Healthy Chicken Teriyaki Musubi
Traditional Spam musubi is a Hawaiian favorite, but this healthier version swaps processed meat for juicy grilled chicken while keeping all the delicious flavors you love.
Recipe below in link.
Recipe
Healthy Chicken Teriyaki Musubi
A healthier take on the classic Hawaiian snack featuring grilled teriyaki chicken, brown rice, crisp cucumber, creamy avocado, and roasted seaweed. Perfect for meal prep, lunchboxes, or a satisfying grab-and-go snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked brown sushi rice
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 6 full sheets roasted nori (seaweed)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
- Marinate the chicken for 15 minutes.
- Grill or pan-sear the chicken until cooked through, then slice into musubi-sized pieces.
- Pour the remaining marinade into a saucepan, bring to a simmer, and whisk in the cornstarch slurry until slightly thickened.
- Brush the sauce over the cooked chicken.
- Using a musubi mold or clean food can, press a layer of brown rice into shape.
- Top with cucumber, avocado, and a piece of teriyaki chicken.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Wrap each musubi with a strip of roasted nori.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Equipment
- Musubi mold (or clean food can)
- Non-stick skillet or grill
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowl
Notes
- Wet your hands or mold to prevent the rice from sticking.
- Best enjoyed within 24 hours.
- Perfect for meal prepping lunches.
Nutrition Estimate
- Calories
- 285
- Protein
- 24g
- Carbohydrates
- 28g
- Fat
- 9g
- Fiber
- 4g
- Sugar
- 5g
- Sodium
- 390mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands and serving sizes.
Why You'll Love This
- High in protein.
- Made with whole-grain brown rice.
- Fresh avocado adds healthy fats.
- Perfect for meal prep.
- Portable and lunchbox-friendly.
- Healthier than traditional Spam musubi.
Ingredient Tips
- Use short-grain brown rice for the best texture.
- Fresh ginger gives the teriyaki sauce extra flavor.
- Roasted nori is easier to wrap than plain seaweed.
Tips
- Allow the rice to cool slightly before assembling.
- Don't overfill or the musubi may fall apart.
- Wrap tightly with the nori to hold everything together.
Storage
Wrap individually and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Best enjoyed fresh.
Variations
- Use grilled salmon instead of chicken.
- Add shredded carrots for crunch.
- Include sliced edamame.
- Use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.
Substitutions
- Tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Maple syrup instead of honey.
- Chicken thighs instead of chicken breast.
FAQ
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Wrap individually and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Can I freeze musubi?
Freezing isn't recommended because the rice texture changes.
Do I need a musubi mold?
No. A clean empty food can or small rectangular container works well.
Healthy Chicken Teriyaki Musubi delivers the classic Hawaiian-inspired flavors you love with lean protein, wholesome brown rice, and fresh vegetables for a nutritious snack or light meal.
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