Barter-Worthy Spam Musubi
User Reviews
4.9
-
Prep Time
30 mins
-
Cook Time
15 mins
-
Total Time
45 mins
-
Servings
8 musubi
-
Calories
279 kcal
-
Course
Main Course, Appetizer
Barter-Worthy Spam Musubi
Description
This Spam Musubi recipe begins by frying low-sodium Spam slices in oil until browned and crispy on both sides. The slices are glazed with a soy sauce, water, and sugar mixture, simmered to a sticky caramel coating. The musubi uses cooked short-grain sushi rice shaped firmly into portions that hold together well.
The nori seaweed strips are cut wide enough to wrap around the rice and Spam, securing the components into manageable bites. The sushi rice, which can be seasoned with vinegar and sugar, adds mild acidity and sweetness that pairs well with the salty Spam. The finished musubi showcases a harmonious mix of textures: crispy edges and glazed surface of the Spam, tender sticky rice, and a slightly chewy nori wrap.
Spam Musubi is a popular casual snack or lunch item, often eaten warm or at room temperature. It is convenient to prepare in advance and pack for picnics or on-the-go meals.
The recipe notes emphasize using short grain rice for cohesion, with a personal preference for sushi rice providing additional flavor depth. It recommends measuring rice portions to 1/2 cup cooked per musubi and slicing Spam into eight pieces for consistent size.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1 can SPAM sliced into 8 pieces, low-sodium (12 oz. / 340 g can
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 4 cups sushi rice or regular cooked short grain white rice) (*Footnote, cooked
- 3 Roasted seaweed cut into 8 strips about 2” (5 cm) wide and 9” (23 cm) long, nori, sheets
Instructions
- Start making steamed rice (or sushi rice) if you don’t have any already made.
- Heat the oil in a 12-inch (30cm) nonstick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the Spam slices and cook until browned and crispy on the bottom side, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and cook until the other side is also browned and crispy, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Whisk together the water and soy sauce in a small bowl. Sprinkle the sugar evenly over the Spam slices, then add the soy sauce mixture. Swirl to evenly distribute, then let the Spam simmer until the liquid is nearly absorbed, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip once in between, so the sugar will melt completely and camalize well. Transfer the Spam slices to a plate to cool.
- To make the sushi: Place one slice of Spam perpendicular to the nori strip on the bottom of the strip (forming a cross shape). Wet the palms and fingers of both of your hands, measure 1/2 cup of rice, and transfer the rice to your palm. Use both hands to firmly press the rice into a ball. Then hold the rice ball with your left hand, with your thumb and the other four fingers to secure both sides, use your right hand to gently press the rice ball into a rectangular shape about the size of the Spam slice. Place the rice on top of the Spam. Roll up the Spam and rice so that the nori sheet wraps around it. Seal the end with a bit of water and place the musubi seam-side-down while you work on the rest. Repeat with the remaining nori strips, Spam slices, and rice. Remember to rinse your hands every time, to minimize rice sticking to your hands.
- Enjoy the spam musubi immediately at room temperature. You can store them in an airtight container or wrap them with plastic wrap and place them in the fridge. To serve refrigerated musubi, warm them in the microwave for 20 seconds or so, to get the best texture.
Notes
- Use short-grain rice to ensure the musubi holds together well; sushi rice with vinegar and sugar adds flavor depth.
- The typical ratio is one slice of Spam and 1/2 cup of cooked rice per musubi, usually totaling eight pieces per Spam can.
- This snack can be eaten warm or at room temperature and is convenient for packing in lunches or picnics.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8musubi
Amount Per Serving
Calories 279 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 279kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 32g | 11% |
| Protein | 8.3g | 17% |
| Fat | 12.4g | 19% |
| Saturated Fat | 4.6g | 23% |
| Cholesterol | 30mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 525mg | 22% |
| Potassium | 271mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 0.5g | 2% |
| Sugar | 3.1g | 6% |
| Calcium | 10mg | 1% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
You'll Also Love
