Elegant Homemade Salmon Nigiri Sushi
The Ultimate Guide to Making Salmon Nigiri Sushi at Home: From Sushi Vinegar to Rice Preparation
This weekend, I decided to treat myself to a special homemade meal: fresh and delicious salmon nigiri sushi. After a tiring week of treatments, indulging in my favorite salmon sushi felt like the perfect way to recharge. This recipe is designed to be simple and achievable at home, allowing you to enjoy a delightful sushi experience without needing to visit a restaurant. Let’s get started and create this wonderful dish together!
Salmon Nigiri Ingredients- 200g fresh salmon fillet
- 1/2 medium onion
- A small bunch of fresh microgreens (like daikon sprouts)
- Wasabi paste, to taste
Sushi Rice Preparation- 1 sheet of kombu (kelp) (approx. 5x5cm)
- 2 tablespoons sake (Japanese rice wine)
Sushi Vinegar (Sushi-zu)- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 0.3 tablespoons salt (approx. 1/4 teaspoon)
Salmon Sushi Sauce (Optional)- 1 tablespoon finely minced onion
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 0.3 tablespoons oligo syrup or allulose (approx. 1/4 teaspoon)
- 0.5 tablespoons lemon juice (approx. 1/2 teaspoon)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 sheet of kombu (kelp) (approx. 5x5cm)
- 2 tablespoons sake (Japanese rice wine)
Sushi Vinegar (Sushi-zu)- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 0.3 tablespoons salt (approx. 1/4 teaspoon)
Salmon Sushi Sauce (Optional)- 1 tablespoon finely minced onion
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 0.3 tablespoons oligo syrup or allulose (approx. 1/4 teaspoon)
- 0.5 tablespoons lemon juice (approx. 1/2 teaspoon)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon finely minced onion
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 0.3 tablespoons oligo syrup or allulose (approx. 1/4 teaspoon)
- 0.5 tablespoons lemon juice (approx. 1/2 teaspoon)
- 1 pinch of salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Salmon, often hailed as a ‘superfood’, is a popular choice for raw consumption, grilling, and salads due to its rich flavor and texture. Its high fat content provides a delectable richness, which is why it can also be enjoyed smoked or simply grilled. The distinct savory taste and umami are truly exceptional. While accompaniments like pickled ginger (gari), onions, or capers are often used to cut through any potential fishiness, a dollop of horseradish sauce also pairs wonderfully. Salmon is packed with vitamins A and E, abundant minerals, and is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Unlike other fats, omega-3s are essential fatty acids that our bodies cannot produce, making salmon a crucial dietary source.
Step 2
The foundation of delicious salmon nigiri starts with perfectly cooked sushi rice. Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. Then, add slightly less water than you normally would for cooking rice. Place a sheet of kombu and 2 tablespoons of sake into the rice cooker. The sake not only adds a lovely sheen to the rice grains but also enhances its savory and delightful flavor profile. Cook the rice until done.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare our other ingredients. Slice the fresh salmon into bite-sized pieces suitable for nigiri. Thinly slice the onion and soak it in cold water to remove its pungent flavor. Wash the microgreens and gently pat them dry with a paper towel. Have your pre-made sushi vinegar and the rice (cooked with kombu and sake) ready.
Step 4
Thinly and evenly slice half of the onion. Aim for very fine slices, as these will be placed on top of the sushi.
Step 5
Soak the thinly sliced onion in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow its sharpness. Afterward, drain it thoroughly in a sieve. (Optional: Prepare the Special Onion Sauce) For a creamy sauce, combine 1 tablespoon of minced onion, 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, 0.3 tablespoons of oligo syrup (or allulose), 0.5 tablespoons of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until smooth. However, if you prefer a cleaner taste, dipping the sushi in soy sauce mixed with wasabi is a great option. Adding the sauce will provide a richer flavor profile.
Step 6
Let’s make the essential sushi vinegar (sushi-zu)! Combine 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 0.3 tablespoons of salt in a small bowl. Stir well until the sugar and salt dissolve. To speed up the process, you can heat the mixture in the microwave for about 30 seconds. If you don’t have a microwave, you can also stir vigorously over low heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
Step 7
Transfer the freshly cooked, hot rice into a wide bowl. Gently spread it out to allow some of the steam to escape. Once the rice has cooled slightly but is still warm, gradually pour the prepared sushi vinegar over it. Using a rice paddle, gently ‘cut’ and fold the vinegar into the rice. Be careful not to mash the rice grains; the goal is to evenly distribute the vinegar while keeping the rice fluffy.
Step 8
Form the sushi rice into bite-sized portions. Shape them into oval or rectangular mounds that are easy to eat in one bite. Try to make them uniform in size for a professional presentation.
Step 9
Take a small dab of fresh wasabi and place it on top of each shaped sushi rice mound. Then, carefully place a slice of fresh salmon fillet over the wasabi. If you prepared the onion sauce, you can add a small dollop on top of the salmon, or garnish with fresh capers for an extra touch.
Step 10
Arrange the finished salmon nigiri sushi attractively on a serving plate. Garnish with the thinly sliced onion and fresh microgreens for a beautiful and appetizing presentation. Your homemade salmon nigiri sushi is now ready to be enjoyed!
Step 11
Making salmon nigiri at home is easier than you think! By cooking the rice perfectly and seasoning it with the sushi vinegar, you can create a delicious base for your sushi. Mastering the rice is key, so follow these steps carefully for a great foundation.
Step 12
Even without a sauce, the fresh onion and microgreens add a refreshing element that balances the richness of the salmon. Adding a touch of wasabi provides a pleasant zing that cuts through any potential fattiness, making each bite more enjoyable. (Tip: For an interesting textural contrast and a sweet-sour kick, consider serving your salmon nigiri with pickled plums (umeboshi). The chewy texture and bright flavor complement the salmon beautifully.)
Step 13
While delicious on its own, feel free to add your favorite sauce if desired. If serving to children who may not like wasabi, simply omit it from their portions. Enjoy the delightful combination of rich salmon, perfectly seasoned sushi rice, and the crisp freshness of the toppings. Create a special moment with your homemade salmon nigiri sushi!
