Description
This Crunchy Salmon Roll recipe is a delicious homemade sushi roll featuring fresh sushi-grade salmon, crisp cucumber, creamy avocado, and a zesty sriracha mayo sauce topped with crispy tempura flakes for a satisfying crunch. Perfect for sushi lovers looking to recreate the fresh flavors and textures of their favorite roll in the comfort of their own kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Sushi Rice
- 1 cup sushi rice, cooked and seasoned with 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt
Roll Ingredients
- 4 sheets nori (seaweed)
- 1/2 lb fresh salmon, sushi-grade, sliced into thin strips
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 avocado, sliced
Crunchy Topping & Sauce
- 1/4 cup tempura flakes (or crispy fried onions for an alternative)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (preferably Japanese Kewpie mayo)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Chopped scallions or green onions
- Extra sesame seeds, for garnish
Serving
- Pickled ginger (optional)
- Soy sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the Sushi Rice: Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, ensuring perfect texture.
- Cook the Rice: Cook the rinsed rice according to the package instructions or using a rice cooker for consistent results.
- Season the Rice: While the rice is hot, gently mix in the seasoned rice vinegar made from rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature before assembling.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil until smooth. Set aside for later use.
- Lay the Nori Sheet: Place a bamboo sushi mat on a clean surface and lay one sheet of nori on it with the shiny side facing down.
- Spread the Rice: Wet your hands to prevent sticking. Spread an even layer of cooled sushi rice over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top edge.
- Add Salmon: Arrange a few thin strips of fresh salmon along the center of the rice layer.
- Add Vegetables: Place julienned cucumber and sliced avocado carefully on top of the salmon strips.
- Roll the Sushi: Using the bamboo mat, tightly roll the sushi from the bottom edge, applying gentle pressure and sealing the top border with a little water to secure the roll.
- Apply Sauce: Spread a thin, even layer of the prepared sriracha mayo sauce on top of the rolled sushi for flavor and moisture.
- Add Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle tempura flakes or crispy fried onions over the sauce layer to add a crunchy texture.
- Slice the Roll: Use a sharp knife dipped in water to slice the roll into bite-sized pieces without crushing it.
- Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped scallions over the sliced rolls, and optionally drizzle extra sauce for enhanced flavor.
- Serve: Present the sushi rolls with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi on the side for dipping and garnishing.
Notes
- Use sushi-grade salmon to ensure freshness and safety when consuming raw fish.
- Wet your hands or knife with water to prevent rice from sticking during rolling and slicing.
- If you prefer less spice, adjust the amount of sriracha or omit it entirely.
- Tempura flakes add authentic crunch but can be substituted with crispy fried onions for an easier alternative.
- Store leftover sushi rolls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and consume within 24 hours for best taste.
- For gluten-free options, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
