Spam musubi was a big part of my childhood in Hawaii. It was a tasty, easy snack that always hit the spot. The mix of savory Spam, sticky rice, and crisp seaweed was amazing. It reminded me of Hawaii’s sunny beaches.
Now, I want to teach you how to make this iconic dish. You’ll get to enjoy that same delicious taste in your kitchen.
Spam musubi may seem simple, but it’s loved in Hawaii. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a unique snack or a taste of the islands. Follow this recipe to make your own Spam musubi at home.
Key Takeaways
- Spam musubi is a popular Hawaiian snack with roots in Japanese cuisine.
- It combines Spam, sushi rice, and nori seaweed for a flavorful and portable treat.
- The recipe is simple, using just a few key ingredients and basic kitchen tools.
- Spam musubi is a convenient, filling, and affordable meal option.
- This dish gained widespread popularity in Hawaii after World War II due to the availability of Spam.
What is Spam Musubi?
Spam musubi is a favorite snack in Hawaii. It mixes Spam, sushi rice, and nori seaweed. This treat is loved for its taste and easy to eat.
A Brief History of Spam Musubi
Spam musubi started in the 1980s. Barbara Funamura made the first version. It was shaped like Japanese rice balls.
Later, the shape changed to a rectangle. This let Spam slices fit perfectly inside.
Spam became popular in Hawaii during World War II. Its long shelf life made it handy. The Japanese influence helped create Spam musubi.
Ingredients Overview
The main parts of Spam musubi are:
- Spam, a canned cooked pork product
- Sushi rice, made with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt
- Nori seaweed sheets, for wrapping
- Teriyaki-style sauce or marinade, with soy sauce, sugar, and mirin
- Furikake seasoning, with sesame seeds, salt, and dried seaweed
These ingredients make the tasty Spam and rice snack. It shows the Japanese influence on Hawaiian food.
Essential Ingredients for Spam Musubi
Making the perfect Spam musubi begins with picking the right ingredients. The sushi rice and Spam are at the heart of the dish. They’re joined by nori seaweed and furikake seasoning, adding to the iconic Hawaiian taste.
Choosing the Right Rice
For Spam musubi, use short or medium grain white rice, like Calrose. This rice is sticky and slightly sweet. It helps hold the musubi together and provides a perfect base for the Spam.
Types of Spam to Use
The classic Spam musubi uses the original Spam. But, you can try different flavors for a twist. Options include Spam Lite, Garlic Spam, and Black Pepper Spam. Slice the Spam into even pieces, about 8-9 slices per can, and fry until crispy.
Additional Fillings and Toppings
- Nori seaweed sheets: These sheets wrap the Spam musubi, adding crunch and umami flavor.
- Furikake seasoning: A mix of toasted sesame seeds, salt, and dried seaweed, furikake adds a savory-sweet touch.
- Teriyaki-style sauce: A blend of soy sauce, sugar, and mirin (Japanese rice wine) can enhance the Spam’s flavor.
- Eggs: Some musubi include a layer of cooked egg, either scrambled or fried, for a breakfast twist.
- Portuguese sausage: This spicy, smoky sausage can be used as a substitute for or alongside the Spam.
With the right ingredients, you can make authentic and delicious Spam musubi at home.
Tools Needed for Making Spam Musubi
To make tasty Spam musubi at home, you need a few key tools. A dedicated Spam musubi mold is best for getting the right shape. These molds come in single or double sizes, making your musubi look and taste great.
Sushi Mold vs. Hand-Making
A Spam musubi mold is essential for easy making. It has compartments to shape the Spam and rice into perfect rectangles. Or, you can use a DIY mold from a Spam can to get uniform musubi.
Necessary Kitchen Utensils
- A rice cooker for perfectly cooked, fluffy rice
- A non-stick pan for browning the Spam slices
- A sharp knife for slicing the Spam and nori sheets
- A rice paddle or wooden spoon for shaping and handling the rice
- A cutting board for preparing your ingredients
- Plastic wrap for storing and preserving your homemade musubi
With these tools, you can make delicious Spam musubi at home. The right tools help you get the perfect texture and look.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Spam Musubi
Making Hawaiian Spam Musubi at home is simpler than you think. With a few ingredients and practice, you can make this island snack in your kitchen. Let’s explore the steps to master the musubi recipe, Spam cooking, rice prep, and assembly.
Preparing the Rice
Start by cooking sushi rice as the package says. Rinse the rice well to get rid of starch. This makes the rice light and sticky, key for great musubi.
Cooking the Spam
Next, cut a can of Spam into 7-10 slices, about 1/2-inch thick. In a skillet, fry the Spam until it’s crispy and golden on both sides. Then, make a teriyaki glaze with soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, and sesame oil. Brush the glaze on the Spam to make it sweet and caramelized.
Assembly Process
Now, let’s put our Spam Musubi together. Use a musubi mold or press. Layer the rice, furikake seasoning, and glazed Spam. Press the layers together, then remove the mold. Wrap nori seaweed around it, dampening the edge to seal. You can even cut the musubi in half for a nice look.
Getting good at Spam Musubi takes practice. With a few tries, you’ll make musubi like a pro. Share your Spam Musubi with friends and family. And don’t forget to post your creations online!
“The step-by-step instructions and video were incredibly helpful in guiding me through the process of making Spam Musubi at home. My family loved the final result!”
– Christina, Home Cook
Variations of Spam Musubi
The classic Spam musubi is loved by many in Hawaii. But, there are so many creative twists now. You can try spicy ahi musubi or teriyaki chicken musubi. The choices are endless for this iconic dish.
Spicy Ahi Musubi
Try using seasoned, raw ahi tuna instead of Spam for a new taste. The spicy ahi goes well with sushi rice and nori. It’s a bold and refreshing musubi.
Teriyaki Chicken Musubi
Chicken lovers can enjoy a special musubi with grilled, teriyaki-marinated chicken. It’s a sweet and savory twist on the classic.
Vegetarian Options
- Tofu Musubi: Firm tofu marinated in a flavorful sauce makes a great plant-based musubi.
- Tempeh Musubi: Nutty, fermented tempeh is a hearty, protein-rich vegetarian option.
- Grilled Veggie Musubi: Grilled veggies like eggplant, bell peppers, and zucchini make a vibrant, healthy musubi.
These are just a few of the musubi variations out there. They show the Hawaiian fusion and creative recipes that keep evolving. Whether you want a vegetarian musubi or something new, you can customize your musubi to your liking.
Serving Suggestions for Spam Musubi
Spam musubi is a favorite snack in Hawaii. It’s great on its own or with other tasty foods. The musubi’s savory taste goes well with Hawaiian side dishes, adding to the island’s flavors.
Best Accompaniments
For a true Hawaiian taste, try your homemade spam musubi with macaroni salad, lomi lomi salmon, or poi. These dishes add a nice mix of flavors and textures to your musubi.
Some people like to dip their musubi in soy sauce or ketchup. This lets them change the taste to their liking. For a bigger meal, add a light salad or some fresh tropical fruits. This shows off the island’s bright flavors.
Traditional Hawaiian Sides
- Macaroni Salad: A creamy, tangy, and refreshing side dish that complements the savory musubi perfectly.
- Lomi Lomi Salmon: A raw, chopped salmon salad with tomatoes, onions, and a zesty dressing.
- Poi: A traditional Hawaiian taro-based staple, offering a unique starchy and slightly sweet flavor.
Spam musubi is a snack you can take anywhere in Hawaii. It’s easy to eat and tastes amazing. It’s a big part of Hawaii’s food scene, loved by locals and visitors alike.
Storing and Reheating Spam Musubi
Enjoying Spam musubi fresh is the best. But, you can store and reheat them to enjoy their taste and texture for days. Here’s how to keep your homemade Spam musubi fresh.
How to Properly Store Your Musubi
Wrap your warm Spam musubi tightly in plastic wrap. This keeps moisture in and rice from drying out. You can store it at room temperature for 2-4 hours.
For longer storage, put your Spam musubi in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-7 days. But, try not to refrigerate it. Cold temperatures can dry out the rice and change the texture.
Reheating Tips for Optimal Flavor
When you’re ready to eat your Spam musubi, remove the plastic wrap. Then, wrap it in a damp paper towel. Microwave for 45 seconds, or until it’s hot. The damp towel helps keep the rice moist.
Limit refrigeration and reheating to keep your Spam musubi fresh. Eat it as soon as you can for the best taste and texture.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your Spam musubi fresh for days. Enjoy every bite and impress your loved ones with your Spam musubi skills!
Common Mistakes When Making Spam Musubi
Making Spam musubi is an art, and even pros can make mistakes. Common errors include overcooking the rice and choosing the wrong Spam. These mistakes can ruin your dish.
Overcooking the Rice
The rice’s texture is key in Spam musubi. Overcooked rice is gummy and heavy. To avoid this, rinse the rice well before cooking. Also, don’t let the rice sit for too long after cooking.
Choosing the Wrong Spam
Not all Spam is right for musubi. The type of Spam you select affects the taste. Choose classic Spam for the best flavor and texture. Low-sodium or flavored Spam can mess up the traditional taste.
By avoiding these cooking errors and focusing on the rice texture and Spam selection, you’ll make great Spam musubi. With some musubi tips, you can impress everyone with this Hawaiian snack.
Nutritional Information of Spam Musubi
Spam Musubi is a tasty snack, but it’s high in calories. A single piece has about 276 calories. It has 75% carbs, 13% fat, and 12% protein.
It has 27% of the Daily Value for protein. But, it also has 866mg of sodium, which is 37% of the daily limit. The cholesterol is 24mg per piece, which is something to watch.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Total Calories | 276 | – |
| Total Fat | 12g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 35g | 13% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Cholesterol | 24mg | – |
| Sodium | 866mg | 37% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | – |
| Total Sugars | 10g | – |
Healthier Ingredient Alternatives
To make Spam Musubi healthier, try these swaps:
- Use brown rice for more fiber and nutrients.
- Choose low-sodium Spam or leaner protein like grilled chicken or tofu.
- Add fresh veggies like carrots, cucumber, or lettuce for more nutrition.
Enjoy Spam Musubi in moderation. Simple changes can make it a healthier snack.
Final Thoughts on Making Spam Musubi
Why You Should Try It at Home
Making Spam musubi at home lets you make it your own. It’s a simple recipe great for beginners. You can try new sauces, proteins, or veggies to make it your own.
Encourage Experimentation with Flavors
Homemade Spam musubi is fresher and lets you choose what goes in. It’s a fun way to connect with Hawaiian culture. Feel free to add your own twist to this classic snack.
Whether you’re new to homemade musubi or love Spam musubi, making it is rewarding. Try new ingredients and let your Spam musubi show off your cooking style.
FAQ
What is Spam Musubi?
Spam Musubi is a tasty Hawaiian snack. It’s made with Spam, rice, and nori seaweed. It became popular after World War II because of Spam’s availability.
When and where did Spam Musubi originate?
Spam Musubi started in Hawaii, influenced by Japanese onigiri. Barbara Funamura created it in 1982. It was first triangular but now is rectangular to fit Spam slices.
What are the essential ingredients for Spam Musubi?
You need short or medium grain white rice, Spam, nori seaweed sheets, and furikake seasoning. A teriyaki sauce is made from soy sauce, sugar, and mirin.
What tools are needed to make Spam Musubi?
You’ll need a Spam musubi mold, a rice cooker, a non-stick frying pan, and a sharp knife. A musubi mold helps make uniform shapes.
How do you assemble Spam Musubi?
Cook sushi rice and rinse it well. Cut Spam into 7-10 pieces per can. Make teriyaki sauce with soy sauce, sugar, mirin, and sesame oil.
Pan-fry Spam until crispy, then glaze it. Layer rice, furikake, and Spam in a mold.
What are some popular variations of Spam Musubi?
There’s Furikake Spam Musubi, Breakfast Spam Musubi with egg, and Teriyaki Spam Musubi. Spicy Ahi Musubi uses raw tuna, and Teriyaki Chicken Musubi has grilled chicken.
How should Spam Musubi be stored and reheated?
Eat Spam Musubi fresh for the best taste. If you must store it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap while still warm. It can stay at room temperature for 2-4 hours.
For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for 4-7 days. To reheat, remove plastic wrap, wrap in a damp paper towel, and microwave for 45 seconds.
What are some common mistakes when making Spam Musubi?
Avoid overcooking or under-rinsing rice to prevent a gummy texture. Use the right rice and Spam for flavor and texture. Don’t overpack the rice in the mold to avoid a dense musubi.
How healthy is Spam Musubi?
Spam Musubi has about 280-320 calories, with high sodium and fat from Spam. To make it healthier, use brown rice, low-sodium Spam, or substitute with grilled chicken or tofu.
Why should you try making Spam Musubi at home?
Making Spam Musubi at home lets you customize it and connect with Hawaiian culture. It’s a fun, easy recipe for beginners in Hawaiian cuisine. Homemade musubi tastes fresher and lets you control the ingredients.