There’s something deeply satisfying about the first bite into a warm Spam onigiri rice ball. As the soft, sticky rice molds around the rich, savory flavor of caramelized Spam, it transports me to bustling Japanese streets, where lunch is both a ritual and a delight. I stumbled upon this enticing dish during a craving for something quick yet homemade, and it turned out to be a culinary treasure.
Perfect for those busy weekdays or a relaxing weekend treat, these rice balls are not just budget-friendly—they’re easy to prepare and customizable to your taste. Whether you’re packing lunch for the kids or savoring a moment of me-time, these Spam onigiri rice balls elevate your meal without emptying your wallet. Join me in creating these delightful bites that promise to make your next lunch nostalgic and exciting!
Why is Spam Onigiri Rice Ball a must-try?
Deliciously Satisfying: Each bite is a comforting blend of umami flavors that will keep you coming back for more!
Easy Meal Prep: Ideal for busy days, you can whip these up quickly and enjoy them later.
Budget-Friendly: Using affordable ingredients, these rice balls let you enjoy gourmet flavors without breaking the bank.
Customizable Goodness: Switch out the Spam for grilled chicken or tofu, and add your favorite veggies for a fresh twist!
Family Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love these tasty little bites, making lunchtime fun for everyone!
Spam Onigiri Rice Ball Ingredients
For the Rice
• Short or Medium-Grain Rice – Use sushi rice for the best sticky texture; rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.
For the Spam
• Spam – This is the star of the dish; feel free to use low-sodium or flavored variations for a different taste.
For the Scrambled Egg
• Egg – Scramble with a pinch of salt for added creaminess.
For the Glaze
• Soy Sauce – Provides savory depth; you can substitute with teriyaki sauce if needed.
• Mirin – Adds sweetness and complexity to the glaze.
• Sesame Oil – A splash infuses a wonderful nutty flavor.
• Sugar – Balances the saltiness of the soy sauce for a perfect glaze.
For the Freshness
• Scallions – These add a fresh kick; you can substitute with chives if preferred.
For Creaminess
• Mayonnaise – Enhances the texture; consider using Japanese mayonnaise for an authentic taste or vegan mayo for a plant-based option.
For the Umami Punch
• Crushed Seaweed/Furikake – Provides a burst of umami flavor; while optional, it’s highly recommended.
For Cooking
• Neutral Oil – Any vegetable oil will do for frying the Spam; keeping it neutral won’t overpower the dish.
How to Make Spam Onigiri Rice Balls
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Scramble the Eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a pan over medium heat. Whisk the egg with a pinch of salt and pour it into the pan. Cook until firm, then set aside.
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Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, and sugar until well combined. This sweet and savory glaze will enhance the Spam’s flavor!
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Cook Spam: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the Spam over medium-high heat until it turns a nice golden brown. Lower the heat, add the prepared sauce, and cook until thickened. Remove from the heat and set the Spam aside.
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Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm, cooked rice, sautéed Spam, scrambled egg, chopped scallions, mayonnaise, and crushed seaweed (if using). Gently fold the mixture until well incorporated.
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Shape Rice Balls: Wet your hands to prevent sticking and take a handful of the rice mixture. Gently compress it into a ball shape using loving pressure. Aim for about the size of a golf ball!
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Serve or Store: Serve your delicious Spam onigiri rice balls warm, or pack them up for a delightful lunch later. If storing, wrap them individually in plastic wrap to keep them fresh.
Optional: Top with extra furikake for added flavor and crunch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Spam Onigiri Rice Ball Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize these delightful rice balls to match your taste and dietary needs!
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Protein Swap: Use grilled chicken or tofu instead of Spam for a lighter, yet satisfying option.
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Veggie Delight: Add diced cucumbers, shredded carrots, or bell peppers for a crunch that brightens up every bite. Fresh veggies make these rice balls even more refreshing!
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Spicy Kick: Mix in some sriracha or gochujang in the rice for a spicy twist that’ll elevate your lunch experience.
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Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like cilantro or basil into the rice mix for an aromatic uplift that tantalizes your senses.
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Cheesy Goodness: Add a small cube of cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, into the center of each rice ball before shaping. As it warms up, it melts to create a delightful surprise!
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Sweet & Savory: Incorporate finely chopped pickled veggies or kimchi for a punch of flavor that balances the savory aspects of Spam.
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Nutritional Boost: Mix in some cooked quinoa or a handful of spinach into the rice for a nutrient-packed twist that maintains the rice’s texture.
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Alternative Sauces: Experiment with hoisin sauce or a homemade teriyaki glaze instead of the standard sauce for a different flavor that shakes up the classic recipe.
Make Ahead Options
These Spam Onigiri Rice Balls are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to save time during busy weekdays! You can prepare the filling—caramelized Spam, scrambled egg, and the rice mixture—up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix these components together and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best quality, shape the onigiri just before serving; this ensures they remain fluffy and delicious. When you’re ready, wet your hands to prevent sticking and form the rice balls with your prepped filling. Whether you enjoy them warm or chilled, these flavorful bites are sure to be a hit!
What to Serve with Spam Onigiri Rice Balls?
Looking to create a mouthwatering meal that complements the savory goodness of your onigiri?
- Miso Soup: A warm, umami-rich broth that balances the flavors of the rice balls, providing a comforting start to your meal.
- Quick Pickled Vegetables: These crunchy, tangy sides offer a refreshing contrast, brightening your lunch while adding a delightful crunch.
- Japanese Cucumber Salad: Light and crisp, this salad dresses thinly sliced cucumbers in rice vinegar and sesame, enhancing that fresh, clean palate.
- Edamame: A protein-packed snack, these lightly salted beans are not only fun to pop but also provide a satisfying textural balance to the meal.
- Fried Tofu Bites: Crispy and delicious, these bites offer a great protein addition and can be dipped in soy sauce or your favorite dressing for an extra flavor boost.
- Garlicky Green Beans: Sautéed with garlic and sesame oil, these beans add a touch of earthiness and a vibrant splash of color to your plate.
- Hot Green Tea: Perfect to sip while enjoying your meal, this classic beverage enhances the entire dining experience with its soothing qualities.
- Fruit Skewers: Sweet and refreshing, skewers of seasonal fruits can cleanse the palate between bites of savory Spam onigiri, making it a delightful end to your meal.
- Chocolate Mochi: For dessert, these chewy, sweet delights add a unique twist and a perfect finale to round out your lunch.
Storage Tips for Spam Onigiri Rice Ball
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Room Temperature: Best enjoyed within 4 hours; store at room temperature if consuming soon for optimal flavor and texture.
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Fridge: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This keeps them fresh and ready for your next meal.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze wrapped onigiri in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
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Reheating: To reheat, use a microwave under a damp paper towel for 30-60 seconds until warm. Avoid overheating to prevent dry rice.
Expert Tips for Spam Onigiri Rice Balls
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Rice Rinsing: Rinse the rice until the water runs clear to prevent gummy Spam onigiri rice balls. This ensures the perfect sticky texture for shaping.
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Warm Rice: Use rice that is slightly warm (not hot) for easier handling and better adherence; too hot can burn your hands!
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Wet Hands: Keep a bowl of salted water close to wet your hands while shaping; this will prevent the rice from sticking and help form perfect balls.
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Avoid Overcrowding: When frying the Spam, cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan can steam the meat instead of caramelizing it!
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Gentle Shaping: Handle the shaped rice balls with care. Firmly compressing them can lead to a dense texture rather than the light, fluffy Spam onigiri rice ball experience you desire.
Spam Onigiri Rice Ball Recipe FAQs
What type of rice should I use for Spam onigiri?
For the best results, use short or medium-grain sushi rice, like Calrose or Koshihikari. This type of rice provides the sticky texture needed for shaping the onigiri. Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear; this will help prevent it from becoming gummy during cooking.
How should I store leftover Spam onigiri rice balls?
To maintain their freshness, wrap each rice ball individually in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If you plan to enjoy them later, it’s best to eat them within this timeframe for optimal taste and texture.
Can I freeze Spam onigiri rice balls?
Absolutely! After wrapping the rice balls in plastic wrap, place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once defrosted, reheat them in the microwave under a damp paper towel for about 30-60 seconds to keep the rice moist.
Why does my Spam onigiri break apart?
If your rice balls are falling apart, this might be due to not enough sticky rice or not compressing the mixture firmly enough. Make sure to use sushi rice and form the balls with gentle, loving pressure. Also, use slightly warm (not hot) rice when molding the balls to help everything stick together seamlessly.
Is this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
For those with allergies or dietary restrictions, you can substitute Spam with grilled chicken, tofu, or other proteins. Additionally, consider using vegan mayonnaise for a plant-based option. If you’re concerned about sodium intake, low-sodium variants of Spam are readily available to help accommodate health-conscious choices.
Savory Spam Onigiri Rice Balls: Your New Favorite Lunch Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a pan over medium heat. Whisk the egg with a pinch of salt and pour it into the pan. Cook until firm, then set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, and sugar until well combined.
- In the same pan, sauté the Spam over medium-high heat until golden brown. Lower the heat, add the prepared sauce, and cook until thickened.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm cooked rice, sautéed Spam, scrambled egg, scallions, mayonnaise, and crushed seaweed (if using). Gently fold the mixture.
- Wet your hands to prevent sticking and take a handful of the rice mixture. Shape it into a ball.
- Serve warm, or wrap individually in plastic wrap for later.
