Hearty Spam Musubi (Spam Rice Balls)
Easy and Delicious Spam Musubi Recipe Using Canned Spam
I’ve used the canned Spam that was waiting in the pantry to create these delightful Spam Musubi. They are perfect for a satisfying snack or a quick, filling meal. These rice balls are not only delicious but also a fantastic way to use up ingredients you might have on hand!
Main Ingredients
- 1 can Spam (approx. 200g)
- 1/4 Onion
- 1/4 Carrot
- 1 Shiitake Mushroom (or other mushroom)
- 1/4 Bell Pepper
- 1/4 Green Onion
- Seaweed (seasoned or plain) for wrapping
- 2 cups cooked Rice (warm)
- Plastic wrap or parchment paper
Seasoning
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the vegetables for the rice balls. Finely mince the onion, carrot, shiitake mushroom, bell pepper, and green onion. Mincing them very finely ensures they mix well with the rice and are evenly distributed, leading to a much better texture when formed.
Step 2
Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the minced vegetables and stir-fry them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened and release their natural sweetness. Sautéing them helps to remove excess moisture, preventing the rice balls from becoming soggy, and adds depth of flavor.
Step 3
In a bowl, combine the warm cooked rice with the sautéed vegetables. Gently mix them together using a spatula or spoon. The salt and pepper seasoning from the vegetables will naturally permeate the rice, creating a well-balanced flavor throughout. Mixing while the rice is warm helps the ingredients bind together well.
Step 4
Slice the Spam into uniform pieces, about 1cm thick. Place the Spam slices in a preheated pan and fry them until golden brown on both sides. As the Spam cooks, its flavorful fat will render, creating a slightly crispy exterior and a moist interior, which significantly enhances the taste of the musubi.
Step 5
To use the Spam can or a musubi mold, line the inside of the can or mold (or a bowl) with plastic wrap or parchment paper. Ensure the lining covers the entire interior surface. This step is crucial for easily unmolding the rice balls without them breaking apart.
Step 6
Place about one-third of the rice and vegetable mixture into the lined mold. Press down firmly to create an even layer. Then, place a slice of the golden-brown fried Spam on top. The Spam adds a delicious savory element and its rich juices will meld with the rice. Cover the Spam with the remaining rice mixture and press down again firmly to shape the musubi. Pressing firmly is key to ensuring the musubi holds its shape.
Step 7
Gently invert the mold over a plate or your hands, or use the edges of the plastic wrap/parchment paper to carefully lift the musubi out. You’ll have beautifully formed Spam Musubi. Using the lining ensures a clean release, maintaining the perfect shape. This method is simpler and results in more uniform musubi compared to hand-shaping.
Step 8
Cut strips of seaweed and wrap them around the Spam Musubi as a band. This not only makes them look more appealing but also helps to hold the musubi together, adding an extra layer of umami flavor that complements the rice and Spam perfectly.
