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Salmon Onigiri

Hand-shaped Japanese rice balls filled with savory salted salmon and wrapped in crisp nori. A classic portable snack or lunch option.

35 minMediumServes 4240 cal/serving

JapaneseLunchStovetopPescatarianHalal-friendlyGluten-FreeNut-FreeDairy-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreePork-FreeNightshade-FreeCorn-FreeAlcohol-Free

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups Japanese short-grain rice, rinsed
  • 2.5 cups water
  • 1/2 lb salmon fillet
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
  • 4 nori seaweed sheets, cut in strips
  • 2 tsp toasted white sesame seeds, toasted

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cook 2 cups rinsed Japanese short-grain rice in 2.5 cups water over medium heat until tender, then cover and steam off heat for 10 minutes.

  2. 2

    Season 1/2 lb salmon fillet with half of the 1 tsp fine sea salt and pan-sear over medium heat until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F, then flake cooked flesh.

  3. 3

    Wet hands with water, rub with remaining fine sea salt, and scoop a warm portion of Japanese short-grain rice.

  4. 4

    Indent center of rice, insert flaked salmon fillet, fold rice over, and press firmly into a triangle shape.

  5. 5

    Wrap base of rice ball with 4 cut in strips nori seaweed sheets and sprinkle top with 2 tsp toasted toasted white sesame seeds.

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Questions

What is Salmon Onigiri?

Hand-shaped Japanese rice balls filled with savory salted salmon and wrapped in crisp nori. A classic portable snack or lunch option. This reference files it under Japanese lunch: made on the stovetop, rated medium and about 35 minutes start to finish.

What internal temperature should Salmon Onigiri reach?

For Salmon Onigiri, the target internal temperature is 145 F (about 65 C), given in step 2. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

Can I use another fish instead of salmon in Salmon Onigiri?

Arctic char or steelhead trout cooks the same way. Thinner fillets need a minute or two less, so go by thickness rather than the clock. As written, the entry for Salmon Onigiri uses 1/2 lb salmon fillet.

Does Salmon Onigiri contain sesame?

Yes: 2 tsp toasted white sesame seeds, toasted. The full allergen list for this entry is fish and sesame. Seeds used as a garnish can simply be left off; the oil has no true substitute. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

How many calories are in Salmon Onigiri?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 240 calories, with 11 g protein, 38 g carbohydrate and 4 g fat, plus 1 g fiber and 420 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

Serve it with

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