Spam Musubi
Ingredients
- 1 can Spam
- 2 c short-grain rice
cooked
- 4 nori sheets
- furikake
optional additions to rice
- omelette
optional topping
- avocado
optional topping
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp garlic
minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp dark brown sugar
Directions
- 1
Cook the rice in a rice cooker (or other method). Fluff the rice when it’s finished cooking and keep it on the warm setting.
- 2
Slice the Spam into 8 even slices (about ¼ inch thick).
- 3
NOTE: If you do not have a saute pan large enough to cook all the Spam at the same time, make sure you divide the musubi sauce based on how many batches of Spam you need to cook. For example, if you can cook 4 Spam slices, divide the musubi sauce in half. In a large saute pan over medium heat, add the sesame oil and garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, but before it turns brown.
- 4
Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sprinkle the dark brown sugar. Use your spatula to mix all the ingredients together and let it warm up only briefly.
- 5
Add the spam slices and cook for about 1 minute and then turn them over to make sure all sides of the spam are coated. Cook and occasionally turn the spam to prevent from burning for about 10 minutes or until the Spam begins to caramelize or turn golden brown.
- 6
Remove the Spam from the pan and let it rest for about 5 minutes to cool down.
- 7
Clean the Spam can and dry. Cut cling-wrap to about an 8 x 12 inch piece. Line the cling-wrap inside the can and make sure the corners are outside.
- 8
Scoop about 3 tablespoons of rice into the can. It should be about 1 ½ inch high from the bottom of the can. Use a spoon to press down on the rice to make it even.
- 9
Add one slice of Spam on top.
- 10
Cut nori into your desired thickness, I like to cut the sheets into thirds. It’s a little thinner so that the ends of the Spam and rice stick out, but you can also cut them in half and cover the Spam and rice fully.
- 11
Collect the corners of the cling-wrap and gently lift the Spam stack out of the can. Open the cling-wrap so that the Spam stack is lying horizontally on the table.
- 12
Lay one piece of nori so that it’s vertical from the Spam stack. It should look like a weird cross at this point.
- 13
Carefully wrap the nori around the Spam musubi. I like to lightly press the nori on the sides and then lift the top to slide in the nori underneath and repeat for the other side.
- 14
To make a tighter musubi, cover the musubi in the cling-wrap again and twist both sides until it’s tight. You can also now use your hands to cup the sides and mold the shape so that it’s round.
- 15
Unwrap the cling-wrap and serve immediately.
- 16
Optional additions: You can also add sliced omelets and avocado slices on top of your Spam slice or mix in some furikake to the rice as additional flavors.
Spam Musubi
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 12 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving that irresistible sweet and salty bite of Spam Musubi, the beloved Hawaiian snack, but don't want to wait for takeout? This recipe delivers authentic flavor and teaches you how to assemble this delicious on-the-go treat in no time, bringing a taste of the islands right to your kitchen.
Why This Recipe Works: This recipe simplifies creating perfectly portioned musubi, making it an approachable project for any home cook. The magic happens with the homemade savory and sweet glaze, a quick stir-together blend of sesame oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and dark brown sugar. This simple yet profound sauce transforms ordinary Spam into an umami-packed delight, providing the perfect counterpoint to the fluffy short-grain rice and crisp nori. The 'in no time' promise refers to its efficient assembly once ingredients are prepped, ensuring you can enjoy this snack without a lengthy culinary commitment.
What to Expect: Prepare your taste buds for a delightful balance of flavors and textures. You'll experience perfectly seasoned Spam, caramelized and deeply savory with a hint of sweetness from the glaze, nestled atop fluffy, slightly sticky short-grain rice. Each rectangular parcel is firmly embraced by a crisp sheet of nori, offering a delicate oceanic crunch that complements the rich Spam and soft rice. This portable snack is surprisingly satisfying, delivering a harmonious combination of savory, sweet, and umami in every bite, making it a truly craveable experience.
Customization & Variations: While classic Spam Musubi is a treat on its own, feel free to personalize your creation. For an extra layer of flavor and texture, furikake can be sprinkled over the rice before pressing, adding a savory, nutty, and slightly sweet element. You might also consider adding thin strips of a cooked omelette or fresh slices of creamy avocado on top of the Spam before wrapping for an even richer experience. These simple additions allow for a variety of textures and tastes within each musubi, catering to different preferences.
Serving & Context: Spam Musubi is an ideal on-the-go snack, perfect for packing in lunchboxes, taking to the beach, or enjoying as a quick, satisfying bite any time of day. Its convenient, handheld shape makes it effortlessly portable and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for casual gatherings or solo enjoyment.