Description
Experience a delightful twist on traditional sushi with these Oven-Baked Salmon Sushi Bites. Combining perfectly seasoned sushi rice with marinated salmon cubes, baked to a tender, slightly crispy finish, and topped with fresh avocado, cucumber, sesame seeds, and green onions, this recipe offers a simple yet impressive 5-star appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Sushi Rice
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 2 ½ cups water
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Salmon & Marinade
- 1 pound fresh salmon fillet, skin removed
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Toppings & Garnishes
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- Nori sheets, cut into strips (optional)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish
- Wasabi and pickled ginger, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the salmon sushi bites later.
- Cook the Sushi Rice: Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Combine rice and water in a rice cooker and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions, or cook on the stovetop if preferred.
- Season the Rice: Transfer the cooked rice to a large bowl. In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Gently fold this mixture into the rice to flavor it, then allow the rice to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Salmon: Cut the salmon fillet into small, bite-sized cubes. Marinate these cubes in soy sauce and sesame oil for about 10 minutes to enhance their flavor.
- Assemble Sushi Bites: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using your hands, form small patties or rectangles from the sushi rice and place them spaced on the baking sheet, pressing down slightly to hold their shape.
- Add Toppings: Place a marinated salmon cube on top of each rice patty. Optionally, add a slice of avocado or cucumber on top for extra texture and taste.
- Bake: Bake the assembled sushi bites in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and edges become slightly crispy.
- Garnish: Remove from the oven and sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the sushi bites for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve: Let the sushi bites cool slightly before serving. Pair them with wasabi and pickled ginger for an authentic sushi experience.
Notes
- Be sure to rinse the sushi rice several times to achieve the perfect texture.
- Marinating the salmon for at least 10 minutes allows the flavors to penetrate.
- Feel free to customize toppings with additional vegetables or sauces.
- If you prefer raw salmon, you can serve the bites without baking, though baking adds a crispy finish.
- Nori strips are optional but add a nice umami flavor and texture.
