Fortunate to live on wild game and fish, we rarely buy any meat at the grocery store or butcher shop. One exception to this rule is Spam. This processed meat in a can may have negative connotations and certainly isn’t considered a nutritionally sound source of protein but it has deep cultural and survival roots.
Spam Musubi is a treat we have enjoyed in Hawaii on many occasions. Rarely is it missing from the convenience store deli selection and is made at home by many. Flavor preferences run the gamut depending on Spam flavor, sauce selection and rice seasonings. Any way you season or slice it however, it’s an easy, delicious snack.
Musubi of many types can be made without using Spam. Simply substitute a teriyaki chicken breast or pork loin for Spam. Chopped or shredded and seasoned game bird meat can also be used.
STEP-BY-STEP SPAM MUSUBI
INGREDIENTS:
- Prepared White Rice (Cal-Rose)
- Seasoned Rice Vinegar
- Nori (Roasted Seaweed Sheets)
- Teriyaki Sauce
- Spam
PREPARATION:
Prepare 3 cups white rice. While still warm, season with 1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar. Fluff and allow to cool slightly.
Slice and saute Spam in a skillet on medium heat. Add 2-3 tablespoons teriyaki sauce and simmer on low heat.
Lay nori sheet on a flat surface. Using a rice mold or your hands, shape rice into a sqaure or log shape.
Place spam atop rice and press mold down. Wrap nori around warm rice/spam and let sit a few minutes before slicing. (If you don’t have a press, simply roll nori around rice/spam and firmly squeeze down on roll to compact rice.
Slice in half or in slices with a sharp, damp knife. Serve with pickled ginger and/or wasabi paste if desired.
