Ah, the joy of comfort food! There’s something special about dishes that transport us back to our roots. For me, one of those delightful dishes is Teriyaki Spam musubi—a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors. Growing up in a family that loved discovering different cuisines, I often remember afternoons spent in the kitchen, learning the art of making musubi from my grandmother. With the smell of teriyaki sauce wafting through the air and the sticky rice glistening under the warm kitchen light, every bite brought a smile to my face. Whether it’s a picnic in the park, a picnic on the beach, or just a casual couch day with my favorite movie, Teriyaki Spam musubi always felt like a hug from the inside. So, let me share this recipe with you—it’s as fun to make as it is to enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to whip up, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Budget-friendly, made with simple ingredients!
Packed full of comforting, umami flavors that make your taste buds sing.
Perfectly portable, great for lunches or snacks on-the-go.

Ingredients

2 cups sushi rice (or any short-grain rice, rinsed well)
2 ½ cups water
1 can of Spam (12 oz), sliced into 8 rectangular pieces
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered)
1 teaspoon minced ginger
Nori (seaweed sheets), cut into strips
Optional: sliced green onions or sesame seeds for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a delightful batch of Teriyaki Spam musubi in no time!

Cook the rice: In a medium-sized pot, combine the rinsed sushi rice with 2 ½ cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want it fluffy, not mushy!
Prepare the teriyaki sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger over medium heat. Once it begins to bubble, let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Make sure to stir it occasionally to prevent sticking.
Cook the Spam: In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the Spam slices. Cook them until they’re golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Pour half of the teriyaki sauce over the Spam and allow it to glaze for an additional minute or two before removing it from the heat.
Fluff the rice: After your rice has finished cooking, use a fork to fluff it up. If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, feel free to mix in a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of salt at this point!
Assemble the musubi: Lay out a sheet of plastic wrap and place a strip of nori on it. Wet your hands to prevent sticking, then grab a handful of rice and press it down onto the nori, forming a rectangle. Leave a little at the top to seal your musubi later.
Add the Spam: Place a slice of your teriyaki Spam on top of the rice. Drizzle with a little more teriyaki sauce and get ready to roll!
Roll it up: Using the plastic wrap, carefully lift the bottom of the nori and roll it over the Spam and rice, tightly but not overly so. Press down gently to seal, then twist the ends of the plastic wrap to secure your musubi like a gift!
Slice and serve: After letting your musubi sit for a few minutes, unwrap them and slice into bite-sized pieces. Garnish with sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired!

Pro Tips & Variations

Don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are a few fun twists you can try:

Spicy Kick: Want a little heat? Add some chili paste to your teriyaki sauce or mix in sliced jalapeños.
Vegetarian Option: Swap out Spam for grilled tofu or tempeh—packed with flavor and still so satisfying!
Flavor Boost: Try adding a sprinkle of furikake (a Japanese rice seasoning) on top of your rice before rolling it!
Sushi Style: Get fancy and add avocado, cucumber, or pickled vegetables inside the musubi for extra crunch and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These Teriyaki Spam musubi make the perfect snack or light meal! Serve them alongside a fresh salad with sesame dressing, or enjoy them on their own with a side of edamame. They’re also incredible with a hot cup of green tea or a refreshing lemonade on a sunny day! I also love packing some up for picnics, as they hold up well and are easily shared.

Storage Tips

Leftover musubi? No problem! Here’s how you can store them without losing that delicious flavor:

Refrigeration: Wrap each musubi tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The rice may dry out a bit, but that’s easily fixed with a quick steam or microwave!
Freezing: If you want to keep them longer, freeze the unwrapped musubi on a baking sheet for about an hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just unwrap and reheat.
Reheating: To reheat, microwave for about 30 seconds or until warmed through. If they’re a bit dry, place a damp paper towel over them to add moisture while reheating.

Can I use regular rice instead of sushi rice?

While sushi rice is preferred for its stickiness, you can use regular short-grain rice as well! Just ensure it’s cooked well for the right texture.

What if I don’t have nori?

No worries! If you can’t find nori, you can simply enjoy the teriyaki Spam and rice as a deconstructed musubi in a bowl. Just sprinkle with some sesame seeds and green onions for that touch of authenticity!

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce, and you’re good to go! Just check the labels on your Spam or substitute it with a gluten-free alternative.

Are there any cooking methods for Spam besides frying?

Absolutely! You can also bake it in the oven or grill it for a slightly smoky flavor. Just season it with teriyaki sauce as you would in the skillet.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the musubi a day or two in advance, wrap them up, and store them in the fridge. Just remember to reheat them before serving to enhance their flavors.

Conclusion

And there you have it—your very own Irresistible Teriyaki Spam musubi right in your kitchen! I hope you whip these up, share them with friends, and create new memories just like I did. Don’t forget to leave a comment below about how your experience went or any fun variations you tried! Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!