Spam Musubi Bowl Recipe

Spam musubi is a delicious and iconic Hawaiian snack deeply rooted in the vibrant Hawaiian food culture.

This Hawaiian dish creatively combines Spam, a popular ingredient in many Hawaiian recipes, with rice and seaweed to create a mouthwatering treat that appeals to people of all ages.

As you explore the world of Hawaiian spam musubi, you’ll find various adaptations to suit different preferences – one popular variation is the Spam musubi bowl.

This innovative take on the traditional handheld snack captures all the flavors you love but puts a unique spin on presentation and preparation.

Perfect for entertaining or enjoying a satisfying weeknight meal, the Spam musubi bowl brings together the savory taste of Spam with seasoned rice and nori, as well as other delicious elements like teriyaki sauce and sesame seeds.

Prepare to experience a taste of the islands that will take your taste buds on a delightful culinary adventure.

How to Make Spam Musubi Bowl

Ingredients List

• 1 can of Spam (low sodium to reduce sodium intake)
• 2 cups Calrose-style medium-grain white rice or short-grain white rice (sushi rice)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup Japanese sake
• 1/4 cup sweetener of choice
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 sheets of dried seaweed nori, cut into thin strips
• Optional: vinegar mixture for seasoning rice

Step-by-step process

Step 1: Cook the rice

Start by preparing your Calrose-style medium-grain white rice or sushi rice according to the package instructions.

If desired, you can lightly season your cooked rice with a vinegar mixture to add more flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Spam

Slice the Spam into even, thin slices and set aside.

Mix soy sauce, Japanese sake, and your choice of sweetener in a small bowl to create a marinade for the Spam.

Step 3: Cook the Spam

Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the Spam slices and cook for about 2 minutes per side until they brown.

Pour the marinade over the Spam and allow it to cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the Spam.

Step 4: Make the garlic butter sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat and add the minced garlic.

Cook for just a few minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Spam Musubi Bowl

Scoop your desired amount of cooked rice into a bowl.

Top with the cooked Spam slices, drizzle generously with the garlic butter sauce and garnish with the thinly cut dried seaweed nori strips.

Now, your Spam Musubi Bowl is ready to be enjoyed.

Following these steps, you’ve successfully transformed a popular Japanese-style rice ball dish into a delicious and satisfying bowl meal. Enjoy!

Side Dishes for Spam Musubi Bowl

When you’re enjoying a delicious Spam Musubi Bowl, having the perfect side dishes to complement the main meal is essential.

Here we have compiled a list of some fantastic side dishes that pair well with your Spam Musubi Bowl.

Rice Balls

Rice balls, or onigiri, are a popular Japanese snack made with steamed rice and often wrapped in nori (seaweed).

These are excellent side dishes for your Spam Musubi Bowl as they share similar ingredients like rice and nori, creating a harmonious flavor.

They are easy to make and can be filled with various components, such as pickled plum (umeboshi), salmon, or even tuna mayo.

Steamed Rice

An essential side dish to serve with your Spam Musubi Bowl is a simple bowl of steamed rice.

This basic yet flavorful addition is always a good choice as it can soak up the delicious teriyaki sauce from the main dish, making every bite delightful.

Add a sprinkle of furikake, a Japanese seasoning made with seaweed, sesame seeds, and more to enhance the flavor.

Rice Bowl

A rice bowl is another versatile side dish to accompany your Spam Musubi Bowl.

It allows you to mix and match various toppings and ingredients according to your preference.

Some popular options include a salmon poke bowl, a teriyaki chicken rice bowl, or a veggie-loaded rice bowl.

These combinations will add nutritional value and extra flavor to your meal, making it a well-rounded feast.

Additionally, consider these other side dishes to serve with your Spam Musubi Bowl:

• Macaroni salad: A classic Hawaiian side dish, macaroni salad adds a creamy and tangy twist to your meal.
• Hawaiian sweet bread rolls: These fluffy, slightly sweet rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce and make for a delightful bite.
• Pineapple coleslaw: Adding a tropical touch, pineapple coleslaw brings sweetness and crunch, contrasting the savory flavors of your Spam Musubi Bowl.

Ingredients Substitutes

In case you want to experiment with your Spam Musubi Bowl recipe or need to accommodate different dietary preferences, here are a few ingredient substitutions that can work well.

Cooked Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower rice is a low-carb and healthier alternative to regular white rice.

You can use cooked cauliflower rice in the Spam Musubi Bowl to make it more nutritious and suitable for people following a low-carb or keto diet.

It will also add a different texture and a unique taste to the dish.

Minute Rice

If you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to cook traditional white rice, Minute Rice can be a convenient option.

This type of rice is pre-cooked and can be prepared in just a few minutes, making it perfect if you need to whip up a Spam Musubi Bowl quickly.

However, keep in mind that the texture of Minute Rice might be different from regular long-grain cooked white rice.

Preferred Rice

Your preferred choice of rice can also be used as a substitute for white rice in the Spam Musubi Bowl recipe.

Brown rice, jasmine rice, or even basmati rice can be used to make the dish suit your taste preferences.

Each type of rice has its own unique flavor and texture that can enhance the overall experience of your Spam Musubi Bowl.

Remember, ingredient substitutions can be a fun and creative way to put your own spin on a classic recipe.

Use these suggestions as a guide, and don’t be afraid to try new combinations to customize your Spam Musubi Bowl to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

How to Store Spam Musubi Bowl

Proper storage of your Spam Musubi Bowl is essential in preserving its taste and freshness.

The key to effective storage is using an airtight container and refrigerating it.

Airtight Container

The first primary storage method is using an airtight container.

Place your Spam Musubi Bowl in the container and seal the lid tightly.

This will prevent air from entering the container and keep the ingredients fresh.

Refrigerating

Store the airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To enjoy your Spam Musubi Bowl, simply remove it from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before consuming it.

If you prefer it warm, you can microwave the bowl in short intervals until it reaches your desired temperature.

Freezing

If you wish to store the bowl for a longer period, you can freeze it.

However, keep in mind that freezing the rice and other ingredients may result in textural changes when defrosted.

To freeze, consider placing the Spam Musubi Bowl in a freezer-safe airtight container or a plastic freezer storage bag.

Make sure to label and date your container so you remember when you have stored it.

The stored bowl can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Separating Ingredients

Another option is to store the ingredients separately.

This can help maintain the texture and taste of the individual components.

Place the cooked rice, Spam, and other elements in separate airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator.

When you’re ready to enjoy your Spam Musubi Bowl, assemble the ingredients and serve as desired.

Now that you know the storage methods for your Spam Musubi Bowl, you can enjoy this tasty dish at your convenience while keeping its quality intact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when preparing Spam Musubi Bowl.

Using the Wrong Heat

When cooking Spam for the Spam musubi bowl, it’s essential to use the appropriate heat.

Avoid using medium-high heat, as it can cause the Spam to burn quickly, making it hard and unpleasant to eat.

Instead, cook the Spam cubes on medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they are crispy and caramelized.

Improperly Glazing the Spam

Another common mistake is not glazing the Spam correctly with the sauce mixture.

Ensure that the sauce evenly coats the Spam cubes by adding it before you start cooking on medium heat.

This will help achieve a perfect caramelization and infuse the flavors into the Spam.

Not Preparing a Clean Surface

Preparing a Spam musubi bowl requires handling sushi rice, which can get quite sticky.

A clean surface is essential to prevent contaminants from mixing with your dish.

Before you start, make sure to clean and sanitize your cooking area, utensils, and hands for a safe and enjoyable cooking experience.

Rushing the Cooking Process

While it may be tempting to speed things up, don’t rush the cooking process.

It is crucial to allow the sauce to caramelize the Spam and let the flavors meld together properly.

Patience is key – letting the dish cook for the appropriate time on medium heat will ensure desired results and a dish you can be proud of.