Ingredients
Rice Base
- 2½ cups cooked sushi rice (start with 1 ¼ cup dry)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Oil (for frying, about ¼ cup)
Spicy Salmon Topping
- 8 ounces sushi-grade salmon (or ahi tuna)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie)
- 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce
Avocado Wasabi Spread and Garnishes
- 1 large avocado, mashed
- 1 teaspoon wasabi paste
- Sliced jalapeños (for serving)
- Sushi ginger (for serving)
- Toasted sesame seeds (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Place the cooked sushi rice into a glass bowl. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine kosher salt, rice vinegar, and sugar; heat until hot and stir to dissolve sugar and salt fully. Pour this seasoned vinegar mixture over the rice and mix with a rice paddle until absorbed. Line a 9×5 inch baking pan with plastic wrap, transfer the rice to it, and firmly press using a cooking spray-coated paddle to create an even layer. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight to cool and set.
- Prepare the Spicy Salmon: Finely chop the sushi-grade salmon on a cutting board. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped salmon with mayonnaise, lime juice, 1 tablespoon sriracha, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, and sliced green onions. Taste and adjust heat with more sriracha if desired. Cover and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
- Fry the Rice Cakes: Remove the chilled rice from the pan and cut into 15 equal rectangular pieces, wetting the knife between cuts to prevent sticking. Heat oil in a large nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Fry the rice cakes in batches without overcrowding, approximately 3-4 minutes per side, until they turn golden brown and crispy. Transfer fried rice cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make Avocado Wasabi Spread and Assemble: Mash the avocado with wasabi paste and a pinch of salt in a bowl until smooth. Spread a dollop of this mixture onto each crispy rice cake. Top each with a heaping tablespoon of the spicy salmon mixture. Garnish each with sliced jalapeño, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, and serve alongside sushi ginger for added flavor and freshness.
Notes
- For best texture, use day-old cooked sushi rice or refrigerated rice to ensure it crisps well when fried.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the salmon mixture to cater to your preferred spice level.
- Use a nonstick pan and enough oil to prevent sticking and ensure even frying.
- The dish is best served immediately after assembly to maintain the crispiness of the rice cakes.
- Substitute ahi tuna if you prefer over salmon, maintaining the sushi-grade quality for safety.
- If wasabi paste is unavailable, a small amount of horseradish can be used as an alternative.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese