Hi, I’m Jacob Allen from Beyond the Beachside Blog. Today, I’m sharing a yummy Spam Musubi recipe from Japan. Let’s dive in!
As I mix the ingredients for the Spam Musubi, I remember my trip to Japan. Beautiful busy streets, smells, and lively markets in Tokyo. It was so exciting!
One memory stands out: finding a cozy sushi stand in Tokyo. The smell of spam cooking, the tasty nori, and the amazing flavors of their Spam Musubi were unforgettable. It mixed tradition with new ideas.
Come join us as we make this Japanese dish at home, bringing Tokyo’s street food to you.
Overview: How to make Spam Musubi?
Spam musubi is a simple and tasty snack you can make at home with just a few basic ingredients. It’s quick to prepare, and you don’t need any fancy kitchen tools. In fact, I’m going to show you how to make it using a regular empty Spam can as a mold. It’s a clever hack that makes the process even easier.
One of the reasons I enjoy making Spam musubi at home is because you can control the ratio of rice to Spam. Some places tend to be stingy with the Spam, but with this recipe, you can make it as you like. My method balances the rice and Spam perfectly, so you get the best of both in every bite.
The key to this dish Is to caramelize the Spam slices, giving them a sweet and savory taste that pairs perfectly with the sticky rice. Wrap it all up with a strip of seaweed, and you have a snack that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Making it at home allows you to enjoy a Hawaiian classic without needing to leave your kitchen.
Once you’ve got all the ingredients, the step-by-step instructions make it easy to recreate this dish. At the end of the guide, there’s a recipe card that you can print out, save to Pinterest, or keep for later reference. So, let’s get started and make some Spam musubi!
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!
Tip 1: When you’re 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—it’ll 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.
Making Spam Musubi Without Mold?
To make Spam musubi without a mold, use the Spam can. Cut off both ends with a can opener to create a makeshift mold, but be careful with sharp edges. Place rice in the can, add a slice of Spam, and press down firmly to pack the rice. Slide out the rice-Spam combo, then wrap it with a strip of nori. Done! This trick works if you don’t have a musubi mold, just watch out for the sharp can edges.
Foods You Can Serve With Spam Musubi Recipe
Customize Your Spam Musubi Recipe:
The beauty of cooking is that you can adjust recipes according to your choice. Feel free to experiment with different sauces, seasonings, or even add extra toppings like avocado or cucumber. Make it your own and enjoy it to the fullest!
Is Spam Musubi a suitable dish for vegetarians or vegans?
Traditionally, Spam Musubi contains spam, which is made from pork, so it’s not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. However, you can easily make a vegetarian or vegan version by substituting the spam with grilled tofu or a plant-based alternative. You’ll still get that delicious combination of rice and nori, just without the meat.
Can I make Spam Musubi without a grill or special equipment?
While grilling the spam adds a nice flavor, you can still make delicious Spam Musubi without a grill. Simply fry the spam in a skillet or pan until it’s crispy on the outside. You also don’t need any special equipment—just some nori sheets, rice, and spam, and you’re good to go.