Spam Musubi
A classic Hawaiian snack featuring a slice of savory, glazed Spam atop a block of sticky rice, all wrapped in a crisp sheet of nori. The perfect blend of sweet and salty, ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Rice
- b.Rinse the short-grain rice under cold running water in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents gummy rice.
- c.Transfer the rinsed rice to a rice cooker or a medium saucepan. Add 2 cups of water.
- d.If using a rice cooker, start the cycle. If using a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until all water is absorbed.
- e.Once cooked, let the rice rest, covered, for 10 minutes off the heat. This allows it to steam and become fluffy.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Spam and Glaze
- b.While the rice is cooking, open the can of Spam. Carefully slide the block out and slice it lengthwise into 8 equal slices, about 1/4-inch thick.
- c.In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, granulated sugar, and mirin until the sugar is mostly dissolved. This will be your teriyaki-style glaze.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Pan-Fry and Glaze the Spam
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- c.Carefully place the Spam slices in a single layer in the hot skillet. Pan-fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- d.Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the prepared glaze over the Spam slices.
- e.Allow the glaze to simmer and bubble for about 1-2 minutes, flipping the Spam slices to coat them evenly. The glaze will thicken and caramelize onto the Spam.
- f.Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Musubi
- b.Cut the nori sheets in half lengthwise, creating 8 long strips.
- c.Place a strip of nori, shiny side down, on a clean work surface. If using a musubi mold, place the empty Spam can (cleaned) or the mold in the center of the nori strip.
- d.Fill the mold with about a 3/4-inch layer of warm rice (about 1/2 cup). Use the mold's press to firmly compact the rice into a neat block.
- e.Place one slice of glazed Spam on top of the compacted rice.
- f.Remove the mold by pushing the rice and Spam block down while lifting the mold up.
- g.Wrap the two ends of the nori strip up and over the Spam and rice block. Moisten the edge of the nori with a little water to seal the seam.
- h.Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make 8 musubi.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the Spam Musubi immediately while they are still warm for the best flavor and texture. They can be wrapped individually in plastic wrap for a portable snack.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use Japanese short-grain rice (sushi rice) for its sticky texture, which is essential for holding the musubi shape.
- 2Keep a small bowl of water handy to dip your fingers or the musubi press in. This prevents the sticky rice from clinging to everything.
- 3For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some furikake (a Japanese rice seasoning) over the rice before adding the Spam.
- 4Don't overcook the glaze; it can burn quickly due to the sugar content. Remove it from the heat as soon as it thickens.
- 5Assemble the musubi while the rice is still warm. It's much more pliable and easier to shape than cold rice.
- 6If you don't have a musubi mold, you can use the cleaned Spam can (with both ends removed) as a perfect substitute.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Egg
Fry a thin omelet (tamago style), cut it to the same size as the Spam, and place it between the rice and the Spam for added protein and flavor.
Spicy VersionSpicy Version
Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick.
Chicken or TofuChicken or Tofu
For a variation, use teriyaki-glazed chicken thigh or firm tofu slices instead of Spam.
Add FurikakeAdd Furikake
Sprinkle a generous layer of furikake seasoning on the rice before adding the Spam. This adds umami, sesame, and seaweed flavors.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Quick Energy Source
The white rice provides a readily available source of carbohydrates, which the body uses for quick energy, making this a satisfying and fuel-providing snack.
Source of Protein
Spam provides a significant amount of protein, an essential macronutrient necessary for building and repairing tissues, including muscle.
Frequently asked questions
A single piece of Spam Musubi made according to this recipe contains approximately 375-400 calories, making it a very energy-dense snack.