Hawaiian-Style Grilled Cheese Recipe
Prep Time:
40 minutes
Cook Time:
26 minutes
Servings:
4 Sandwiches
Ingredients
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons sriracha
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 can (12 ounces) Spam, sliced into 8 portions
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 cup sliced white onion
  • 1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
  • 8 slices thick white bread
  • 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 slices American cheese
  • 1 heirloom tomato, sliced
  • ½ cup chopped fresh scallions
  • 2 teaspoons furikake seasoning
Directions
  1. Make the marinade by placing soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, sesame oil, sriracha, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk to combine.
  2. Place the Spam slices on a large plate or platter in a single, even layer.
  3. Pour the marinade over the Spam slices, coating completely. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  4. Once the Spam has marinated, heat 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  5. Remove the Spam from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and place in the skillet.
  6. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the Spam is lightly caramelized and seared.
  7. Remove the seared Spam from the skillet and set aside. Wipe the skillet clean with paper towels.
  8. Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet and heat over medium.
  9. Once hot, add the onion and garlic to the skillet and saute for 5 minutes, or until tender.
  10. Remove the onion and garlic from the skillet and set aside with the Spam.
  11. Place the bread slices on a large sheet of wax paper and spread with butter, about 1 tablespoon per slice.
  12. Flip the bread slices over, so they sit butter-side down.
  13. Top each bread slice with American cheese.
  14. Top 4 of the bread slices with the seared Spam (2 pieces each).
  15. Top the Spam with the sauteed onion and garlic, then add the tomato slices.
  16. Sprinkle the tomatoes with chopped scallions and furikake seasoning.
  17. Cap the sandwiches with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
  18. Return the skillet to medium heat.
  19. Once hot, working in batches if necessary, place the sandwiches into the skillet.
  20. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until golden, toasted, and melty.
  21. Repeat the cooking process with any remaining sandwiches before serving right away.