Spam Onigiri Recipe

Introduction

Spam Onigiri is a delightful twist on the classic Japanese rice ball, combining savory, caramelized Spam with fragrant rice and a touch of furikake for extra flavor. This easy-to-make snack or light meal is perfect for lunchboxes or a quick bite anytime.

Ingredients

• 3-4 cups cooked rice (short-grain or medium-grain rice)
• 1/2 can (170g) Spam Lite, diced into 1/4 inch cubes (substitute regular Spam and reduce soy sauce by half)
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 3 tbsp furikake
• 2 roasted seaweed sheets, cut into 2 inch strips
• 2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp mirin
• 2 tsp sesame oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Dice Spam into 1/4 inch cubes and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine sugar, soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil; mix well.
3. Step 3: Heat a medium non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the diced Spam and cook until browned on all sides, about 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Step 4: Pour the sauce mixture into the pan, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky, about 5 minutes.
5. Step 5: Turn off the heat, add chopped scallions, and mix well. Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
6. Step 6: Place cooked rice in a bowl and let it cool until it is just warm to the touch.
7. Step 7: To form onigiri, either use a mold following package instructions or shape by hand: wet your hands, dip two fingers in salt, rub salt evenly into your palms, then take about 1/4 cup of rice and flatten it in your palm. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the Spam mixture in the center, top with more rice, and press down to seal. Shape into a triangle by making one palm flat and forming a 90-degree angle with the other hand while rotating and pressing firmly to hold the shape.
8. Step 8: Coat the edges of the onigiri with furikake seasoning, then wrap each with a seaweed strip just before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Using short-grain rice will help the onigiri hold its shape better, but medium-grain rice works well too.
• Adjust the sugar and soy sauce amounts in the sauce to balance sweetness and saltiness to your preference.
• For a spicier version, add a little sriracha or chili flakes to the Spam mixture before cooking.
• To make shaping easier, wet your hands with water instead of plain water to prevent sticking, or use plastic gloves.

Storage

Store Spam Onigiri wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave to soften the rice, then refresh the seaweed wrap separately as it can become soggy. For best taste and texture, consume within the first day.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular Spam instead of Spam Lite?

Yes, you can substitute regular Spam but it is recommended to reduce the soy sauce by half since regular Spam is saltier.

How do I keep the onigiri from falling apart?

Using slightly warm, sticky rice and applying firm pressure when shaping helps the onigiri hold together. Wetting your hands and seasoning them with salt also improves the texture and keeps the rice from sticking to your hands.

Spam Onigiri Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 115 reviews

• Author: Harry
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 onigiri (depending on size) 1x

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Description

Spam Onigiri is a savory Japanese rice ball snack that combines flavorful, pan-cooked Spam with seasoned rice, lightly coated with furikake and wrapped in crisp seaweed. This easy-to-make comfort food offers a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and umami tastes, ideal for lunch, picnics, or quick bites.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice

• 3–4 cups cooked short-grain or medium-grain rice

Spam Mixture

• 1/2 can (170g) Spam Lite, diced into 1/4 inch cubes (substitute with regular Spam and reduce soy sauce by half)
• 2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp mirin
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 2 scallions, chopped

To Assemble

• 3 tbsp furikake seasoning
• 2 roasted seaweed sheets, cut into 2-inch strips
• Salt, for rubbing hands

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Instructions

1. Prepare Spam: Dice the Spam into 1/4 inch thick cubes and set them aside.
2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix sugar, soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil until well blended.
3. Cook Spam: Heat a medium non-stick pan over medium heat, add the diced Spam, and cook until all sides are browned, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Simmer with sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the browned Spam, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky, approximately 5 minutes.
5. Finish Spam mixture: Turn off the heat, stir in chopped scallions, and transfer the mixture to a bowl.
6. Prepare rice: Place cooked rice in a bowl and let it cool until it is comfortable to handle.
7. Form onigiri: Wet your hands, dip two fingers in salt, then rub salt evenly over your palms. Take about 1/4 cup of rice, flatten it in your palm, add 1-2 tablespoons of the Spam mixture in the center, then cover with more rice. Press firmly and shape the rice ball into a triangle using your palms, applying steady pressure as you rotate your hands to create the classic onigiri shape.
8. Coat and wrap: Lightly coat the edges of the shaped onigiri with furikake seasoning, then wrap each onigiri with a strip of roasted seaweed just before serving. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

• If substituting with regular Spam, reduce soy sauce quantity by half to balance saltiness.
• Using short-grain rice is preferred for better stickiness, essential for shaping onigiri.
• You can use an onigiri mold for easier shaping if you’re not confident shaping by hand.
• Wrap the seaweed just before eating to keep it crisp and pleasant.
• Adjust sugar and soy sauce amounts according to your taste preference for sweetness and saltiness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Japanese

Keywords: Spam onigiri, Japanese rice ball, Spam recipe, easy onigiri, savory snack, furikake, seaweed wrap