Spam Musubi Recipe
Spam Musubi is a beloved Hawaiian snack that combines a savory slice of grilled Spam with a compact block of sticky Japanese rice, all wrapped in a strip of nori seaweed. This easy-to-make treat delivers a delightful mix of salty, sweet, and umami flavors, perfect as an on-the-go meal, appetizer, or fun addition to any picnic.
Equipment
- Rice Cooker or Pot: For cooking short-grain (sushi) rice.
- Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: For slicing Spam and trimming nori.
- Non-Stick Skillet or Frying Pan: For frying Spam and reducing the glaze.
- Spatula: For turning Spam slices.
- Small Bowl: To mix the glaze ingredients.
- Musubi Mold or Plastic Wrap (Optional): To shape rice into neat rectangles.
- Measuring Spoons: For accurate measurement of glaze ingredients.
Ingredients
- Spam: 1 12-oz can, sliced into 8 even pieces
- Short-Grain Rice: 2 cups cooked preferably Japanese sushi rice
- Nori Seaweed Sheets: 2–3 sheets, cut into strips (about 1/2 sheet per musubi)
- Glaze Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon mirin optional, for extra depth
- Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice:
- Rinse 2 cups of short-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Cook the rice according to the package instructions or in a rice cooker. Once done, let it cool slightly so it remains warm and sticky.
- Prepare the Spam:
- Open the can and slice the Spam into 8 equal pieces.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the Spam slices for about 2–3 minutes on each side until they develop a light, golden-brown color.
- Make the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, sugar, and mirin.
- Once the Spam is fried, pour the glaze mixture over the slices in the skillet.
- Allow the glaze to simmer with the Spam for an additional 1–2 minutes, turning the slices so they become evenly coated and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove the glazed Spam from the skillet and set aside.
- Assemble the Musubi:
- Shape the Rice: Using a musubi mold or lightly oiled hands, press a portion of the warm rice into a compact rectangular shape roughly matching the size of a Spam slice.
- Layer the Spam: Place one glazed Spam slice on top of the rice block.
- Wrap with Nori: Drape a strip of nori over the Spam and rice, overlapping the edges. If using full sheets of nori, trim them as needed to fit snugly.
- Press gently to secure the nori to the rice.
- Repeat these steps with the remaining rice, Spam slices, and nori strips.
- Serve:
- Enjoy your Spam Musubi warm or at room temperature. They make a great snack, light meal, or portable lunch option.
- Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (excluding rice cooking time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 Spam Musubi pieces
- Category: Snack / Appetizer
- Method: Frying and Assembly
- Cuisine: Hawaiian / Asian Fusion
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
- Keywords
- Spam Musubi, Hawaiian Snack, Rice Treat, Nori Wrap, Spam Recipe, Easy Appetizer, Asian Fusion, Teriyaki Spam, Quick Recipe
- Nutrition (per Spam Musubi piece)
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 piece (~150g)
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Sugar: ~4g
- Sodium: ~650 mg
- Fat: ~14g
- Saturated Fat: ~4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~28g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Protein: ~9g
- Cholesterol: ~30 mg
- Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on exact ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Notes
Rice Tip: For best results, use freshly cooked and slightly warm rice to help the musubi hold its shape.
Glaze Adjustments: Feel free to tweak the glaze—adjusting the sugar or soy sauce—to suit your taste.
Storage: Spam Musubi can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They can be enjoyed cold or warmed slightly.
Variations: Experiment by sprinkling a pinch of furikake (Japanese rice seasoning) over the rice for an extra flavor boost. For a vegetarian twist, try substituting Spam with marinated tofu (note that the flavor profile will change).
Glaze Adjustments: Feel free to tweak the glaze—adjusting the sugar or soy sauce—to suit your taste.
Storage: Spam Musubi can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They can be enjoyed cold or warmed slightly.
Variations: Experiment by sprinkling a pinch of furikake (Japanese rice seasoning) over the rice for an extra flavor boost. For a vegetarian twist, try substituting Spam with marinated tofu (note that the flavor profile will change).