Introduction
Salmon Crispy Rice is a playful and flavour-packed dish built around lightly pan-fried sushi rice cakes that become golden and crisp, topped with creamy smashed avocado and a spicy salmon mixture. It’s ideal as a refined appetizer or a fun main course for lunch or dinner, especially when you’re looking for something fresh, creative and full of texture.
Prep Time: ~20 minutes
Cook Time: ~20 minutes
Total Time: ~40 minutes
Ingredients
For the crispy rice cakes:
- 2½ cups cooked sushi rice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Oil for frying
For the spicy salmon topping:
- 8 ounces sushi-grade salmon, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sliced scallions
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- Optional garnish: thin slices of jalapeño, sushi ginger, toasted sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
➜ Combine the cooked sushi rice with salt, sugar and rice vinegar. Press into an even layer in a lined baking dish. Chill until firm.
➜ Dice the sushi-grade salmon finely. In a bowl combine salmon, mayonnaise, lime juice, sriracha, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce and scallions. Mix and refrigerate until ready.
➜ Cut the chilled rice layer into rectangles or rounds. In a skillet heat oil over medium-high heat and fry the rice cakes 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
➜ Mash the avocado with a pinch of salt. Dollop avocado onto each rice cake, top with a spoonful of the salmon mixture. Add jalapeño slices and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips (FAQ-style)
Can I use smoked salmon instead of sushi-grade?
Yes—smoked salmon works if sushi-grade isn’t available, though texture and flavour will differ slightly.
Will jasmine rice work instead of sushi rice?
This recipe is designed for short-grain sushi rice; other rice varieties may not crisp the same way.
Can I serve these ahead of time?
You can prep the salmon topping ahead, but the rice cakes are best served immediately after frying for optimal crisp.
Nutrition Summary
Pan-fried sushi rice cakes topped with spicy salmon for a modern, pescatarian dish.
Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar
~2 cakes | ~420 kcal | ~22 g | ~38 g | ~19 g | ~3 g | ~4 g
Nutrition facts are estimated.
