Hawaiian Spam Musubi is a beloved snack that combines savory, crispy spam with soft sushi rice, all wrapped in a sheet of sushi nori. This easy-to-make recipe is a delicious fusion of flavors and textures, offering a unique twist on traditional sushi. Popular in Hawaii, Spam Musubi is a portable snack that’s perfect for picnics, parties, or simply as a quick, satisfying meal. Whether you’re a fan of Spam or trying it for the first time, this recipe is sure to surprise you with how delicious and easy it is to make.

The salty, umami-rich Spam pairs wonderfully with the slightly tangy sushi rice, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The soy sauce and rice vinegar glaze add depth to the Spam, while the furikake seasoning (if used) introduces a burst of umami and texture. Wrapped up in nori, this treat is compact, filling, and full of flavor.

Perfect for busy days or casual gatherings, this Easy Hawaiian Spam Musubi offers the ideal combination of simplicity and taste. Whether you serve it as a quick snack or part of a meal, it’s bound to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Spam Musubi brings together some of the best flavors of Hawaii, including the iconic Spam and sushi rice, creating an irresistible snack. It’s quick to prepare and requires only a handful of ingredients. The best part is that you can customize each musubi to your taste by adjusting the amount of soy sauce or adding extra seasonings like furikake. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Spam or new to this delightful snack, you’ll appreciate the simplicity and the perfect balance of salty, savory, and slightly sweet flavors.

This recipe is ideal for anyone looking to try something new and enjoy a unique dish that’s easy to make yet full of flavor. It’s also a fun way to make homemade sushi at home without needing specialized ingredients or equipment.

Ingredients

1 can of Spam
2 cups of sushi rice
5 sheets of sushi nori seaweed
1/2 cup of soy sauce
1/4 cup of sugar
1/4 cup of rice vinegar
Furikake seasoning (optional)

Variations

Teriyaki Spam Musubi: Substitute the soy sauce mixture with teriyaki sauce for a sweeter, richer flavor.
Spicy Musubi: Add a few drops of sriracha or spicy mayo to the rice or Spam for a bit of heat.
Vegetarian Option: Use a plant-based meat substitute for the Spam to create a vegetarian version.
Kimchi Spam Musubi: Add a spoonful of kimchi on top of the Spam for a tangy, spicy twist.
Pickled Ginger: Serve with pickled ginger alongside the musubi to add a refreshing contrast.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the rice

Cook the sushi rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, let the rice cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Slice and fry the Spam

Slice the Spam into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Heat a pan over medium heat and fry the slices of Spam until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges.

Step 3: Make the soy sauce glaze

In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, sugar, and rice vinegar. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat and simmer until the sugar dissolves, creating a sweet and savory glaze.

Step 4: Assemble the Musubi

Place a sheet of sushi nori on a clean surface, shiny side down. Lay a slice of fried Spam in the center of the nori. Then, add a scoop of cooled sushi rice on top of the Spam. Press down gently to compact the rice.

Step 5: Season and wrap

Sprinkle the top of the rice with furikake seasoning, if desired. Then, carefully fold the nori around the Spam and rice, sealing the edge with a little water.

Step 6: Slice and serve

Cut the musubi into bite-sized pieces, using a sharp knife. Serve immediately, or wrap them individually for later.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use a sushi rice mold: If you have one, using a sushi rice mold can help you form perfect rice blocks that fit neatly with the Spam and nori.
Use warm rice: If your rice is too cold, it may not stick to the Spam or the nori properly. Make sure it’s at room temperature or slightly warm when assembling.
Press down the rice: Make sure to press the rice down firmly to help it hold its shape when wrapped in the nori.
Frying Spam evenly: Fry the Spam slices on medium heat to ensure they get evenly crispy without burning.
Wet the knife: When cutting the musubi, wet your knife to prevent the rice from sticking to it.

How to Serve

Spam Musubi is versatile and can be served in various ways. Serve it as a snack, lunch, or party appetizer. It’s great on its own, but you can also pair it with a side of pickled vegetables, miso soup, or a simple salad to complete the meal. For a fun, shareable experience, serve the musubi on a platter at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover musubi, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 2 days, although the nori may lose its crispness. Reheat it gently in the microwave, but be aware that the nori will soften.

Freezing

You can freeze Spam Musubi for up to 1 month. Wrap each musubi individually in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To reheat, microwave the frozen musubi until heated through, but again, the nori may become softer.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat musubi in a microwave for 20-30 seconds, just enough to warm through the Spam and rice.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of meat instead of Spam?

Yes, you can use other protein options such as chicken, beef, or even tofu for a different take on musubi.

2. Can I use regular rice instead of sushi rice?

Sushi rice works best for this recipe due to its stickiness, but if you don’t have it, any short-grain rice can be used as a substitute.

3. What is furikake seasoning?

Furikake is a Japanese seasoning mix made of dried fish, sesame seeds, seaweed, and sometimes sugar and salt. It adds a nice umami flavor to the rice.

4. Is there a vegan version of Spam Musubi?

Yes, you can use vegan Spam or another plant-based substitute for the Spam to make a vegan version of this recipe.

5. How can I make the rice stick better to the Spam?

Make sure to press the rice firmly onto the Spam when assembling the musubi. You can also slightly moisten your hands before handling the rice to prevent it from sticking.

6. Can I add vegetables to the musubi?

Yes, you can add thin slices of cucumber, pickled carrots, or avocado for added texture and flavor.

7. Do I have to use nori?

Nori is traditional, but you can use a different wrapper, like lettuce leaves, for a low-carb alternative.

8. Can I use a different sauce for glazing?

You can try using teriyaki sauce or a mixture of honey and soy sauce for a sweeter glaze.

9. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Spam and rice ahead of time, then assemble the musubi when you’re ready to serve.

10. Can I make a big batch of musubi?

Absolutely! You can make a large batch and store them in an airtight container or wrap them individually to enjoy later.

Conclusion

Easy Hawaiian Spam Musubi is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together the best of savory, salty, and slightly sweet flavors. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a delicious snack or meal that’s both satisfying and unique. Whether you enjoy it as a quick lunch, a party appetizer, or a fun new recipe to try, Spam Musubi is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.