Fork and Corks

Aloha, food enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to share with you a taste of my time in Hawaii with a beloved snack that holds a special place in my heart—Spam Musubi. Having lived in Hawaii for half of my high school experience and a full gap year between college, this delightful treat was my go-to after-school and after-work snack from the local convenience store. Now, I’m bringing that island flavor into my own kitchen by making Spam Musubi at home, with a personalized twist on the classic recipe.

The Love Story with Spam Musubi

Imagine the balmy Hawaiian afternoons, the scent of the ocean breeze mingling with the savory aroma of grilled Spam. That was my everyday experience during my time in Hawaii. Whether it was a quick bite before surfing or a satisfying snack after a long day, Spam Musubi was always there to hit the spot.

Making Spam Musubi at Home

To recreate this nostalgic snack at home, I’ve put my own spin on the traditional recipe. Instead of simply pan-frying the Spam, I marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. This marinade adds a depth of flavor that takes the Spam Musubi to the next level.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Spam slices
• Sushi rice (short-grain rice)
• Nori (seaweed sheets)
• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Brown sugar
• Rice vinegar
• Salt
• Furikake (optional, for extra seasoning)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Rice: Cook sushi rice according to package instructions. Season with rice vinegar and a touch of salt while it’s still warm, then let it cool slightly.
2. Marinate the Spam: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. Add Spam slices to the marinade and let them soak for about 10-15 minutes.
3. Pan-Fry the Spam: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated Spam slices until they develop a caramelized crust, flipping them halfway through.
4. Assemble the Spam Musubi:

• Place a rectangular mold (or use your hands) to shape a portion of rice into a block.
• Top the rice with a slice of the marinated, pan-fried Spam.
• Wrap a strip of nori around the rice and Spam to hold everything together, moistening the end of the nori sheet to seal.

1. Slice and Serve: Cut the Spam Musubi into bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife. Optionally, sprinkle with furikake for extra flavor and texture.

Enjoy a Taste of Hawaii

With each bite of homemade Spam Musubi, I’m transported back to the carefree days spent exploring Hawaii’s beaches and savoring its diverse cuisine. This snack isn’t just about the flavors—it’s about the memories and experiences that come with it.

I encourage you to try making Spam Musubi at home and customize it to your liking. Whether you’re a seasoned Spam Musubi enthusiast or new to this Hawaiian delight, you’re sure to appreciate the simplicity and deliciousness of this iconic snack. Mahalo for joining me on this culinary journey, and here’s to bringing a taste of Hawaii into your home kitchen!