Spam musubi is ubiquitous in Hawaii — sold at 7-Elevens, gas stations, and corner stores across the islands. A slice of pan-fried Spam on a block of seasoned sushi rice, wrapped in a strip of nori. It is the perfect portable snack and one of those dishes that reveals something about Hawaiian food culture: practical, filling, multiethnic, and entirely its own thing.
Spam Musubi Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can (340g) Spam Classic
- 2 tbsp grass-fed butter
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos or soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 3 cups cooked sushi rice (short-grain Japanese rice), kept warm
- 6 half-sheets of nori (each about 10×19cm)
- A musubi mold (or use an empty, clean tuna can with both ends removed)
Method
- Cut the Spam into 6 even slices.
- Heat the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Spam slices and fry for 2 minutes per side until golden and slightly caramelised.
- Mix the coconut aminos and honey. Pour over the Spam in the pan. Cook for 30 more seconds per side until the glaze coats and caramelises. Remove.
- Place the musubi mold on a sheet of nori. Press approximately ½ cup of warm rice into the mold, compacting firmly. Add a slice of glazed Spam on top of the rice. Gently lift the mold.
- Fold the nori tightly around the rice block with the Spam on top. Wet the end of the nori with water to seal.
- Repeat for all 6. Serve immediately while the rice is still warm, or wrap in cling film to serve later.
Is Spam seed oil free?
Spam Classic contains pork, water, salt, potato starch, sugar, and sodium nitrite — no seed oils. Check any flavoured varieties.
Do I need a musubi mold?
No. An empty tuna can with both ends removed works perfectly. Cut the top and bottom off cleanly, wash well, and use as a rectangular press.
Is this seed oil free?
Yes. Grass-fed butter and the Spam itself contain no seed oils.
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