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Salmon Crispy Rice Recipe

Salmon Crispy Rice

Crispy pan-fried sushi rice cakes topped with spicy salmon, avocado, and jalapeño make the perfect restaurant-style appetizer for dinner parties.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Chilling Time 4 hours
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings (2 pieces each)
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Asian Fusion, Japanese
Calories: 290

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cooked sushi rice short grain rice
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons vegetable oil per batch for frying
  • 1 lb sushi-grade salmon finely diced into 1/4 inch pieces
  • 4 tablespoons Kewpie mayo
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoons scallions finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil preferably toasted
  • 1 ripe avocado sliced thin
  • 1 jalapeño thinly sliced into rounds
  • black and white sesame seeds toasted

Equipment

  • Small mixing bowl
  • 8x8 inch baking pan
  • Plastic wrap
  • Large skillet or non-stick pan
  • Paper towels
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl, stirring until completely dissolved. Pour over freshly cooked, still-warm sushi rice and fold gently using a cutting motion to avoid mashing the grains.
  2. Transfer rice to a plastic wrap-lined baking pan (approximately 8x8 inches). Press firmly into an even, compact layer about 1 inch thick. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
  3. Dice sushi-grade salmon into small, uniform pieces about 1/4 inch in size. Combine with Kewpie mayo, sriracha, soy sauce, scallions, and sesame oil. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate in a covered bowl until ready to use.
  4. Remove chilled rice from refrigerator and cut into 16 equal rectangles (4 rows by 4 rows). Use a sharp knife dipped in water between cuts to prevent sticking.
  5. Heat about 2 to 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Test oil temperature by dropping in one grain of rice; if it sizzles immediately and vigorously, oil is ready.
  6. Fry 4 to 6 rice rectangles at a time for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining rice, adding fresh oil between batches.
  7. Top each crispy rice cake with a slice of avocado, 1 tablespoon spicy salmon mixture, and a jalapeño slice. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately while rice is warm and crispy. Assemble no more than 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use sushi-grade salmon for safety or substitute with smoked salmon. Chill rice minimum 4 hours, overnight preferred. Press rice firmly when shaping. Make sure oil stays around 350°F for best frying results. Once fried, rice loses crispiness within 2-3 hours.