Description
Hawaiian Spam Musubi is a delicious and easy-to-make snack or lunch option featuring savory fried Spam atop seasoned sushi rice, all wrapped in crisp nori seaweed. This popular Hawaiian treat combines the rich umami flavors of Spam with lightly seasoned sushi rice, making it a perfect portable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice
- 2 cups short-grain sushi rice
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Pinch of salt
Spam
- 1 can Spam (12 oz)
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Other
- 3 sheets sushi nori seaweed
Instructions
- Prepare the rice: Rinse the short-grain sushi rice under cold water repeatedly until the water runs clear, removing excess starch. Cook the rice following the package instructions, which typically takes about 20 minutes.
- Season the rice: In a bowl, combine cooked rice with rice vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix gently to evenly coat the rice and let it cool slightly.
- Cook the Spam: Slice the Spam into eight rectangular pieces. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add sesame oil. Fry the Spam slices until golden brown on each side, approximately 4-5 minutes per side, for a total of around 8-10 minutes. Optionally, add soy sauce and mirin towards the end of cooking for a glaze.
- Assemble the musubi: Lay one sheet of sushi nori flat on a clean surface. Spread about 1/3 cup of the seasoned rice evenly on the nori.
- Add Spam and roll: Place one slice of cooked Spam on top of the rice. Roll the nori tightly around the rice and Spam, using a little water along the edge of the nori to seal the roll.
- Set and slice: Let the musubi sit seam-side down for five minutes to allow it to set. Then slice into bite-sized pieces and serve.
Notes
- Use short-grain sushi rice for the best texture and stickiness.
- For extra flavor, brush the Spam slices with a soy and mirin glaze during frying.
- If you prefer less salt, opt for low-sodium soy sauce.
- Musubi can be made ahead and stored wrapped in plastic wrap for a few hours.
- Use a musubi mold if you want perfectly shaped musubi.
