SIGN UP FOR FREE WEEKLY RECIPES

Vegan Musubi Recipe – A Traditional Hawaiian Snack

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

A Vegan Musubi Recipe transforms the traditional snack with a plant-based twist. Sticky rice, seasoned with a splash of soy sauce and a hint of sugar, forms the base. It’s topped with a slice of marinated tofu, mimicking the savory taste of the original’s spam. Wrapped in a crisp nori sheet, this creation offers a delightful, cruelty-free alternative.

WHY IT WORKS?

  • Versatile Ingredients: Simple pantry staples like tofu and rice transform into a savory delight.
  • Cruelty-Free Twist: This recipe caters to vegan lifestyles without sacrificing flavor by replacing spam with marinated tofu.
  • Customizable Options: From the marinade to fillings, it offers flexibility to suit various tastes.
  • Easy Preparation: Straightforward steps ensure a hassle-free cooking experience for all skill levels.

Don’t have time to read the full blog post? JUMP TO THE RECIPE HERE!

Craving a classic snack with a vegan twist? Look no further than the Vegan Musubi Recipe, a delectable option that promises to satisfy your taste buds while aligning with your ethical choices.

The quest for mouthwatering vegan alternatives often leads to disappointment, with many shallow dish failing to replicate the flavors and textures we love. However, this recipe emerges as a game-changer, skillfully combining simple ingredients to recreate the beloved musubi recipes without animal products.

vegan musubi recipe

By turning to this innovative approach, you’ll discover how easy and rewarding it is to enjoy your favorite snacks in a new, cruelty-free way. Say goodbye to compromise and hello to deliciousness with every bite of Vegan Musubi.

What Is Vegan Musubi? 

Vegan musubi is a plant-based version of the traditional Hawaiian snack, which typically contains rice and a slice of grilled spam and is wrapped in seaweed (nori). In the vegan adaptation, the spam is replaced with a vegan alternative, such as marinated tofu, tempeh, or a specially prepared vegetable-based ingredient, to mimic the savory flavor of the original.

This version retains the key elements of the snack — sticky rice and nori — ensuring it remains true to its roots while being entirely free from animal products. Vegan musubi offers a cruelty-free, nutritious snack or meal option that caters to the growing demand for plant-based foods.

Fact: Studies show that incorporating plant-based meals like vegan musubi into your diet can reduce environmental impact and support overall health, offering a sustainable and nutritious alternative.

vegan musubi

Recipe Directions

Prepare the Vegan Spam

  • Slice tofu horizontally into 10-12 thin, oval pieces to resemble spam.
  • Mix the marinade with soy sauce, maple syrup, liquid smoke, mirin, ground ginger, garlic powder, and water in a small mixing bowl.
  • Lay tofu slices in a flat container and pour the marinade over, ensuring all pieces are submerged. Marinate for 1 hour overnight. For a quicker option, marinate for 15 minutes on each side.

Cook the Vegan Spam

  • Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the tofu on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Flip, add the remaining marinade, and bake for another 15 minutes.
  • Pan-Fry Method: Heat a pan over medium-high. Fry tofu for 2-3 minutes until caramelized, flip, add remaining marinade, and fry for another 2-3 minutes.

Prepare the Sushi Rice

  • Cook short-grain rice as per instructions. Mix with rice vinegar, salt, and sugar to taste. Ensure the rice is sticky and suitable for shaping.

Assemble the Vegan Musubi

  • Cut nori sheets into 3 long strips.
  • Form 1/4 cup of rice into an oval ball roughly the size of your tofu slice. Moisten fingers to help shape the rice.
  • Place a rice ball and a slice of vegan spam on a nori strip and roll tightly to form your musubi.

Recipe Directions

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings 

Variations

  • Protein Variations: Instead of tofu, use tempeh, seitan, or a store-bought vegan meat substitute sliced into spam-like pieces. Marinated and grilled portobello mushrooms also make a great alternative.
  • Rice Variations: Experiment with different types of rice, such as brown rice, brown sugar, black rice, or even quinoa, for a unique twist. Each offers a different texture and nutritional profile.

Add-Ons

  • Seasoned Rice: Elevate your sushi rice by adding furikake (ensure it’s vegan), sesame seeds, or a mix of chopped herbs for extra flavor.
  • Sauce Drizzle: Top your vegan musubi with a drizzle of spicy mayo (vegan mayo mixed with sriracha or hot sauce), teriyaki sauce, or a sweet and tangy sauce made from blending pineapples and tamari.
  • Veggies: For a crunch and freshness, include thinly sliced cucumber, avocado, or pickled vegetables like radish and carrot.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings 

Toppings

  • Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and an appealing texture.
  • Green Onions: Chopped green onions or chives bring a mild, oniony bite that complements the savory notes of the vegan spam recipe.
  • Edamame: Steamed and lightly salted edamame beans can be scattered on top for a pop of color and a protein boost.
  • Seaweed Salad: A small topping adds a briny depth, enhancing the musubi’s oceanic vibe.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings 

Vegetable Substitutions 

  • Portobello Mushrooms: Grilled or marinated portobello mushrooms offer a meaty texture and rich umami flavor.
  • Eggplant: Sliced and grilled eggplant provides a hearty and slightly sweet alternative to tofu or spam.
  • Jackfruit: Young, unripe jackfruit, when cooked and seasoned, mimics the texture and taste of pulled pork, adding a satisfying chewiness.
  • Zucchini: Thinly sliced and grilled zucchini adds a subtle sweetness and tender texture to your musubi.
  • Sweet Potato: Roasted or mashed sweet potato lends a creamy, sweet contrast to the savory elements of the musubi.
  • Butternut Squash: Cubed and roasted butternut squash offers a soft, caramelized bite with a hint of nutty flavor.
  • Tempeh: Fermented soybeans are pressed into a block. Tempeh has a firm texture and nutty taste, which makes it perfect for marinating and grilling as a spam substitute.
  • Chickpeas: Mashed or roasted chickpeas provide a hearty, protein-packed filling with a slightly nutty flavor.
  • Seitan: Made from wheat gluten, seitan has a chewy texture and absorbs flavors well, which makes it ideal for creating a savory musubi filling.
  • Mushroom Medley: A mix of sautéed mushrooms, such as shiitake, cremini, and oyster mushrooms, adds depth and complexity to your musubi.

Quick Tip: For a richer flavor in vegan dishes, try roasting your vegetables before adding them to the recipe. This enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth.

Vegetable Substitutions 

Best Side Dishes

  1. Miso Soup A comforting, umami-rich broth with tofu and seaweed.
  2. Edamame Salted and steamed, offering a protein-packed nibble.
  3. Cucumber Salad Thinly sliced cucumbers in a sweet vinegar dressing, providing a crisp contrast.
  4. Pickled Radish Sweet and tangy, adding a refreshing bite.
  5. Seaweed Salad Briny and slightly sweet, with a chewy texture.
  6. Kimchi Spicy and fermented, offering a burst of flavor and probiotics.
  7. Sweet Potato Fries Baked or air-fried, a sweet and savory side.
  8. Sautéed Greens Garlicky spinach or kale, lightly seasoned.
  9. Quinoa Salad A hearty, nutritious option with vegetables and a lemon dressing.
  10. Avocado Slices Creamy and rich, adding healthy fats.

Best Side Dishes

How To Serve?

  • On-the-Go Snack: Pack individual musubi in bento boxes or plastic wrap them in parchment paper for a convenient snack.
  • Picnic or Potluck: Arrange musubi on a platter alongside other vegan dishes for a shareable and satisfying meal outdoors.
  • Lunchbox Addition: Include musubi in lunchboxes with a side of veggies or fruit for a balanced midday meal.
  • Party Appetizer: Cut musubi into bite-sized pieces and serve on skewers for a crowd-pleasing appetizer at gatherings.
  • Meal Prep Staple: Prepare a batch of musubi for quick grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.
  • Café or Food Truck Fare: Offer vegan musubi as a menu item at cafes, food trucks, or catering events to cater to diverse dietary preferences.
  • Family Dinner: Serve musubi as a main course alongside a salad or soup for a simple yet satisfying family dinner.
  • Festival or Fair Food: Showcase vegan tofu musubi at lunch food festivals or fairs to introduce people to plant-based alternatives in a fun and flavorful way.

Quick Tip: For extra flavor, lightly brush your vegan musubi with soy sauce and sesame vegetable oil before serving. It adds a savory depth!

How To Serve

Storage & Make Ahead 

  • Storage: Leftover vegan musubi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If possible, keep rice and tofu press toseparate to maintain texture.
  • Make Ahead: The vegan spam can be marinated and cooked beforehand. Refrigerate or freeze as advised. Cooked rice can also be stored in the fridge for a day ahead, making assembly quick and easy.

Fact: The concept of musubi, often associated with Hawaiian cuisine, actually originates from Japanese onigiri, showcasing the fusion of cultures and flavors across the Pacific.

vegan musubi recipe

Time-Saving Tips

  1. Prep in Bulk: Marinate and cook extra tofu for quick weekly assembly to have ready-to-use vegan spam.
  2. Rice Cooker Magic: Utilize a rice cooker for the sushi rice. It saves time and ensures perfect consistency without monitoring.
  3. Pre-Cut Nori Sheets: Cut your nori sheets in advance and store them in a dry place. This speeds up the assembly process.
  4. Use a Musubi Mold: Invest in a musubi mold to streamline the shaping of rice and tofu, making uniform pieces faster.
  5. Quick Marinate: If it takes too long, slice your tofu thinner to increase its surface area. This allows for a quicker marination process.
  6. Assembly Line Setup: Arrange your ingredients in an assembly-line fashion for efficient musubi-making, especially if you are preparing multiple servings.
Vibrant Vegan Musubi Recipe For A Savory Delighting Snack

Vibrant Vegan Musubi Recipe For A Savory Delighting Snack

Recipe by Julia

Vegan musubi offers a delightful twist on a classic Hawaiian snack. This recipe combines sticky sushi rice and crisp nori for a savory, plant-based treat using marinated tofu instead of spam. Vegan musubi is a delicious, cruelty-free option that pays homage to traditional flavors with a modern touch, perfect for on-the-go snacking or as a light meal.

Course: Snacks
0.0 from 0 votes
Servings

12

pieces
Prep Time

1

hour 

19

minutes
Cooking Time

30

minutes
Calories

200

kcal
Rest Time

0

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients List

  • 2 Cup 2 Cooked sushi rice or short-grain rice

  • 2 Tbsp 2 Rice vinegar

  • 1/2 Tsp 1/2 Salt

  • 1/2 Tsp 1/2 Sugar

  • 2-3 Sheets 2-3 Nori sheets

  • 1/2 Block 1/2 Extra firm tofu (1/2 block)

  • 1 Tbsp 1 Soy sauce or alternative

  • 1 Tbsp 1 Maple syrup or agave nectar

  • 1/2 Tbsp 1/2 Liquid smoke

  • 1/2 Tbsp 1/2 Mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)

  • 1/2 Tsp 1/2 Garlic powder

  • 1/8 Tsp 1/8 Ground ginger

  • 1 Tbsp 1 Water

Step-By-Step Directions

  • Prepare the Vegan Spam
  • Slice the Tofu: Cut the tofu horizontally into 10-12 thin, oval pieces to resemble spam.
  • Marinade Preparation: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, maple syrup, liquid smoke, mirin, ground ginger, garlic powder, and little water to create the marinade.
  • Marinating the Tofu: Place tofu slices in a flat container and pour the marinade over them, submerging all pieces. Let them marinate for 1 hour overnight. For a quicker option, marinate for 15 minutes on each side.
    vegan musubi recipe
  • Cook the Vegan Spam
  • Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the tofu on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Then, flip the pieces, add the remaining marinade, and bake for 15 minutes.
    vegan musubi recipe
  • Pan-Fry Method: Medium-high heat a large pan over medium-high. Fry the tofu for 2-3 minutes until it caramelizes, then flip, add the remaining marinade, and fry for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Prepare the Sushi Rice
  • Cook the Rice: Follow the instructions to cook short-grain rice. Mix the cooked rice with rice vinegar, salt, and sugar to taste. Make sure the japanese rice ball is sticky and suitable for shaping.
    vegan musubi recipe
  • Assemble the Vegan Musubi
  • Prepare Nori Sheets: Cut the Nori sheets into 3 long strips.
  • Shape the Rice: Use 1/4 cup of rice to form an oval shape balls, approximately the size of your tofu slice. Moisten your fingers to help shape the sticky rice.
  • Roll the Musubi: Place a white fluffy rice ball and a slice of vegan spam on a nori strip and roll tightly to form your musubi.
    vegan musubi recipe
  • Equipment List
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Large Bowl
  • Flat Container
  • Baking Sheet
  • Oven (or Skillet for pan-frying)
  • Rice Cooker (optional)
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Scissors
  • Musubi Mold (optional)
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Spatula or Tongs

Notes

  • Ensure tofu is extra firm for the best texture.

  • Marinating time affects flavor depth; longer is better.

  • Adjust the amount of liquid smoke to suit your taste for smokiness.

  • Rice vinegar, salt, and sugar mix is crucial for authentic sushi rice taste.

  • Use a musubi mold for uniform shapes and easier assembly.

  • Vegan musubi is best served fresh but can be refrigerated.

  • Reheat in a pan or microwave to restore texture.

  • Experiment with additional fillings like avocado or cucumber for variety.

vegan musubi recipe

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I Make Vegan Musubi Gluten-Free?

You can make vegan musubi gluten-free using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative instead of traditional soy sauce. Ensure all other ingredients, like the mirin and any store-bought vegan meat substitutes, are labeled gluten-free.

How Can I Make The Vegan Musubi More Protein-Rich?

To increase the protein content of your vegan musubi, you can choose high-protein vegan substitutes such as tempeh or a specialized high-protein tofu. Additionally, adding a side of edamame or sprinkling hemp seeds over the musubi before rolling can further boost its protein content.

vegan musubi recipe

Is Vegan Musubi Suitable For A Low-Carb Diet?

Vegan musubi, primarily made with rice, is not inherently low-carb. However, you can adapt it for a low-carb diet by substituting the rice with cauliflower rice or another alternative. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain flavor.

Can I Prepare Vegan Musubi Ahead Of Time?

Yes, vegan musubi can be prepared ahead of time. The vegan spam can be marinated and cooked 2-3 days before and stored in the refrigerator. The rice can also be cooked beforehand, but it’s best to assemble the musubi close to when you plan to serve them to maintain the best texture and freshness.

How Do I Store Leftover Vegan Musubi, And For How Long?

Leftover vegan musubi should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and is best consumed within 1-2 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or lightly pan-fry to bring back the crispiness of the nori and the warmth of the rice and vegan spam. Note that the texture may change slightly upon refrigeration, especially the crispiness of the nori.

Leave a Comment

Author picture

HELLO AND WELCOME TO
VIE DE LA VEGAN!

Greetings from the heart of Vie De La Vegan, where each dish we share is a chapter in a larger story of discovery, wellness, and the transformative power of a plant-based diet. My name is Julia, and I am thrilled to be your guide on this delightful culinary adventure.

More About Me

POPULAR RECIPES

AS SEEN IN