Salmon Crispy Rice

Featured in appetizers-snacks.

Hey there! You HAVE to try making these Salmon Crispy Rice bites! They're absolutely addictive - golden crispy rice squares topped with buttery avocado slices and spicy salmon tartare. The contrast between the crunchy base and the creamy, spicy topping is incredible. They look fancy but are surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to restaurant-quality appetizers at home. The black sesame seeds and green onions add the perfect finishing touch. Trust me, these will disappear fast!

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Updated on Sat, 17 May 2025 10:23:11 GMT
Crispy rice squares topped with fresh avocado slices and spicy salmon tartare, garnished with green onions. pin it
Crispy rice squares topped with fresh avocado slices and spicy salmon tartare, garnished with green onions. | lonerecipes.com

I first discovered Salmon Crispy Rice at a trendy Japanese fusion restaurant and immediately knew I had to recreate it at home. The contrast between the crispy, golden rice base and the velvety salmon topping was a revelation. After several attempts, I finally perfected this recipe. What makes it special is the careful preparation of the sushi rice - cooking it properly, then cooling it with vinegar before pressing it into a pan and chilling it thoroughly. This creates the perfect texture once fried. The salmon mixture needs to be fresh and high-quality - I prefer using sushi-grade salmon mixed with just the right amount of spicy mayo. When I serve these at gatherings, they're always the first appetizer to disappear, with guests hovering near the platter waiting for refills!

Why I love this recipe

I absolutely adore this Salmon Crispy Rice recipe because it brings restaurant-quality Japanese fusion food right to my kitchen. There's something magical about that first bite - the crunch of the perfectly fried rice base giving way to the buttery avocado and then the spicy, fresh salmon topping. It hits all the right notes: crunchy, creamy, spicy, savory, and fresh. The preparation process feels almost meditative to me - forming the rice, carefully slicing the avocado, gently mixing the salmon with the perfect balance of seasonings. And beyond the taste, these little bites are simply beautiful to look at with their vibrant colors and elegant presentation. They make any meal feel special, whether it's a dinner party or just a Friday night treat for myself. This recipe reminds me that sometimes the most impressive dishes are built from simple ingredients combined thoughtfully.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

  • Sushi Rice: Forms the crispy base for these appetizers
  • Sushi-grade Salmon: Diced raw and mixed with spicy mayo for the topping
  • Avocado: Sliced thinly to create a creamy layer between rice and salmon
  • Sriracha: Adds spicy kick to the salmon mixture
  • Black Sesame Seeds: Provides visual contrast and nutty flavor
  • Green Onions: Adds fresh, bright flavor and color as garnish

Let's Make These Together

Prepare the rice
Cook the sushi rice according to package directions, then season with the vinegar mixture while warm. Press firmly into a square dish and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour.
Make the salmon mixture
Dice fresh sushi-grade salmon into small cubes and gently mix with sriracha, mayonnaise, sesame oil, and soy sauce until well combined but not mushy. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.
Fry the rice squares
Cut the chilled rice block into even squares. Heat oil in a non-stick pan and fry each square until golden and crispy on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
Assemble the bites
Place a thin slice of avocado on each crispy rice square, then top with a generous spoonful of the salmon mixture. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of black sesame seeds.
Serve immediately
These crispy rice bites are best enjoyed right after assembly while the rice base is still warm and crispy, creating a perfect contrast with the cool, creamy toppings.
Recipe picture pin it
Japanese inspired appetizers with crispy rice base, creamy avocado and spicy salmon topping. | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

I first tried making these Salmon Crispy Rice bites after being inspired by a similar dish at my favorite sushi restaurant. The first time I made them, I used too much oil and the rice got too greasy. Now I've perfected the technique of pressing the rice firmly and frying until just golden. Sometimes I switch up the toppings by using spicy tuna instead of salmon, or adding a tiny drizzle of eel sauce on top. My family loves when I make a big batch for movie nights - they disappear faster than popcorn!

Perfect Pairings

These Salmon Crispy Rice bites pair beautifully with a chilled glass of dry sake or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. For a complete meal, serve them alongside a simple miso soup, a cucumber sunomono salad, and some edamame. If you're hosting a larger gathering, these appetizers work well as part of an Asian-inspired spread with vegetable gyoza, chicken yakitori skewers, and a seaweed salad. The clean flavors and beautiful presentation make them stand out on any table.

Homemade sushi inspired appetizers featuring golden crispy rice bites topped with salmon and avocado. pin it
Homemade sushi inspired appetizers featuring golden crispy rice bites topped with salmon and avocado. | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these crispy rice squares ahead of time?

You can prepare the rice base and salmon mixture up to 24 hours in advance, but keep them separate and refrigerated. Fry the rice squares and assemble with toppings just before serving for the best texture.

→ Can I use other fish instead of salmon?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with fresh tuna, hamachi (yellowtail), or even cooked shrimp for those who prefer not to use raw fish.

→ How do I know if my salmon is sushi-grade?

Purchase salmon specifically labeled as "sushi-grade" or "for raw consumption" from reputable seafood markets or Japanese grocery stores. These vendors follow proper freezing protocols to eliminate parasites.

→ My rice keeps falling apart when frying. What am I doing wrong?

Make sure your rice is completely cooled and firmly packed before refrigerating. Refrigerate for at least an hour, and handle gently when frying. Using more starchy short-grain sushi rice helps maintain cohesion.

→ Can I make a vegetarian version?

Yes! Replace the salmon topping with diced mango or roasted bell peppers mixed with the same spicy mayo mixture. You can also try using smashed edamame or avocado with lime and salt.

→ How spicy is this recipe?

With 2 tablespoons of sriracha, it has a moderate kick. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less sriracha in the mayo mixture to suit your taste preferences.

Conclusion

These Salmon Crispy Rice bites are the perfect blend of textures and flavors – crunchy rice bases topped with creamy avocado and spicy salmon. They make an impressive appetizer for gatherings or a special treat for sushi lovers. The combination of the crispy exterior and the fresh, vibrant toppings creates a truly memorable bite that will have everyone asking for your recipe.

Salmon Crispy Rice

Golden crispy rice topped with creamy avocado and spicy salmon tartare, garnished with green onions and black sesame seeds.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: chris

Category: appetizers-snacks

Difficulty: intermediate

Cuisine: Japanese-American Fusion

Yield: 6 Servings (6 balls)

Dietary: Seafood, Gluten-Free Option, High Protein

Ingredients

012 cups sushi rice
023 tablespoons rice vinegar
031 tablespoon sugar
041 teaspoon salt
0512 oz fresh sushi-grade salmon
062 tablespoons sriracha
073 tablespoons mayonnaise
081 teaspoon sesame oil
092 tablespoons soy sauce
102 ripe avocados, sliced
114 green onions, finely chopped
122 tablespoons black sesame seeds
13Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Step 01

Cook sushi rice according to package instructions. While still hot, mix with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Spread on a baking sheet to cool completely.

Step 02

Line a square baking pan with plastic wrap. Press cooled rice firmly into the pan to create a 1-inch thick layer. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until completely firm.

Step 03

Dice the salmon into small cubes. In a bowl, mix salmon with sriracha, mayonnaise, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 04

Remove chilled rice from pan and cut into 2-inch squares. Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Fry rice squares until golden and crispy on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 05

Place a thin slice of avocado on each crispy rice square. Top with a generous spoonful of the salmon mixture.

Step 06

Sprinkle each piece with chopped green onions and black sesame seeds. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  1. Use short-grain sushi rice for the best results – it's stickier and holds together better.
  2. Make sure to thoroughly cool the rice before cutting and frying to prevent it from falling apart.
  3. Always use sushi-grade salmon from a reputable source since it will be served raw.
  4. These crispy rice bites are best served immediately after assembly to maintain their crunch.
  5. For a spicier version, add more sriracha or a touch of wasabi to the salmon mixture.

Tools You'll Need

  • Non-stick frying pan
  • Square baking dish
  • Plastic wrap
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowls
  • Cutting board
  • Rice cooker (optional)
  • Paper towels for draining

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Fish (salmon)
  • Eggs (mayonnaise)
  • Soy (soy sauce)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
  • Protein: 15 g

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