Salmon Onigiri

Salmon Onigiri is a traditional Japanese dish made with sushi rice and a savory salmon filling. The word “onigiri” refers to rice balls, which are usually shaped into triangles or rounds and filled with various ingredients.

What is salmon onigiri filled with?

Here’s a description of each ingredient for Salmon Onigiri:

1. Salmon: Salmon provides a delicious and nutritious protein-rich filling for the onigiri. It’s typically cooked and seasoned beforehand.
2. Salt, pepper: Needed for baking salmon filet.
3. Soy sauce: Adds a savory and umami flavor to the salmon, making it more flavorful.
4. Honey: Balances the salty soy sauce and adds a subtle touch of sweetness to the salmon.
5. Oil: Infuses the salmon with a rich nutty flavor and aroma, elevating the overall taste of the filling.
6. Nori seaweed sheets: A type of dried seaweed used to wrap the onigiri, giving them structure and providing a delightful umami taste.

Is onigiri healthy?

This salmon onigiri recipe can be considered healthy, especially when compared to many other snack and meal options. It includes nutritious ingredients like sushi rice, salmon, nori seaweed, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Let’s break down the health aspects of each ingredient:

1. Sushi rice: While white rice is a refined grain, sushi rice is usually seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, which adds flavor but also increases its calorie content. However, as part of a balanced diet and when consumed in moderation, sushi rice can provide energy and some essential nutrients.
2. Salmon: Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. It provides essential nutrients like vitamin D, B vitamins, and selenium.
3. Nori seaweed: Nori is a type of seaweed and is low in calories. It contains essential minerals like iodine, calcium, and iron, making it a good addition to the diet.
4. Soy sauce: While soy sauce adds flavor to the onigiri, it’s relatively high in sodium. Using it in moderation can be fine, but it’s essential to be mindful of overall sodium intake, especially if you have high blood pressure or other health concerns.
5. Honey: Honey is a natural sweetener and adds a touch of sweetness to the salmon filling. It’s a better alternative to refined sugar and can provide some antioxidants.
6. Sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a delightful nutty flavor to the filling. It’s a source of healthy fats and antioxidants.

This salmon onigiri recipe can be a wholesome and tasty choice, particularly when balanced with a variety of other nutritious foods in your diet.

How to make salmon onigiri?

First, rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain the rice and cook it in a rice cooker or saucepan with 2 cups of water, following the package instructions.

Cook the salmon. Arrange the salmon filet on the baking sheet lined with baking paper. Season with salt and pepper and bake in the preheated to 180°C (350°F) oven for 15 minutes.

Then take it out, let it cool and flake it with the fork.

While the rice is still warm, prepare the seasoning by mixing rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until the sugar and salt dissolve. Transfer the cooked rice to a large mixing bowl and gently drizzle the vinegar mixture over it. Fold the rice to ensure it’s evenly coated with the seasoning, and allow it to cool to room temperature.

In a separate bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Add the cooked flaked salmon to the mixture and stir until the salmon is thoroughly coated.

To assemble the onigiri, dampen your hands to prevent sticking. Take a handful of seasoned sushi rice and flatten it in your palm. Place a spoonful of the salmon mixture in the center of the rice, then gather the rice around the salmon, enclosing it completely. Shape the onigiri into a triangle or ball.

Finally, wrap each formed onigiri with a strip of nori seaweed to hold it together and create a convenient handle for eating. Serve the Salmon Onigiri immediately or pack them for a delicious and portable meal. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying Japanese treat!

If you like onigiri, check out this Spicy Tuna Onigiri recipe!