The 10 Best Types of Rice for Spam Musubi

I’ve discovered the absolute best types of rice for crafting delectable spam musubi.

Picture a plate of perfectly seasoned, tender rice, hugging a savory slice of spam, all wrapped up in a nori blanket. This mouthwatering delight can only be achieved with the right rice.

From the fragrant jasmine rice to the sticky sushi rice, I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 varieties that will elevate your spam musubi game to new heights.

Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice is a popular choice for making delicious spam musubi. Its fragrant aroma and sticky texture make it the perfect pairing for the savory flavors of spam and nori.

When I prepare spam musubi, I always reach for jasmine rice because it cooks up fluffy and moist, ensuring a delightful mouthful with every bite. The grains of jasmine rice cling together, allowing me to easily shape them into the signature rectangular shape of spam musubi.

Whether I’m making it for a quick snack or as part of a larger meal, jasmine rice never fails to deliver the perfect base for this Hawaiian favorite. Its subtle sweetness enhances the overall flavor profile, making it a must-have ingredient in my spam musubi recipe.

Sticky Rice

To make sticky rice for your spam musubi, you’ll want to use short-grain rice. This type of rice is perfect for creating that sticky and chewy texture that is essential for a delicious musubi.

When cooked, the grains of short-grain rice tend to stick together, making it easier to shape and hold together when assembling your spam musubi. I find that the stickiness of the rice also helps to hold the spam securely in place.

Short-grain rice is also known for its ability to absorb flavors well, so when you season it with a little bit of soy sauce or furikake, the rice becomes even more flavorful.

Sushi Rice

For sushi rice, you’ll need to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch. This step is essential to achieve the perfect texture and stickiness required for sushi.

I usually measure out the desired amount of rice and place it in a fine-mesh strainer. Then, I rinse it under cold water, gently agitating the grains with my fingers. The water will turn cloudy at first, but as I continue rinsing, it will become clearer. I repeat this process until the water runs almost clear.

Once the rice is rinsed, I transfer it to a pot, add the appropriate amount of water, and let it soak for about 30 minutes before cooking. This rinsing step ensures that the sushi rice cooks up fluffy, tender, and not too sticky.

Basmati Rice

I love cooking basmati rice because of its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture. It’s one of my favorite types of rice to prepare.

Basmati rice originates from the Indian subcontinent and is known for its long grains and delicate flavor. When I cook basmati rice, I start by rinsing it thoroughly to remove any excess starch. Then, I add it to a pot of boiling water and let it cook until the grains are tender and separate.

The result is a beautiful, fluffy rice that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. Whether I’m making a flavorful curry or a simple stir-fry, basmati rice always adds a touch of elegance to my meals.

Calrose Rice

The fragrant and sticky texture of Calrose rice makes it a popular choice for sushi rolls. As a sushi lover, I can’t get enough of the delicious combination of flavors and textures that Calrose rice brings to the table.

Its slightly sweet aroma and sticky consistency allow it to hold together perfectly when rolled into sushi rolls, ensuring a satisfying bite every time. Not only does Calrose rice provide a great base for sushi, but it also absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Whether I’m enjoying a classic California roll or venturing into more adventurous sushi creations, Calrose rice never disappoints. Its versatility and reliability make it a staple in my sushi-making repertoire.

Brown Rice

Brown rice offers a nutty flavor and a chewy texture that adds a delightful twist to any meal. I personally love using brown rice in my dishes because it not only tastes great but also provides numerous health benefits.

It is rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps keep me feeling full for longer. Brown rice is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium and selenium. Moreover, it has a lower glycemic index compared to white rice, making it a suitable choice for people watching their blood sugar levels.

Whether I’m enjoying it as a side dish or using it as a base for a stir-fry, brown rice never fails to add a wholesome and tasty element to my meals.

Arborio Rice

Now, let’s talk about Arborio rice. It is a type of short-grain rice that is widely used in Italian cuisine, especially for making creamy risottos. Arborio rice has a high starch content, which gives it a unique texture and flavor.

When cooked, the grains become tender and creamy while still maintaining a slight bite in the center, known as ‘al dente.’ This characteristic makes Arborio rice perfect for creating delicious spam musubi. Its ability to absorb flavors makes it an excellent choice for incorporating the savory taste of spam and the umami flavors of soy sauce.

The creamy texture of Arborio rice also complements the crispy exterior of the spam, creating a delightful contrast of textures. So, consider using Arborio rice for your next batch of spam musubi for a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

Wild Rice

If you’re looking for a nutty and flavorful rice option, wild rice is a great choice. I absolutely love the unique taste and texture of wild rice.

It has a slightly chewy texture and a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. Whether you’re making a hearty pilaf, a delicious salad, or even stuffing for Thanksgiving, wild rice adds a depth of flavor that is hard to beat.

Plus, it’s packed with nutrients like protein, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a healthy choice too. So, if you want to elevate your rice dishes and add a touch of complexity, give wild rice a try. You won’t be disappointed.

Black Rice

Black rice is a versatile grain that offers a unique flavor and a variety of health benefits. I love cooking with black rice because it adds a beautiful deep purple color to my dishes and has a slightly nutty taste.

Not only does it taste great, but it is also packed with nutrients. Black rice is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body against harmful free radicals. It is also a great source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps keep you feeling full. Additionally, black rice is low in calories and contains a good amount of protein.

Whether I’m making a stir-fry, salad, or even a dessert, black rice is always a delicious and nutritious addition to my meals.

Red Rice

When you cook with red rice, it adds a vibrant color and a slightly nutty flavor to your dishes. I love using red rice in my cooking because it not only tastes great, but it also looks beautiful on the plate.

The deep red color adds a pop of brightness and excitement to any meal. The nutty flavor of red rice pairs well with a variety of ingredients, from vegetables to proteins. It adds a unique and delicious element to stir-fries, pilafs, and even salads.

Plus, red rice is packed with nutrients like fiber, antioxidants, and minerals, making it a healthier choice compared to white rice.