This beloved Hawaiian snack perfectly blends Asian and American influences, creating a bite-sized explosion of flavors that’ll transport you straight to a sunny beach.
Spam Musubi’s origins trace back to the post-World War II era in Hawaii, where it emerged as a creative way to use surplus military rations. Today, it’s a cultural icon and go-to comfort food across the islands.
What makes our Spam Musubi special is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. We start with crispy, caramelized slices of Spam, glazed with a mouthwatering mixture of soy sauce and sugar. This sits atop a bed of seasoned sushi rice, all wrapped snugly in a strip of nori seaweed.
While it’s traditionally served on its own, we love pairing it with some crispy broccoli rabe for a veggie boost. And for those who crave an extra kick, a drizzle of homemade katsu sauce takes it to the next level.
Why You Should Try Spam Musubi?
- I’ve found that Spam Musubi is the perfect make-ahead meal for busy days – it travels well and tastes great at room temperature.
- The recipe is incredibly versatile – I’ve experimented with different marinades and even tried it with tofu for my vegetarian friends.
- Making Spam Musubi has become a fun family activity in our house, with everyone pitching in to assemble their own.
- It’s been my secret weapon for potlucks – it always stands out among the usual dishes and gets people talking.
- I love how this recipe introduces people to a part of Hawaiian culture, often sparking curiosity about other local dishes.
Spanish Rice Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet
- Musubi mold or small rectangular mold
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Bowl for marinade
- Spoon for mixing
Ingredients
- 1 can of Spam
- 2 cups of cooked sushi rice
- Nori sheets
- 3 tbsp Soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Sugar
- 1 tbsp Rice vinegar
Instructions
- Slice the Spam into 8 even slices.
- In a bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar to make the marinade.
- Marinate the Spam slices in the sauce for about 15-30 minutes.
- In a skillet, fry the marinated Spam slices until they are crispy and golden brown on both sides.
- Take a musubi mold or a small rectangular mold (or improvise with clean, empty Spam can) and place it on a cutting board. Place a piece of nori on the bottom of the mold.
- Fill the mold with a layer of cooked sushi rice, about half an inch thick, and press it down firmly.
- Place a slice of fried Spam on top of the rice.
- Add another layer of rice on top of the Spam, pressing it down firmly.
- Press the top of the mold down to compress the layers.
- Remove the mold carefully, then wrap a strip of nori around the musubi, sealing it like a present.
- Repeat the process for the remaining Spam and rice.
- Slice the musubi into bite-sized pieces and serve.
Notes
- Be sure to press the rice firmly in the mold to ensure the musubi holds its shape.
- Adjust the marinade ingredients to taste, adding more or less sugar or soy sauce as desired.
Nutrition
Some Amazing Tips and Tricks to Help You Cooking Amazingly!
Tip 1: When you are cooking the Spam slices, don’t rush it. Let them get a bit crispy and golden brown”it adds a great texture and a touch of caramelized flavor that really makes a difference.
Tip 2: You want your rice to be sticky enough to hold together but not turn into a mushy mess. Give it a good rinse before cooking to wash off some of the extra starch. It helps the rice stay firm and easier to work with.
Tip 3: Cutting nori with scissors is usually the easiest way to get clean edges. If your nori seems too brittle, hold it over some steam or a warm stove for a few seconds to make it more flexible”itll be less likely to crack when you wrap it around the musubi.
Tip 4: It’s super helpful to set up a little assembly line. Have your rice, Spam, any sauces, and nori all lined up so you can quickly put together each musubi without getting everything all over the place.
Foods You Can Serve With Spam Musubi Recipe
Spam Musubi pairs well with a variety of sides to create a balanced meal. Consider light and complementary options that enhance its savory flavor. Adding fresh, tangy, or crunchy sides can provide a delightful contrast and round out your meal perfectly.