Step 1

Cook the rice in a rice cooker (or other method). Fluff the rice when it’s finished cooking and keep it on the warm setting.

Step 2

Slice the Spam into 8 even slices (about ¼ inch thick).

Step 3

NOTE: If you do not have a saute pan large enough to cook all the Spam at the same time, make sure you divide the musubi sauce based on how many batches of Spam you need to cook. For example, if you can cook 4 Spam slices, divide the musubi sauce in half. In a large saute pan over medium heat, add the sesame oil and garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, but before it turns brown.

Step 4

Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sprinkle the dark brown sugar. Use your spatula to mix all the ingredients together and let it warm up only briefly.

Step 5

Add the spam slices and cook for about 1 minute and then turn them over to make sure all sides of the spam are coated. Cook and occasionally turn the spam to prevent from burning for about 10 minutes or until the Spam begins to caramelize or turn golden brown.

Step 6

Remove the Spam from the pan and let it rest for about 5 minutes to cool down.

Step 7

Clean the Spam can and dry. Cut cling-wrap to about an 8 x 12 inch piece. Line the cling-wrap inside the can and make sure the corners are outside.

Step 8

Scoop about 3 tablespoons of rice into the can. It should be about 1 ½ inch high from the bottom of the can. Use a spoon to press down on the rice to make it even.

Step 9

Add one slice of Spam on top.

Step 10

Cut nori into your desired thickness, I like to cut the sheets into thirds. It’s a little thinner so that the ends of the Spam and rice stick out, but you can also cut them in half and cover the Spam and rice fully.

Step 11

Collect the corners of the cling-wrap and gently lift the Spam stack out of the can. Open the cling-wrap so that the Spam stack is lying horizontally on the table.

Step 12

Lay one piece of nori so that it’s vertical from the Spam stack. It should look like a weird cross at this point.

Step 13

Carefully wrap the nori around the Spam musubi. I like to lightly press the nori on the sides and then lift the top to slide in the nori underneath and repeat for the other side.

Step 14

To make a tighter musubi, cover the musubi in the cling-wrap again and twist both sides until it’s tight. You can also now use your hands to cup the sides and mold the shape so that it’s round.

Step 15

Unwrap the cling-wrap and serve immediately.

Step 16

Optional additions: You can also add sliced omelets and avocado slices on top of your Spam slice or mix in some furikake to the rice as additional flavors.