15 Baked Salmon Rice Balls Recipe Japanese You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Baked salmon rice balls are a popular Japanese dish that combines the flavors of tender salmon and savory rice, creating a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for any occasion. These bite-sized balls are easy to make and can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course. With a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can easily recreate this classic Japanese recipe in the comfort of your own home.
Salmon and Black Sesame Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Smoked Salmon, Short Grain Rice, Black Sesame Seeds
Onigiri, also known as Japanese rice balls, are a staple in Japanese cuisine. These delicious bites are made with sushi rice and a variety of fillings, making them perfect for a quick snack or a packed lunch. One popular variation of onigiri is the Salmon and Black Sesame Onigiri, which adds a burst of flavor and texture to the traditional rice ball.
Made with a mix of cooked salmon, soy sauce, and black sesame seeds, these onigiri are not only delicious but also packed with protein and healthy fats. They are also incredibly easy to make, and the best part is that you can customize the filling to your liking. So, let's dive into the recipe and learn how to make this delicious Japanese snack!
Onigiri, or Japanese rice balls, are a classic Japanese dish that has been loved for centuries. They are essentially balls of rice, shaped into triangles or rounds, filled with various ingredients, and wrapped in seaweed. The word "onigiri" literally means "hand-formed rice ball," and they are often eaten as a quick snack or a light meal.
The most common filling for onigiri is pickled plum, also known as umeboshi, but there are hundreds of other variations that you can try. Some popular fillings include tuna, salmon, shrimp, and even fried chicken. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity run wild!
If you've ever been to Japan, you've probably seen onigiri in convenience stores, train stations, or even at traditional Japanese restaurants. They are a ubiquitous part of Japanese culture and are loved by people of all ages. In fact, onigiri is often given as a lunchbox staple for school children or taken on picnics as a quick and easy meal.
To make onigiri, you'll need sushi rice, which is a short-grain rice that is sticky and perfect for shaping into balls. You can find sushi rice at most Asian grocery stores or even at some regular supermarkets. It's important to use sushi rice for onigiri as other types of rice may not stick together as well.
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Salmon Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Salmon, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sushi Rice, Sesame
One of the most popular variations of onigiri is the Salmon Onigiri. This delicious rice ball is filled with cooked salmon, soy sauce, and a sprinkle of black sesame seeds. The combination of the salty soy sauce and the nutty black sesame seeds adds a burst of flavor to the already delicious onigiri.
To make the filling, you'll need to cook some salmon, either by grilling, baking, or pan-frying it. Once it's cooked, flake it into small pieces and mix it with some soy sauce. The amount of soy sauce you use will depend on your taste preferences, so feel free to adjust it accordingly.
Onigiri are often shaped into triangles, but you can also make them into rounds or cylinders. To shape them into triangles, you'll need a special onigiri mold, which can be found at most Asian grocery stores. If you don't have a mold, you can also shape them by hand, but using a mold will give you perfectly shaped onigiri every time.
To make the Salmon Onigiri, place a small amount of cooked sushi rice into the mold, then add a spoonful of the salmon filling. Add more rice on top to cover the filling, then press down firmly with the lid of the mold to shape the onigiri. Carefully remove the onigiri from the mold, and repeat the process until you have used up all the ingredients.
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Omusubi (Japanese rice balls) with tuna, salted...
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice, Canned Tuna, Kewpie Mayonnaise, Seaweed
Another popular filling for onigiri is tuna, which is often mixed with mayonnaise, soy sauce, and sometimes a sprinkle of shichimi togarashi, a Japanese spice blend. This variation is called Omusubi, and it's a favorite among many Japanese people. The saltiness of the tuna and the creaminess of the mayonnaise make for a delicious filling that pairs perfectly with the sticky rice.
To make Omusubi, simply mix canned tuna with mayonnaise and soy sauce, then add a small amount of shichimi togarashi for a kick of spice. Fill the onigiri mold with rice, add the tuna filling, then top with more rice and press down to shape. Repeat until you have made as many onigiri as you like.
Sushi rolls, also known as maki rolls, are another popular Japanese dish that can be made with similar ingredients as onigiri. Instead of shaping them into balls, sushi rolls are made by rolling sushi rice and fillings in nori, or seaweed. You can use the same fillings as onigiri, such as tuna, salmon, or pickled plum, but you can also get creative and try different combinations.
To make a sushi roll, spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto a sheet of nori, leaving a small border around the edges. Add your desired fillings in a line in the middle of the rice, then use a sushi mat to roll the nori tightly. Slice the roll into bite-size pieces, and you have a delicious and visually appealing Japanese dish.
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Onigiri (rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Rice, Nori Seaweed, Salt, Pickled Plum, Bonito Flakes
Onigiri can also be made with more unconventional fillings, such as fried chicken, beef, or even kimchi. These variations may not be considered traditional, but they are just as delicious and can add a unique twist to your usual onigiri. You can even experiment with different sauces or seasonings to add more flavor to your rice balls.
The key to making onigiri is to make sure that the rice is sticky enough to hold its shape. To achieve this, you'll need to rinse the rice several times before cooking it, and then use the right amount of water to cook it. If the rice is too dry, the onigiri may not stick together, but if it's too wet, it may become mushy.
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Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
One of the best things about onigiri is that they are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many different ways. You can eat them on their own as a snack, pack them for lunch, or even serve them as a side dish with a Japanese meal. They are also easy to transport, making them the perfect on-the-go meal or snack.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try making different shapes with your onigiri, such as hearts, stars, or even animals. This will not only make your onigiri more fun to eat but also impress your friends and family with your creativity.
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Japanese Rainbow Roll
Main Ingredients: Salmon, Tuna, Avocado, Imitation Crab Meat, Cucumber
If you're looking for a more colorful and visually appealing version of onigiri, you can try making a Japanese Rainbow Roll. This roll is made by coloring sushi rice with natural ingredients, such as beetroot, spinach, and turmeric, to create a rainbow effect. The fillings can be the same as traditional onigiri, but the colorful rice adds a fun twist to the dish.
To make the colored rice, you'll need to cook the rice as usual, then mix it with a small amount of the natural coloring agents. For example, you can mix a small amount of beetroot juice with the rice to create a pink shade, or add spinach puree for a green shade. Get creative and experiment with different colors to create a beautiful rainbow roll.
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Japanese Salmon Bowl
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Rice Wine Vinegar, Soy Sauce, Chilli Sauce
If you love the flavors of Salmon Onigiri but don't have the time to shape them into balls, you can try making a Japanese Salmon Bowl instead. This dish combines all the delicious flavors of onigiri, including cooked salmon, soy sauce, and black sesame seeds, but in a bowl form. It's an easy, no-fuss way of enjoying onigiri without the extra step of shaping them.
To make a Japanese Salmon Bowl, simply cook some sushi rice and place it in a bowl. Add the cooked salmon on top, then drizzle with soy sauce and sprinkle with black sesame seeds. You can also add other toppings, such as avocado, cucumber, or pickled vegetables, for more flavor and texture.
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Easy Sushi Rice
Main Ingredients: Rice, Water, Salt, Rice Vinegar, Sugar, Sushi Grade
One of the key ingredients in making onigiri and sushi rolls is sushi rice, which has a specific texture and flavor that is perfect for these dishes. While you can buy pre-made sushi rice, it's easy and more cost-effective to make your own. Plus, homemade sushi rice tastes just as good, if not better, than the store-bought version.
To make sushi rice, you'll need to cook short-grain rice with a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. This will give the rice a slightly sweet and tangy flavor, and also help it stick together. Once the rice is cooked, let it cool down before using it to make onigiri or sushi rolls.
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How To Make Onigiri (Japanese rice balls)
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Sushi Nori, Tuna Packed In Oil, Mayonnaise
Now that you know all about onigiri and its many variations, it's time to learn how to make them yourself. While there are different methods of making onigiri, the most traditional way is to use an onigiri mold. If you don't have a mold, you can also shape them by hand, but using a mold will give you perfectly shaped onigiri every time.
Simply fill the mold with a layer of rice, add your desired filling, then top with more rice and press down firmly to shape. Carefully remove the onigiri from the mold, and repeat the process until you have used up all the ingredients. It's that easy!
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Vegan Onigiri - Japanese Stuffed Rice Balls
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Salt, Peanut Butter, Roasted Bell Pepper
If you follow a vegan diet, you can still enjoy the deliciousness of onigiri by making Vegan Onigiri. Instead of using fish or other animal products, you can use vegetables, such as tofu, mushrooms, or pickled vegetables, as the filling. You can also add seasonings such as miso paste or soy sauce for more flavor.
To make Vegan Onigiri, simply follow the same steps as making traditional onigiri, but use your desired vegan fillings instead. You can also get creative and try different combinations of vegetables and seasonings to find your favorite vegan onigiri filling.
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Spicy Salmon Sushi Roll
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice, Cold Water, Rice Vinegar, White
If you prefer your onigiri with a kick of spice, you can try making a Spicy Salmon Sushi Roll. This roll is made with cooked salmon mixed with a spicy mayonnaise sauce, then rolled in sushi rice and nori. It's a delicious and flavorful variation of traditional onigiri that will satisfy your taste buds.
To make the spicy mayonnaise sauce, simply mix mayonnaise with sriracha or any other hot sauce of your choice. You can also add a small amount of wasabi for an extra kick. Then, follow the same steps as making a regular sushi roll, and you'll have a tasty and spicy treat!
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Japanese Baked Salmon (with the BEST marinade)
Main Ingredients: Salmon Fillet, Soy Sauce, Mirin, Sake, Honey, Ginger
If you're not a fan of raw salmon, you can also use cooked salmon as the filling for your onigiri. One delicious way to cook salmon is by baking it with a flavorful marinade. This Japanese Baked Salmon recipe uses a marinade made with soy sauce, sake, and mirin, giving the salmon a delicious and savory flavor.
Once the salmon is cooked, you can flake it into small pieces and use it as the filling for your onigiri. You can also add a small amount of the marinade to the rice for an extra burst of flavor. This is a great way to use up any leftover salmon and turn it into a tasty snack or meal.
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Teriyaki Salmon
Main Ingredients: Japanese Soy Sauce, Mirin, Sake, Caster Sugar, Salmon
Another delicious way to use cooked salmon in your onigiri is by making Teriyaki Salmon. Teriyaki is a sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, and mirin, and it pairs perfectly with salmon. You can use this sauce to marinate and cook the salmon, then use it as the filling for your onigiri.
To make Teriyaki Salmon, simply mix soy sauce, sugar, and mirin in a pan and bring it to a simmer. Add the salmon and cook until it's cooked through and coated in the sauce. Once it's cooled down, you can use it as the filling for your onigiri, or enjoy it on its own with some rice and vegetables.
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Sushi Maki Rolls
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Water, Rice Wine, Nori, Sesame Seeds
If you want to switch things up from traditional onigiri, you can also make Sushi Maki Rolls. These rolls are made with sushi rice, nori, and a variety of fillings, such as fish, vegetables, or even fruit. They are then rolled and sliced into bite-size pieces, making them perfect for a party or a fun family dinner.
You can find sushi mat and nori at most Asian grocery stores, and you can use any fillings that you like. Some popular variations include California rolls, made with crab meat, avocado, and cucumber, or Dragon rolls, made with tempura shrimp and avocado. The possibilities are endless, so have fun and experiment with different combinations.
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Spicy Salmon Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Brown Rice, Salmon, Kewpie Mayonnaise, Sriracha Chili
If you love the Spicy Salmon Sushi Roll but don't have the time to make the rolls, you can try making Spicy Salmon Onigiri instead. These onigiri are made with the same spicy mayonnaise sauce, but shaped into balls instead of rolls. They are perfect for a quick and easy snack or a light meal.
To make Spicy Salmon Onigiri, simply mix canned salmon with the spicy mayonnaise sauce, then shape them into balls using an onigiri mold. You can also add some chopped scallions or sesame seeds for more flavor and texture. These onigiri are perfect for those who love a little kick in their food!
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Easy Maki Rolls
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Rice Vinegar, Sea Salt, Sugar, Salmon
If you want to try making Sushi Maki Rolls but don't have a sushi mat, you can also make Easy Maki Rolls. These rolls are made using plastic wrap and a cutting board, making them perfect for those who don't have the necessary tools to make traditional sushi rolls. They are also a great option for kids to make, as they are easy and fun to assemble.
To make Easy Maki Rolls, simply lay a sheet of plastic wrap on a cutting board, then place a sheet of nori on top. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice on the nori, leaving a small border around the edges. Add your desired fillings, then use the plastic wrap to tightly roll the sushi. Remove the plastic wrap, slice the roll, and you have a delicious and easy-to-make sushi roll!
The Importance of Salmon in Japanese Cuisine
In Japanese cuisine, salmon is a highly prized ingredient that is known for its delicate flavor and rich texture. It is a staple in many traditional dishes and is often used in sushi, sashimi, and grilled dishes. Salmon is also a popular source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy and nutritious addition to any meal.
The Versatility of Rice Balls in Japanese Cooking
Rice balls, also known as onigiri, are a staple food in Japanese cuisine and are often enjoyed as a quick and convenient snack. They are made by shaping cooked rice into a ball or triangle and are commonly filled with various ingredients such as pickled plum, tuna, or salmon. These versatile treats can also be grilled, fried, or baked, allowing for a wide range of flavors and textures.
The Perfect Combination: Baked Salmon Rice Balls
Combining the two beloved ingredients of salmon and rice, these baked salmon rice balls are a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to please your taste buds. The tender salmon adds a burst of flavor to the fluffy rice, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The baking process also gives the rice balls a crispy exterior, adding another layer of deliciousness.
How to Make Baked Salmon Rice Balls
To make these tasty rice balls, start by cooking Japanese short-grain rice according to package instructions. While the rice is still hot, mix in diced salmon and any other desired fillings such as avocado or cream cheese. Shape the rice mixture into balls or triangles and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with a mixture of soy sauce and honey, and then bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Enjoy Your Baked Salmon Rice Balls
Once your baked salmon rice balls are ready, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These delicious treats can be enjoyed on their own or with a side of soy sauce for dipping. You can also get creative and serve them with a salad or as a topping for a bowl of ramen. However you choose to enjoy them, these baked salmon rice balls are a must-try for any lover of Japanese cuisine.
Now that you have a better understanding of the history and versatility of baked salmon rice balls, it's time to try making them yourself. With this simple and delicious recipe, you can impress your friends and family with a taste of Japanese culture. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in this tasty and nutritious dish!
Salmon and Black Sesame Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
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