Delicious and Easy-to-Make Spam Musubi Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of uncooked short-grain white rice
  • 2 cups of water
  • 6 sheets nori (dry seaweed)
  • 1 can of Spam
  • 1/4 cup of soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup of oyster sauce
  • 1/2 cup of white sugar
  • 1 Musubi maker/mold
  • 1 bamboo sushi mat (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Rinse the rice in a mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Then, cook the rice with 2 cups of water in a rice cooker according to the cooker's instructions. Allow it to cool.
  2. Cut the Spam lengthwise into 10 slices, or to desired thickness. Fry the Spam slices until lightly browned.
  3. In a small saucepan, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  4. Dip the Spam slices into the sauce, and let them simmer until the sauce is fully absorbed.
  5. Place a sheet of nori on the bamboo sushi mat (if you have one). Wet your hands and grab a handful of rice and place it on the nori. Press down on the rice with the musubi maker/mold.
  6. Place a slice of the Spam on the rice, then add another layer of rice on top of the Spam.
  7. Wrap the nori around the rice and Spam, and seal the edges with a little bit of water.
  8. Use the bamboo sushi mat to press and shape the musubi. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.
  9. Let the musubi rest for a few minutes before serving, then enjoy!

Tools for making

  • Musubi maker/mold - A tool used to shape the rice and Spam into a rectangular form.
  • Bamboo sushi mat - Optional, but can be used to help wrap and shape the musubi.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute the Spam with grilled teriyaki chicken or grilled tofu for a meat-free option.
  • Add a slice of cheese on top of the Spam before wrapping it in nori for a cheesy twist.
  • Instead of using plain white rice, try using sushi rice seasoned with rice vinegar and a bit of sugar for added flavor.
  • Experiment with different sauces, such as adding a drizzle of sriracha or Japanese mayonnaise for a spicy kick.
  • Wrap the musubi in a different type of seaweed, such as soy paper or flavored nori sheets for a unique twist.
  • Add a layer of sliced avocado, cucumber, or pickled vegetables for additional freshness and crunch.
  • Instead of using a musubi maker/mold, shape the rice into small rectangular patties by hand for a more rustic appearance.
  • Try breading and frying the Spam slices for a crispy outer crust.
  • For a healthier option, use brown rice instead of white rice.

Recipe overview

Escape to the Hawaiian islands with a delicious and iconic Spam Musubi recipe. This popular snack and lunch food in Hawaii is a unique twist on sushi. It features grilled slices of Spam layered with perfectly cooked and seasoned short-grain white rice, all wrapped up in a sheet of nori seaweed. Making Spam Musubi at home is a fun and straightforward process. The recipe begins with preparing the rice and frying up the slices of Spam until they are beautifully caramelized. The Spam is then coated in a sweet and savory sauce that adds a flavor punch. The assembly process is a creative experience, with rice and Spam layered and wrapped in a sheet of nori. In the end, you'll have a satisfying, portable treat that is equally suited to a lunchbox, picnic basket, or a quick snack. Get ready to enjoy this little taste of Hawaii!

Common questions

  1. How do I cook the rice for spam musubi? Rinse the rice until the water runs clear, then cook it with 2 cups of water in a rice cooker according to the cooker's instructions.
  2. How do I prepare the Spam? Cut the Spam into slices, then fry them until lightly browned. Dip the slices into a sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar, and let them simmer until the sauce is absorbed.
  3. Can I use something instead of nori (seaweed)? Nori is the traditional choice, but you can try substituting it with lettuce leaves or thinly sliced cucumber if desired.
  4. Do I need any special tools to make spam musubi? While not necessary, a musubi maker/mold and a bamboo sushi mat can be helpful for shaping and assembling the musubi.
  5. Can I make spam musubi in advance? Yes, you can make spam musubi in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be enjoyed cold or reheated briefly in the microwave.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Musubi maker/mold - A tool used to shape the rice and Spam into a rectangular block for the musubi.
  • Bamboo sushi mat - Optional but helpful for shaping and wrapping the musubi in nori.

Origin stories

Spam Musubi is a pervasive snack and lunch food in Hawaii, combining elements of native Hawaiian, Japanese, and American cuisine. The dish itself is a product of the World War II era, when Spam was introduced to Pacific islands by U.S. military forces. The canned meat quickly became a staple due to its affordability and long shelf life. The locals embraced Spam and started incorporating it into their dishes. The pairing of Spam with sushi rice and nori, components central to Japanese cuisine, reflects the significant influence of Japanese immigrants in Hawaii. Over time, Spam Musubi has become an iconic symbol of Hawaii's "mixed plate" culture, a delightful culinary blend of the islands' diverse inhabitants. It’s a unique and portable meal that truly represents the fusion of cultures in Hawaii.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.