Salmon Onigiri is a simple, delicious Japanese rice ball, perfect for using up leftover salmon and rice. This recipe combines the rich flavor of salmon with seasoned rice, making it an ideal portable snack or lunch. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a way to repurpose leftovers, this onigiri is both satisfying and customizable, making it an easy and fun recipe to try.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked white rice (or leftover rice)

• 1/2 cup cooked salmon (flaked)

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

• Salt to taste

• 1-2 sheets nori (seaweed)

• Optional: sesame seeds for garnish

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix the flaked salmon with soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Stir until well combined.

2. Once your rice is cooked, allow it to cool slightly.

3. Wet your hands with water to prevent the rice from sticking, then take a small portion of rice and flatten it slightly.

4. Place a spoonful of the salmon mixture in the center, then carefully form the rice into a triangular or round shape, enclosing the salmon inside.

5. Wrap the onigiri with a strip of nori, or sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for added flavor.

6. Serve immediately, or store in the fridge for a few hours for a chilled snack.

Nutrients

• Serving Size: 1 serving

• Calories: 220 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 30 g

• Protein: 15 g

• Fat: 8 g

• Saturated Fat: 1 g

• Sodium: 400 mg

• Potassium: 350 mg

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sugar: 1 g

• Vitamin A: 10 IU

• Vitamin C: 1 mg

• Calcium: 15 mg

• Iron: 2 mg

Why Choose Salmon Onigiri?

Salmon Onigiri is the perfect blend of taste, convenience, and nutrition. Made with simple, accessible ingredients, this dish allows you to enjoy a flavorful meal without much fuss. It’s an ideal solution for busy days when you need something quick and satisfying, and it’s also a great way to reduce food waste by repurposing leftover rice and salmon.

The combination of rice and salmon offers a healthy balance of carbohydrates and protein, making it a filling option that can keep you satisfied for hours. Salmon, a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, offers heart-health benefits, supports brain function, and helps reduce inflammation. The rice provides energy through complex carbohydrates, and when paired with sesame oil, rice vinegar, and soy sauce, the onigiri gains a savory depth of flavor that elevates the dish.

Additionally, this recipe is highly customizable. While the basic recipe calls for salmon, you can easily swap it out for other protein options such as tuna, chicken, or even tofu, making it adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs. You can also adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences, adding more soy sauce for a saltier flavor or a touch of sesame seeds for extra crunch.

How to Make Salmon Onigiri

Making Salmon Onigiri is quick and easy, especially if you have leftover rice and cooked salmon. Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Prepare the Salmon Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the flaked cooked salmon with soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined. This flavorful mixture will serve as the core filling for your onigiri.

2. Cook the Rice: If you’re starting with uncooked rice, cook 1 cup of white rice (or use leftover rice). Let it cool slightly so it’s easier to handle. The rice should be sticky enough to hold together when forming the onigiri, so it’s essential to use the right type of rice, such as short-grain or sushi rice.

3. Form the Onigiri: Wet your hands with water to prevent the rice from sticking. Take a small portion of rice and flatten it slightly in your hands. Place a spoonful of the salmon mixture in the center of the rice and carefully mold the rice around it to form a triangular or round shape. The key is to make sure the salmon filling is fully enclosed within the rice.

4. Add Nori or Sesame Seeds: Once your onigiri is shaped, you can wrap it with a strip of nori (seaweed) for added flavor and texture, or sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for an extra crunch. Both options add flavor and visual appeal, but they’re optional depending on your preferences.

5. Serve: Your Salmon Onigiri is ready to enjoy! You can serve it immediately, or store it in the fridge for a few hours if you prefer it chilled. It makes for a great snack, lunch, or portable meal.

Flavor and Texture of Salmon Onigiri

The flavor and texture of Salmon Onigiri are what make it so satisfying. The rice, slightly sticky and soft, creates the perfect vessel for the savory salmon filling. The rich flavor of the salmon, enhanced by the umami of soy sauce, the slight nuttiness of sesame oil, and the tang of rice vinegar, creates a wonderfully balanced taste. The nori or sesame seeds add an extra layer of texture, with the nori providing a chewy, slightly salty contrast to the softness of the rice, while sesame seeds offer a subtle crunch.

Additionally, the versatility of Salmon Onigiri allows for customization in terms of flavor. If you prefer a more robust flavor, you can add a bit of wasabi or sriracha to the salmon mixture for a spicy kick. On the other hand, you can keep it milder by omitting any spicy ingredients, letting the natural flavors of the salmon shine through.

The option of wrapping the onigiri with nori or sprinkling sesame seeds offers both flavor and visual interest, making the dish both appealing to the eyes and the palate. This balance of flavor and texture, combined with the ease of preparation, makes Salmon Onigiri a truly delightful dish.

Health Benefits of Salmon Onigiri

Salmon Onigiri isn’t just tasty—it’s also packed with nutrients that make it a healthy option. The salmon provides high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall health. Additionally, salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their heart-health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart disease.

The rice in the onigiri provides a great source of carbohydrates, which are important for sustained energy. Rice is also a good source of fiber, especially if you opt for brown rice, which can help with digestion and maintaining stable blood sugar levels.

The sesame oil adds healthy fats to the dish, and the rice vinegar provides some antioxidants and helps in digestion. With a healthy balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, Salmon Onigiri is a satisfying meal that fuels your body and supports overall well-being.

Serving Suggestions for Salmon Onigiri

Salmon Onigiri is versatile and can be served in various ways to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas for serving:

• As a Snack: Salmon Onigiri makes a great on-the-go snack. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for a quick bite during the day. It’s perfect for busy workdays or as a part of a picnic.

• As a Lunch: Pack Salmon Onigiri in a bento box for a complete and portable lunch. You can pair it with some sliced vegetables or fruit to round out the meal. The compact size of the onigiri makes it easy to take to work or school.

• As an Appetizer: Serve Salmon Onigiri as an appetizer or part of a larger meal. The savory salmon, paired with the soft rice and nori, makes it a perfect appetizer for any Japanese-themed dinner.

• With a Side Salad: For a lighter meal, pair Salmon Onigiri with a fresh salad. The crispness of the greens will complement the soft texture of the onigiri, creating a well-balanced meal.

Conclusion: A Simple and Satisfying Meal

In conclusion, Salmon Onigiri is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that perfectly combines the flavors of seasoned rice and flaky salmon. With minimal ingredients and quick preparation, it’s the perfect meal for busy days, whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a satisfying snack, or a creative way to use leftovers. Its versatility allows you to customize the flavor to your liking, making it a great option for any palate.

Packed with protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, Salmon Onigiri is as nutritious as it is flavorful. Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, wrapped in nori or topped with sesame seeds, it’s a dish that will leave you feeling satisfied. Try making Salmon Onigiri today and enjoy a simple yet delicious taste of Japanese cuisine!