Vegan Spam Musubi

Reimagine a Hawaiian classic with this mouthwatering Vegan Spam Musubi recipe! Featuring perfectly marinated and pan-seared extra-firm tofu, this plant-based twist delivers smoky, savory flavors thanks to a blend of soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Paired with fluffy, seasoned sushi rice and wrapped snugly in nori sheets, every bite is packed with umami goodness. This recipe is not only 100% vegan but also easy to adapt with tamari for a gluten-free option. It's the perfect on-the-go snack, potluck dish, or beachside picnic treat. Ready in just under an hour, this vegan version of traditional spam musubi proves that big flavor doesn’t have to come with compromise!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 5

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)

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Once the tofu is pressed, slice it into rectangular slabs about 1/2 inch thick to resemble the shape of traditional spam.

Step 5

In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to create the marinade.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Cut the nori sheets into thirds lengthwise to create strips that are slightly wider than the tofu slabs.

Step 9

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.

Step 10

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.

Step 11

Repeat the assembly process until all tofu slices are used.

Step 12

Serve immediately or wrap tightly in plastic wrap to enjoy later. Vegan spam musubi can be eaten at room temperature or chilled.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1634.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1803.0

Total Fat 70.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 6611.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 203.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.2g	0%
Total Sugars 54.7g
Protein 94.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 3240.7mg	0%
Iron 17.9mg	0%
Potassium 1910.5mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.6%

Protein: 20.7%

Carbs: 44.7%