Hearty Spam Rice Burger (Onigirazu)
Perfect for Kids’ Lunchboxes! Homemade Spam Onigirazu Rice Sandwich Recipe
Introducing the Spam Onigirazu, a convenient yet satisfying meal perfect for busy mornings. This Japanese-style rice sandwich, wrapped in nori, is a popular choice for children’s lunchboxes. The savory Spam combined with various fillings creates a delightful taste sensation.
Main Ingredients- Nori sheets for kimbap (2.5 sheets)
- 1 serving of cooked rice (approx. 200g)
- 2 slices of Spam (cut thickly)
- 2 eggs
- 2 lettuce leaves
- 2 imitation crab sticks (kani kama, etc.)
- 1/5 cucumber (thinly sliced)
- 1 tsp Furikake (rice seasoning)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 0.5 tsp sesame oil
- Pinch of salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, rinse the Spam slices briefly under hot water to remove any impurities. Then, slice them into thick pieces, about 1cm thick. This step helps to slightly reduce the saltiness and enhances the flavor.
Step 2
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat without adding any oil. Place the sliced Spam in the pan and grill until both sides are golden brown and slightly crispy. The Spam will release its own fat, so additional oil isn’t necessary. This grilling process adds a wonderful aroma and taste.
Step 3
In a bowl, crack the 2 eggs and whisk them with a pinch of salt. Lightly oil a pan over medium heat, pour in the beaten eggs, and scramble them until just cooked. Aim for a tender, moist scramble rather than a dry one.
Step 4
Wash the lettuce leaves thoroughly under running water and pat them dry. Thinly slice the cucumber. Gently shred the imitation crab sticks lengthwise to create a more appealing texture for the filling.
Step 5
Take your 1 serving of cooked rice and mix in the Furikake, toasted sesame seeds, and sesame oil. Stir well with a rice paddle. Since the Spam is quite salty, no additional salt is needed for the rice. Feel free to add a dash of soy sauce or more sesame seeds if you prefer.
Step 6
Divide the seasoned rice into 4 equal portions and flatten them into round patties. These will form the base and top layers of your onigirazu.
Step 7
Lay out a piece of aluminum foil or plastic wrap large enough to wrap the onigirazu. Place a sheet of kimbap nori on the wrap in a diamond orientation. Put one portion of the shaped rice in the center and gently press it down to form a square, leaving a small border of nori exposed.
Step 8
On top of the rice layer, place a cleaned lettuce leaf. Then, arrange the scrambled eggs you prepared evenly over the lettuce.
Step 9
Next, layer the sliced cucumber, followed by the shredded imitation crab, and finally the pan-fried Spam slices. The order of these fillings can be adjusted according to your preference. Feel free to add other ingredients like kimchi, perilla leaves, or stir-fried kimchi to customize your onigirazu!
Step 10
Once all the fillings are in place, add the remaining portion of shaped rice on top to cover them. For a neater finish and better structure, you can cut a small piece (about 1/4 sheet) of nori, spread a thin layer of rice on it, and place this over the fillings before adding the top rice portion.
Step 11
Gently press down on the top rice layer to help the onigirazu hold its shape and ensure the nori wraps snugly around the fillings.
Step 12
Using the aluminum foil or plastic wrap, carefully fold the onigirazu like a parcel, ensuring all edges are securely tucked in to prevent the fillings from spilling out. This helps maintain its shape during transport.
Step 13
Finally, slice the wrapped Spam Onigirazu in half with a knife. Your delicious and hearty rice burger is now complete! It’s perfect for picnics, outings, or a convenient on-the-go meal.
