Spam Katsu Musubis are the crispy, indulgent mashup you did not know you needed but absolutely deserve. This recipe takes classic Spam musubi and gives it a golden, crunchy upgrade inspired by Japanese katsu. Think crispy panko coated Spam, fluffy rice, savory sauce, and that perfect handheld bite. It is nostalgic, satisfying, and dangerously easy to keep eating.

If you love Spam musubi, this version is going to hit even harder. Instead of pan searing the Spam, we bread it and fry it until crisp on the outside while staying juicy inside. The contrast between crunchy Spam and soft rice is what makes this recipe so addictive. Every bite feels extra and comforting at the same time.

Spam Katsu Musubis are perfect for parties, meal prep, or when you just want something fun and filling. They are easy to assemble and even easier to customize with different sauces and toppings. This recipe is beginner friendly and does not require any special tools. If you can fry something and shape rice, you are good to go.

This dish pulls inspiration from Japanese katsu and Hawaiian Spam musubi for the ultimate fusion moment. The crispy coating adds texture while the savory Spam keeps things rich and flavorful. Pair it with a sweet and salty sauce to balance everything out. It is the kind of recipe that feels familiar but still exciting.

These Spam Katsu Musubis are great for sharing but also totally acceptable to keep to yourself. They hold up well for leftovers and reheat beautifully in an air fryer or pan. You can serve them as a snack, lunch, or part of a bigger spread. No matter how you eat them, they disappear fast.

If you are into crispy foods, handheld meals, and unapologetic comfort food, this recipe is for you. Spam Katsu Musubis are bold, fun, and full of flavor. They are proof that simple ingredients can turn into something crave worthy. Once you try them, regular musubi might feel a little boring.

Deep Fried vs. Air Fried

Deep frying gives Spam Katsu Musubis the crispiest, most golden exterior with that classic katsu crunch. The panko coating fries evenly and creates a rich, satisfying texture that feels extra indulgent. Air frying is a great alternative if you want something lighter with less oil while still keeping a crispy bite. While the air fryer version is slightly less crunchy than deep fried, it is still flavorful, convenient, and perfect for everyday cooking.

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Spam Katsu Musubis

Recipe by Julia Vuong

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: AppetizersCuisine: Hawaiian, Japanese

Servings

5

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

8

minutes

Total time

23

minutes

Ingredients

• 1 can 1 low sodium Spam

• 3 cups 3 cooked white rice (I like to do half jasmine rice and half sushi rice)

• 3 tbsp 3 furikake

• 2 2 eggs

• 1/4 cup 1/4 flour

• 1 tsp 1 garlic salt

• 1 cup 1 Japanese bread crumbs

• 2 sheets 2 nori/seaweed

• neutral frying oil (vegetable, canola, etc.)

• Katsu Sauce

• 1/2 cup 1/2 ketchup

• 2 tbsp 2 Worcestershire sauce

• 2 tbsp 2 soy sauce

• 2.5 tbsp 2.5 brown sugar

• 1 tbsp 1 oyster sauce

• 1/4 tsp 1/4 black pepper

Directions

• Make the dredging station
  Slice Spam block into 5-6 pieces. Set up a breading station with mixing flour, garlic salt, and eggs in one shallow bowl and bread crumbs on a separate plate. Lightly coat each Spam slice in batter then press into the bread crumbs until fully coated. Repeat with all pieces. Place into the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up.
• Fry the spam
  For deep frying, heat about 1 inch of oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the breaded Spam for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel to drain.
  
  For air frying, lightly spray the breaded Spam with oil and air fry at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden.
• Make the katsu sauce
  In a small saucepan, combine ketchup, Worcestershire, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and pepper. Simmer and stir until combined. Remove from heat. Add 1-2 tbsp of water if sauce becomes too thick and concentrated.
• Assemble and wrap
  Divide the rice into 6 portions and shape into compact rectangles. I use a Spam musubi rice mold, but you can also use the Spam can. Cut the nori sheets into strips that’s slightly smaller than the rice shape. Place the rice on the edge of the nori strip, brush katsu sauce on the rice, sprinkle furikake, lay the spam katsu on top, place a small piece of rice at the other end of the nori strip and wrap around.
• Enjoy!