Imagine crispy, golden rice topped with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth piece of salmon. Throw in some creamy avocado, a bit of spicy mayo, and a touch of fresh herbs, and you’ve got yourself a flavor-packed dish that’s crispy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. Salmon Crispy Rice has taken the world by storm, and for good reason—it’s everything you love about sushi, but with a little extra crunch. This dish is a total showstopper, perfect for a fun weeknight dinner or even a special occasion. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Salmon Crispy Rice
There’s something about the crispy rice and tender salmon combo that just works. Here’s why you’ll love making this dish:
Crispy Rice, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Salmon
The crispy rice is crunchy and satisfying, giving each bite an incredible texture, while the salmon stays juicy and tender. It’s the perfect contrast of textures!
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavors
With just a few fresh ingredients, you can create something that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple. The flavors are bold and fresh, with a bit of spice and that creamy avocado that just ties everything together.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or impressing friends at a party, Salmon Crispy Rice is sure to wow everyone. It looks elegant, but it’s actually easy to prepare!
Healthy, Yet Indulgent
Salmon is packed with healthy omega-3s, and when paired with the crispy rice, this dish feels indulgent without being over-the-top. It’s a perfect balance!
Ingredients
Sushi Rice
This is the base for your crispy rice. Sushi rice has the perfect texture for frying up crispy, golden pieces that stay soft in the middle.
Salmon Fillets
Choose fresh, high-quality salmon fillets. They’re the star of the show and provide a tender, flavorful contrast to the crispy rice.
Avocado
Sliced avocado adds a creamy element to the dish that balances out the crunchiness of the rice.
Soy Sauce and Mirin
These are key ingredients for flavoring the rice and glazing the salmon. They add a savory sweetness that pairs perfectly with the crispy rice.
Spicy Mayo
A bit of spicy mayo gives the dish a kick and makes every bite even more satisfying.
Sesame Seeds and Green Onions
For garnish, these add extra texture and flavor, giving the dish that final, fresh touch.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Calories per serving: ~450 kcal
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 2g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook it according to the package instructions, then let it cool. Once the rice has cooled to room temperature, mix it with a bit of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt to give it that classic sushi rice flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon
Heat a pan over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then sear them for 3-4 minutes per side, until they’re cooked to your liking. Once cooked, remove the salmon from the pan and let it rest for a minute before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Make the Crispy Rice
In the same pan you used for the salmon, add a bit more oil and spoon in small portions of sushi rice, pressing it down gently with a spatula to form little rice cakes. Fry the rice for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Place the crispy rice on serving plates. Top each piece with a slice of salmon, then drizzle with soy sauce or a glaze made from soy sauce and mirin. Add a dollop of spicy mayo on top, then garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the crispy rice immediately, with a side of fresh avocado slices for that creamy balance. Enjoy your crispy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying meal!
How to Serve Salmon Crispy Rice
With a Side Salad
A light, refreshing salad with a tangy dressing pairs beautifully with the richness of the salmon and crispy rice.
With Pickled Vegetables
Some quick-pickled cucumbers, radishes, or carrots would be a perfect complement to the dish, adding a crunchy and vinegary contrast.
With Soy Sauce and Wasabi
If you’re feeling adventurous, serve the crispy rice with a side of soy sauce and a little dab of wasabi for that authentic sushi feel!
Additional Tips
- Make the Rice Ahead of Time: You can cook the sushi rice in advance and store it in the fridge. Just let it come to room temperature before making the crispy rice.
- Use Sushi-Grade Salmon: If you’re eating the salmon raw or only lightly cooked, be sure to get sushi-grade fish from a reputable source.
- Customize the Toppings: If you’re not a fan of spicy mayo, you can skip it or use plain mayo with a splash of sriracha for a milder heat.
- Make it a Bowl: If you prefer a “bowl-style” presentation, you can layer the crispy rice at the bottom, top with salmon, avocado, and drizzle with the spicy mayo for a satisfying meal.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of fish?
A1: Yes! If you prefer a different fish, try tuna or even shrimp as an alternative to salmon. Both will pair wonderfully with the crispy rice and toppings.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A2: The crispy rice is best made fresh, but you can prepare the sushi rice and salmon in advance. Just assemble everything when you’re ready to eat!
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: If you have leftovers, store them separately in an airtight container. The crispy rice will lose its crunch once stored, but it will still be delicious when reheated.
Q4: Can I make this dish without spicy mayo?
A4: Absolutely! If you prefer a milder version, you can leave the spicy mayo off or simply drizzle some plain mayo with a hint of lemon juice for a creamy topping.
Q5: How do I make crispy rice without a frying pan?
A5: If you don’t want to fry the rice, you can bake it on a baking sheet at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to get a crisp exterior.
Conclusion
Salmon Crispy Rice is the perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, and savory, with a delicious salmon topping that elevates the whole dish. Whether you’re a sushi lover or simply craving something flavorful and fresh, this recipe is sure to impress. Easy to make, but with all the right flavors, it’s an ideal dish for any occasion. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s become a favorite in kitchens everywhere!
Print
Salmon Crispy Rice
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Salmon Crispy Rice recipe features perfectly cooked, flaky salmon served on top of crispy, golden rice. It’s a delightful combination of textures and flavors with a hint of soy sauce, spicy mayo, and a touch of sesame. A perfect fusion dish for a quick and impressive meal!
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
For the Rice:
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice (or short-grain rice), cooled
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium, if preferred)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
For the Toppings:
- 2 tbsp spicy mayo (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (toasted)
- 1/4 avocado, thinly sliced (optional)
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Nori strips (optional)
- Chili flakes (optional, for extra spice)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon:
Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down (if using skin-on). Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until the salmon is cooked through and has a crispy, golden crust. Remove from the pan and set aside. - Prepare the Rice:
In a large bowl, combine the cooled sushi rice with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Gently mix to incorporate the seasoning. - Make the Crispy Rice:
Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned rice in an even layer to the skillet and press it down gently with a spatula. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until the rice becomes crispy and golden brown. Flip the rice and cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes. Once the rice is crispy on both sides, remove it from the skillet and set aside. - Assemble the Dish:
Place the crispy rice on a serving plate. Top each portion with a cooked salmon fillet, breaking it into chunks or serving it whole. - Add Toppings:
Drizzle spicy mayo over the salmon and rice, followed by a little extra soy sauce. Sprinkle sesame seeds and top with sliced avocado, green onions, and nori strips for added texture and flavor. - Serve:
Serve immediately as a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you prefer a milder flavor, skip the spicy mayo and just drizzle the rice with soy sauce.
- You can add more toppings like pickled ginger or cucumber for extra freshness.
- To make this dish even easier, you can use pre-cooked rice from the store or leftover rice. Just ensure it’s cooled before frying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Fusion, Japanese-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (half the recipe)
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 65mg