Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the salmon fillet on the sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until cooked through and easily flaked. Set aside to cool slightly.
- While the salmon bakes, rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice with water according to package directions or in a rice cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, and 1 tsp of salt until dissolved (you can warm it for 15 seconds in the microwave to help). Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large non-metallic bowl, pour the vinegar mixture over it, and gently fold to combine. Let it cool slightly.
- Once the salmon is cool enough to handle, use two forks to flake it into bite-sized pieces in a medium bowl. Add the Kewpie mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, and optional masago/tobiko. Gently mix until the salmon is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Press the seasoned sushi rice into an even layer in an 8x8 inch baking dish. Sprinkle a generous, even layer of furikake over the rice. Carefully spread the creamy salmon mixture over the top, reaching the edges. Sprinkle the remaining furikake over the salmon.
- Bake in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 10-12 minutes, until heated through and lightly golden on top. For a browner top, you can broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm, scooping portions onto roasted seaweed snacks. Garnish with sliced avocado, cucumber, and scallions.
Notes
Expert Tips & Variations:
- **Season Rice While Hot:** For best flavor absorption, mix the vinegar seasoning into the rice while it is still hot.
- **Don't Overcook Salmon:** The salmon is cooked twice, so slightly undercooking it initially will keep it moist in the final bake.
- **Kewpie is Key:** Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise provides a superior rich and creamy flavor that truly elevates the dish. If unavailable, use regular full-fat mayo with a tiny splash of rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar.
- **Protein Swaps:** You can substitute the salmon with cooked shrimp, imitation crab meat, or spicy tuna.
- **Philadelphia Roll Twist:** For extra creaminess, spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese over the rice before adding the salmon topping.
- **Storage:** Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- **Season Rice While Hot:** For best flavor absorption, mix the vinegar seasoning into the rice while it is still hot.
- **Don't Overcook Salmon:** The salmon is cooked twice, so slightly undercooking it initially will keep it moist in the final bake.
- **Kewpie is Key:** Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise provides a superior rich and creamy flavor that truly elevates the dish. If unavailable, use regular full-fat mayo with a tiny splash of rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar.
- **Protein Swaps:** You can substitute the salmon with cooked shrimp, imitation crab meat, or spicy tuna.
- **Philadelphia Roll Twist:** For extra creaminess, spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese over the rice before adding the salmon topping.
- **Storage:** Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
