Salmon Onigiri

Elevate your snack game with Salmon Onigiri, a beloved Japanese rice ball filled with savory baked salmon and wrapped in crisp nori. Made with fluffy, perfectly seasoned Japanese short-grain rice and a delectable soy-and-mirin marinated salmon filling, this recipe is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Each onigiri is skillfully molded into its signature triangular shape, then adorned with sesame seeds for a nutty crunch and subtle texture. Perfect for portable meals, lunchbox additions, or on-the-go snacks, these salmon rice balls strike a delightful balance between umami-rich flavors and wholesome simplicity. Whether enjoyed fresh or packed for later, Salmon Onigiri is your perfect introduction to Japanese comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Japanese short-grain rice
• 2.5 cups Water
• 1 medium Salmon fillet
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Mirin
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Sugar
• 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
• 4 pieces Nori sheets
• 2 tablespoons Sesame seeds

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain the rice and place it in a rice cooker or pot. Add 2.5 cups of water and cook according to rice cooker instructions or boil its recommended time if using a pot.

Step 2

While the rice is cooking, prepare the salmon. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the salmon fillet in a baking dish.

Step 3

In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, mirin, salt, and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Pour the mixture over the salmon.

Step 4

Bake the salmon in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and flaky.

Step 5

Once done, remove the salmon from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Flake the salmon into small pieces with a fork.

Step 6

Once the rice has cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and let it cool enough to handle comfortably, but not completely cold as it should still be moldable.

Step 7

Lightly moisten your hands with water and sprinkle a pinch of salt over your palms to prevent the rice from sticking.

Step 8

Take a handful of rice (about the size of a small tennis ball), make a small indentation in the center, and place a spoonful of flaked salmon.

Step 9

Carefully fold the rice around the salmon to enclose it completely and shape it into a triangular form.

Step 10

Repeat with the remaining rice and salmon until all are used.

Step 11

Wrap a strip of nori around each rice ball, leaving the top exposed. If desired, lightly toast sesame seeds in a small pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes and sprinkle them on top of the onigiri.

Step 12

Serve immediately or wrap individually in plastic wrap to keep them moist if storing for later.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1242.2 grams (1242.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1232

Total Fat 51.90g	67%
Saturated Fat 10.20g	51%
Polyunsaturated Fat 20.40g
Cholesterol 104mg	35%
Sodium 2900mg	126%
Total Carbohydrate 132.50g	48%
Dietary Fiber 5.30g	19%
Total Sugars 10.70g
Protein 55.90g	112%

Vitamin D 822IU	4110%
Calcium 104mg	8%
Iron 4mg	21%
Potassium 1201mg	26%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.3%

Protein: 18.3%

Carbs: 43.4%