Spam Rice Balls

Introduction

Spam Rice Balls bring the perfect blend of savory, crispy, and comforting flavors right to your kitchen! These bite-sized delights take inspiration from Japanese onigiri and Hawaiian musubi, combining crispy, pan-fried Spam with seasoned rice for a satisfying snack or meal. Each bite delivers a delicious contrast—crispy, salty Spam on the outside, paired with warm, flavorful rice on the inside. Whether you’re packing them for lunch, a picnic, or just craving a quick bite, these rice balls are an easy and delicious way to enjoy Spam in a fun new form.

I still remember the first time I made these for a road trip—each bite was packed with nostalgia and deliciousness, and they disappeared faster than I expected! What’s great about Spam Rice Balls is how versatile they are. You can mix the rice with furikake for an umami boost, add a touch of soy sauce for extra depth, or even wrap them in nori for a sushi-inspired twist. Want a spicy kick? A drizzle of sriracha mayo takes them to the next level!

Best of all, these treats are simple to make. With just a few pantry staples and a little shaping, you’ll have a batch of crispy, golden Spam Rice Balls ready in no time. Whether you’re a longtime Spam fan or trying it for the first time, these addictive little bites are sure to become a new favorite!

Perfect for:

• Quick and easy meals
• Lunchboxes and picnics
• Party appetizers
• On-the-go snacking
• Fans of Spam and rice dishes

Why You’ll Love This Spam Rice Balls

Here’s why Spam Rice Balls will become your new favorite:

• Savory and Satisfying: The crispy, umami-rich Spam pairs perfectly with seasoned rice for a flavorful bite.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up these rice balls in no time.
• Versatile: You can customize these rice balls with different seasonings, fillings, and toppings.
• Portable: Great for lunchboxes, road trips, or as a quick grab-and-go meal.
• Budget-Friendly: Spam and rice are affordable, making this a cost-effective dish.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 12 rice balls
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbs: 24g, Fat: 5g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Spam Rice Balls:

• 2 cups cooked short-grain rice (warm, not hot)
• 1 can Spam (12 oz), cut into small cubes
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon mirin (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon furikake (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 sheet nori (seaweed), cut into small strips (optional, for wrapping)

Ingredient Highlights

• Spam: A salty, umami-packed protein that crisps up beautifully when pan-fried.
• Short-Grain Rice: Essential for binding the rice balls together, as it has a naturally sticky texture.
• Soy Sauce & Sesame Oil: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the richness of the Spam.
• Furikake & Sesame Seeds: Provide extra flavor and texture, making each bite more delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Spam:

1. Heat a Pan: In a large skillet over medium heat, add sesame oil.
2. Fry the Spam: Add the cubed Spam and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
3. Season: Drizzle the soy sauce, mirin, and sugar over the Spam. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce caramelizes.
4. Add Green Onions: Stir in the chopped green onions and remove from heat.

Prepare the Rice:

5. Season the Rice: In a large bowl, mix the warm cooked rice with furikake, toasted sesame seeds, and salt. Stir gently to combine.

Shape the Rice Balls:

6. Wet Your Hands: Lightly wet your hands with water to prevent the rice from sticking.
7. Form the Rice Balls: Take about 2 tablespoons of rice and flatten it slightly in your palm.
8. Add Filling: Place a spoonful of the crispy Spam mixture in the center.
9. Shape Into Balls: Carefully wrap the rice around the Spam, pressing gently to form a firm ball. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.

Serve and Enjoy:

10. Wrap with Nori (Optional): If using nori, wrap a small strip around each rice ball for extra flavor.
11. Garnish: Sprinkle additional sesame seeds or furikake on top.
12. Enjoy: Serve warm or at room temperature with soy sauce or spicy mayo on the side.

How to Serve Spam Rice Balls

Spam Rice Balls are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:

• Classic Style – Serve warm with a side of soy sauce and a sprinkle of furikake.
• Dipped in Sauce – Brush with teriyaki or eel sauce for extra umami flavor.
• Crispy Fried – Lightly pan-fry for a crispy outer layer before serving.
• Wrapped in Nori – Wrap each rice ball in a strip of seaweed for a sushi-like touch.
• With a Spicy Kick – Drizzle with spicy mayo or sriracha for added heat.
• In a Bento Box – Pack alongside pickled vegetables, tamagoyaki, and miso soup.
• On a Skewer – Serve on skewers with grilled pineapple or vegetables for a fun twist.
• With a Soft-Boiled Egg – Pair with a ramen-style egg for extra richness.
• As a Breakfast Option – Serve with a sunny-side-up egg and miso soup.
• Topped with Avocado – Add sliced avocado and sesame seeds for a fresh contrast.

Additional Tips for Spam Rice Balls

Here are some tips to ensure this recipe turn out perfect every time:

• Use Sticky Rice: Short-grain or sushi rice works best because it holds together well. Avoid long-grain rice, as it won’t be sticky enough.
• Don’t Overfill: Adding too much Spam filling can make it hard to form the rice balls properly.
• Keep Hands Wet: Lightly wetting your hands prevents rice from sticking and makes shaping easier.
• Chill Before Shaping: If the rice is too warm and difficult to handle, let it cool slightly before forming the balls.
• Try Different Fillings: You can mix in diced avocado, cheese, or pickled vegetables for extra flavor.
• Make It Spicy: Add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes to the Spam mixture for a spicy kick.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Recipe Variations for Spam Rice Balls

Here are 10 variations to try this recipe:

• Spicy Mayo Spam Rice Balls: Mix diced Spam with spicy mayo before stuffing into rice balls.
• Kimchi Spam Rice Balls: Add finely chopped kimchi to the Spam filling for a tangy, spicy twist.
• Cheesy Spam Rice Balls: Place a small cube of cheese in the center of each rice ball for a gooey surprise.
• Teriyaki Spam Rice Balls: Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce for a sweeter flavor.
• Spam & Egg Rice Balls: Mix scrambled eggs into the rice for a richer, heartier bite.
• Furikake Rice Balls: Coat the entire rice ball in furikake for extra flavor.
• Garlic Butter Spam Rice Balls: Toss the Spam in garlic butter before stuffing into rice.
• Avocado Spam Rice Balls: Add diced avocado for a creamy texture.
• Spam & Pineapple Rice Balls: Mix in small bits of pineapple for a sweet-savory contrast.
• Hawaiian Musubi Rice Balls: Add a drizzle of eel sauce or teriyaki glaze for a musubi-inspired version.

Freezing and Storage for Spam Rice Balls

• Freezing: To freeze, place the shaped rice balls on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to 1 month. Thaw before reheating.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or steamer before serving.

Special Equipment for Spam Rice Balls

These tools will make preparing this recipe easier:

• Rice Cooker: Ensures perfectly cooked, sticky rice every time.
• Non-Stick Pan: Helps crisp up the Spam without burning.
• Mixing Bowls: For seasoning the rice and mixing ingredients.
• Cookie Scoop: Ensures evenly-sized rice balls.
• Nori Cutter: Makes cutting seaweed strips easier.

Frequently Asked Questions for Spam Rice Balls

1. Can I use brown rice? Yes, but it won’t be as sticky, so shaping may be harder.
2. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, store them in the fridge and reheat before serving.
3. What’s the best way to reheat them? Microwave for 30 seconds or steam for a softer texture.
4. Can I make them without Spam? Yes, substitute with tofu, chicken, or tuna.
5. Can I make them spicy? Add sriracha or chili flakes to the Spam mixture.

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Conclusion

Crispy Spam Rice Balls are a delicious way to enjoy the perfect blend of savory, crispy Spam and flavorful, seasoned rice. These bite-sized delights are easy to make and endlessly customizable, making them perfect for meals, snacks, or party appetizers. With their golden, crunchy exterior and soft, flavorful interior, they’re a crowd-pleaser every time.

Try different variations by adding your favorite seasonings, fillings, or dipping sauces to make them uniquely yours. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or indulging in a personal treat, these Spam Rice Balls bring joy in every bite.

I’d love to see your creations! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see how you make them your own. Happy cooking!