Musubi Lettuce Wraps with Pineapple Salsa

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Misubi, the beloved Hawaiian snack made of Spam, sushi rice, and nori, happens to be a perfect party appetizer.

Robin Bashinsky

Updated on August 2, 2023

Tested by

Food & Wine Test Kitchen

Musubi Lettuce Wraps — Photo: Photo by Caitlin Bensel / Prop Styling by Christina Daley / Food Styling by Ali Ramee

Active Time:

45 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 55 mins

Servings:

In this version, sticky, sweet ham replaces the Spam, and is topped with a vibrant pineapple salsa.

Notes from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen

When cutting the pineapple for the salsa, don't be delicate — give it a good mashing to release juices and reduce the cooking time, keeping the flavors bright. If you can, use a cutting board with a small moat around the edges to catch the pineapple juices, then add them to the pot with the pineapple. The pineapple salsa would also be great with a bowl of chips or spooned on top of tacos.

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Ingredients

1 1/2 cups (10 1/2 ounces) uncooked short-grain sushi rice
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons, plus 1/2 cup tap water, divided, plus more for rinsing rice
1/4 cup rice vinegar
3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
2 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 pound ham, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 3 cups)
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 cups very finely chopped pineapple (from 1 [3-pound] whole pineapple) with juices
1 (1/2-ounce) red Fresno chile, seeded and finely chopped (1/2 tablespoon)
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)
18 napa cabbage leaves (from 1 [2-pound] head cabbage), torn into 36 (about 4-inch square) pieces
1/4 cup very thin nori (dried seaweed) strips (either store-bought or cut with scissors from 1 nori sheet)

Directions

Place rice in a strainer; rinse under water until water runs clear. Drain. Place rice and 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of the water in a small saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high. Cover; reduce heat to low, and simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand, covered, to finish cooking, about 20 minutes.
Transfer rice to a large bowl; add vinegar, 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons of the salt. Gently toss to combine. Let cool completely, about 15 minutes.
Place ham, brown sugar, soy sauce, and remaining 1/2 cup water in a large skillet. Cook over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves and liquid is syrupy, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
Place pineapple, chile, and remaining 2 tablespoons granulated sugar in a stainless-steel saucepan. Cook over medium-high, stirring often, until pineapple releases its liquid and mixture is a jam-like consistency, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat. Let cool completely, about 20 minutes. Stir in lime juice and remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt.
Lay cabbage pieces flat on a clean work surface. Top each with 2 tablespoons rice, 1 1/2 tablespoons ham mixture, 2 teaspoons pineapple salsa, and a pinch of nori strips.

Musubi Lettuce Wraps with Pineapple Salsa

Notes from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen

Ingredients

Directions

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