Spam musubi

Spam musubi made from Spam and rice.

Spam musubi is a very popular snack and lunch food in Hawaii made in the tradition of Japanese onigiri, also known as a musubi. Spam musubi is composed of a block of salted rice with a slice of Spam (heated or unheated) on top and typically nori (seaweed) surrounding it to keep its shape.

Preparation

A slice of Spam is placed on a block of rice and a piece of nori (dried seaweed) is wrapped around to hold it together. (Although musubi resembles nigiri sushi, its rice is not treated with vinegar.)

Optional ingredients

The Spam musubi in Hawaii has become a classic treat that is recommended by many locals. An optional ingredient to the Spam musubi is a teriyaki sauce that adds depth. It is also optional to add tamagoyaki, soy sauce, as well as furikake (seasoning) to the rice. Some people cook the Spam in its packing jelly.

Commercial

Spam musubi is appreciated for its taste and portability. A single musubi, usually wrapped in cellophane, can be purchased at small deli-type convenience stores (including 7-Eleven stores) all over the Hawaiian islands, ranging in price from $1 to $2. The 7-Eleven stores include a wide variety of flavors, including a regular Spam musubi and a deluxe Spam musubi (with Furikake). Other variations include a musubi made with fried shrimp instead of Spam.

Spam musubi rice molds are available at many kitchen stores in Hawaii. These molds are a few inches deep with a width and breadth that matches a slice of Spam. One can cut both ends off a small Spam can, to the same effect.

See also

• Cuisine of Hawaii

External links

• History of Spam Musubi
• Recipe for Spam Musubi