These Salmon Mayo Korean Rice Balls are a delightful and satisfying snack or meal, combining the rich flavors of salmon with the creamy texture of mayo and seasoned rice. A popular Korean dish, these rice balls are not only tasty but also easy to make. They’re a great grab-and-go snack, perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or a light meal at home. The combination of seasoned sushi rice, flaky salmon, and crispy seaweed makes them a delicious bite!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 cups freshly cooked sushi rice

• 4 oz cooked salmon fillet

• ½ tsp salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp Kewpie mayo

• 2 tsp rice seasoning

• 2 tsp toasted sesame oil

• 3 pieces shredded seaweed snacks

Directions

1. Prepare the Salmon:
   Season the salmon fillet with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a pan and cook the salmon for 5 minutes on each side. Once cooked, shred the salmon and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Rice:
   Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice in a rice cooker or Instant Pot, as per the instructions.

3. Season the Rice:
   While the rice is still hot, transfer it to a large bowl. Add the shredded salmon, Kewpie mayo, rice seasoning, and toasted sesame oil. Mix well.

4. Shape the Rice Balls:
   Coat your hands with toasted sesame oil to prevent the rice from sticking. Take a spoonful of the rice mixture and shape it into a ball, ensuring the salmon is enclosed.

5. Roll in Seaweed:
   Shred the seaweed snacks and roll the rice balls in the seaweed until evenly coated.

6. Serve:
   Arrange the rice balls on a serving platter or pack them in a lunchbox. Enjoy!

Nutrients

• Calories: 200 per rice ball

• Carbohydrates: 30g

• Protein: 10g

• Fat: 7g

• Saturated Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 25mg

• Sodium: 300mg

• Potassium: 350mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 3g

Why You’ll Love Salmon Mayo Korean Rice Balls

These rice balls are incredibly versatile, delicious, and customizable. The savory salmon pairs wonderfully with the rich mayo and seasoned rice, while the toasted sesame oil adds a nutty depth of flavor. The seaweed wraps the rice balls, giving them a nice crunch and a hint of saltiness. Whether you enjoy them as a quick snack or a light meal, these rice balls are a great way to enjoy sushi flavors without the hassle of making traditional sushi.

They’re also super convenient for meal prep. Make a batch in advance and store them in the fridge for a few days, and you’ll have an easy, portable snack or lunch ready to go. They’re fun to make, customizable with your favorite toppings, and loved by both kids and adults alike!

The Ingredients That Make Salmon Mayo Korean Rice Balls Special

• Sushi Rice: Sushi rice provides a sticky and slightly sweet base, making it the perfect vessel for holding the salmon and seasoning together. The rice gives these rice balls their satisfying texture.

• Cooked Salmon: Flaky, cooked salmon adds protein and rich flavor to the rice balls. It pairs beautifully with the creamy mayo and savory seasonings.

• Kewpie Mayo: Kewpie mayo, a Japanese-style mayonnaise, has a richer, creamier taste than regular mayonnaise and adds an extra layer of flavor to the rice balls.

• Rice Seasoning: Rice seasoning adds a savory umami flavor, perfectly complementing the fish and rice.

• Toasted Sesame Oil: This oil adds a deep, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the rice balls.

• Seaweed Snacks: The seaweed gives these rice balls a crunchy texture and an extra burst of flavor, making each bite more satisfying.

How to Make Salmon Mayo Korean Rice Balls

Making these rice balls is simple and quick. Here’s how to prepare them:

1. Prepare the Salmon

• Season the salmon fillet with salt and pepper to taste. Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the salmon for 5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.

• Once cooked, remove the salmon from the pan, let it cool slightly, and then shred it into small pieces.

2. Prepare the Rice

• Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch from the rice, which makes it sticky and perfect for forming into rice balls.

• Cook the rice in a rice cooker or Instant Pot according to the package instructions.

3. Season the Rice

• While the rice is still hot, transfer it to a large bowl. Add the shredded salmon, Kewpie mayo, rice seasoning, and toasted sesame oil. Mix everything together well until the rice is evenly coated and the salmon is well distributed.

4. Shape the Rice Balls

• To prevent the rice from sticking to your hands, coat your hands with a little toasted sesame oil.

• Take a spoonful of the rice mixture and gently shape it into a ball, making sure the salmon is enclosed within the rice.

5. Roll in Seaweed

• Shred the seaweed snacks and roll each rice ball in the seaweed until it is evenly coated.

6. Serve

• Arrange the rice balls on a serving platter, or pack them in a lunchbox for a convenient, portable meal or snack.

Nutritional Benefits of Salmon Mayo Korean Rice Balls

These rice balls are a great balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbs. Here’s a breakdown of the key nutrients:

• Calories: Each rice ball contains around 200 calories, making it a filling yet light meal or snack.

• Protein: With 10 grams of protein per rice ball, these rice balls provide a good source of protein from the salmon and mayo.

• Fat: Each rice ball contains 7 grams of fat, including 1 gram of saturated fat. The majority of the fat comes from the salmon and sesame oil, both of which are healthy fat sources.

• Carbohydrates: At 30 grams of carbohydrates per rice ball, the rice provides energy, making these rice balls a good option for a quick meal.

• Fiber: The rice balls provide 2 grams of fiber, mostly from the rice and seaweed, which helps support digestion.

• Sodium: Each rice ball contains 300 mg of sodium. This comes from the Kewpie mayo, rice seasoning, and seaweed. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can adjust the seasonings or use a low-sodium mayo.

Serving Suggestions

These Salmon Mayo Korean Rice Balls are great for:

• Lunchboxes: Perfect for kids and adults alike, these rice balls make a tasty and nutritious addition to any lunchbox.

• Picnics: Take them on a picnic for a convenient and flavorful meal outdoors.

• Appetizers: These rice balls are a great appetizer for a gathering or party, easy to grab and enjoy.

• Light Meal: Serve them as a light meal with a side of miso soup or a salad for a complete and satisfying dish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Salmon Mayo Korean Rice Balls are a simple, delicious, and healthy dish that’s perfect for a quick meal or snack. The combination of seasoned sushi rice, flaky salmon, creamy mayo, and crispy seaweed makes for a bite-sized treat that’s full of flavor and texture. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a portable snack, or a fun addition to a picnic, these rice balls are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Try them today and enjoy the satisfying flavors of this Korean-inspired dish!