- Spam musubi
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 besushi ) rice with a slice of Spam (cooked or uncooked) on top, and typically nori (dried seaweed) surrounding it to keep it in shape.Preparation
A slice of Spam is placed onto a block of
rice and a piece ofnori (dried seaweed) is wrapped around the Spam-rice combination to hold it together. Although musubi resemblesnigiri sushi , its rice is not treated withvinegar and is not considered to be a form of sushi, since the requirement for sushi is rice being covered with a vinegar-based mixture.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 (people who live in Hawaii, particularly born and raised there). An optional ingredient to the Spam musubi is a
teriyaki sauce that adds depth to the treat. It is also optional to addtamagoyaki (Japanese omelette), as well asfurikake (seasoning) to the rice. Some people cook spam in jelly as well.Commercial
Spam "musubi" is appreciated for its taste and portability. A single musubi, usually wrapped in
cellophane , can be purchased at smalldeli -type convenience stores (including7-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 (withFurikake andTamagoyaki ), 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.
ee also
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Cuisine of Hawaii External links
* [http://whatscookingamerica.net/History/Spam.htm History of Spam Musubi]
* [http://appetizer.allrecipes.com/az/49785.asp Recipe for Spam Musubi]
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