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Spam Musubi is the Perfect Picnic Snack

Spam musubi on a plate
Prep Time
30 min
Cook Time
10 min
Yields
8 Spam musubi

If you’ve ever visited Hawaii, you’ve likely seen Spam musubi at just about every gas station, convenience store and deli on the islands. These delicious little morsels consist of sushi rice topped with pan-fried Spam that’s caramelized in a glaze of soya sauce and sugar, then wrapped in a layer of seaweed to hold it all together. They’re savoury, sweet, and the best part is, they’re best eaten at room temperature, so it’s the perfect snack to pack for your next picnic. Plus, you don’t need any special supplies to make them! What are you waiting for?

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ingredients

1
can (340 g) Spam Luncheon Meat
2
Tbsp soy sauce
1
Tbsp sugar
2
cups sushi rice, cooked and cooled at room temperature
Furikake, for sprinkling (optional)
8
pieces of nori, cut into 2 x 8-inch strips
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directions

Notes

Spam musubi is best served at room temperature or slightly warmed. If storing in the refrigerator, microwave for 20 seconds before serving.

Ingredients for spam musubi
Step 1

Remove Spam from can and set can aside. Cut Spam into 8 even slices.

Sliced SPAM on a plate
Step 2

Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add Spam slices and cook until brown and crispy on the bottom, about 2-3 minutes. Flip Spam and repeat until both sides are brown and crispy. Turn heat to low and drizzle Spam with  soy sauce and sprinkle evenly with sugar. Swirl pan to ensure Spam is thoroughly coated, and simmer for 3-4 minutes or until liquid is nearly absorbed and Spam is caramelized. Set aside to cool.

Spam in a pan
Step 3

While the Spam cools, rinse and clean Spam can. Place a layer of plastic wrap inside the can, ensuring that there’s about an inch of plastic wrap overhang on all sides. With wet hands (to prevent rice sticking to your hands), scoop about ¼ cup of cooked sushi rice and press it down into the bottom of the plastic wrap-lined Spam can. Press down until you’ve created an even layer of rice of Spam at the bottom that reaches all edges.

A spam can lined with plastic wrap with a layer of rice at the bottom.
Step 4

Using the plastic wrap overhang, lift out the layer of rice and place it on a clean plate or work surface.

A rectangle of rice on a plate
Step 5

Top rice with a sprinkle of furikake (if using) and one slice of glazed Spam, then wrap with a strip of nori, ensuring that the seam is on the bottom of the rice. Seal nori with a touch of water. Repeat with remaining rice, Spam and nori.

Spam musubi, ready to be wrapped
Step 6

Serve immediately or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Spam musubi on a plate

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