Scorching Spam Brûlée Musubi is an innovative take on the classic Hawaiian Spam Musubi, with a sweet and savory brûlée topping that adds crunch and char. This recipe puts a spin on tradition while honoring the cultural roots of this island favorite. This recipe keeps the traditional pressed rice and slice of pan-fried Spam, but kicks it up a notch with the brûlée topping. The burnt sugar adds sweetness and complexity while the blowtorch finish delivers a touch of theatrics. Read on to learn why you should add this Hawaiian-inspired dish to your repertoire.
The History Of Spam Musubi
Spam Musubi holds a special place in Hawaiian cuisine that developed during World War 2 when spam became abundant on the islands. The pressed rice and spam creation took inspiration from the Japanese sushi culture present in Hawaii. Over time, it has become a local specialty found everywhere from convenience stores to school cafeterias. Hawaiians have embraced Spam Musubi as a quintessential local comfort food.
Ingredients For Scorching Spam Brûlée Musubi
To make these showstopping Spam musubi, you will need:
Spam varieties:
The best Spam for Musubi is the classic or low-sodium Spam variety. The more natural spam flavors allow the brown sugar brûlée to shine. Some other good options include:
- Spam Less Sodium – Lower sodium content
- Spam Lite – Only 70 calories per slice!
- Spam Oven Roasted Turkey – For a meat alternative
Rice: Use short or medium grain Japanese rice like Kokuho Rose or Calrose rice. The plumper grains and stickier texture help the Musubi hold together.
Brûlée topping:
- Brown sugar – Darker sugar with deeper molasses notes works best
- Butter – For richness and to help caramelize the brown sugar
- Soy sauce – For umami flavor
- Sesame seeds – Toasted for nuttiness and crunch
The brown sugar is key for achieving the crackly brûlée topping.
Instructions For Scorching Spam Brûlée Musubi
Follow these steps to assemble amazing Scorching Spam Brûlée Musubi:
- Rinse rice and cook using package instructions. Allow to steam for 10 minutes after cooking then transfer to a wide shallow dish to cool.
- Slice SPAM® into rectangles about 1/3″ thick. Heat a skillet over medium high heat, add a small amount of oil, then cook the SPAM® for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Brush with soy sauce during the last 30 seconds of frying.
- Make brûlée topping by mixing 2 tablespoons brown sugar with 1 tablespoon softened butter.
- Assemble the musubi by placing a slice of SPAM® atop a small mound of rice, then topping with a heaping teaspoon of the brown sugar mixture.
- Carefully brûlée the sugar using a blowtorch. Aim the flame close to the topping and move it in a circular motion until the sugar becomes an evenly caramelized crust.
- Optional – Sprinkle furikake over the brûlée topping for extra flavor and crunch.
Serving Suggestions Scorching Spam Brûlée Musubi
These musubi make a fun party snack or game day bite. Present them on a platter with:
Garnishes:
- Add sprigs of green onion or cilantro for freshness
- Garnish with furikake or chili flakes for extra flavor
- Wrap in banana leaf for natural presentation
Drinks:
- Tropical fruit juices like guava, lychee, or pineapple
- Iced tea or iced coffee
- Milk – Especially chilled coconut milk.
- Beer like lager or Hawaiian brewed beer
Get creative with variations! Change up the protein, try different sweet or spicy brûlée toppings like miso butterscotch or sriracha brown sugar, or form the musubi into fun shapes using molds.
FAQs
Can vegetarians enjoy this dish?
Substitute pan-fried tofu, halloumi, or mushrooms instead of the Spam.
How does this recipe compare to classic Spam Musubi?
The rice base and Spam slice stay traditional, while the brûlée adds sweetness and crunch. Overall it’s an amped up riff that honors the original.
What other brûlée toppings would be good?
Get creative with spicy miso butterscotch,matcha white chocolate, or lemon cream cheese brûlée variations.
What are other great Hawaiian recipes?
Try loco moco, haupia, chicken katsu, poke bowls, or Hawaiian mac salad for more island flavor. Replicate that beachside vibe.
Conclusion: Scorching Spam Brûlée Musubi
Scorching Spam Brûlée Musubi puts a playful spin on a classic Hawaiian snack using burnt sugar crust to balance the savory Spam. This recipe allows you to celebrate tradition while showing off your culinary flair. Impress guests or enjoy as a weeknight treat. However you make it, this dish is all about savoring the sweet, salty, crunchy brûlée goodness in each bite! What are you waiting for? Fire up the blowtorch and let’s make some musubi magic.
Scorching Spam Brûlée Musubi Recipe
Notes
· Sushi Rice: You can use leftover sushi rice or cook fresh sushi rice according to package instructions.
· Brûlée Option: If you don't have a kitchen torch, you can achieve a similar caramelized effect by placing the assembled musubi under a broiler for a few minutes, watching closely to avoid burning the nori.
· Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar in the sauce and for brûlée topping to your preference.
· Leftovers: Store leftover musubi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.
Ingredients
- • 1 can (14 oz) Spam Classic, sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces
- • 4 cups cookedsushi rice (see note below)
- • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- • 1 tablespoon mirin
- • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- • 1 clove garlic, minced
- • 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- • 1 large egg, beaten
- • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- • 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for brûlée crust
Instructions
- Prepare the Spam: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry the Spam slices until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Set aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet (no need to clean), combine soy sauce, granulated sugar (1/4 cup), mirin, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened. Add the fried Spam slices back to the pan and coat them evenly in the sauce. Let simmer for another minute, then remove from heat.
- Assemble the Musubi: Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking. Take a sheet of nori and spread a thin layer of cooked sushi rice evenly on it, leaving a small border around the edges. Place a Spam slice coated in sauce on top of the rice. Add another layer of rice on top of the Spam, pressing gently to form a compact shape.
- Brûlée the Top (Optional): If desired, for that brûlée effect, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar (1/4 cup) evenly over the top of the assembled musubi. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until golden brown and bubbly. Be cautious not to burn the nori.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the musubi in half with a sharp knife. You can drizzle a little extra sauce on top before serving, along with some thinly sliced green onions for garnish (optional).
Nutrition Facts
Scorching Spam Brûlée Musubi Recipe
Serves: 4 persons
| Amount Per Serving: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 600 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 25 | 38.5% | |
| Saturated Fat 15 | 75% | |
| Trans Fat 0 | ||
| Cholesterol 80mg | 26.7% | |
| Sodium 1000mg | 41.7% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 60 | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber 3 | 12% | |
| Sugars 30 | ||
| Protein 25 | ||
| Vitamin A 0 | Vitamin C 0 | |
| Calcium 0 | Iron 0 | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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