Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and savory flavor combination
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
- Perfect portable snack or lunch
- Great for meal prep
- Inspired by Hawaiian comfort food
- Customizable with sauces and toppings
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Spam
- Cooked sushi rice
- Nori sheets
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Rice vinegar
- Salt
- Furikake seasoning optional
- Cooking oil
Directions
- Cook the sushi rice according to package instructions and season lightly with rice vinegar and salt.
- Slice the Spam into even pieces.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly oil the pan.
- Cook the Spam slices until browned and crispy on both sides.
- Add soy sauce and brown sugar to the skillet and cook until the Spam is coated in a glossy glaze.
- Cut the nori sheets into strips sized for wrapping.
- Place a strip of nori on a clean surface.
- Add a layer of rice in the center using a musubi mold or by shaping it with your hands.
- Sprinkle furikake seasoning over the rice if desired.
- Place a slice of glazed Spam on top of the rice.
- Wrap the nori around the rice and Spam, sealing the edge with a little water if needed.
- Allow the musubi to sit briefly before serving.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Add scrambled eggs for breakfast musubi.
- Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce glaze.
- Add avocado slices for creaminess.
- Make spicy musubi with sriracha mayo.
- Use brown rice for a healthier option.
- Add pickled vegetables for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store Spam Musubi tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It can be enjoyed cold or reheated briefly in the microwave. Wrap in plastic wrap to keep the rice from drying out.
FAQs
What is Spam Musubi?
It is a Hawaiian snack made with rice, Spam, and nori seaweed.
Do I need a musubi mold?
No, you can shape the rice by hand if needed.
What type of rice works best?
Sushi rice or short-grain rice works best because it sticks together well.
Can I eat Spam Musubi cold?
Yes, it tastes great both warm and cold.
Is Spam Musubi Hawaiian or Japanese?
It is a Hawaiian-inspired dish influenced by Japanese cuisine.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes, add sriracha, chili sauce, or spicy mayo.
How do I keep the nori crisp?
Wrap the musubi shortly before serving for the best texture.
Can I use low-sodium Spam?
Yes, low-sodium Spam works very well.
What sides pair well with Spam Musubi?
Macaroni salad, edamame, fruit, or cucumber salad pair nicely.
Can I freeze Spam Musubi?
Freezing is not recommended because the rice texture may change.
Conclusion
Spam Musubi is a simple and satisfying snack that combines savory glazed Spam, seasoned rice, and crisp seaweed into a delicious handheld meal. Easy to customize and perfect for lunches, snacks, or meal prep, this Hawaiian favorite delivers comforting flavor in every bite.
PrintSpam Musubi
Spam Musubi is a Hawaiian-inspired handheld snack made with glazed Spam, seasoned sushi rice, and crisp nori seaweed. This sweet and savory favorite is easy to prepare and perfect for lunches, snacks, or quick meals on the go.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 can Spam, sliced into 8 even pieces
- 3 cups cooked sushi rice
- 4 nori sheets, cut into strips
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons furikake seasoning (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cooking oil
Instructions
- Cook the sushi rice according to package instructions.
- Season the rice with rice vinegar and salt, then allow it to cool slightly.
- Slice the Spam into even pieces.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly coat it with cooking oil.
- Cook the Spam slices until browned and crispy on both sides.
- Add soy sauce and brown sugar to the skillet and cook until the Spam is coated in a glossy glaze.
- Cut the nori sheets into strips large enough to wrap around the musubi.
- Place a strip of nori on a clean surface.
- Using a musubi mold or your hands, shape a layer of rice in the center of the nori.
- Sprinkle furikake seasoning over the rice if desired.
- Place a slice of glazed Spam on top of the rice.
- Wrap the nori around the rice and Spam, sealing the edge with a little water if needed.
- Allow the musubi to rest briefly before serving.
Notes
- Sushi rice or short-grain rice works best because it holds together well.
- Low-sodium Spam can be used to reduce saltiness.
- Add scrambled eggs, avocado, or spicy mayo for extra flavor variations.
- Wrap the musubi shortly before serving to keep the nori crisp.
- Store tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Enjoy warm or cold for convenient meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 musubi
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 990 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
