If you’re craving a flavorful, satisfying snack that’s easy to whip up and perfect for any time of day, this Spam Rice Balls Recipe will quickly become your go-to. Inspired by musubi, these rice balls are packed with savory, slightly sweet Spam, fluffy scrambled eggs, and perfectly seasoned rice, all seasoned with furikake and crispy seaweed for that extra pop of umami. Bite-sized and portable, they make an ideal treat for picnics, road trips, or a quick bite at home. Let me share exactly how to bring these delicious morsels to life in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this Spam Rice Balls Recipe right means having just the right balance of simple, flavorful ingredients. Each element plays an essential role, adding texture, color, or seasoning to create a harmonious and delightful bite.

Cooked rice (2 cups): Use short-grain or medium-grain rice for the perfect sticky texture that helps the balls hold together.
Spam (1/2 can, diced): Adds a salty, meaty punch that’s the star of the dish—cut into small cubes for even distribution.
Scallion (1, chopped): Freshness and color pop, brightening each bite with subtle onion flavor.
Mayonnaise (1-2 tbsp): Adds creaminess and a slight tang to bind ingredients and enhance mouthfeel.
Seaweed (1 packet, crushed): The umami-packed seaweed brings a lovely crunch and oceanic surprise.
Furikake (2 tbsp): This Japanese rice seasoning infuses the rice balls with flavor and color.
Egg (1): Scrambled and folded in for softness and richness.
Neutral oil (2 tbsp, divided): For sautéing the Spam and eggs without overpowering the flavors.
Toasted sesame seeds: For garnish, adding nutty aroma and visual appeal.
For the sauce: Soy sauce (1/2 tbsp), mirin (1 tbsp), sesame oil (1 tsp), and sugar (1 tbsp) to make a sticky, flavorful glaze for the Spam.

How to Make Spam Rice Balls Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Scramble the Egg

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a pan over medium heat. While it warms up, whisk your egg with a pinch of salt until well blended. Pour the egg into the hot pan and scramble gently until fully cooked yet still soft. Once ready, transfer the eggs to a plate and set aside—these will bring a lovely creaminess to your rice balls.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet and Savory Spam

In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and toss in your diced Spam. Sauté over medium heat until the cubes develop a light brown crust, about 1 minute on all sides. Lower the heat and pour in your prepared sauce mixture of soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, and sugar. Let the Spam cook until the sauce thickens and clings to each piece, creating a sticky, flavorful coating. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Combine All Ingredients

Grab a medium mixing bowl and add the cooked rice, glazed Spam, scrambled eggs, chopped scallions, mayo, crushed seaweed, and furikake. Mix thoroughly but gently to ensure every grain and cube is evenly seasoned and coated, making your rice base wonderfully flavorful and ready to shape.

Step 4: Shape Your Rice Balls

Wet your hands or wear disposable gloves for easier handling, then take a generous tablespoon of the rice mixture and squeeze it into a tight, compact ball. The stickiness of the rice will keep its shape beautifully. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used up, yielding about 12 to 14 perfect rice balls.

How to Serve Spam Rice Balls Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top adds a nutty crunch and makes your Spam Rice Balls Recipe look irresistible. You can also add thin strips of nori around each ball for extra texture and that iconic musubi look.

Side Dishes

Spam rice balls pair wonderfully with simple miso soup, pickled vegetables, or a crisp cucumber salad. These sides balance the richness of the Spam and eggs, creating a harmonious meal or snack experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For an on-the-go treat, wrap each rice ball individually in plastic wrap or place them in bento boxes with a few pickles and some fruit. They can also be served alongside a dipping sauce like spicy mayo or soy sauce mixed with a dash of wasabi for an extra kick.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Spam rice balls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. They hold their flavor well but are best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture.

Freezing

To freeze, place the rice balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to one month and make for a perfect quick snack straight from the freezer.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated rice balls in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes until warm throughout. You can also steam them lightly to revive their texture without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?

While short-grain or medium-grain rice is ideal due to its stickiness, you can use jasmine or long-grain rice in a pinch, but your rice balls may be less cohesive and a bit more crumbly.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

You can substitute the Spam with marinated tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian take, keeping the same sweet and savory sauce to maintain flavor complexity.

How spicy are Spam rice balls?

The classic Spam Rice Balls Recipe is not spicy at all. However, you can add sriracha or chili flakes either inside the mixture or as a dipping sauce if you like a little heat.

Can I prepare the rice balls without eggs?

Absolutely! Eggs add richness and softness, but if you prefer to skip them, just increase the mayo slightly and ensure your rice mixture is well combined for a similar creamy texture.

What’s the best way to eat Spam rice balls on the go?

Wrap each rice ball individually with plastic wrap or pack them in a bento box to keep them intact. They are perfectly sized for handheld snacking whether at a picnic, road trip, or lunch break.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making and enjoying your own Spam Rice Balls Recipe—each bite delivers nostalgia, comfort, and flavor all at once. Whether you’re new to musubi-style treats or a longtime fan, this recipe is a delightful, quick fix that’s sure to impress friends and family. Give it a try and watch how these simple ingredients come together to create a truly memorable snack or meal!