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cold_biteMediumHawaiian

Spam Musubi Bites

Mini versions of the Hawaiian classic - seared Spam on seasoned rice wrapped in nori

⏱️ Prep: 30min🍳 Cook: 15min⏰ Total: 45min👥 Serves: 24🌡️ room_temp
✓ dairy-free
⚠️ Contains: 🌾 Gluten, 🫘 Soy

Ingredients

  • 1 canSpam(12 oz, cut into 24 thin slices)
  • 3 cupssushi rice(cooked and seasoned)
  • 3 tbsprice vinegar
  • 1 tbspsugar
  • 1 tspsalt
  • 3 sheetsnori(cut into 24 strips)
  • 3 tbspsoy sauce
  • 2 tbspbrown sugar
  • 1 tbspmirin
  • 1 tspsesame seeds(for garnish)

📝 Make Ahead

Best made within 4 hours of serving. Can be made up to 6 hours ahead; cover with damp towel and plastic wrap. Do not refrigerate or nori becomes chewy.

Instructions

  1. Season hot rice with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt; let cool slightly
  2. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, and mirin for glaze
  3. Pan-fry Spam slices over medium-high heat until crispy and caramelized, about 2 minutes per side
  4. Brush with glaze during last minute of cooking
  5. Form rice into small rectangular blocks (about 2 tbsp each)
  6. Place glazed Spam slice on top of each rice block
  7. Wrap nori strip around the middle, sealing with a grain of rice
  8. Garnish with sesame seeds
  9. Serve at room temperature

💡 Pro Tips

Use classic Spam, not low-sodium, for authentic flavor. The glaze caramelizes best in a hot pan. A musubi mold makes shaping easier, but you can shape by hand. The nori should be crisp - assemble close to serving time.

📜 History

Spam musubi was born in Hawaii after World War II, when Spam was introduced to the islands by the U.S. military. Japanese-American residents combined it with their rice ball traditions to create this beloved snack, now found in convenience stores throughout Hawaii.

🍸 Pairs Well With

Also pairs well with:

mai-taibeersakewhiskey