This Hawaiian Spam Musubi with Sushi Nori Seaweed comes together in about 30 minutes and is a total crowd-pleaser that your family will love! Whether you’re a busy parent or just someone looking for a quick and satisfying meal, this recipe hits all the right notes. You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal. It’s got that perfect balance of savory, sweet, and a hint of umami that makes it a go-to recipe at my house!
Ingredient Breakdown
- Spam
- Soy Sauce
- Brown Sugar
- Sesame Oil
- Sushi Nori
- Sticky Rice
- Furikake Rice Seasoning (optional)
How to Make Easy Hawaiian Spam Musubi
Cooking Instructions
Preheat the Skillet : First, preheat a large skillet over medium heat. You want it nice and hot to achieve that perfect sear on the Spam!
Slice the Spam : Carefully cut the Spam into eight equal pieces. You can go with thicker slices for more texture or a bit thinner if you prefer. It’s totally up to you!
Mix the Marinade : In a medium bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 4 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, whisking until well blended. Just smelling that mixture makes my mouth water, it’s that good!
Marinate the Spam : Now, marinate the sliced Spam. You can do this by either pouring the marinade over the slices or soaking them in the bowl. Let it sit while you prep the skillet. Give it about 5-10 minutes to soak up those flavors
Sear the Spam : Add the marinated Spam slices to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until they reach your preferred level of doneness. The key here is crispy edges, trust me, it’s the best part!
Prepare Your Rice : While the Spam is cooking, make sure your 3 cups of cooked rice are ready to go. If you’ve cooked it ahead of time, give it a fluff with a fork to prevent clumping.
Assemble the Musubi : To assemble, take half a sheet of sushi nori and place it on a flat surface. Add a scoop of sticky rice (about 1/2 cup). Shape the rice into a rectangle about the size of the Spam slice. Place a slice of Spam right on top, and then fold the sushi nori over the Spam. You can dampen the edge of the nori with a little water to help it stick. Press gently but firmly to keep everything together. Repeat until you’ve used all your Spam and rice.
Slice and Serve : Use a sharp knife to slice the musubi in half, make sure to use a wet knife to avoid tearing the nori! Serve them warm and enjoy this incredible treat with your family!
Why I Love This Recipe
Honestly, I can’t say enough good things about this Easy Hawaiian Spam Musubi! It’s my reliable go-to recipe when I need something quick yet comforting. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a fun lunch idea, this dish delivers. I’m a real sucker for food that transports me to warmer places, and the familiar combo of flavors in this musubi does just that. And the best part? You can use whatever you have on hand! If you’re low on rice, toss in some veggies; feeling adventurous? Add an extra layer of egg. It’s seriously that adaptable.
If you loved this Easy Hawaiian Spam Musubi, be sure to check out my Steamed Japanese Pork Buns, my Sheng Jian Bao (Pan-Fried Pork Buns), or my Gyoza (Asian Dumplings)!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This musubi comes together in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights!
Customizable
Use whatever ingredients you have on hand! Swap out the Spam for chicken, leftover beef, or even some grilled veggies.
Budget-Friendly
Spam, and the rest of the ingredients, are all affordable and easy to find. Plus, it’s perfect for stretching a few leftovers!
Comfort Food
This dish is loaded with tons of flavor! It’s nostalgic, comforting, and seriously satisfying.
Meal Prep Friendly
These musubi are perfect for meal prep! Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy throughout the week for quick lunches or snacks.
Minimal Cleanup
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, everything cooks in one skillet and you won’t need a lot of extra utensils.
Serving Suggestions
So how do you serve this delicious musubi? I recommend it hot and fresh, straight from the skillet! You can pair it with a nice side salad for some greens or some pickled veggies for that perfect contrast in flavor.
Storage
You can store any leftover musubi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just note that the nori may lose its crunch, so I recommend wrapping leftovers in plastic wrap or foil if you want to keep it a bit crispier.
Reheating Instructions
For reheating, simply pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds to rewarm. If you want to crisp up the outside, give it a quick pan-sear in a skillet instead!
Freezer Friendly
Yes! You can freeze these musubi. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to three months.
Honestly, making this Easy Hawaiian Spam Musubi with Sushi Nori Seaweed has never been easier! It brings together simple ingredients for a meal that the entire family will love. Don’t be surprised if this becomes a weekly staple on your dinner table!
So, what are you waiting for? Get in that kitchen and whip up some musubi magic! Trust me, you won’t regret it! Follow us on Pinterest for daily recipes inspiration that brings warmth to your table!
Hawaiian Spam Musubi
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Slice the Spam into eight equal pieces.
- In a medium bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil until well blended.
- Marinate the Spam slices in the mixture for 5-10 minutes.
- Sear the marinated Spam slices in the hot skillet for 4-5 minutes on each side until crispy.
- While the Spam is cooking, have the sticky rice prepared and fluffed with a fork.
- Take half a sheet of sushi nori and place it on a flat surface.
- Add about 1/2 cup of sticky rice and shape it into a rectangle the size of the Spam slice.
- Place a slice of Spam on top and fold the nori over, dampening the edge with water to stick.
- Repeat for all Spam and rice slices.
- Slice the musubi in half using a wet knife to avoid tearing the nori.
- Serve warm and enjoy!