Smoked Salmon Rice Balls Recipe

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Rice balls, also known as “onigiri” in Japan, are a popular and versatile dish perfect for lunch, snacks, or even a light dinner. In this easy recipe, we’re adding a twist with smoked salmon, a delicious ingredient that enhances the flavor while providing a boost of protein.

Smoked salmon rice balls are easy to make, convenient to carry, and customizable with flavors and textures. Let’s dive into the ingredients, recipe steps, and tips to help you make perfect smoked salmon rice balls.

Are Salmon Onigiri Healthy?

Yes, smoked salmon onigiri is a healthy and balanced food. They contain high-quality protein from the salmon, which is a fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, supporting heart and brain health. Additionally, short-grain rice provides carbohydrates, delivering energy to fuel your day.

Nori or seaweed offers trace minerals like iodine and magnesium, while sesame seeds add healthy fats and fiber. Together, these ingredients make a wholesome and nutritious recipe option that’s easy to enjoy on the go.

Smoked Salmon Rice Balls Ingredients

2 cups of cooked Japanese short-grain rice
1/2 cup of cooked smoked salmon (or canned salmon)
2 tbsp of sesame seeds (toasted)
1 tbsp of soy sauce or tamari
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp of rice vinegar (to balance flavors)
Nori (seaweed sheets (cut into strips or squares for wrapping)
Salt (to taste)
Water (for handling the rice without sticking)
Optional: avocado, pickled vegetables, cream cheese

How to Make Salmon Rice Balls

Shred the cooked salmon with a fork, place it in a bowl, and set aside.
Cook the rice using a rice cooker or over the stove according to package directions. Once cooked, transfer to a large bowl to let it cool a little.
Heat up the shredded salmon in a pan. Once heated, add it to the bowl of rice.
Add rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds, seaweed strips, and salt to the cooked rice and salmon mixture in a bowl. Gently mix the ingredients together until well combined.
Pour water into a shallow bowl. Dip your hands in the water bowl, then grab 1/4 cup of the salmon rice mixture.
Using your hands, shape the salmon rice mix into balls or triangles, pressing them together firmly as you roll.
Place each salmon rice mix in a container or plate.
Serve immediately or save to eat for later.

Salmon Rice Balls Cooking Tips

Make sure to use short-grain white rice and not long-grain rice for this recipe.
Leftover cooked rice can also be used for this recipe.
Most onigiri recipes ask you to shape the rice mix into triangles and cover them with seaweed sheets. You can do the same thing with this recipe.
You don’t have to buy fresh salmon just to make this rice ball recipe! Leftover salmon is just fine, or buy canned salmon from the grocery instead.
You can shape the balls with your hands but if you want them to be perfectly round (or perfect triangles), use a rice ball shaper.
Want to add a bit of heat and extra flavor to your Salmon Rice Balls? Modify this recipe by adding sriracha! Simply mix soy sauce, sriracha, and sesame oil in a bowl together and add that to the salmon rice bowl. Fold the ingredients thoroughly before shaping them into balls.
If you’re not a fan of sriracha, you can substitute it with sweet chili sauce.
Make these already delicious rice balls crispier by pan-frying them for a couple of minutes.
Switch up white sesame seeds with black sesame seeds in this recipe for added flavor.
Make this recipe your own by adding ingredients such as avocado, onions, cream cheese, pickled vegetables, and others.

How Do You Get Rice Balls to Stick Together?

One of the secrets to keeping rice balls intact is using short-grain rice, also called sushi rice. You’ll find many Japanese recipes call for the use of this type of rice. Short-grain rice has a higher starch content, which gives it a naturally sticky quality essential for shaping rice balls. Once your rice is cooked, avoid rinsing it too much, as that can wash away the starch. Additionally, keeping the rice slightly warm when shaping helps it stick together better.

Moistening your hands with water and sprinkling salt on your palms can also help as it adds flavor and prevents rice from sticking to your hands.

How Do You Make Cooked Rice Balls Not Fall Apart?

Here are ways to ensure that your rice balls will hold together:

Pack the Sushi Rice Firmly

Gently press the rice mixture together with your hands, applying even pressure. Rice balls that are too loosely packed are prone to falling apart.

Avoid Overfilling

Adding too much filling can make it difficult for the rice to hold together. Use small, manageable amounts of smoked salmon or any other fillings to ensure it holds its shape and makes it easier to eat.

Add a Layer of Nori

Wrapping the onigiri with a strip of nori helps secure its shape, adds flavor, and keeps the rice from sticking to your hands.

How Do You Keep Rice Balls From Getting Hard?

Rice balls are best enjoyed fresh, but if you’re making them ahead, these tips will help preserve their texture and flavor. Here’s how to keep your rice balls soft and tasty:

Use Plastic Wrap

If you’re storing rice balls in the refrigerator, cover each one individually in cling film or saran to retain moisture. This prevents the rice from drying out and keeps it softer for longer.

Use a Sealed Container

Place the wrapped rice balls in an airtight container. This extra layer of protection prevents moisture loss.

Reheat with Care

If the rice balls do become hard, a quick solution is to warm them slightly in the microwave with a damp paper towel over them. This helps rehydrate the rice and soften it without overcooking.

Final Note

Smoked salmon rice balls are a flavorful twist on traditional Japanese onigiri, combining protein-rich salmon with the comforting texture of sticky rice in one flavorful food. They’re versatile, delicious, and packed with nutrients, making them a fantastic choice to serve for lunch, an afternoon, or even a quick dinner. You’ll surely find yourself making this easy recipe multiple days a week.

For more flavorful rice and salmon recipes, check out our collection.