Vegetarian Spam Musubi

Bring a delightful twist to a Hawaiian classic with this Vegetarian Spam Musubi recipe, perfect for plant-based eaters craving bold, umami-packed flavors. Instead of traditional Spam, this version transforms firm tofu into a savory, smoky centerpiece by marinating it in a mouthwatering blend of soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and sesame oil. Paired with perfectly cooked sushi rice and wrapped in crispy nori, each bite is a harmonious balance of sweet, salty, and smoky goodness. Ready in under an hour, this dish is ideal for meal prep, portable lunches, or quick snacks. Optional furikake seasoning adds a subtle crunch and flavor complexity, making this vegetarian musubi as satisfying as its classic counterpart. A crowd-pleasing vegan take on a beloved island favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 5

Ingredients

• 1 block (around 14 oz) Firm tofu
• 6 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons Rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 3 cups Cooked sushi rice
• 5 full sheets (cut in half) Nori sheets
• 1 tablespoon Furikake seasoning (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Water
• 1 teaspoon Sugar

Directions

Step 1

Drain the tofu and press it to remove excess moisture. Slice it horizontally into 10 rectangular pieces, about 1/2-inch thick each.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Place the tofu slices in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the tofu is fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to 1 hour for more flavor.

Step 4

While the tofu marinates, cook the sushi rice if you haven’t already. Mix 2 tablespoons of water with 1 teaspoon of sugar in a small bowl to create a sealing solution for the nori wrappers. Set aside.

Step 5

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the marinated tofu slices. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 6

Cut the nori sheets in half if not pre-cut. Place a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper on your work surface to avoid sticking.

Step 7

Take about 1/3 cup of cooked sushi rice and shape it into a rectangle about the same size as your tofu slice. Sprinkle a small amount of furikake on the rice if using.

Step 8

Place the cooked tofu slice on top of the rice rectangle. Wrap one strip of nori around the middle of the tofu and rice stack, using the sugar-water solution to seal the ends of the nori. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.

Step 9

Serve the Vegetarian Spam Musubi fresh or wrap tightly in plastic wrap for later consumption.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1196.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1445.6

Total Fat 35.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3757.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 225.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.0g	0%
Total Sugars 36.7g
Protein 68.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 729.1mg	0%
Iron 9.4mg	0%
Potassium 1324.0mg	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: 21.2%

Protein: 18.3%

Carbs: 60.5%