If you love sushi but dread the delicate rolling process, you are going to be thrilled with these Fun Sushi Balls with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese. This delightful dish captures all the fresh, tangy, and creamy flavors of traditional sushi without the fuss. Picture bite-sized spheres packed with perfectly seasoned sushi rice, smoky salmon, crisp cucumber, and luscious cream cheese, all topped off with a sprinkle of nutty sesame seeds. They’re not only a feast for the taste buds but also a joy to make and serve for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing something special to the table to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Fun Sushi Balls with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese.
- 2 Cups Sushi Rice Cooked and Seasoned: The base of your sushi balls—sticky, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned for that authentic sushi rice taste.
- 100 grams Smoked Salmon Chopped: Adds a rich, smoky depth and delicate texture to the mix.
- ½ cup Cucumber Deseeded and finely diced: Provides a refreshing crunch and vibrant color contrast.
- 100 grams Cream Cheese Cubed: The creamy center that adds luxurious softness and subtle tanginess.
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkled on top to contribute a lovely nutty flavor and a decorative finish.
How to Make Fun Sushi Balls with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice
Start by cooking your sushi rice using your preferred method; either on the stove or in an Instant Pot. Once cooked, season it with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt to give it that classic sushi flavor. Then, allow the rice to cool to room temperature before mixing with the other ingredients. The seasoned rice is the foundation for your Fun Sushi Balls with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese, so it’s worth taking the time to get it just right.
Step 2: Dice the Fillings
While your rice cools, prepare the fillings. Finely dice the smoked salmon to evenly distribute its smoky goodness. Deseed the cucumber by halving it lengthwise and spooning out the seeds before finely dicing the flesh. Cube the cream cheese into small 1cm pieces that will become the creamy surprise in the center of your sushi balls. The smaller the dice, the easier it will be to form your beautiful balls.
Step 3: Combine Rice with Salmon and Cucumber
In a large bowl, gently fold together the cooled sushi rice, diced smoked salmon, and cucumber. Use a light touch to ensure the ingredients mix evenly without mashing the rice. This harmonious blend is what makes these Fun Sushi Balls with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese so visually appealing and deliciously balanced.
Step 4: Shape the Sushi Balls
Moisten your hands with water to prevent sticking, then scoop a spoonful of the rice mixture into your palm. Nestle a cube of cream cheese in the center, then top it with another spoonful of rice mixture. Carefully shape this into a firm, round ball, sealing the cream cheese inside. Repeat until all the mixture is used. This step is incredibly satisfying and the joy of handling the sticky rice and creamy filling will make these Fun Sushi Balls come to life right before your eyes.
Step 5: Add Sesame Seeds and Chill
Roll each sushi ball gently in sesame seeds to coat the outside. This not only adds texture and flavor but also gives them a beautiful finish that’s perfect for presenting. Chill the sushi balls in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve, which helps them set and keeps the cream cheese delightfully cool inside.
How to Serve Fun Sushi Balls with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese
Garnishes
Consider garnishing your Fun Sushi Balls with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese with a few extra touches like pickled ginger slices, a dab of wasabi, or even a drizzle of soy sauce to elevate the experience. Fresh herbs such as finely chopped chives or dill can add a burst of color and an extra layer of flavor that complements the smoky salmon beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve these sushi balls alongside crisp seaweed salad, edamame beans, or even a light miso soup for a complete snack or appetizer spread. Their bite-sized nature makes them a fantastic party food or a delightful treat for an intimate lunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Have some fun with presentation by arranging the sushi balls on a platter lined with bamboo leaves or a sleek slate board. You can even skewer them on decorative picks or serve with small bowls of dipping sauces like spicy mayo or ponzu. Presentation is part of the fun with Fun Sushi Balls with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese, so get creative and make it your own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the sushi balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can keep fresh for up to 24 hours, which makes them an excellent option for next-day snacks or packed lunches. Just keep them chilled and covered to preserve their texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing sushi balls is not ideal because the texture of the rice and cream cheese changes significantly when frozen and thawed. For best results, enjoy your Fun Sushi Balls with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese fresh or refrigerated but not frozen.
Reheating
These sushi balls are best served cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not recommended since the creamy center and soft rice lose their delicious textures with heat. Simply remove from the fridge and let them sit for a few minutes before serving to take the chill off if you prefer.
FAQs
Can I use regular rice instead of sushi rice?
While sushi rice is preferred for its sticky texture and flavor, short grain rice can be a substitute in a pinch. Just make sure it’s cooked and seasoned similarly to sushi rice for the best results in forming the Fun Sushi Balls with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese.
What other fillings can I use?
The beauty of these sushi balls is their versatility! You can swap smoked salmon for cooked shrimp, crab, or even tofu. Vegetables like avocado, grated carrot, or finely diced bell peppers also work wonderfully to keep things fresh and colorful.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to my hands?
Keep a bowl of water nearby and frequently wet your hands when shaping the sushi balls. This prevents the sticky rice from clinging to your skin and keeps the process clean and easy.
Can I make these vegan?
Absolutely! Simply replace the smoked salmon and cream cheese with vegan alternatives, such as marinated smoked carrot strips or avocado, and plant-based cream cheese. Season to taste for a delicious vegan take on Fun Sushi Balls with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese.
How long do sushi balls last in the fridge?
For optimal freshness and food safety, it’s best to consume sushi balls within 24 hours of preparation. Beyond that, the texture and flavor start to decline, especially due to the cream cheese filling.
Final Thoughts
Fun Sushi Balls with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese are an absolute joy to make and even more delightful to eat. They capture the essence of sushi in a playful, approachable form that’s perfect whether you’re hosting a party or craving a special snack. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find making sushi has never been so fun and satisfying!
Print
Fun Sushi Balls with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 15 sushi balls 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: New Zealand
Description
These Fun Sushi Balls with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese are a delightful twist on traditional sushi, offering all the flavors you love without the hassle of rolling. Perfect as a snack or party appetizer, they combine seasoned sushi rice, fresh smoked salmon, crisp cucumber, and creamy cheese into bite-sized, easy-to-handle sushi balls sprinkled with sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Rice
- 2 Cups Sushi Rice, cooked and seasoned
Fillings
- 100 grams Smoked Salmon, chopped (about ½ cup)
- ½ cup Cucumber, deseeded and finely diced
- 100 grams Cream Cheese, cut into 1cm cubes
To Garnish
- Sesame Seeds, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare Sushi Rice: Cook and season the sushi rice using your preferred method, either stovetop or Instant Pot. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature before assembling the sushi balls.
- Prepare Fillings: Cut the cream cheese into 1cm cubes. Deseed the cucumber by slicing it in half lengthwise and scraping out the seeds with a spoon, then finely dice into small pieces. Dice the smoked salmon into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled sushi rice with the diced cucumber and smoked salmon. Gently fold the ingredients together to evenly distribute the fillings throughout the rice without mashing the grains.
- Form Sushi Balls: With damp hands, take a spoonful of the rice mixture and place a cube of cream cheese in the center. Top it with another spoonful of rice mixture and carefully shape it into a compact ball, ensuring the cream cheese is enclosed inside.
- Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle the outside of each sushi ball with sesame seeds for a lovely presentation. Place the sushi balls in the refrigerator to chill until ready to serve, helping them hold their shape and enhancing the flavors.
- Serve: Enjoy your sushi balls as a fun snack or appetizer. They pair wonderfully with pickled ginger, soy sauce, and a dab of wasabi.
Notes
- Ensure all fillings are very finely diced to help the sushi balls hold their shape and to create a smooth texture.
- Keep your hands and utensils damp while shaping the balls to prevent the sticky sushi rice from sticking to everything.
- Serve these sushi balls with traditional accompaniments such as pickled ginger, soy sauce, and wasabi for a full sushi experience.
- You can vary the fillings by adding avocado or finely diced vegetables like capsicum or carrot to customize the flavor and texture.
- Sesame seeds add a nice visual touch and flavor but are optional; feel free to use furikake seasoning as an alternative.
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