Spam musubi is a popular Hawaiian snack made with grilled spam, rice, and seaweed. This delicious combination of flavors and textures has gained popularity worldwide and is perfect for a quick and tasty meal. If you’re looking to make spam musubi at home, you’ll need to know how to cook spam just right. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of cooking spam for musubi, so you can enjoy this delightful treat whenever you want.
Before getting started, it’s important to choose the right type of spam for your musubi. You can find canned spam in a variety of flavors, but the classic one works best for this recipe. Start by removing the spam from the can and slicing it into rectangular pieces of about 1/4 inch thickness. This size works well because it fits perfectly on top of a block of rice.
Next, it’s time to cook the spam. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil to prevent sticking. Place the spam slices in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcook the spam, as it can become dry and tough.
Once the spam is cooked to perfection, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Now you’re ready to assemble your spam musubi. Place a sheet of nori (seaweed) on a clean surface, and lay a block of sushi rice on top. Add a slice of cooked spam on the rice, and then wrap the nori around the spam and rice, securing it with a bit of water to make it stick together. Repeat this process until you’ve used up all the ingredients.
Cooking spam for musubi is a simple yet essential step in making this tasty Hawaiian treat. By following these instructions, you’ll be able to create spam musubi that tastes just as good as the ones from your favorite Hawaiian restaurant. Serve your homemade spam musubi as a snack, appetizer, or even a light lunch. Enjoy!
Preparing the Ingredients for Spam Musubi
Before you start making spam musubi, it’s important to prepare all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
1 can of Spam | 1 cup of sushi rice | 1/4 cup of soy sauce | 1/4 cup of mirin | Nori seaweed sheets | 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil | 1 teaspoon of sugar |
Make sure to gather all the ingredients before you begin cooking to ensure a smooth preparation process. Once you have everything ready, you can move on to the next steps of making delicious spam musubi!
Gather the necessary ingredients
Before you can start cooking spam for musubi, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 can of spam
- 2 cups of sushi rice
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of mirin
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- Nori seaweed sheets
Make sure you have enough of each ingredient to make the desired number of musubi.
Cook the rice
1. Rinse 2 cups of sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of water.
3. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
4. Reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
5. Simmer the rice for about 20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
7. Fluff the rice with a fork before using it for musubi.
Ingredients | Quantity |
---|---|
Sushi rice | 2 cups |
Water | 2 cups |
Marinating and Cooking the Spam
Once you have prepared the spam by cutting it into slices, it’s time to marinate and cook it for your musubi. Marinating the spam adds extra flavor to the dish and helps to tenderize the meat.
Ingredients:
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
1/4 cup | Soy sauce |
2 tablespoons | White sugar |
1 tablespoon | Mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine) |
1/2 teaspoon | Garlic powder |
1/4 teaspoon | Black pepper |
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, white sugar, mirin, garlic powder, and black pepper to create the marinade. Place the spam slices into a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure each slice is coated evenly. Let the spam marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Once the spam is finished marinating, it’s time to cook it. Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Remove the spam slices from the marinade and place them in the hot pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the spam is nicely browned and slightly crispy. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the slices, so adjust accordingly.
Once the spam is cooked, remove it from the pan and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let it cool slightly before using it in your musubi.
Now that the spam slices are marinated and cooked, they are ready to be used in your musubi. You can follow the remaining steps of the musubi recipe to assemble your delicious and flavorful spam musubi! Enjoy!
Prepare the marinade
To add flavor to the spam for musubi, you’ll need to prepare a marinade. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Stir well until the sugar is dissolved.
- Place the spam slices in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the marinade over the spam, ensuring that all slices are coated.
- Cover the dish or seal the bag, and let the spam marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Note: The longer you marinate the spam, the more flavorful it will be. If you have time, marinate it for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
Marinate and cook the spam slices
Once the spam is sliced, it’s time to marinate it to give it some flavor. You can make your own marinade or use a pre-made one, like teriyaki. Place the spam slices in a container or plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Let the spam marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for a stronger flavor.
When you’re ready to cook the spam, you have a few options. One popular method is to fry the slices in a pan over medium heat. Add a little oil to the pan and then sear the spam slices for a few minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Another option is to grill the spam slices. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and then place the slices directly on the grates. Cook for a few minutes on each side, until they are nicely charred.
If you don’t have access to a stove or grill, you can also bake the spam slices in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the spam slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the spam is heated through and slightly crispy.
Once the spam slices are cooked, let them cool slightly before assembling your musubi. This will allow them to firm up a bit, making them easier to handle. Enjoy!
FAQ
What is spam musubi?
Spam musubi is a popular snack or lunch item in Hawaii. It consists of a slice of grilled Spam on top of a block of rice and wrapped with a strip of nori seaweed.
What are the ingredients for spam musubi?
To make spam musubi, you will need cooked sushi rice, nori seaweed, canned Spam, soy sauce, sugar, and cooking oil.
How do I cook spam for musubi?
To cook spam for musubi, start by slicing the spam into 1/4 inch thick slices. Heat a frying pan with a little bit of oil, and cook the spam slices until they become slightly crispy on both sides. You can also add a mixture of soy sauce and sugar to glaze the spam while cooking for added flavor.
Can I use other types of meat instead of spam?
Yes, you can use other types of meat such as grilled chicken, teriyaki beef, or even bacon to make musubi. The key is to slice the meat into thin pieces and cook them until they are flavorful and slightly crispy.
Can I make spam musubi without nori seaweed?
Yes, you can make spam musubi without nori seaweed if you don’t have any on hand. You can use a strip of lettuce or even a thin omelette to wrap around the rice and spam instead. It will give the musubi a slightly different taste, but it can still be delicious.