Spam musubi
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Spam musubi is a very popular snack and luncheon food in Hawaii made in the tradition of Japanese onigiri, also known as a musubi. A Spam musubi is composed of a block of salted (not vinegared; that would be sushi) rice with a slice of Spam (cooked or uncooked) on top, and typically nori (dried seaweed) surrounding it to keep it in shape.
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[edit] Preparation
A slice of Spam is placed onto a block of rice and a piece of nori (dried seaweed) is wrapped around the Spam-rice combination to hold it together. Although musubi resembles nigiri sushi, its rice is not treated with vinegar and is not considered to be a form of sushi, since the requirement for sushi is rice being covered with a vinegar-based mixture.
[edit] Optional ingredients
Although Spam is criticized as being "mystery meat", the Spam musubi in Hawaii has become a classic treat that is recommended by many locals. An optional ingredient to the Spam musubi is a teriyaki sauce that adds depth to the treat. It is also optional to add tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette), as well as furikake (seasoning) to the rice.
[edit] Commercial
Spam musubi is appreciated for its taste and portability. A single musubi, usually wrapped in cellophane, can be purchased at small deli-type convenience stores (including 7-Eleven stores) all over the Hawaiian islands, ranging in price between one and two dollars. The 7-Eleven stores include a wide variety of flavors, including a regular Spam musubi, a Deluxe Spam musubi (with Furikake and Tamagoyaki), as well as many others.
Spam musubi rice molds are available at many kitchen stores in Hawaii. These molds are a few inches deep with a width and breadth that matches a slice of Spam. Frugal people can also cut both ends off a small Spam can, to the same effect.
