Description
Oven-Baked Salmon Sushi Bites are a delightful fusion dish that combines the delicate flavors of sushi rice, fresh salmon, and vibrant toppings into easy-to-make bite-sized treats. This recipe features perfectly seasoned sushi rice topped with marinated salmon cubes, baked to perfection for a slightly crispy texture, and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. Served with optional avocado, cucumber, wasabi, and pickled ginger, these sushi bites offer a gourmet experience with simple preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Sushi Rice
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 2 ½ cups water
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Salmon Topping
- 1 pound fresh salmon fillet, skin removed
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Additional Toppings and Garnish
- 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 the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare it for baking the sushi bites later.
- Cook the Sushi Rice: Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Combine the rice and water in a rice cooker and cook as per the manufacturer’s instructions, or cook on the stovetop according to package directions.
- 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 seasoning mixture into the rice to evenly flavor it. 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 infuse flavor.
- Assemble the Sushi Bites: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using clean hands, form small patties or rectangles with the seasoned sushi rice and place them evenly spaced on the baking sheet. Gently press to help them hold their shape.
- Top with Salmon and Additional Toppings: Place one marinated salmon cube atop each rice patty. Optionally, add a slice of avocado or a few julienned cucumber strips on top for extra flavor and texture.
- Bake the Sushi Bites: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and edges become slightly crispy.
- Garnish: Remove the sushi bites from the oven and sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over them to enhance both taste and presentation.
- Serve: Allow the sushi bites to cool slightly before serving. Offer wasabi and pickled ginger on the side for an authentic sushi experience.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh sushi-grade salmon to ensure safety and optimal flavor.
- If you don’t have a rice cooker, cooking sushi rice on the stovetop with careful attention to water ratio and cooking time works well.
- You can omit avocado or cucumber if you prefer a simpler bite or have dietary restrictions.
- Marinating the salmon too long may overly soften the texture; stick to recommended marinating time.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Adjust baking time slightly if your salmon pieces are larger or smaller to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
- Leftover sushi bites can be refrigerated and consumed within 1-2 days for best freshness.
