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Savory Crispy Salmon Rice Bites Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 50 reviews
  • Author: Elina
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes active plus 4–8 hours chilling
  • Cook Time: 20–25 minutes rice cooking + 10–15 minutes frying + 10 minutes assembly
  • Total Time: Approximately 4.5 to 8.5 hours, mostly inactive time for chilling
  • Yield: 1618 pieces, serving 6–8 as appetizer or 34 as main 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Japanese-inspired

Description

This Savory Crispy Salmon Rice Recipe combines perfectly seasoned sushi rice with a spicy, creamy salmon topping and fresh garnishes like avocado and jalapeño. Crispy fried rice bases provide a delightful crunch, making it an ideal appetizer or main dish for gatherings or meal prep. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home with a balanced taste of umami, spice, and freshness in every bite.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Crispy Rice

  • 2 cups (uncooked) short-grain sushi rice (about 3 cups cooked)
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 11.5 tablespoons sugar
  • 11.5 teaspoons salt
  • Neutral oil (vegetable, avocado, or canola) for frying, about 1–2 cups

For the Spicy Salmon

  • 1 pound sushi-grade salmon, skin removed
  • 24 tablespoons Kewpie mayo (or regular mayo)
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped scallions (green onions)

For Garnish & Serving

  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 1 jalapeño or serrano, thinly sliced
  • Toasted sesame seeds (white or black), for sprinkling
  • Sweet chili sauce or eel sauce (optional), for drizzling

Notes

  • Use only short-grain sushi rice for the best texture and crispiness when fried.
  • Chilling the rice before frying is essential to prevent it from falling apart and to achieve a perfect crispy crust.
  • Adjust the amount of sriracha and jalapeño to your preferred heat level or omit for a milder version.
  • Substitute smoked salmon or sushi-grade tuna for variation.
  • Tamari can be used instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
  • Kewpie mayo provides a richer flavor but plain mayo works well too.
  • The recipe is ideal for prepping ahead; both the rice and salmon mixture can be made in advance and assembled just before serving.