5-Ingredient Spam Rice Balls – Irresistible 20-Minute Comfort Food

Name: 5-Ingredient Spam Rice Balls - Irresistible 20-Minute Comfort Food
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice; 1 can spam (200g), diced; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp sugar; 1 sheet nori (seaweed), cut into strips; 1 tsp sesame seeds

Author: lia

Published: September 26, 2025

Updated: October 8, 2025

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I’ll never forget the first time I made spam rice balls – it was one of those “what do I have in the pantry?” moments that turned into my new favorite quick meal. These little flavor-packed bites are my go-to when I need something satisfying fast, whether it’s for lunchboxes, late-night snacks, or impromptu picnics. What I love most about this spam rice balls recipe is how it transforms basic ingredients into something special with just a few pantry staples. They’ve saved me more times than I can count when the kids come home starving or when I need a portable bite between errands. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked too!

Ingredients for Spam Rice Balls

Okay, let’s gather our simple but mighty ingredients! You’ll need 2 cups of warm cooked rice (trust me, warm makes shaping way easier), 1 can of spam (200g) diced into little cubes, and 1 sheet of nori cut into strips for wrapping. For the flavor magic: 1 tablespoon each of soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar, plus 1 teaspoon of sugar to balance it all out. Don’t forget a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that perfect finishing touch!

How to Make Spam Rice Balls

Mixing the Rice Base

First things first – grab a big bowl and dump in your warm rice. The warmth makes all the difference here! Drizzle in that glorious soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sugar. Now roll up your sleeves and mix it all together gently but thoroughly. Taste a little pinch – if it needs more tang, add a splash more vinegar. More savory? Another dash of soy sauce. You’re the boss here!

Cooking the Spam

Heat up your pan over medium heat – no need to go crazy hot. Toss in those cute little spam cubes and let them sizzle until they get golden and slightly crispy on the edges, about 3-4 minutes. That caramelization is where the magic happens! Stir them occasionally so they cook evenly. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen smells like heaven.

Shaping and Wrapping

Here’s where the fun begins! Keep a bowl of water nearby to wet your hands – this is the secret to non-sticky shaping. Grab a handful of the rice-spam mixture (about ¼ cup) and gently press it into a ball between your palms. Don’t squeeze too hard! Wrap a nori strip around each ball like a little present. Pro tip: Wait until just before serving to add the nori if you want it to stay crisp.

Why You’ll Love This Spam Rice Balls Recipe

Let me tell you why this recipe has become my kitchen MVP:

Crazy quick – From pantry to plate in 20 minutes flat when hunger strikes
Totally customizable – Swap in whatever you’ve got (my kids love when I add scrambled eggs)
Leftover superhero – Turns yesterday’s rice into today’s delicious snack
Kid-approved – The fun shape and salty-sweet flavor make it lunchbox gold

Seriously, these little flavor bombs check all the boxes – easy, tasty, and endlessly adaptable. What’s not to love? For more delicious ideas, check out our Pinterest page!

Tips for Perfect Spam Rice Balls

After making dozens (okay, hundreds) of these, here are my can’t-live-without tips: First, warm rice is non-negotiable – cold rice just won’t stick together right. If your rice dried out, sprinkle a little water and microwave briefly. Taste as you go with the soy sauce – brands vary in saltiness! For storage, pop them in an airtight container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep beautifully for 3 days in the fridge – if they last that long!

Spam Rice Balls Variations

The beauty of these rice balls is how easily you can switch them up! Try mixing in chopped scallions for freshness, a spoonful of kimchi for heat, or drizzle with spicy mayo for extra richness. Sometimes I’ll even toss in some shredded carrots or edamame when I’m feeling fancy. Your imagination’s the limit!

Serving Suggestions

These little flavor bombs shine on their own, but I love pairing them with a steaming bowl of miso soup for a complete meal. For crunch, add some pickled veggies on the side, or keep it classic with a cup of green tea – the perfect balance to that salty-spam goodness!

Storing and Reheating Spam Rice Balls

These little guys keep surprisingly well! Just pop them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers (trust me, it prevents sticking). They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, microwave them for 30 seconds or crisp them up in a toaster oven – either way, they’ll taste just-made. Pro tip: Add the nori after reheating if you want that satisfying crunch!

Spam Rice Balls FAQs

Can I use cold rice?
Honestly, I don’t recommend it – warm rice sticks together so much better! If you only have cold rice, sprinkle it with a tiny bit of water and microwave for 30 seconds to bring back that perfect sticky texture.

Can I bake the spam instead of frying?
Absolutely! Just spread the diced spam on a baking sheet and pop it in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway. You’ll still get that lovely caramelization without the splatter.

Any vegan substitutes?
For sure! Swap the spam with crispy tofu or tempeh, and use tamari instead of soy sauce. The rice vinegar and sesame oil already make it naturally dairy-free – easy peasy!

Nutritional Information

Just a heads up – these are rough estimates since ingredients vary, but each delicious spam rice ball clocks in around 120 calories, with 5g fat and 4g protein. Not bad for such a flavor-packed little bite!