SPAM Musubi: A Delicious Hawaiian-Inspired Snack
SPAM Musubi is a popular Hawaiian snack that combines marinated, grilled Spam and sticky rice, wrapped in nori (dried seaweed). It’s a savory, satisfying, and portable treat that’s perfect for a quick lunch or a filling snack. This easy-to-make dish brings together the umami of Spam, the sweetness of the marinade, and the saltiness of nori, making it an irresistible bite-sized delight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
SPAM Musubi is a fantastic fusion of flavors that’s both comforting and portable. The salty, savory Spam is paired perfectly with the slightly sweet and aromatic rice, and the nori adds a delightful crunch. It’s a great way to enjoy the unique flavors of Spam in a fun, handheld form. Perfect for lunch on the go, a picnic, or a snack, SPAM Musubi offers a combination of flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 12 ounce can Spam
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 sheets roasted seaweed (sushi nori), cut in half
- 3 cups medium grain sticky rice or sushi rice, cooked according to package
- 1.7 ounce furikake rice seasoning (find in the Asian section of your grocery store)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Spam: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Slice the Spam into 8 even slices.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
- Marinate the Spam: Coat the Spam slices in the marinade. You can either pour the marinade over the Spam or soak the slices in the bowl with the sauce.
- Cook the Spam: Place the marinated Spam slices in the hot skillet in an even layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until the Spam is golden brown and crispy on the edges, reaching your desired crispiness.
- Assemble the Musubi: Take one sheet of nori and place it on a cutting board or parchment paper. Place a musubi mold (or a small cup) in the center and fill it with about 3 spoonfuls of cooked rice.
- Add Furikake and Spam: Sprinkle a little furikake rice seasoning on top of the rice, then place a slice of the cooked Spam on top.
- Press and Shape: Place the top of the musubi mold on top and press down firmly to help the rice stick together. Carefully remove the mold.
- Wrap the Nori: Wrap the nori around the rice and Spam. Dab the edges with a little water to help it stick together if needed. Repeat with the remaining Spam slices.
- Serve: Serve as is, or with a side of sriracha, teriyaki sauce, or your favorite dip for extra flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields 8 pieces of SPAM Musubi.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute Spam with a vegetarian alternative like tempeh or grilled tofu for a plant-based option.
- Spicy Musubi: Add a little sriracha or chili paste to the marinade or drizzle some over the musubi for a spicy kick.
- Pickled Vegetables: Add some pickled ginger, cucumber, or radish inside the musubi for a refreshing crunch and extra flavor.
- Tropical Twist: For a fruity twist, try adding a slice of grilled pineapple with the Spam and rice.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: SPAM Musubi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the musubi separate from any dipping sauce.
- Reheating: To reheat, you can microwave the musubi for 20-30 seconds or lightly heat it in a skillet to retain the crispiness of the Spam.
FAQs
Can I use another type of meat instead of Spam?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of Spam, you can use other meats like cooked chicken, beef, or even fish fillets. The key is to use something that can be marinated and grilled or pan-fried.
Can I make the rice ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the rice ahead of time. Just be sure to let it cool before using it for the musubi. Fresh, warm rice helps the nori stick better.
Can I use a substitute for furikake?
Yes, if you can’t find furikake rice seasoning, you can use a combination of sesame seeds and seaweed flakes. Alternatively, a little bit of salt and toasted sesame seeds will work in a pinch.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free due to the soy sauce. You can substitute tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
How can I make the musubi more flavorful?
Try adding a drizzle of teriyaki sauce on top of the musubi after it’s assembled, or sprinkle additional seasoning like chili flakes or garlic powder for extra flavor.
Can I make SPAM Musubi ahead of time?
Yes, you can make SPAM Musubi in advance. It will last for up to 2 days in the fridge, but it’s best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crispiness of the Spam and the texture of the rice.
Conclusion
SPAM Musubi is a delicious and satisfying snack or meal that’s perfect for on-the-go. With its combination of savory Spam, sticky rice, and crispy nori, it’s a flavor-packed bite that’s sure to satisfy your hunger. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, as a snack, or at a picnic, this simple yet tasty dish will quickly become a favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make and customize with your favorite additions. Enjoy!
SPAM Musubi: A Delicious Hawaiian-Inspired Snack
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 pieces
- Category: Snack
- Method: Grilling, Assembling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
SPAM Musubi is a Hawaiian-inspired snack made of marinated and grilled Spam, sticky rice, and wrapped in nori. It’s a savory, portable, and flavorful treat perfect for lunch or a snack.
Ingredients
12 ounce can Spam
3 tablespoons soy sauce
4 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
4 sheets roasted seaweed (sushi nori), cut in half
3 cups medium grain sticky rice or sushi rice, cooked according to package
1.7 ounce furikake rice seasoning (find in the Asian section of your grocery store)
Instructions
- Prepare the Spam: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Slice the Spam into 8 even slices.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
- Marinate the Spam: Coat the Spam slices in the marinade by either pouring the marinade over them or soaking them in the bowl with the sauce.
- Cook the Spam: Place the marinated Spam slices in the hot skillet in an even layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the Spam is golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Assemble the Musubi: Place one sheet of nori on a cutting board or parchment paper. Place a musubi mold (or a small cup) in the center and fill it with about 3 spoonfuls of cooked rice.
- Add Furikake and Spam: Sprinkle a little furikake rice seasoning on top of the rice, then place a slice of the cooked Spam on top.
- Press and Shape: Place the top of the musubi mold on top and press down firmly to help the rice stick together. Carefully remove the mold.
- Wrap the Nori: Wrap the nori around the rice and Spam. Dab the edges with a little water to help it stick together if needed. Repeat with the remaining Spam slices.
- Serve: Serve as is, or with a side of sriracha, teriyaki sauce, or your favorite dip for extra flavor.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute Spam with tempeh or grilled tofu.
Spicy Musubi can be made by adding sriracha or chili paste to the marinade or drizzling it over the rolls.
Add pickled vegetables like cucumber or radish for extra crunch.
For a tropical twist, add a slice of grilled pineapple with the Spam and rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
