Spam Musubi Recipe
Spam Musubi is a beloved Hawaiian snack that beautifully blends savory flavors with the convenience of a handheld treat. This dish, with its origins in Japanese cuisine, has become an iconic part of Hawaiian culinary culture, often enjoyed as a quick bite or even as part of a casual meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of Spam
- 2 cups of sushi rice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Nori (seaweed sheets), cut into strips
- Furikake (Japanese rice seasoning) for garnish (optional)
- Bamboo musubi mold (can be substituted with a Spam can)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Rice:
- Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the Spam:
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin, and sugar to create a marinade.
- Cut the Spam into 8 slices. Marinate each slice in the soy sauce mixture for about 10 minutes.
- Cook the Spam:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the Spam slices in the skillet and cook until lightly browned and caramelized on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Musubi:
- Place the bamboo musubi mold on a clean surface. Lay a strip of nori on a flat surface, rough side up. Place the mold on the nori.
- Fill the mold with a layer of rice, pressing it down firmly.
- Add a slice of cooked Spam on top of the rice.
- Add another layer of rice, pressing down again to compact it.
- Wrap the Musubi:
- Fold the sides of the nori over the rice and Spam stack, sealing the edges with a little water to help them stick together. Press gently to ensure everything holds together.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Optionally, sprinkle furikake over the top for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Slice each musubi into bite-sized pieces and serve warm or at room temperature.
Why You’ll Love Spam Musubi:
Spam Musubi offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors: the slightly sweet and savory Spam, the sticky sushi rice, and the crisp nori. It’s not just a snack; it’s a taste of Hawaii’s multicultural culinary heritage wrapped in a convenient, portable package.
Whether you’re looking to recreate a taste of the islands or simply curious about Hawaiian cuisine, Spam Musubi is a delicious and easy-to-make option that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy it as a snack, pack it for a picnic, or serve it as part of a casual meal—it’s versatile, flavorful, and distinctly Hawaiian.