Name: Musubi with Chicken or Tofu
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 12 ounces chicken or tofu; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/2 cup sugar; Nori (roasted seaweed); 6 cups cooked sushi rice; Optional: Furikake seasoning

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If you’re looking for a delicious and fun way to enjoy a taste of Hawaii at home, then this Spam Musubi Recipe is just what you need! This dish is so much more than just a snack; it’s a delightful fusion of flavors wrapped in warm sushi rice and seaweed. I love making these for busy weeknights or family gatherings because they are quick to prepare and always bring smiles to the table. Plus, they are perfect for lunchboxes or picnics!

There’s something so satisfying about wrapping up these little rice packages. They remind me of sunny days and beach outings, making them a cherished recipe in my home. Let’s dive into how you can create this delightful treat from the comfort of your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This Spam Musubi recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknight dinners.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the combination of savory Spam and seasoned rice—it’s a hit with everyone!
Make Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the components in advance, making assembly a breeze when you’re ready to eat.
Customizable Flavors: Feel free to add your favorite seasonings or toppings to suit your palate—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a look at the simple, wholesome ingredients that make this Spam Musubi Recipe so special. You probably already have many of these items in your pantry!

For the Spam

12 ounces Spam
1/4 cup oyster sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup sugar

For Assembly

Nori (roasted seaweed used for sushi, cut into halves or thirds)
6 cups cooked sushi rice
furikake (optional)

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get started on this tasty journey!

Variations

One of the best things about this Spam Musubi recipe is its flexibility! You can easily switch things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Swap the protein: Try using teriyaki chicken or tofu instead of Spam for a different flavor profile.
Add some crunch: Incorporate thinly sliced cucumbers or pickled vegetables for added texture.
Spice it up: Add sriracha or chili flakes to the marinade if you prefer some heat in your musubi.
Go vegetarian: Use marinated grilled mushrooms as a savory alternative to keep it plant-based.

How to Make Spam Musubi Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spam

Start by slicing the Spam into about 8-10 slices, depending on how thick you like it. Place these slices in a Ziplock bag. In a separate bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Pour this marinade over the Spam, seal the bag, and let it marinate for about 15 minutes. Marinating is key here—it infuses each slice with delicious flavor!

Step 2: Cook the Spam

Once marinated, drain off any excess liquid from the bag. Heat a skillet over medium heat and fry each slice of Spam. Cook until it’s slightly crispy on both sides or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. The sizzling sound is music to my ears—it means we’re one step closer to enjoying our tasty treat!

Step 3: Set Up Your Nori

Grab a strip of nori with the shiny side facing down on your cutting board. If you have a musubi mold, place it across the middle of the nori strip. This will help shape our rice perfectly!

Step 4: Add Sushi Rice

Spoon in about 1-1½ inches of cooked sushi rice into the mold. Press down firmly but gently to ensure it’s compact yet fluffy—this helps hold everything together when we wrap it up later. Dipping your fingers and mold in water can prevent sticking and makes this step easier.

Step 5: Optional Flavor Boost

If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle some furikake over the rice before moving on. It adds an extra burst of umami flavor that complements everything beautifully.

Step 6: Assemble Your Musubi

Now carefully remove the mold from the rice—you should have a lovely block sitting right on top of your nori! Place one slice of crispy cooked Spam atop that block of rice, which looks absolutely mouthwatering already.

Step 7: Wrap It Up

Gently fold one side of the nori over onto the top of the Spam, then wrap up the other side like you’re creating a little present! If needed, use a bit of water on your finger to seal any edges securely. Serve these warm for maximum enjoyment!

And there you have it—a delightful homemade Spam Musubi! I can’t wait for you to try this recipe; it’s bound to become a favorite just like it is in my home! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Spam Musubi Recipe

Making Spam Musubi is a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll elevate your homemade version to new heights!

Use Fresh Sushi Rice – Freshly cooked sushi rice has the perfect sticky texture that helps hold everything together. Letting it cool slightly before using makes it easier to handle.
Marinate Longer for Extra Flavor – While 15 minutes of marinating is quick and convenient, consider letting the Spam soak up the marinade for 30 minutes to an hour. This results in an even richer flavor profile.
Experiment with Nori Sizes – Adjusting the size of your nori strips can change the overall presentation and eating experience. Smaller pieces are great for appetizers, while larger ones make a heartier snack.
Keep Your Hands Wet – Dipping your fingers in water while handling sushi rice prevents it from sticking. This simple trick keeps your hands clean and makes shaping the musubi much easier.
Warm Before Serving – For the best taste and texture, serve your Spam Musubi warm! You can briefly microwave them or warm them in a pan to bring back that delightful freshness.

How to Serve Spam Musubi Recipe

Serving your Spam Musubi can be as creative as you like! Here are some ideas to make your dish visually appealing and delicious.

Garnishes

Sesame Seeds – A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty crunch and enhances the dish’s visual appeal.
Chopped Green Onions – Finely chopped green onions provide a fresh pop of color and flavor that complements the savory Spam beautifully.
Pickled Ginger – A side of pickled ginger not only adds a zesty contrast but also acts as a palate cleanser between bites.

Side Dishes

Edamame – Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt is a perfect light side packed with protein; it’s both nutritious and fun to eat.
Seaweed Salad – A refreshing seaweed salad adds a burst of umami flavor and complements the salty notes of the Spam musubi.
Miso Soup – A warm bowl of miso soup rounds out the meal nicely, offering comforting flavors that pair well with the main dish.
Cucumber Salad – Crisp cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar provides a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the musubi.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’ll not only enjoy making this classic Hawaiian treat but also impress anyone who shares in this delicious experience! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Spam Musubi recipe is fantastic for meal prep! You can easily make a batch in advance and have tasty snacks or quick lunches ready to go. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious creations.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the Spam Musubi to cool completely before storing.
Place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Wrap each Spam Musubi tightly in plastic wrap.
Place wrapped musubi into a freezer-safe bag or container.
Freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality.

Reheating

Remove from the freezer and let thaw in the fridge overnight.
To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel.
Microwave on low power for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making this Spam Musubi recipe.

Can I use other types of meat instead of Spam?

Absolutely! While this Spam Musubi recipe highlights Spam, you can substitute it with other proteins like tofu or grilled chicken for a delicious variation.

What type of rice should I use for this Spam Musubi recipe?

Sushi rice is ideal for this Spam Musubi recipe due to its sticky texture, which helps hold everything together. Make sure to rinse it well before cooking!

Can I make Spam Musubi ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to make it ahead of time and enjoy it later. Just follow the storage instructions provided.

How long does cooked spam last in the fridge?

Cooked Spam can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Spam Musubi at home! It’s not just a treat but also a fun way to bring a taste of Hawaii into your kitchen. Whether you’re prepping for lunch or looking for a tasty snack, this recipe is sure to impress friends and family alike. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your musubi adventures with me!

Musubi with Chicken or Tofu

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Author: Madison
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Hawaiian

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Description

If you’re craving a taste of Hawaii, this musubi recipe is the perfect solution! This delightful dish combines savory marinated chicken or tofu with warm sushi rice, all wrapped in nori. It’s not just a snack; it’s a fun family favorite that’s quick to prepare and great for lunches or picnics. You can customize flavors to suit your taste, making it an enjoyable experience for everyone at the table. Let’s get started on creating these delightful rice packages that are sure to bring smiles!

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces chicken or tofu
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup sugar
Nori (roasted seaweed)
6 cups cooked sushi rice
Optional: Furikake seasoning

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Instructions

Slice the chicken or tofu into 8-10 pieces and marinate in a mix of soy sauce and sugar for at least 15 minutes.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and fry the marinated chicken or tofu until crispy.
Place a strip of nori on your cutting board with the shiny side down. Use a musubi mold to shape sushi rice into blocks.
Add a slice of cooked chicken or tofu on top of the rice, then fold the nori over to wrap it up securely.
Serve warm and enjoy!