Get ready to enjoy my Spam Rice Ball, a delicious fusion where the flavors of a classic Japanese onigiri meets Hawaiian-inspired cubed spam! This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a filling snack you can take on hikes or while traveling! Trust me, once you try this delightful combination, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Why I Love This Recipe
I crafted my Spam Rice Ball as a delightful fusion of classic Japanese rice ball onigiri and the vibrant flavors of Hawaiian-style spam, inspired by my popular Spam Musubi in a Bowl! This recipe is special because it blends the flavors of Hawaii with traditional Japanese rice balls, just like in my Spam Sushi Roll!
This easy-to-make dish features fluffy rice seasoned with Japanese furikake, enveloping crispy, seared spam that creates a savory burst in every bite. Just like a classic Spam Musubi, what I love about this recipe the most is how it’s a perfect filling snack or lunch option for outdoor adventures or travel. Just pack it and go! Trust me, once you taste this unique blend of flavors, you’ll want to whip up a batch right away!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 6 oz Spam – l recommend using low-sodium as I found the original overly salty. Can be found in the canned section of grocery stores.
- 1 tbsp Neutral Oil – no taste or flavor with high cooking temperature. Some choices are sunflower oil, peanut oil, sallower oil, vegetable oil, and canola oil.
- 2 Cups Steamed White Rice – freshly made steamed white rice.
- 2 tsp Furikake – a Japanese all-purpose seasoning mix to sprinkle on top of the rice. Found at many Asian grocery stores.
- 4 Strips Roasted Seaweed – cut into strips 4 inch in length and 1 inch in thickness.
🍚 Rice Note
I recommend using Fresh Rice for this recipe.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
- Wok or Deep Large Skillet
- Rice Ball Mold (optional)
Directions
☑ Before Getting Started
Ensure you have a Large Skillet or Wok on hand to provide ample space for searing your spam.
Step 1 Preheat cooking oil in a wok or large skillet. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed spam and sear for about 2 minutes until they develop a crispy outer crust and set aside.
Step 2 Mix fresh rice with furikake in a mixing bowl.
Step 3 Lay out saran wrap on the countertop and place around 1/2 cup of the seasoned rice in the middle, flattening it out until a 3-4 inch diameter circle is formed. Add about 1 tbsp of the seared spam in the center (avoid over-stuffing). Wrap the saran wrap around the rice and spam to form a ball, pressing to shape and rotating 5-7 times until the desired shape is achieved. Optional, you can use a Rice Ball Mold to mold these instead.
🍚 Handling Rice Pro Tip
To prevent the rice from sticking to your hands while shaping, I recommend Lightly Wetting Your Hands before handling the rice.
Step 4 Remove the saran wrap and wrap a strip of seaweed around the rice ball, starting from the center and going down to the bottom on one side and up to the middle on the other side. Plate the rice ball and repeat for all the remaining rice balls.
Recipe Variations
For a simpler variation of this recipe, you can mix everything in a bowl and drizzle some of my Musubi Sauce on top to enjoy my Spam Musubi in a Bowl! If you want to make it heartier, consider adding my Japanese Sweet Eggs into the mix for a delicious Spam Egg in a Bowl variation!
Alternatively, you can plate all the ingredients separately instead of mixing them together to create my Spam Egg Plate, allowing for a beautiful presentation while enjoying the same fantastic flavors!
Pairing Recommendations
While my these rice balls can be enjoyed as a stand-alone meal, it pairs wonderfully with a refreshing side dish like my Spicy Cucumber Salad, which adds a nice crunch. To complement the meal with warmth, serve it alongside a comforting bowl of Miso Soup. For a heartier option, my Tonjiru Miso Soup makes an excellent pairing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover rice for this recipe?
Yes, you can use leftover rice for this recipe, but I recommend using fresh rice for the best texture.
Is there a substitute for Japanese furikake?
Yes, you can substitute Japanese furikake by lightly salting the rice instead. While it won't replicate the exact flavor, it will still enhance the taste.
Can I use different types of spam or other proteins?
Yes, you can use different types of spam or other proteins! Feel free to get creative—some classic Japanese options include salmon, umeboshi pickled plums, or fish eggs.
Can I make these rice balls in advance for meal prep?
Yes, these rice balls are perfect for meal prep! You can make them in advance and store them in the fridge for a convenient snack or lunch option throughout the week.
Storage Tips
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds to warm them up, and consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
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Watch How To Make It
Spam Rice Ball
Ingredients
- 6 oz Spam less sodium recommended, about 1/2 of the can
- 1 tbsp Neutral Oil no taste
- 2 Cup White Rice or rice of choice
- 2 tsp Japanese Furikake
- 4 Strips Roasted Seaweed 4 inch in length and 1 inch thickness
- Saran Wrap
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Add oil to a wok or a large skillet and preheat it under high heat. Once the pan is heated, add in cubed spam and sear until browned, around 2-3 minutes.
- Mix rice with furikake in a mixing bowl and set aside.
- Lay out saran wrap on the countertop and place 1/2 cup of the seasoned rice in the middle, flattening it out. In the center, add a spoonful of the seared spam. Wrap the saran wrap around the rice and spam to form a ball, pressing to shape and rotating. Repeat this pattern 5-7 times until the desired shape is formed.
- Remove the saran wrap and wrap a strip of seaweed around the rice ball, starting from the center and going to the bottom on one side and up to the middle on the other side.
Nutrition
*Values Based Per Serving
