Crispy SPAM Nori Handrolls
While on vacation in Hawaii last year, I decided to get out of my comfort zone and try some local cuisine. While at the resturant in my hotel, I asked the waiter for his recommendation. He suggested the SPAM handrolls. While I was a bit hesitant never having had SPAM before, his recommendation was spot on! I tried to recreate them as best as I could recall. These rolls are katsu breaded SPAM tucked into furikake flavored rice & nori sheets. I added my pickled carrots, onions and diakon, and drizzled with a Sriracha aioli.
Crispy SPAM Nori Handrolls Recipe
INGREDIENTS
Spam Pieces:
1 can low sodium SPAM
1 c. all purpose flour
2 eggs (beaten)
1 Tbsp. water
2 c. panko bread crumbs
2-4 c. vegetable oil (for frying)
Furikake Flavored Rice:
1 c. short-grain rice
1–2 Tbsp. Furikake seasoning (Nori Komi or Katsuobushi flavor)
1 tsp. Butter or sesame oil (optional, for richness)
1 tsp. Soy sauce (optional, for extra savory flavor)
Sriracha Aoli:
1 c. mayo
2 tablespoons sriracha
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. lemon juice
Garnish:
Pickled Vegetables of your choice (I used pickled carrots, onions and diakon)
Green onions
Laurie’s Suggestion: You may find my recipe for the garnish by searching the blog for Mexican Pickled Carrots. In this jar I also added some thinly cut diakon.
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Prepare your sriracha aoli by mixing the sriracha, mayo, garlic powder and lemon juice together. Refrigerate to allow flavors to meld.
Step 2: Soak your rice in water for about 20 minutes to release some of the starch. Rince the rice thoroughly and cook according to the package directions or steam as I did until tender (about 35 minutes).
Step 3: While the rice is hot, add the furikake, butter, and/or soy sauce. Gently toss with a rice paddle or spoon to combine.
Step 4: Prepare your egg wash by beating 2 eggs with a tablespoon of water. In 3 separate shallow dishes or bowls add flour to 1, your egg wash to the 2nd and the panko bread crumbs to the 3rd. Remove the SPAM from the can and cut into 1/3 inch strips.
Step 5: Heat oil to 350 - 375 degrees. Avoid getting the oil too hot or the bread crumbs will burn.
Step 6: Dip each piece of SPAM into the flour to coat, then dip in egg wash and roll in the panko bread crumbs. Deep fry the SPAM for 10-20 seconds until golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Assemble the handrolls by putting a thin layer of rice on the nori sheets, add SPAM, drizzle with aoli and garnish with pickled vegetables and green onions.
