The Ultimate Salmon Mayo Onigiri Recipe: Easy & Delicious

Master this classic salmon mayo onigiri recipe with our step-by-step guide. Perfect for quick lunches, snacks, or a taste of Japan at home! Salmon Mayo Onigiri Recipe.

ONIGIRI GUIDE

My Onigiri

4/25/20242 min read

Salmon Mayo Onigiri Recipe
Salmon Mayo Onigiri Recipe

Master the Art of Salmon Mayo Onigiri

Salmon mayo onigiri is a classic Japanese comfort food that's both satisfying and incredibly easy to make. The combination of creamy mayonnaise, savory salmon, and fluffy seasoned rice wrapped in a crispy nori sheet is a flavor explosion that you'll crave again and again. Let's dive into how you can make this onigiri favorite at home!

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make delicious salmon mayo onigiri:

  • Cooked Sushi Rice: Approximately 2-3 cups of short-grain sushi rice, cooked and cooled slightly.

  • Salmon: Canned salmon (drained) or leftover cooked salmon, flaked. Aim for ½ - ¾ cup.

  • Kewpie Mayonnaise: About 2-3 tablespoons of this Japanese mayonnaise for its richer flavor.

  • Seasonings:

    • Salt to taste

    • Optional: Sriracha for a touch of spice

    • Optional: Furikake (Japanese rice seasoning)

  • Nori Sheets: Pre-cut dried seaweed sheets for wrapping.

  • Onigiri Kit (Optional): A mold helps achieve the traditional shape, but is not essential.
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Buy Nori Sheets for Onigiri

Instructions

  1. Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine the flaked salmon, Kewpie mayonnaise, and any desired seasoning. Mix well.

  2. Shape your onigiri:

    • With a mold: Wet the mold, add a layer of rice, indent the center for your filling, add more rice, and press to form. Gently release the onigiri.

    • Without a mold: Wet your hands, take a palmful of rice, make a well for your filling, add more rice on top, then shape into a triangle or ball.
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  3. Wrap in nori: Cut the nori sheets in half. Wrap a strip of nori around the base of each onigiri to keep the ingredients together.


Tips for the Perfect Salmon Mayo Onigiri

  • Use quality ingredients: Fresh salmon and Kewpie mayonnaise will elevate the flavor.

  • Don't overcook the rice: Sushi rice should be slightly sticky but not mushy.

  • Fill generously: Be sure there's enough of the delicious filling in each bite!

  • Enjoy them fresh: Onigiri are best eaten the same day they are made.


Flavor Variations

  • Spicy kick: Add a touch of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the salmon mayo mixture.

  • Herby twist: Mix in finely chopped chives or green onions for added freshness.

  • Creamy avocado: Add small cubes of avocado to the filling for extra richness.


Salmon Mayo Onigiri: Endless Possibilities

The simplicity of salmon mayo onigiri makes it a fantastic base for culinary creativity. Explore different flavors, personalize your fillings, and make this Japanese snack your own. Remember, the fun is in both the process and the delicious outcome!

Learn more about our Onigiri of the Week!