As an artist who draws inspiration from nature, I often find myself drawn to the great outdoors. Hiking has always held a special place in my heart, offering a chance to connect with nature and recharge my creative spirit. And what better way to refuel after a long hike than with a delicious and nutritious snack?
Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that perfectly embodies this harmony of nature and nourishment: Moringa Protein Rice Musubi. Inspired by the classic Hawaiian snack, this recipe swaps spam for tempeh, infused with the earthy goodness of moringa powder.
A Taste of Nostalgia, Reimagined
Growing up, my dad would always make spam musubi for our hiking trips. It was a tradition that brought back fond memories of his childhood in Hawaii. These days, I’ve adapted the recipe to align with my plant-based lifestyle, replacing the spam with tempeh and incorporating the nutritional powerhouse that is moringa.
Moringa, often dubbed the “miracle tree,” is a nutrient-dense plant known for its numerous health benefits. Adding a touch of moringa powder not only enhances the flavor but also provides a boost of protein, vitamins, and antioxidants.
This recipe is more than just a snack; it’s a celebration of family traditions, mindful eating, and the joy of creating something delicious and nourishing with your own two hands.
Crafting the Perfect Moringa Protein Rice Musubi: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to embark on your own culinary adventure? Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups uncooked short-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- ½ tbsp Pure Moringa Powder
- 6 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 12 ounce tempeh
- 5 sheets sushi nori (dry seaweed)
Instructions:
Preparing the Foundation: Moringa-Infused Rice
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Begin by soaking the uncooked rice in water for 4 hours. This step helps to achieve a softer, fluffier texture. Once soaked, drain and rinse the rice thoroughly.
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In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, give it a gentle stir, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 20 minutes. This will allow the rice to cook to perfection.
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Once the rice is cooked, gently stir in the rice vinegar. This adds a subtle tanginess that complements the other flavors. Set the rice aside to cool.
Creating the Flavorful Filling: Marinated Tempeh
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, Pure Moringa Powder, and sugar until the sugar completely dissolves. This marinade is where the magic happens, infusing the tempeh with a savory and slightly sweet flavor.
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Slice the tempeh lengthwise into 10 slices, or to your desired thickness. Submerge the tempeh slices in the prepared marinade and allow them to soak up all the flavors for at least 5 minutes.
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While the tempeh is marinating, heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated tempeh slices and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until they develop a light golden-brown crust.
Assembling the Musubi: A Work of Art
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Cut the nori sheets in half and lay them flat on your work surface. These will serve as the wraps for your musubi.
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If you have a rice press, place it in the center of a nori sheet and firmly press a portion of the cooked rice into the mold. If you don’t have a rice press, you can use your hands to shape the rice into rectangles about 1 inch thick, matching the size of your tempeh slices.
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Top the rice with a slice of the cooked, marinated tempeh. Carefully remove the rice press, revealing a perfectly formed musubi base.
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Wrap the nori sheet around the rice and tempeh, using a small amount of water to seal the edges. This creates a neat and tidy little package.
Savoring Your Creation
Moringa Protein Rice Musubi can be enjoyed warm or chilled, making it a versatile snack for your hiking adventures or any occasion. The combination of savory tempeh, fluffy moringa-infused rice, and the slight sweetness of the marinade creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying.
Sharing the Joy of Handmade Creations
Here at Robert Kline Art, we believe in the power of handmade creations, whether it’s art, food, or anything in between. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of crafting something delicious and nutritious with your own two hands. Don’t forget to share your culinary masterpieces with me in the comments below!
And if you’re looking for more unique, handmade gifts to celebrate life’s special moments, be sure to explore the collection on our website.