Give Scrambled Eggs A Major Flavor Boost With An Iconic Canned Ingredient

Scrambled eggs are truly the breakfast of champions. Not only are they a delicious, savory way to kick off the morning, but they're also a great source of protein without having to reach for a chicken breast or hunk of steak before 9 a.m. But even the most devoted egg fans can get tired of the same old routine. If you're looking to mix up your daily scramble, look no further than a humble can of Spam.

Now, we know Spam has been unfairly maligned over the years. Made primarily from pork and ham, along with ingredients like salt, potato starch, sugar, and sodium nitrite, the canned meat has earned the dubious label of "mystery meat." And while Spam and nutrition aren't exactly two words you hear together all that often, it isn't completely lacking in the protein department. A standard serving contains around 7 grams, which, when paired with eggs, makes for a pretty substantial breakfast.

Where Spam's true strength lies, however, is its flavor. Part of that comes down to its relatively high fat and salt content, which makes for a delicious combination with just about anything. Slice up your Spam and fry it until the edges turn golden and crispy, and instead of reaching for a fresh pan, scramble your eggs right in that flavorful rendered fat to soak up all that rich, savory goodness. The saltiness of the Spam also does most of the seasoning work for you, so there's no need to go overboard with the salt shaker, either.

While you're guaranteed delicious results with just plain ol' Spam and eggs, there are plenty of ways to take this combo to a whole other realm of tastiness. You could experiment with Spam's different flavors, which we've ranked from worst to best. Or, if you're still feeling short on inspiration, turn to Asia.

Though the U.S. might not be too hot on Spam — with the exception of Hawaii, where it's beloved — many parts of Asia have embraced the ingredient, a love affair that largely dates back to canned luncheon meat arriving via the U.S. military during and after World War II. In fact, in some countries, Spam and eggs are already a match made in breakfast heaven. Enter Hong Kong's cha chaan tengs, or traditional tea cafes. At these gloriously retro establishments, slices of Spam are regularly paired with scrambled eggs, then piled high between slices of lightly toasted milk bread. The combination isn't limited to sandwiches, either; Spam and eggs are also right at home served over rice or noodles.

Another place that, dare we say, might be even more fond of Spam than Hong Kong is South Korea. Just think of budae jjigae, the classic army stew loaded with ingredients like Spam, sausage, kimchi, and instant noodles. Then there's kimchi bokkeumbap, the tangy, savory fried rice that can get an extra hit of flavor from diced Spam. Another dish worth drawing inspiration from is Spam egg deopbap, a Korean-style rice bowl. The dish typically combines pan-fried slices of Spam with fried or scrambled eggs and a flavorful sauce.