Special Spam Musubi

Method

1. Preparing the rice: Cook rice in a rice cooker, according to package instructions. Mix the rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of white sugar and 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt in a microwave-safe bowl or small sauce pan, heating gently in the microwave or stovetop, until sugar and salt dissolve. DO NOT BOIL. Once the rice is cooked and still hot, drizzle the rice seasoning mixture, carefully mixing it with the rice. Set aside to cool, placing a damp towel over it to prevent drying.
2. Preparing the Spam (while rice is cooking): Slice the Spam into 8–10 even slices. Mix the Spam marinade (oyster sauce, soy sauce and remaining sugar) in a bowl, until sugar is dissolved. Place Spam slices and marinade in a resealable bag, and leave for 15-30 minutes to marinate.
3. Preparing the mushrooms:In a pan over medium-high heat, heat sesame oil. Sauté chopped mushrooms until golden brown, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Set aside.
4. Cooking the Spam: After marinating, remove Spam slices from the bag of marinade, setting aside on a dish. Do not throw the marinade, as it will be used for the glaze. In a pan over medium heat, fry Spam slices for about 2 mins per side. Turning heat to low, drizzle some more marinade over the Spam slices, turning several times to prevent burning, for 1-2 more minutes until the becomes a sticky glaze. Remove from heat and transfer to a plate to prevent burning.
5. Assembly: Using a mold: Lay a strip of nori down, place the mold over it, add ~1/3 cup prepared rice, press down, sprinkle with bonito furikake, top with cooked mushrooms, add a slice of Spam, and press again. Lift the mold. Using the can (no mold): Line the empty, clean Spam can with plastic wrap. Add ~1/3 cup prepared rice and press down. Sprinkle with bonito furikake. Top with mushrooms and a slice of Spam. Use the plastic wrap to lift the molded musubi out of the can. Wrap: Fold the nori over the top to seal, using a drop of water to stick the edge.