Spam Onigiri

5 from 1 vote

This easy, 30-minute Spam Onigiri is the ultimate grab-and-go snack - salty, savory, and super satisfying. It’s quick to make, kid-friendly, and perfect for busy weekdays or packing into lunchboxes. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have a delicious bite that hits all the right notes!

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Assembly Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 146

Author Jessica Kwon

Ingredients

1 can less sodium Spam
4 cups freshly cooked rice short or medium grain (see note)
½ tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoon furikake
1-2 roasted seaweed sheets (sushi nori) cut into 8 strips

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Using a food processor, potato masher, or fork, mash Spam into small bite-sized pieces. Transfer to a large pan and cook over medium-high to high heat (no additional oil needed) until lightly golden brown, about 7-8 minutes.
To the warm rice, add Spam, soy sauce, and furikake. Mix to combine.
Shape into triangles.
Mold: Wet mold with water. Fill with rice mixture to the top and use your fingers or a spoon to compress the rice, especially at the edges. Then press firmly with lid. Remove from mold.
Plastic wrap: Scoop ⅓ cup into the center of a large sheet of plastic wrap. Fold plastic around rice to form a ball. Cup your hands and shape into a triangle.
To wrap the nori, lay a piece of seaweed down with the dull side facing up. Place the onigiri in the middle, standing up, and fold seaweed up. Serve immediately.

Notes

Rice:For best results, use freshly cooked short or medium-grain rice like sushi rice or Calrose rice. These are naturally sticky and will help the onigiri hold its shape without falling apart.
For easy assembly, I recommend using an onigiri mold.
Wrap right before eating: The seaweed can get soggy if wrapped too early because of moisture from the rice. If you’re packing Spam Onigiri for later, either keep nori separate or wrap tightly just before eating. Alternatively, use individual seaweed wrappers specifically made for enjoying onigiri on-the-go.
Storing: Wrap each Spam Onigiri tightly in plastic wrap. It's safe to store at room temperature for up to 4 hours. To store in the refrigerator, wrap each individual triangle in plastic wrap in an air-tight container for up to 2 days.
Substitutions:
- Instead of Spam, use any type of meat you'd like. Finely diced chicken, cubed deli ham or turkey, scrambled egg bits, or bacon are great options.
- If using leftover rice, make sure to heat it up until it's warm and sticky so it'll adhere together. Short or medium-grain brown rice is also a suitable substitute.
- Replace furikake with toasted sesame seeds or a pinch of MSG.
- It's easy to customize and flavor onigiri to your taste. Instead of soy sauce, try teriyaki sauce or fish sauce.

Nutrition