Vegan Spam Musubi
Transform your favorite Hawaiian snack with a plant-based twist in this Vegan Spam Musubi recipe! This creative take on a classic features protein-packed extra-firm tofu, marinated to perfection in a savory-sweet blend of soy sauce, maple syrup, and smoky spices, then pan-fried for a golden, caramelized crust. Layered over seasoned sushi rice and tightly wrapped with nori, each bite captures the umami-rich flavors and satisfying texture of traditional spam musubi—completely vegan and customizable for a gluten-free option. Perfect for lunch, picnics, or snacks, this vegan delight is as delicious as it is fun to assemble. Recreate this beloved Hawaiian treat with simple ingredients and enjoy a plant-based spin on a timeless favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz extra-firm tofu
- 4 tbsp soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 2.5 cups water
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 5 whole sheets nori (seaweed) sheets
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (for frying)
Instructions
Press the tofu to remove excess water by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy object (such as a skillet) on top for 15-20 minutes.
While the tofu is pressing, rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Add the rice and 2.5 cups of water to a rice cooker or pot. Cook according to the rice cooker's instructions or bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, then let it sit covered for another 10 minutes.
In a small saucepan, heat the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Once the rice has cooled slightly, gently fold in the vinegar mixture to season it. Set aside.
Once the tofu is pressed, slice it into rectangular slabs about 1/2 inch thick to resemble the shape of traditional spam.
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to create the marinade.
Place the tofu slices in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they're fully coated. Let the tofu marinate for at least 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat with 2 tablespoons of neutral oil. Add the marinated tofu slices and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove from heat and set aside.
Cut the nori sheets into thirds lengthwise to create strips that are slightly wider than the tofu slabs.
Using wet hands to prevent sticking, take a small handful of seasoned sushi rice and form it into a rectangular block about the same size as the tofu slabs.
Place a slice of tofu on top of the rice block, then wrap a strip of nori around the tofu and rice, sealing the ends with a dab of water to help the nori stick.
Repeat the assembly process until all tofu slices are used.
Serve immediately or wrap tightly in plastic wrap to enjoy later. Vegan spam musubi can be eaten at room temperature or chilled.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1803 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 70.1 g | 90% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.2 g | 51% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 6612 mg | 287% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 203.9 g | 74% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.2 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 54.7 g | ||
| Protein | 94.6 g | 189% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 3241 mg | 249% | |
| Iron | 17.9 mg | 99% | |
| Potassium | 1910 mg | 41% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
