Fried Crispy Spam Musubi Recipe (Golden Panko-Crusted Version)

Fried Crispy Spam Musubi Recipe (Golden Panko-Crusted Version)

This crispy spam musubi recipe adds a crunchy twist to the Hawaiian favorite. Panko-coated musubi with pan-seared Spam, rice, and nori fried until golden.

Ingredients

  • spam

    12 oz, sliced into 8 even pieces

    1 can
  • cooked short-grain rice
    4 c
  • full nori sheets

    cut into 8 strips

    3
  • neutral oil for shallow frying

    about ¾ cup total

  • all-purpose flour
    ½ c
  • eggs

    beaten

    2
  • panko breadcrumbs
    1 ¼ c
  • soy sauce
    2 tbsp
  • sugar
    1 ½ tbsp
  • mirin or water
    ½ tbsp
  • furikake
  • sriracha mayo
  • avocado slices
  • fried egg
  • pickled radish

Directions

  1. 1

    Slice and pan-sear Spam until golden and crispy.

  2. 2

    (Optional) Prepare soy-sugar-mirin glaze and brush over Spam.

  3. 3

    Assemble musubi: rice → Spam → rice again. Wrap with nori and seal.

  4. 4

    Dredge each musubi in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with panko.

  5. 5

    Shallow-fry each side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towel.

  6. 6

    Serve hot with optional glaze or spicy mayo.

Fried Crispy Spam Musubi Recipe (Golden Panko-Crusted Version)

Fried Crispy Spam Musubi Recipe (Golden Panko-Crusted Version)

359 cal

Similar Recipes

Best-Ever Spam Musubi (Step-by-Step Photos)

Best-Ever Spam Musubi (Step-by-Step Photos)

Spam musubi is one of my all-time favorite comfort foods. Growing up on the mainland meant that my family was far away from our extended family in Hawaii. Whenever my mom pulled out her spam musubi mold, we knew we were in for a comforting treat that would transport us back to Hawaii after the first bite. Mom seriously makes the Best-Ever Spam Musubi – this is her recipe. In my experience, there are 3 secrets to making the best spam musubi: Nail the ratio of spam & rice: These 2 components need the perfect balance, so you'll notice that we slice each can of spam into 7 pieces – not 8, not 6…7!!! – & this is exactly why.  Make a killer spam musubi sauce: Mom's is a simple teriyaki-style sauce made with a couple of pantry ingredients. When you pan-fry it with spam, it turns into a gloriously glossy & thick glaze that clings to the spam beautifully & its sweetness provides the perfect balance for the rich, savory flavor of spam.  Cook the rice well & handle it with care: Musubi rice needs to have the perfect light-yet-sticky texture. We love medium-grain Calrose rice, but sushi rice works just fine if that's what is most readily available to you.  (Note! ⇢ If spam &/or musubi are new-to-you, be sure to read through the blog post to learn more about their delicious history in Hawaii!)  While nothing beats a warm spam musubi on a beach in Hawaii, I think my family's spam musubi is the next best thing. If you've never made homemade spam musubi before, this is a great recipe to start with! We wanted it to be as approachable as possible, so the directions are very detailed & we've provided step-by-step photos to help you along the way. We hope you love it as much as we do! ♡

45 minutes

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About this Recipe

Craving that iconic Hawaiian snack with an irresistible crunch? This Fried Crispy Spam Musubi recipe transforms the classic into an even more exciting bite, perfect for your next gathering or a satisfying solo treat.

What sets this musubi apart is its golden, panko-crusted exterior. Each piece of musubi is coated and pan-fried, creating an incredibly satisfying crispness that beautifully complements the savory, pan-seared Spam and fluffy rice within. This method elevates the texture, making it a truly unique experience.

Prepare for a delightful combination of textures and flavors. You'll experience the immediate crunch of the golden-fried panko, giving way to the tender, seasoned rice and the distinct, savory richness of the pan-seared Spam. The nori wrap adds an essential oceanic umami note, tying all the elements together. It’s a hearty and flavorful appetizer that delivers a comforting and slightly unexpected twist on a beloved Hawaiian favorite. This fried spam musubi is a snack that truly satisfies, offering a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and crispy.

You can easily personalize your crispy spam musubi. For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some furikake over the rice before pressing. Elevate the experience with a dollop of sriracha mayo for a creamy, spicy kick, or add thin slices of fresh avocado for a buttery contrast. A fried egg makes it more substantial, while pickled radish offers a vibrant, tangy counterpoint.

These golden, panko spam musubi are ideal as a unique appetizer for parties, a delicious game-day snack, or a fun addition to a packed lunch. Serve them warm to best enjoy that signature crispiness.

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