A close-up of Spam musubi with marinated Spam, rice, and nori

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When you plan your next gourmet meal, you don't have to break the bank with expensive steaks and seafood. If you know the right steps, you can make something special with the humblest ingredients — even that can of Spam in your pantry, which is definitely a grocery store swap that will help you save money. Popular in Hawaii in every venue from gas stations to gourmet restaurants, Spam can be served in amazing, unexpected ways. But just like with your chicken or salmon, it's all about a great marinade.

In an exclusive interview, Erich Chieca, executive chef of the Hormel Foods Culinary Collective, said Spam absorbs flavors really well, and because the meat is already tender, you don't have to wait long for a marinade to do its magic. "Even 20 to 30 minutes makes a noticeable difference," he said when teaching us 10 ways to make Spam taste gourmet. "For best results, keep the marinade time to a few hours so the flavors stay balanced and the Spam holds its satisfying bite."

Marinade basics for Spam dishes

Hand pouring marinade into a glass dish with olive oil and lemon and lime slices on a plate nearby

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Whether it's Spam, chicken or tofu, soaking your protein in a yummy marinade works wonders to upgrade the meal. It can be tricky to choose the perfect marinade for every type of meat, but there are some options on grocery store shelves you can try. For a Hawaiian twist on Spam and fried rice, chef Erich Chieca suggested, "Try a quick soak in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil before cooking for an umami-forward upgrade."

Most marinade recipes combine a fatty ingredient like olive oil or yogurt with something acidic like lemon juice, vinegar, or rice wine. Then you can add your flavorings, whether you are going for a savory style with lots of garlic and fresh herbs or something sweet like brown sugar or honey. Remember, salt is great for tenderizing your meat and adding flavor, but it can be the enemy of a good marinade if you add too much. Plus, Spam can be pretty salty already.

In general, you need about a half-cup of marinade per one pound of meat, but the marinating time rules can be different depending on your protein. However, Spam doesn't need more than an hour or so. When the marinating magic is complete, your meal will go from simply standard to gourmet goodness.