If you’re craving something light, flavorful, and irresistibly crispy, Salmon Crispy Rice is the perfect recipe to try. With buttery salmon, crunchy rice, and a hint of spice, this dish is a fusion of textures and tastes that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This dish combines the comfort of salmon with the playful crunch of pan-fried rice. It’s quick, versatile, and works beautifully as a snack, appetizer, or even a light main course. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite toppings for a restaurant-quality experience right at home.
Ingredients
- Cooked sushi rice
- Salmon fillet
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Green onions
- Avocado, sliced
- Sriracha or spicy mayo
- Neutral oil for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
Full ingredient list and measurements are provided below.
Directions
Prepare the Rice
Spread cooked sushi rice evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press it down firmly into a flat layer. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Cook the Salmon
Season the salmon fillet with salt and pepper, then sear it in a hot pan with a drizzle of sesame oil. Cook until it’s golden and flaky. Remove from the pan, let it cool slightly, and flake into small pieces.
Cut and Fry the Rice
Take the chilled rice and cut it into small rectangles or squares. Heat neutral oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the rice pieces until golden and crispy on both sides. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Assemble the Crispy Rice
Top each crispy rice piece with a flake of cooked salmon, a slice of avocado, and a drizzle of spicy mayo or sriracha. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Serve and Enjoy
Arrange your Salmon Crispy Rice on a platter and serve immediately. The crunch and freshness are best enjoyed right after assembly.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use Day-Old Rice: Slightly dry, leftover sushi rice works best as it holds its shape and crisps up beautifully.
- Press Firmly: When flattening the rice, press it down tightly to ensure it doesn’t fall apart during frying.
- Flavor the Salmon: Add a splash of soy sauce and a touch of honey while cooking the salmon for extra depth of flavor.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Raw Salmon Version: Swap the cooked salmon for sashimi-grade salmon to create a sushi-inspired dish.
- Vegetarian Option: Use crispy tofu or sautéed mushrooms instead of salmon.
- Toppings Galore: Experiment with pickled ginger, thinly sliced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of furikake for added flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve Salmon Crispy Rice as a chic appetizer for a dinner party or as a fun snack for movie nights. Pair it with a light salad or miso soup for a complete meal. For drinks, try it with sparkling water, a cold beer, or even a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
Storage and Reheating Tips
For best results, enjoy Salmon Crispy Rice fresh. If you have leftovers, store the fried rice bases separately in an airtight container and reheat them in a dry skillet to restore their crispiness. Assemble with toppings just before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of rice?
Sushi rice is ideal, but you can use short-grain rice or even leftover risotto if needed.
2. How can I make this less spicy?
Skip the sriracha or spicy mayo and use plain mayo or a drizzle of teriyaki sauce for a milder flavor.
3. Can I bake the rice instead of frying it?
Yes, brush the rice pieces with oil and bake them at 425°F (220°C) until crispy, flipping halfway through.
4. Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
Conclusion
Salmon Crispy Rice is a dish that’s simple to make yet packed with flavor and texture. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Try it out, and let the crunch and deliciousness speak for itself!
Print
Salmon Crispy Rice
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Fusion (Asian-Inspired)
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Salmon Crispy Rice is a delicious and savory dish with crispy, golden rice topped with perfectly seared salmon, a tangy sauce, and fresh toppings. It’s a perfect fusion of textures and flavors for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sushi rice (or short-grain rice), cooked and cooled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 4 oz salmon fillets, skin-on
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon spicy mayo (optional)
- 1 tablespoon pickled ginger (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the sushi rice according to package instructions and allow it to cool completely. This helps in achieving crispy rice when frying.
- In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cooled rice in an even layer. Press it down gently with a spatula to form a compact layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the rice is crispy and golden on the bottom. Flip the rice and cook for another 4-5 minutes until crispy on both sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets, skin side down. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy, then flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove the salmon from the skillet, discard the skin, and flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble the dish by placing the crispy rice on plates. Top with the flaked salmon, avocado slices, sesame seeds, green onions, and drizzle with soy sauce, sesame oil, and spicy mayo if using.
- Serve immediately with pickled ginger on the side if desired.
Notes
- You can add extra vegetables like cucumber or shredded carrots for more crunch and freshness.
- If you prefer a non-spicy version, skip the spicy mayo and use a drizzle of hoisin sauce for a sweet kick instead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg