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    Home » Asian foods » Hawaiian Spam Musubi

    Hawaiian Spam Musubi

    Published: Aug 13, 2023 Modified: Aug 13, 2023 by Tracy O.This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    Delicious and savory spam musubi is Hawaiian iconic food besides loco moco and Hawaiian shaved ice. Hawaiian spam musubi is great for breakfast, lunch, snack, quick dinner and party gatherings. Look for lunch box ideas? You can try out this Hawaiian spam musubi because it’s tasty and can fill up your empty stomach. Let’s learn how to make this simple and delicious spam musubi recipe with step by step photos and a video!

    Love Asian food? Check out these Thai chicken satay, lychee slush, sweet potato leaves stir fry, pan fried buns, crispy tofu, tonkatsu, kimbap, hot & sour soup and almond jello recipes. 

    three Hawaiian spam musubi on the white plate vertical

    What is Hawaiian spam musubi?

    Hawaiian spam musubi is a popular, staple and delicious snack in Hawaiian cuisine besides loco moco and Hawaiian shaved ice. It is a comfort food for Hawaiians and commonly found in local convenience stores, supermarkets and plate lunches throughout Hawaii. Also, it is a fusion of Japanese and Hawaiian flavors similar to the idea of Hawaiian shaved ice.

    Musubi combines the elements of traditional Japanese onigiri, rice ball, with the addition of spam, a canned meat product that gained popularity in Hawaii during World War II. It is a kind of sushi, but fusion with Hawaiian flavors similar to California rolls. 

    Spam musubi consists of a slice of cooked spam, a canned meat product, on top of a block of rice, wrapped together with a strip of nori, seaweed, to hold it in place. Besides, it is a delightful blend of flavors that combines the saltiness of spam with the rice and the subtle taste of nori. It has become an iconic Hawaiian dish and loved by both locals and visitors to the islands.

    What does spam musubi taste like?

    The taste can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use, but the combination taste is usually savory and slightly sweet. Also, the crispy outer layer of the spam, soft rice and the chewy nori texture makes this spam musubi very enjoyable.

    Why is spam musubi a Hawaiian icon? 

    Hawaii's iconic spam musubi is a beloved local snack that reflects the cultural diversity and unique fusion of flavors found in Hawaiian cuisine. It is a variation of the Japanese onigiri (rice ball) with the addition of spam which has a long history in Hawaii.

    Spam musubi is a favorite snack for locals and tourists. Also, it is available in many local eateries, convenience stores and even at plate lunch spots throughout Hawaii. Besides, it is portable and the taste blends delightful that makes it a symbol of Hawaiian cuisine.

    Why do Hawaiians love spam?

    Hawaiians have a strong affinity and love for spam because of history. Especially during World War II, Hawaii was a strategic military outpost for the United States. The islands' geographic location in the Pacific made it a crucial base for the U.S. military operations. As a result, large quantities of canned foods, including spam, were shipped to Hawaii to feed the soldiers. During that time, spam became a dietary staple for both the military personnel and the local population. 

    After the war, there was still a surplus of spam on the islands. The canned meat was relatively affordable and had a long shelf life, making it a practical choice for Hawaiian families, especially during periods when fresh meat was scarce or expensive to import. Besides, Hawaii is a melting pot of different cultures with a diverse population that includes a significant number of people with Japanese, Filipino, Chinese and other Asian ancestries. 

    Spam is versatile, so it allows people from different culinary backgrounds to incorporate it into their traditional dishes and develop new recipes. Also, spam is one of Asians' favorite ingredients. They like to use it to make food such as spam musubi, spam fried rice, spam noodle soup and more. 

    In addition, spam is easy to prepare and convenient. Therefore, it is a popular choice for busy households to make quick meals. Since then, spam has been a part of Hawaiian cuisine for generations and it has become deeply rooted in the island's food culture.

    Variations of spam musubi:

    A classic spam musubi is made with pan fried spam, sushi rice and usually wrapped with a strip of nori (seaweed). Some like to use a big piece of nori to wrap the rice, meat and rice. There are various and different types of musubi. It is because the flavors and ingredients are slightly different such as teriyaki spam musubi, egg spam musubi and furikake spam musubi. 

    • Teriyaki spam musubi is the spam slices marinated in teriyaki sauce before grilling or frying them which adds a sweet and savory flavor to the musubi. 
    • Egg spam musubi, fried egg and spam wrap it with a block of rice in nori. The creamy texture of the egg complements the salty spam and rice. 
    • Furikake spam musubi, furikake (Japanese rice seasoning), sprinkle over the rice before placing the spam slice which adds extra seasoning and crunch to the musubi.

    When do you eat spam musubi?

    You can eat spam musubi for breakfast, lunch, dinner or as a snack. It’s great for picnics or party gatherings. 

    Where to buy spam musubi?

    In Hawaii, you can find them in local convenience stores, supermarkets and restaurants. You may be able to find some at Asian stores in other states. 

    What are the ingredients for musubi?

    In this Hawaiian spam musubi recipe, I am going to share the classic shoyu spam musubi. The ingredients are Japanese rice, water, spam, soy sauce, sugar and nori. 

    Hawaiian spam musubi ingredients

    What kind of rice do you use? 

    Use Japanese rice if possible, they are short and wide. Usually, we call it sushi rice. In the states, you can use Calrose rice, it is cheaper and you can get them from Costco. 

    uncooked raw Japanese rice in a glass container

    What kind of seaweed do you use?

    Nori seaweed sheet for sushi. Not the Korean style with seasoning on it. 

    Nori seaweed in a package

    Cooking tips for how to make Hawaiian spam musubi:

    • Use Japanese rice if possible, they are short and wide. Usually, we call it sushi rice. In the states, you can use Calrose rice, it is cheaper and you can get them from Costco. 
    • You can use a rice cooker, but you may need to adjust the water. I personally like to use an instant pot pressure cooker to cook rice. 
    • Personally, I like to use lite spam because it has less fat, sodium and calories.
    • You can use a big piece of nori to wrap the rice, spam and rice. Also, there are few variations of spam musubi. Therefore, you can add and change as you like. 
    • The secret of making this Hawaiian spam musubi is to use Aloha soy sauce. It is because Aloha soy sauce has a salty and sweet taste that is low in acidity. Also, it is less salty and sweeter than other Asian style soy sauces. 
    • Recycle and use the can from the spam as a mold to make a block of rice. 
    • Wash and clean the can after taking out the spam. Then, dry it with a paper towel. 
    • Place a plastic wrap into the can and put rice. After compacting the rice, you can take out the plastic wrap, this way is easier to get the block rice out and not break it. 

    FAQs:

    What mold do you use for Hawaiian spam musubi?

    I just use the can from the spam as the mold. After taking out the spam, rinse the mold with water and dry it with a paper towel. Then, you can put rice into the can and compact the rice to make a block of rice. Be careful with the sharp edges of the can. 

    How long can I leave the spam musubi out for?

    In winter time spam musubi can leave out at room temperature for 4-6 hours. In summer time, try to not leave out more than 2 hours. It is because cooked rice and meat are potential for bacteria to grow when left at temperatures between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C) as the "danger zone."

    How long can it last if refrigerated?

    Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap individually. Then, you can store the spam musubi in the refrigerator, it can last for 2- 3 days. 

    How to reheat them?

    If refrigerated, I will take them out, unwrap them and cover them with a wet paper towel. Put it into a microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute. 

    Instructions for how to make Hawaiian spam musubi:

    uncooked rice in the mixing bowl top view

    Wash rice:

    1. Put 2 cups of Japanese rice into the bowl. 

    water and rice in the mixing bowl top view

    2. Pour 6 cups of water into the bowl. 

    wash rice and rice on the hand

    3. Wash and rub the rice. 

    drain rice

    4. Then, drain the rice. Usually, I repeat steps 2-4 for 3 times. 

    washed rice in instant pot top view

    Cook rice:

    5. After that, put the washed rice into the instant pot. 

    rice and water in instant pot top view

    6. Pour 2 cups of water into the instant pot and level off the rice. Close the lid and vent, press the button manual, adjust 6 minutes and natural release. 

    a block of spam cut into 6 slices

    Cook spam:

    7. While cooking the rice, open a can of spam. Cut the block of spam into slices ¼ -½ inch thick. I did around ½ inch thick for 6 slices. You can do 8 slices and thinner. 

    soy sauce and sugar

    8. After, pour ¼ cup of soy sauce and ¼ cup of sugar into a pan. Mix it well and turn on the small fire. ( The best to use Aloha soy sauce.)

    sliced spam cook with the sauce in pan

    9. Next, put the sliced spam from step 7 into the sauce. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. 

    spam cooking with sauce in the pan

    10. Flip the other side and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. 

    seaweed nori cut into strips

    11. Cut 2 sheets of nori seaweed into strips (2-3 inches wide). 

    plastic wrap into the can

    12. Wash and clean the can from spam. Use a paper towel to dry it and put a plastic wrap into it. (This way it is easier to take the block of rice.) 

    cooked rice in the instant pot

    13. When the rice is done, open the lid and scoop the rice out. 

    ingredients are ready for combine and make Hawaiian spam musubi

    Combine musubi:

    14. When the rice, nori and spam are ready, you can start combining the ingredients to make Hawaiian spam musubi.

    rice compacted in the can

    15. Put 6 tablespoons of rice into the mold and compact the rice with the spoon. 

    a block of rice on the plastic wrap

    16. Take out the block of rice. 

    a block of rice on the nori strip

    17. Place a strip of nori under the block of rice. 

    cooked spam on top of rice block with a nori strip

    18. Put the cooked spam on top of the rice. 

    Hawaiian spam musubi

    19. Then, bring the nori together and close the end. You can dip some sauce from the cooked spam, this can help stick the seaweed and close it well. 

    three Hawaiian spam musubi on the white plate top view

    Enjoy this simple, easy and delicious Hawaiian spam musubi recipe! Also, check out these wonton noodle soup, orange chicken, japchae Korean glass noodles, taro boba drink, char siu Chinese BBQ pork, chicken udon stir fry and salt & pepper squid recipes.

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    3 Hawaiian spam musubi on the white plate horizontal

    Hawaiian Spam Musubi

    Delicious and savory spam musubi is Hawaiian iconic food besides loco moco and Hawaiian shaved ice. Hawaiian spam musubi is great for breakfast, lunch, snack, quick dinner and party gatherings. Look for lunch box ideas? You can try out this Hawaiian spam musubi because it’s tasty and can fill up your empty stomach.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Breakfast, Main Course, Snack
    Cuisine: Asian, Hawaiian
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 442kcal
    Author: Tracy O.

    Equipment

    • 1 Instant pot pressure cooker or rice cooker
    • 1 Pan

    Video

    Ingredients

    • 1 can Spam (12 oz, I like to use Lite spam)
    • 2 sheets Nori (seaweed) (7 in x 8 in, 6 grams)

    Cook rice:

    • 2 cups Japanese rice
    • 2 cups Water

    Sauce to cook spam:

    • ¼ cup Soy sauce ( The best to use Aloha soy sauce)
    • ¼ cup Sugar

    Instructions

    • Put 2 cups of Japanese rice into the bowl. 
    • Pour 6 cups of water into the bowl. 
    • Wash and rub the rice. 
    • Then, drain the rice. Usually, I repeat steps 2-4 for 3 times. 
    • After that, put the washed rice into the instant pot. 
    • Pour 2 cups of water into the instant pot and level off the rice. Close the lid and vent, press the button manual, adjust 6 minutes and natural release. 
    • While cooking the rice, open a can of spam. Cut the block of spam into slices ¼ -½ inch thick. I did around ½ inch thick for 6 slices. You can do 8 slices and thinner. 
    • After, pour ¼ cup of soy sauce and ¼ cup of sugar into a pan. Mix it well and turn on the small fire. ( The best to use Aloha soy sauce.)
    • Next, put the sliced spam from step 7 into the sauce. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. 
    • Flip the other side and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. 
    • Cut 2 sheets of nori seaweed into strips (2-3 inches wide). 
    • Wash and clean the can from spam. Use a paper towel to dry it and put a plastic wrap into it. (This way it is easier to take the block of rice.) 
    • When the rice is done, open the lid and scoop the rice out. 
    • When the rice, nori and spam are ready, you can start combining the ingredients to make Hawaiian spam musubi.
    • Put 6 tablespoons of rice into the mold and compact the rice with the spoon. 
    • Take out the block of rice. 
    • Place a strip of nori under the block of rice. 
    • Put the cooked spam on top of the rice. 
    • Then, bring the nori together and close the end. You can dip some sauce from the cooked spam, this can help stick the seaweed and close it well. 

    Notes

    Cooking tips for how to make Hawaiian spam musubi: 

    • Use Japanese rice if possible, they are short and wide. Usually, we call it sushi rice. In the states, you can use Calrose rice, it is cheaper and you can get them from Costco. 
    • You can use a rice cooker, but you may need to adjust the water. I personally like to use an instant pot pressure cooker to cook rice. 
    • Personally, I like to use lite spam because it has less fat, sodium and calories.
    • You can use a big piece of nori to wrap the rice, spam and rice. Also, there are few variations of spam musubi. Therefore, you can add and change as you like. 
    • The secret of making this Hawaiian spam musubi is to use Aloha soy sauce. It is because Aloha soy sauce has a salty and sweet taste that is low in acidity. Also, it is less salty and sweeter than other Asian style soy sauces. 
    • Recycle and use the can from the spam as a mold to make a block of rice. 
    • Wash and clean the can after taking out the spam. Then, dry it with a paper towel. 
    • Place a plastic wrap into the can and put rice. After compacting the rice, you can take out the plastic wrap, this way is easier to get the block rice out and not break it. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 442kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 1347mg | Potassium: 326mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 45IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg
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    Welcome to Oh My Food Recipes, where you can find inspiration for meals or dinner ideas specialty Asian cuisines. Oh My Food Recipes is tried and tested recipes with step by step photo tutorials.... Read more!

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