Spam musubi is one of the most delicious and convenient snacks out there. It has a sweet and savory caramelized Spam layered over soft, fluffy rice and wrapped in a crispy sheet of nori. But if you want a fun twist on the classic, try turning them into Spam Musubi Cups. The nori becomes the main vessel, the flavors stay just as delicious, and the bite-sized presentation is almost too cute to eat. Try out this easy spam musubi cups recipe for a fun snack idea.
Spam Musubi Origin
During World War II, Spam became readily available in Hawaii because it was inexpensive and had a long shelf life. Local communities began cooking it and incorporating their cultural flavors. Thanks to its convenience and cultural significance, Spam musubi was born.
Why you will love Spam Musubi Cups
All the Spam Musubi Flavor, Half the Effort: No rolling, no molding—just layer, bake, and eat.
Perfect Bite-Sized Portions: Great for parties, snacks, lunchboxes, or whenever you want something quick and satisfying.
Customizable: Add furikake, spicy mayo, avocado or other sauces
Ingredients
- Sushi rice
- Soft, fluffy, and sticky. The perfect rice type that holds its shape
- Spam
- The main ingredient in this recipe. Spam caramelizes nicely when cooked.
- Nori sheets
- Gives a nice crispy and toasted texture
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- Adds the savory flavors
- 2 tbsp sugar
- Adds the sweet flavors
- 2 tsp mirin
- Adds a touch of sweetness and depth
- 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce
- Brings more umami to the glaze
- Kewpie Mayonnaise
- Adds creaminess
Click on the images for the direct link to the ingredients I used:
Instructions
Cook the sushi rice in a rice cooker. Once done, transfer to a bowl and let it cool slightly.
Dice the Spam into small cubes.
In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sugar, mirin, and oyster sauce until the sugar dissolves.
Heat a pan over medium heat and add the diced Spam. Cook until lightly browned.
Pour the sauce over the Spam and reduce the heat to low. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and the Spam becomes glossy and glazed.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line each muffin cup with a piece of nori.
Add a spoonful of sushi rice into each nori-lined cup.
Top with the glazed Spam.
Bake for 12–15 minutes.
Drizzle with Kewpie mayo.
Remove from the oven and enjoy!
Spam Musubi Cup Tips
- Cut the spam into even sizes so it cooks and glazes evenly.
- Let the rice cool completely so the nori does not wilt.
- Add furikake for more flavor.
- Serve fresh if possible.
Spam Musubi Storage Tips
- Store leftover Spam bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat the Spam bites in the air fryer at 325°F for 5–7 minutes.
Spam Musubi Bites
Ingredients
- Sushi rice
- Spam
- Nori sheets
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp mirin
- 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce
- Kewpie Mayonnaise
Instructions
- Cook the sushi rice in a rice cooker. Once done, transfer to a bowl and let it cool slightly.
- Dice the Spam into small cubes.
- In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sugar, mirin, and oyster sauce until the sugar dissolves.
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add the diced Spam. Cook until lightly browned.
- Pour the sauce over the Spam and reduce the heat to low. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and the Spam becomes glossy and glazed.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line each muffin cup with a piece of nori.
- Add a spoonful of sushi rice into each nori-lined cup.
- Top with the glazed Spam.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes.
- Drizzle with Kewpie mayo.
- Remove from the oven and enjoy!
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might like my pepper lunch rice cooker recipe!
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