.
  • Once all the fritters are coated in the flour pour in the COLD beer. Use a whisk to stir (don't over beat or the bubbles with burst, some small lumps are fine). If you go OTT with the beer and it's too thin just mix in a few pinches more flour, vice versa with the flour. Again, you want the batter as airy and cold as possible so don't beat the hell out of it. It should be somewhat thin, but thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  • Use a fork to lower the fritters into the batter, allow them to fully coat, then carefully transfer into the hot oil. Work in batches of 3-4. You want to work fairly quickly as you want the batter to be as cold and bubbly as possible.
  • Once the fritters are in the oil the temp will drop, so try and keep it at a steady 180C/356F (increase heat as needed). Allow them to fry for a couple of minutes, then flip and continue cooking until golden. Remove one by one and place on a wire rack with paper towels UNDERNEATH (don't place straight on paper towels or they'll go soggy). Repeat with second batch.

Quick 1 min demo!

Notes:

a) Beer - Really important the beer is left unopened in the fridge until the last minute. You want it nice and cold and bubbly so it makes the most crispy/airy batter. In terms of what beer to use I usually go for Fosters or Heineken but any lager beer will work. Beer works best as it gives a richer flavour and the alcohol burns off quick (so crispier batter) but a neutral flavoured soda water can sub at a push.
b) Oil - You need to use an oil with a high smoking point. Sunflower, vegetable and rapeseed all work well and are great for their neutral flavours. Peanut oil is great, but obvious injects a mild peanut flavour. Do not use olive oil.
c) Batter - Really important to not over mix the batter, you don't want to beat the bubbles out. Because it's a rough and ready batter, it's easily adjustable, so if you go slightly OTT with the beer you can easily mix in more flour to thicken. 
d) Tips for Deep Frying - If you're not confident with deep frying I recommend just testing with one in the first instance, then increase from there (up to 4 in the pan). Important to make sure the oil reaches temp before adding the fritters AND that it maintains, otherwise the fritters will absorb too much oil and they'll be oily/soggy.
e) Classic Spam Fritters - Classic spam fritters of course don't use mustard/cheese, so feel free to make these without and continue the recipe as stated.
f) Calories - Difficult to calculate how much oil is soaked up and how much batter is used, but nutrition based on using all the batter and 1/2tsp oil soaked up per fritter. No cheese or mustard.

Your Private Notes:

Nutrition:

Nutrition Facts
Spam Fritters
Amount Per Serving
Calories 229 Calories from Fat 129
% Daily Value*
Fat 14.32g22%
Saturated Fat 4.575g23%
Trans Fat 0.608g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.672g
Monounsaturated Fat 7.642g
Cholesterol 31mg10%
Sodium 601mg25%
Potassium 190mg5%
Carbohydrates 14.91g5%
Fiber 0.5g2%
Sugar 0.04g0%
Protein 7.59g15%
Vitamin C 0.4mg0%
Calcium 37mg4%
Iron 1.19mg7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition is based on the absence of salt unless stated as a measurement in the ingredients. Cost is worked out based on ingredients bought from UK supermarkets, then divided by the number of servings. In both instances these values are just for guidance. Please check out my FAQ Page for more info.
Tried this recipe?Show me how you got on by tagging @dontgobaconmyheart_ on IG and #dontgobaconmyheart
Looking for more?You'll find plenty more delicious comfort food like this in my Debut Cookbook 'Comfy'

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Recipe Rating




21 Comments

  • Reply
    Janet Thorogood
    November 10, 2022 at 10:34 am

    I’m going to try making the spam fritters later my 96 year old Dad said he fancies them for dinner I hope I can do them as good as Mum used to !!!

  • Reply
    Barry Allen
    August 14, 2022 at 1:23 am

    Replace the salt with celery salt and you’ve nailed it. When you take a bite out of a crisp, hot, and fresh McDonald’s Chicken McNugget you get the taste of white pepper and celery salt in that tempura batter. If you are OK with taking a flavor profile from McDonald’s, use celery salt in this recipe and it will make the batter taste that much better.

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      August 14, 2022 at 11:35 am

      Great tips, thanks Barry!

  • Reply
    Lizzy
    May 28, 2022 at 8:01 am

    These look yummy, the problem I keep having is my batter just slides from my spam when I lift it. What am I doing wrong? I really want to make these.

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      May 28, 2022 at 10:34 am

      Hey Lizzy! Sorry to hear you’re having trouble. Some of the batter will naturally drip off when you lift the spam, but certainly not all of it. If it’s sliding off in the pan, the oil may not be up hot enough, in which case just make sure it’s the correct temp before adding the fritters. The batter could also be too thin, in which case I’d start off slightly more conservatively with the beer. Test one fritter, if it’s too thick just add more beer a tsp at a time to thin out. Also just definitely make sure you’re coating the spam in flour before you coat in the batter, otherwise it won’t stick. Hope this helps! C.

  • Reply
    Nicola
    September 16, 2020 at 8:49 pm

    These were amazing. Will definitely make again. Any idea if they can be frozen ?

    Thanks

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      September 17, 2020 at 9:45 am

      Great to hear they went down well 🙂 These are definitely best when served fresh. I have frozen similar frozen food in the past and baked in the oven to reheat, the only issue is they release A LOT of oil as they cook. I’m not sure how the texture of the spam would hold up either. I’ve you’ve ever got leftovers you could always give it a bash though – 180C/356F in the oven until the spam is piping hot again should do the trick!

  • Reply
    Shirley ELSBY
    May 8, 2020 at 6:32 pm

    5 stars
    Just made my first fritters of ANY kind using your fab recipe, Chris. As I’m 63 you can probably guess cooking isn’t exactly a passion for me, but this recipe was just great, cheese, beer, mustard and all; very VE Day appropriate & it went down a storm with my partner. Thanks for the tips and the ideas. I used tongs instead of a fork to dunk the Spam in the batter & turn them in the pan. Worked a treat. Will definitely do similar again.

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      May 8, 2020 at 8:26 pm

      Shirley! So happy to hear they went down well. Thanks for popping back and leaving such a lovely review. Have a great weekend 🙂 Chris.

  • Reply
    Fran Sampson
    April 18, 2020 at 11:54 pm

    5 stars
    Loved it. Complete success. Stayed crispy. Recipe save and printed

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      April 19, 2020 at 10:11 am

      That’s awesome to hear, Fran! Thanks so much for popping back and sharing your experience 🙂

  • Reply
    Jen
    March 29, 2020 at 8:31 pm

    5 stars
    My husband is going to love these. He is in for such a treat!

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      March 30, 2020 at 11:55 am

      Hope he does! 🙂

  • Reply
    Sisley White
    March 29, 2020 at 8:13 pm

    5 stars
    Such a classic! I think I will have to make these again for my family.

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      March 30, 2020 at 11:55 am

      Awesome, you totally should! 🙂

  • Reply
    Shadi Hasanzadenemati
    March 29, 2020 at 7:25 pm

    5 stars
    This is absolutely delicious! I love that it’s such a crowd pleaser for the whole family

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      March 30, 2020 at 11:55 am

      Such good family food!

  • Reply
    Pam Greer
    March 29, 2020 at 7:14 pm

    5 stars
    I am definitely on team spam! We grew up eating this!! So good and it’s been way too long since I’ve had it.

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      March 30, 2020 at 11:55 am

      Woo hoo! Here’s to team spam!!

  • Reply
    Veena Azmanov
    March 29, 2020 at 6:29 pm

    5 stars
    This is surely a classic snack and best option for a party. Kids to relish it.

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      March 30, 2020 at 11:54 am

      Yup, perfect for kids!

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