Savor the savory-sweet perfection of Spam Teriyaki, a bold fusion of tender meat and tangy glaze!
Jump to:
Spam Teriyaki
Spam Teriyaki is a delicious fusion dish that combines the savory flavors of teriyaki sauce with the crispy, salty taste of Spam. It’s an easy-to-make meal, perfect for busy weeknights or as a quick comfort food fix.
This dish typically involves pan-frying Spam slices until golden and crisp, then coating them in a sweet soy-based teriyaki glaze, making each bite both rich and flavorful. Whether served over rice or incorporated into other dishes like Spam musubi, this versatile recipe is beloved for its simplicity and bold taste.
What is Spam Teriyaki?
Spam Teriyaki is a flavorful dish that merges the Hawaiian and Japanese love for Spam with the umami-packed sweetness of teriyaki sauce. Originating from Hawaii, where Spam is a popular staple, the dish has gained widespread popularity for its easy preparation and satisfying taste. It's commonly paired with sticky rice, turning it into a comforting rice bowl or musubi, perfect for any occasion.
Spam Teriyaki is easy to prepare. You'll begin by slicing Spam and frying it until crispy. Then, coat the Spam with a homemade teriyaki sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar, adding depth and balance to the saltiness of the Spam. Once the sauce thickens, your Spam Teriyaki is ready to serve!
Ingredients
Let’s break down what each ingredient does in this recipe and how it contributes to the flavor and texture of your Spam Teriyaki:
- Can of SPAM, diced: The star of the show! SPAM brings that savory, salty kick, and when it's pan-fried, it develops a deliciously crispy exterior, creating a great texture contrast to the sweet teriyaki sauce.
Teriyaki Sauce
- Light soy sauce: This forms the base of the sauce, providing the salty, umami flavor that balances with the sweetness of other ingredients.
- Mirin: A sweet rice wine that adds a mild sweetness and subtle acidity, giving the sauce its classic teriyaki glaze.
- Sake: Adds depth and complexity to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, rice vinegar can be substituted.
- Brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce and helps caramelize the Spam when it cooks, creating that perfect sticky glaze.
- Garlic, grated: Brings a bold, savory flavor that complements the sweetness, adding a rich, aromatic layer to the dish.
- Ginger, grated: Adds a touch of warmth and spice, balancing the sweet and salty flavors of the sauce.
To Garnish:
- Sesame seeds: These add a nutty crunch and a touch of visual appeal to the finished dish, rounding out the flavors with their delicate texture.
Steps:
- For the teriyaki sauce, combine light soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, garlic and ginger. Set aside
- Then, dice the spam into 2 inch cubes. Set aside.
- In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Fry the spam each side for 2 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside.
- In the same pan, pour the teriyaki sauce and cook the sauce until it thickens or becomes a thick glaze.
- Add back the spam and stir until everything is coated with the sauce.
- Serve with hot steamed rice, fried eggs and garnish with sesame seeds and chives. Enjoy!
Tips for Making the Perfect Spam Teriyaki
Choose the Right Spam Variety
Spam comes in various types, from classic to low-sodium and even with flavors like bacon or jalapeño. For this teriyaki recipe, stick with the original or low-sodium Spam to best complement the sweet teriyaki sauce.
This allows you to balance flavors without overwhelming the dish. Low-sodium Spam is a great option if you're watching your salt intake but still want that savory, familiar taste.
Balancing Sweetness and Saltiness
The teriyaki sauce is a delicate balance between sweet and salty. You want the soy sauce and mirin to play off each other harmoniously. Too much sweetness and the dish becomes cloying; too much salt, and it’s overpowering.
The key is using just the right amount of brown sugar and soy sauce to create a sweet soy glaze that complements the fried Spam.
Cooking Timing for Crispy SPAM
The secret to perfect Spam Teriyaki is in the timing. When frying the Spam, let it brown until it develops a crispy, caramelized exterior. Don’t rush it! This step is crucial because the crispy texture contrasts beautifully with the sticky teriyaki glaze. Over medium heat, give each side a few minutes to get that perfect golden crust.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
Spam Teriyaki is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some serving ideas and tips for storing leftovers to keep the flavors fresh and delicious.
Serving SPAM Teriyaki with Rice
Spam Teriyaki is often served over rice, and for good reason! The sticky rice absorbs the sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, making every bite heavenly. Jasmine or sushi rice is ideal, as their soft, slightly sticky texture perfectly complements the crispy Spam. You can also try pairing it with brown rice for a healthier alternative.
Pairing with Vegetables or Eggs
Spam Teriyaki goes great with sautéed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or spinach. For an added protein boost, you can serve it with a fried egg on top. The combination of the rich yolk and teriyaki-glazed Spam is a match made in heaven! Eggs also bring in that extra comfort food vibe, making the dish even more satisfying.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, it’s best to use a skillet on low heat to retain the crispy texture of the Spam, rather than using a microwave, which can make it soggy. A quick reheat in the oven or on the stove will keep the flavors intact while reviving that crispiness.
Variations of Spam Teriyaki
SPAM Musubi with Teriyaki Glaze
Turn your Spam Teriyaki into a portable snack by making Spam musubi. This Hawaiian-inspired dish involves layering teriyaki-glazed Spam on top of a block of sushi rice, then wrapping the whole thing in nori (seaweed wrap).
It’s like sushi but with Spam! This variation is perfect for meal prep or as a quick snack on the go. The combination of the sweet teriyaki sauce and the savory Spam, wrapped in nori, is simply irresistible.
Adding Pineapple for a Tropical Twist
For a Hawaiian-inspired recipe, consider adding pineapple chunks to your Spam Teriyaki. The pineapple's sweetness pairs wonderfully with the salty, savory flavors of the Spam and the soy-based sauce. This twist gives the dish a tropical flair, making it feel fresh and fun. Plus, the juicy pineapple offers a burst of flavor with each bite.
SPAM Teriyaki Stir-Fry
You can also transform Spam Teriyaki into a quick stir-fry. Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or snap peas to create a balanced, colorful dish. The teriyaki-glazed Spam adds a savory-sweet richness to the stir-fry, while the veggies provide crunch and freshness. Serve it over rice for a complete meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking SPAM
Spam is already fully cooked, so all you need to do is brown it. Overcooking can result in a tough, rubbery texture that takes away from the dish's overall appeal. To prevent this, cook your Spam on medium heat until it gets a nice golden-brown crust. Once it’s crispy, remove it from the heat to avoid it drying out.
Using Too Much Sauce
While a teriyaki sauce is the heart of this recipe, too much sauce can overwhelm the dish. The key is to coat the Spam evenly without drenching it. Too much sauce can make the Spam soggy and overpower its natural flavor. Instead, allow the sauce to caramelize slightly on the Spam, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Skipping the Browning Step
Browning the Spam is crucial for developing the perfect texture. If you skip this step and go straight to adding the sauce, you miss out on that crispy, caramelized exterior that contrasts beautifully with the sweet and savory teriyaki glaze. Take your time to brown the Spam before adding the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Low-Sodium Spam?
Yes, low-sodium Spam works perfectly for this recipe! Since teriyaki sauce already contains salty ingredients like soy sauce, using low-sodium Spam can help balance the flavors, preventing the dish from becoming too salty. You’ll still get that savory Spam flavor, but with a little less saltiness.
How Do I Make Teriyaki Sauce from Scratch?
Making teriyaki sauce from scratch is easy and quick! All you need are a few basic ingredients like soy sauce, mirin, sake, and brown sugar. Combine them in a saucepan, bring to a boil, and then simmer until the sauce thickens. This homemade version will give your Spam Teriyaki a fresh and authentic flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat SPAM Teriyaki?
The best way to reheat Spam Teriyaki without losing its crispy texture is by using a skillet over low heat. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the Spam soggy. If you’re in a hurry, a quick flash in the oven also works well. Either method will help maintain the crispiness of the Spam slices and keep the dish flavorful.
RATE MY DISH!
If you enjoy my dish make sure to leave a comment and rating down below. I highly appreciate it!
Tag me on Instagram @geniuseatss so I can see your creation! Don't forget to follow me on TikTok, Youtube, Pinterest and Facebook for more recipes and contents!
PrintSpam Teriyaki
Savor the savory-sweet perfection of Spam Teriyaki, a bold fusion of tender meat and tangy glaze!
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Spam
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 1 can of SPAM, diced
Teriyaki sauce
- 2 tbsp of light soy sauce
- 2 tbsp of mirin
- 2 tbsp of sake
- 2 tbsp of brown sugar
- 3 cloves of garlic, grated
- 2 tsp of ginger, grated
To garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Chives
Instructions
- For the teriyaki sauce, combine light soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, garlic and ginger. Set aside
- Then, dice the spam into 2 inch cubes. Set aside.
- In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Fry the spam each side for 2 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside.
- In the same pan, pour the teriyaki sauce and cook the sauce until it thickens or becomes a thick glaze.
- Add back the spam and stir until everything is coated with the sauce.
- Serve with hot steamed rice, fried eggs and garnish with sesame seeds and chives. Enjoy!
Leave a Reply