Crafting Delicious Salmon Rice Balls: A Step-by-Step Guide

Onigiri, also known as Japanese rice balls make for a fun and nourishing snack or light meal. The sticky rice on the interior contrasts deliciously with the crisp seaweed wrapping on the outside. Salmon rice balls, in particular are a popular filling choice, with the savory umami salmon flakes complementing the sweet rice. Read on to learn how to easily make these rice balls at home, along with serving ideas and tips for best results.

Overview of Salmon Rice Balls

Let’s go over some important facts about salmon rice balls before we get to the step-by-step instructions:

• Onigiri are triangular or oval-shaped balls of rice wrapped with nori seaweed

• The rice balls center around a tasty filling, like salmon flakes.

• Making onigiri only requires a few simple ingredients.

• Their portable size makes them an ideal quick snack or addition to bento boxes.

• Fillings and shapes can be customized in endless ways.

Now that you know the basics, let’s look at how to make these rice balls at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Salmon rice balls call for just a handful of ingredients:

• Cooked short-grain sushi rice
• Dried nori seaweed sheets
• Canned or freshly cooked salmon
• Soy sauce, rice vinegar or furikake seasoning (optional)
• Water

The key is starting with nicely cooked, slightly sticky rice, which will hold the onigiri shape.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for perfect salmon rice balls:

1. Cook the Rice

• Make cooked, seasoned sushi rice according to your preferred recipe.

• Allow rice to cool slightly before making onigiri.

2. Prepare the Salmon

• If using fresh salmon, grill, bake or pan-fry it until fully cooked through.

• Flake the salmon into small pieces when cool enough to handle.

• Alternatively, drained canned salmon works too.

3. Mix the Rice

• Place cooked rice in a large bowl.

• Add the flaked salmon pieces and sesame seeds.

• Mix well until fully incorporated.

4. Form the Rice Balls

• Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking.

• Scoop up about 1/4 cup of rice mixture in your palms.

• Gently shape into a triangle, oval or round.

5. Wrap with Nori

• Place a small strip of nori over each rice ball.

• Press gently so it adheres.

And that’s it – your salmon rice balls are ready to enjoy! The savory salmon and sesame seeds add tons of flavor.

Flavoring Ideas

While the basic salmon rice balls are delicious, you can also add extra seasoning:

• Drizzle with soy sauce or rice vinegar.

• Mix in furikake seasoning blend with the rice.

• Add a dollop of spicy mayo made with sriracha.

• Top with sliced scallions, roasted sesame seeds or avocado.

Get creative and customize the flavors to your taste!

Serving Suggestions

Salmon rice balls work for many occasions. Here are some ideas:

• Pack in bento boxes for homemade lunches.

• Enjoy as an afternoon snack at your desk or on the go.

• Take on picnics, hikes or road trips.

• Serve as an appetizer before sushi night.

• Add to a rice bowl along with vegetables.

• Pair with miso soup for a simple Japanese-inspired meal.

However you serve them, salmon rice balls make an easy protein-packed snack!

Tips for Shaping Onigiri

To help your salmon rice balls hold their shape nicely:

• Use freshly made, slightly warm rice for best consistency.

• Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking.

• Press firmly but gently when shaping the rice.

• Store shaped onigiri wrapped well to maintain shape.

• Reheat briefly in the microwave if rice balls get dried out.

Fun Variations to Try

Switch up the fillings to keep your onigiri interesting:

• Tuna mayo and scallions

• Shredded chicken and shio kombu

• Tempura flakes and furikake seasoning

• Scrambled egg and soy sauce

• Avocado and sesame seeds

You can also play around with the shapes – try circles, rectangles or even a rice “burger.” Let your creativity run wild!

Sample Recipe to Follow

To make basic salmon rice balls:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked sushi rice

• 1 (5 oz) can salmon, drained and flaked

• 1 Tbsp sesame seeds

• 4 nori sheets, cut into strips

• Water for dampening hands

Instructions:

1. Mix together rice, salmon flakes and sesame seeds until combined.

2. Moisten hands lightly with water. Scoop up about 1/4 cup rice mixture.

3. Gently shape into triangle. Wrap nori strip around center.

4. Repeat with remaining rice. Enjoy rice balls immediately or store chilled.

With this easy recipe, you’ll be a salmon rice ball pro in no time!

FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions about making onigiri:

What are the best fillings for rice balls?
Popular options are salmon, tuna, shrimp, chicken, pork, egg, avocado, kombu, umeboshi, bonito flakes, and furikake seasoning.

Can you make onigiri without seaweed?
Yes, it’s fine to eat them without nori. The seaweed just provides a nice contrasting texture and flavor.

How long do homemade rice balls last?
Onigiri are best freshly made. Wrapped well in plastic, they will keep 1-2 days chilled and 1 month frozen.

Can you microwave leftover onigiri?
Yes, you can microwave reheated rice balls for 20-30 seconds to refresh the texture. Just be careful not to overheat.

What rice is best for onigiri?
Japanese short grain rice like sushi rice works best, as it has the right stickiness and sweetness. But any short grain rice can be used.

The Takeaway

Making salmon rice balls at home is simple and fun. With just a few basic ingredients like cooked sushi rice, salmon flakes, and nori seaweed, you can whip up a nutritious Japanese-inspired snack or portable meal. Let your creativity run wild with different fillings, shapes, and flavors. Making onigiri is also a great way to use up leftover rice and bits of cooked fish or meat. So next time you have some extra sushi rice, turn it into delicious homemade salmon rice balls.