Salmon Crispy Rice with Spicy Mayo and Avocado Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that brings together vibrant flavors, irresistible textures, and a touch of elegance, the Salmon Crispy Rice with Spicy Mayo and Avocado Recipe is a must-try. This delightful fusion combines the satisfying crunch of golden, crispy rice cakes with a creamy, spicy salmon topping and the buttery smoothness of avocado, creating a perfect bite every time. Whether you’re impressing guests or craving a delicious appetizer with personality, this recipe is a joyful celebration of fresh ingredients and bold tastes that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish shines because of its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color — from the sticky sushi rice that crisps up beautifully, to the spicy, creamy salmon mixture that elevates every bite. Here’s what you’ll want to have ready:

  • Cooked Sushi Rice (3 cups): The foundation for crispiness, sushi rice holds its shape and creates a perfect golden crust when fried.
  • Rice Vinegar (2 tbsp): Adds a tangy brightness that balances the richness of the salmon and mayo.
  • Sugar (1 tbsp): Just the right touch of sweetness to complement the vinegar in the rice.
  • Salt (1 tsp): Enhances overall flavor and seasoning.
  • Vegetable Oil (for frying): Essential for getting that irresistible crispy exterior on the rice.
  • Sushi-grade Salmon (1 lb): The star ingredient, fresh and silky, mixed into a spicy mayo delight.
  • Kewpie Mayo (4 tbsp): Creamy and slightly tangy, it blends perfectly with sriracha for a luscious topping.
  • Sriracha (2 tbsp): Adds a kick of heat that wakes up the palate.
  • Chopped Scallion (2 tbsp): Provides a fresh, sharp contrast that enlivens the salmon mixture.
  • Soy Sauce (2 tsp): Brings a hint of umami depth to the topping.
  • Sesame Oil (2 tsp): Just a drizzle for a nutty aroma that rounds out the salmon.
  • Sliced Avocado: Adds creamy richness and balances the spicy notes beautifully.
  • Thinly Sliced Jalapeño: Gives a fresh, peppery bite to brighten the dish.
  • Black and White Sesame Seeds (toasted): Adds a lovely crunch and visual contrast to finish off the presentation.

How to Make Salmon Crispy Rice with Spicy Mayo and Avocado Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice

Start by mixing rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until everything dissolves. Pour this mixture over your cooked sushi rice, gently folding it in to evenly season every grain. This step is crucial as it brings balance to the rice, making it flavorful on its own before frying.

Step 2: Chill the Rice

Transfer the seasoned rice to a lined pan, pressing it down firmly and evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Chilling helps the rice firm up, which is key for achieving those perfect crispy rice rectangles that hold together when fried.

Step 3: Prepare the Spicy Salmon Topping

While the rice chills, dice your sushi-grade salmon into small pieces. Combine it with Kewpie mayo, sriracha, soy sauce, scallions, and a touch of sesame oil in a bowl. This creates a luscious, slightly spicy salmon mixture that simply melts in your mouth.

Step 4: Fry the Crispy Rice

Cut the chilled rice into 16 rectangles. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat, then fry the rice pieces until golden and crispy on both sides. This frying is what adds a beautifully crunchy texture that contrasts so well with the silky salmon and avocado.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Top each crispy rice rectangle with a slice of avocado, a generous spoonful of the spicy salmon mixture, and a slice of jalapeño for a hint of freshness and heat. Sprinkle black and white toasted sesame seeds on top for crunch and visual flair. Serve immediately to enjoy the delightful combination of crispy, creamy, and spicy elements together.

How to Serve Salmon Crispy Rice with Spicy Mayo and Avocado Recipe

Salmon Crispy Rice with Spicy Mayo and Avocado Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes like thinly sliced jalapeños and toasted sesame seeds not only add exciting textures but also brighten up the plate visually. A sprinkle of finely chopped scallions or microgreens can give a fresh aromatic lift that complements the rich salmon and mayo beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides such as a crisp cucumber salad or seaweed salad. You might also enjoy a small bowl of miso soup or a simple edamame appetizer to round out your meal with Japanese-inspired flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve Salmon Crispy Rice with Spicy Mayo and Avocado Recipe family-style on a large platter, inviting everyone to grab their bites. Alternatively, turn it into elegant individual servings by arranging rice rectangles on small plates with microgreens and edible flowers for a show-stopping appetizer at your next dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the fried rice and salmon topping separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will help maintain the texture of the rice without it becoming soggy and keep the salmon mixture fresh and flavorful.

Freezing

While the salmon topping does not freeze well due to the mayonnaise, the rice rectangles can be frozen if fried in advance. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen to restore crispiness.

Reheating

To bring back the crispy texture, reheat the rice rectangles in a hot skillet or oven rather than the microwave. Add the chilled salmon topping and avocado fresh just before serving to maintain the right balance of textures and flavors.

FAQs

Can I use regular salmon instead of sushi-grade?

For the best taste and safety, sushi-grade salmon is recommended because it’s handled and processed specifically for raw consumption. Using regular salmon may increase food safety risks unless you cook it thoroughly, but that changes the flavor and texture intended for this recipe.

What can I substitute for Kewpie mayo?

If Kewpie mayo is unavailable, you can use Japanese-style mayo or regular mayonnaise mixed with a little more rice vinegar for tang. Kewpie mayo carries a unique sweetness and umami that elevates the dish, so try to find it for the authentic flavor.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just ensure that the soy sauce you use is gluten-free. Tamari or coconut aminos are great alternatives that won’t compromise the dish’s umami kick.

How spicy is this salmon crispy rice? Can I adjust it?

The heat mostly comes from the sriracha and jalapeño slices, so you can dial up or down the spice by adjusting these ingredients. For a milder version, reduce or omit sriracha and jalapeño; for more heat, add extra or include a dash of chili oil.

Can I prepare this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

To make a plant-based version, swap the salmon for marinated tofu or hearts of palm and replace mayo and spicy sauce with vegan alternatives. While the texture and flavor will change, you can still get a tasty and satisfying dish inspired by the original Salmon Crispy Rice with Spicy Mayo and Avocado Recipe.

Final Thoughts

There’s something genuinely joyful about making and sharing the Salmon Crispy Rice with Spicy Mayo and Avocado Recipe — it’s the kind of dish that feels special yet is approachable enough for any home cook. The delightful crunch, the creamy spicy salmon, and the fresh avocado meld together perfectly, promising an irresistible flavor combo that’s sure to impress. Give this recipe a try soon; I promise it will brighten up your meal times and quickly become a staple you’ll love revisiting again and again.

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Salmon Crispy Rice with Spicy Mayo and Avocado Recipe

Salmon Crispy Rice with Spicy Mayo and Avocado Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 30 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes plus chilling time
  • Yield: 16 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Description

Salmon Crispy Rice is a delicious Japanese-inspired appetizer featuring sushi-grade salmon mixed with spicy mayo atop crispy fried sushi rice squares, garnished with avocado, jalapeño, and toasted sesame seeds. This dish offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, combining creamy, spicy, and crunchy elements perfect for entertaining or a flavorful snack.


Ingredients

Rice and Seasoning

  • 3 cups cooked sushi rice (short grain rice)
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Salmon Topping

  • 1 lb sushi-grade salmon
  • 4 tbsp Kewpie mayo
  • 2 tbsp sriracha
  • 2 tsp soy sauce
  • 2 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp scallion, chopped

Garnishes

  • Sliced avocado
  • Jalapeño, thinly sliced
  • Black and white sesame seeds, toasted


Instructions

  1. Prepare the seasoned rice: In a small mixing bowl, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, stirring until dissolved. Pour this mixture evenly over the cooked sushi rice and gently mix until all the rice is well seasoned.
  2. Chill the rice: Transfer the seasoned rice to a baking pan lined with plastic wrap. Press the rice gently to create an even layer. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up.
  3. Make the salmon mixture: Chop the sushi-grade salmon into small pieces and place them in a bowl. Add Kewpie mayo, sriracha, soy sauce, chopped scallions, and sesame oil. Mix thoroughly to combine and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
  4. Fry the rice squares: Remove the chilled rice from the fridge and cut it into 16 rectangular pieces. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the rice pieces until both sides turn golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  5. Assemble the crispy rice bites: Top each crispy rice piece with a slice of avocado, a tablespoon of the spicy salmon mixture, and a thin slice of jalapeño. Finish by sprinkling with toasted black and white sesame seeds. Serve immediately for optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

  • For best results, use sushi-grade salmon to ensure freshness and safety.
  • Chilling the rice is essential for shaping and frying; do not skip this step.
  • You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha and jalapeño according to your preference.
  • This dish is best served immediately after assembling to maintain crispiness.
  • Leftover crispy rice can be reheated briefly in a hot pan but may lose some crispiness.

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