Salmon Crispy Rice is a flavorful and crunchy sushi-inspired dish that combines the perfect balance of crispy rice with creamy, spicy salmon. Each bite is a delightful fusion of textures and tastes, making it a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack. With a satisfying crunch from the golden-fried rice and a creamy, spicy salmon topping, this dish captures all the delicious flavors of sushi in a fun, easy-to-make bite-sized treat. It’s the ideal choice for sushi lovers looking for a twist on traditional sushi rolls.

Salmon Crispy Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a great option for those who love sushi but want something a bit more unique. The crispy rice provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, spicy salmon topping. It’s a fun, flavorful appetizer or snack that’s sure to impress guests or satisfy your sushi cravings at home. The combination of creamy Kewpie mayo, spicy sriracha, and tender sushi-grade salmon creates a perfect balance of flavors. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and visually stunning—your guests will definitely be impressed!

Ingredients

Crispy Rice

3 cup Cooked Sushi Rice (short grain rice)
2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
1 tbsp Sugar
1 tsp Salt
Vegetable Oil for frying

Spicy Salmon

1 lb Sushi-grade Salmon
4 tbsp Kewpie Mayo
2 tbsp Sriracha
2 tbsp Scallion
2 tsp Soy Sauce
2 tsp Sesame Oil

Serving

Sliced Avocado
Jalapeno, thinly sliced
Black and White Sesame Seeds (toasted)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Rice: In a small mixing bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve completely. Pour this mixture over the cooked sushi rice and mix gently to combine.
Chill the Rice: Transfer the rice to a baking pan lined with plastic wrap. Press the rice evenly into the pan. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the rice to firm up.
Prepare the Spicy Salmon: Chop the sushi-grade salmon into small pieces and transfer it to a bowl. Add the Kewpie mayo, sriracha, soy sauce, scallions, and sesame oil to the salmon. Stir well to combine and set the mixture aside in the fridge until ready to use.
Fry the Rice: Once the rice has chilled and firmed up, cut it into 16 rectangles. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the rice rectangles until both sides are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the crispy rice from the pan and place it on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
Assemble the Dish: Top each crispy rice rectangle with a slice of avocado, a tablespoon of the spicy salmon mixture, and a slice of jalapeno. Sprinkle with toasted black and white sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 16
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours minimum (can be done overnight)

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace the spicy salmon with mashed avocado or a vegetarian sushi filling like pickled vegetables or tofu.
Additional Toppings: Add a drizzle of eel sauce or a sprinkle of furikake seasoning to enhance the flavor.
Heat Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha to make the dish more or less spicy, depending on your preference.
Rice Substitute: If you don’t have sushi rice, try using short-grain rice as a substitute for a similar texture.

Storage/Reheating

Salmon Crispy Rice is best served fresh to maintain its crispy texture. However, if you have leftovers:

Rice: You can store the leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat in a skillet over medium heat to crisp it up again.
Salmon Mixture: Store the spicy salmon mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Do not freeze the salmon mixture as the texture may change upon thawing.
Avocado and Toppings: Add the avocado, jalapenos, and sesame seeds just before serving to avoid wilting or discoloration.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular salmon instead of sushi-grade salmon?

For the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to use sushi-grade salmon, which is safe to eat raw. If you can’t find sushi-grade salmon, you can substitute with cooked salmon or another fish of your choice.

2. What is sushi-grade salmon?

Sushi-grade salmon is a high-quality fish that has been frozen to kill parasites and make it safe for raw consumption. It’s typically available at specialty grocery stores or fish markets.

3. Can I make the crispy rice in advance?

Yes, you can make the rice ahead of time, but it should be chilled for at least 4 hours or overnight to get the right texture before frying.

4. How do I make the rice extra crispy?

Fry the rice in hot oil, making sure both sides turn golden brown. Using a non-stick pan can help prevent sticking, and make sure the rice is cold before frying for the best texture.

5. What if I don’t like spicy food?

You can adjust the spice level by reducing or omitting the sriracha in the salmon mixture. Alternatively, you can replace it with a milder sauce, like a sweet soy sauce.

6. Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?

While sushi rice is the best choice for its sticky texture, you could try using short-grain rice as an alternative for a similar consistency.

7. Can I freeze salmon crispy rice?

It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the crispy texture of the rice and the freshness of the salmon are lost when frozen.

8. Can I make a vegetarian version of this dish?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by replacing the spicy salmon with mashed avocado or another veggie-based topping.

9. What can I serve with salmon crispy rice?

You can pair this dish with a side of miso soup, edamame, or a light salad with a sesame dressing.

10. Can I use regular mayo instead of Kewpie mayo?

Kewpie mayo adds a unique creamy and slightly sweet flavor to this dish, but you can substitute with regular mayo if needed. Kewpie mayo is typically preferred for its richness and tanginess.

Conclusion

Salmon Crispy Rice is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines the best of sushi and comfort food. The crispy rice provides a perfect base for the creamy, spicy salmon, making each bite a delicious treat. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying it as a snack, this dish is sure to impress with its combination of textures and rich flavors. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s a fan favorite!