Salmon Sushi Cups

Name: Salmon Sushi Cups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds Salmon; 5 sheets Seaweed nori sheets ((7.5" X 8.5", 0.7 oz)); 1 large Avocado ((8.5 oz)); 2 cups Rice; 2 cups Water; 1 teaspoon Garlic powder; 1/8 teaspoon White pepper; 1/4 teaspoon Salt; 1 tablespoon Sesame oil; 1 teaspoon Dried parsley; 1/2 cup Mayo; 2 teaspoons Sriracha

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Delicious and tasty Asian fusion flavors and textures salmon sushi cups are great for meals, snacks or party gatherings besides California rolls. These bite sized sushi cups elevate it to a whole new level of culinary artistry from traditional sushi. The tender pieces of salmon marinated in a savory blend, nestled within a crispy cup of nori with rice and topped with soft and creamy avocado. Then, drizzle with spicy mayo sauce, each bite is a symphony taste of rich, buttery, creamy and with a spicy kick. Also, salmon sushi cups can be baked or raw. This salmon sushi cup recipe shows you how to make a baked salmon sushi cup that goes well with miso soup. Let’s learn how to make baked salmon sushi cups with step by step photos and a video for your meals or feasts!

Love seafood? Check out these salt pepper squid, tom yum kung, crab stir fry, lobster yee mein, steamed fish, cashew shrimp, spicy lemon shrimp, baked whole salmon and chili garlic shrimp recipes.

What are salmon sushi cups?

Salmon sushi cups are a modern and creative twist of traditional sushi rolls or nigiri. These sushi cups are served in small edible cups made from ingredients like seaweed. Then, they are typically filled with rice and a mixture of diced chopped raw salmon. Some like to bake them because they cannot eat raw fish. However, some like to eat raw salmon like nigiri. After that, top with ingredients like avocado, scallions, sesame seeds, furikake (Japanese rice seasoning) and a flavorful sauce mayo and sriracha.

The idea of salmon sushi cups is to create a visually appealing and convenient way to enjoy the flavors of sushi without the traditional sushi rolling techniques. Also, they often serve as appetizers, party snacks and meals. You can customize it to suit individual preferences. If you prefer to enjoy the raw salmon without baking. The freshness and quality of the raw salmon are crucial to the dish. It is important to use sushi grade salmon when preparing these sushi cups.

Salmon sushi cups have a delightful combination of textures and flavors, the creaminess of avocado and the richness of salmon complemented by spicy mayo sauce. The baked salmon sushi cups are a great option for those who may not be comfortable with raw fish on traditional sushi but still want to enjoy the taste of sushi fusion and in a unique presentation.

Baked salmon sushi cups:

Salmon sushi cups can be eaten raw like nigiri or baked. It all depends on your own preferences. Some cannot eat raw fish or are afraid of getting sick. Therefore, baked salmon sushi cups are a great option especially good for kids as well. Besides, if you bake them, you do not need to worry about getting sushi grade salmon. In this salmon sushi cup recipe, I am going to share how to make baked salmon sushi cups. Our kids love this baked salmon sushi cup version because they do not like raw fish.

What is the taste or flavor like for the baked salmon sushi cups?

Baked salmon sushi cups have a delightful combination of flavors and textures that can vary depending on the ingredients and the seasonings used. In general, the baked salmon sushi cups have a rich and buttery flavor. The seasoning like sesame oil, salt and garlic powder adds depth and savory taste.

Also, the texture is creamy because of avocado and mayo sauce. You can experience a creamy and smooth texture that complements the salmon's richness. Besides, the seaweed has a chewy texture.

What kind of salmon can you eat raw?

If you decide to eat salmon raw, please get the fresh and sushi grade salmon at a specialized seafood store. Not many places in the state have sushi grade seafood places. You may need to do some research around your area. I do not recommend using supermarket or Costco salmon if you plan on eating it raw because they are not sushi grade salmon. (Disclaimer: consuming raw fish is your own risk.)

Can I use supermarket salmon?

Yes, if you plan on baking salmon sushi cups, supermarket salmon is ok and convenient. But, if you are planning on eating it raw, I recommend using sushi grade salmon from a specialized seafood store. (Disclaimer: consuming raw fish is your own risk.)

raw or uncooked salmon filet on the plate

Tools need for preparing baked salmon sushi cups:

In order to make these baked salmon sushi cups, you need a muffin tin tray, an oven, a rice cooker or instant pot pressure cooker.

Can I use leftover rice for salmon sushi cups?

Yes, you can use leftover rice and warm them up in the microwave with a wet paper towel for 1-2 minutes.

What kind of rice do you use for salmon sushi cups?

In this baked salmon sushi cup recipe, you can use Japanese sushi rice or Jasmine rice. Since this is not like traditional sushi, using Jasmine rice is ok and fine. If you make sushi rolls, it’s better to use Japanese rice like the California rolls. I used Jasmine rice in this recipe.

What are the ingredients for salmon sushi cups?

In this salmon sushi cup recipe, the ingredients are rice, water, salmon, seaweed, sesame oil, salt, white pepper, garlic powder, dried parsley, avocado, mayo and sriracha.

What kind of seaweed do you use for this recipe?

Use regular Japanese sushi seaweed, nori. It’s not the Korean seasoned seaweed because it will break easily. I get mine sometimes at regular grocery stores like Walmart international section. But, you can buy it at Asian stores.

seaweed nori sheets in the package top view

Substitute toppings or sauces:

You can use other toppings like cucumber and scallions (green onions) instead of avocado. Also, you can use furikake (Japanese rice seasoning).

What is spicy mayo sauce?

Spicy mayo is an American Asian fusion condiment that is commonly served with sushi, sushi rolls, sandwiches, burgers, fries, and various other dishes in the states. It combines mayonnaise with spicy ingredients like sriracha to create a creamy and spicy sauce. It is often used as a dipping sauce or drizzled on various dishes to add flavor and heat. Also, you can adjust the amount of hot sauce to your spicy level.

spicy mayo sauce in the container top view

Cooking tips for how to make salmon sushi cups:

If you are planning to make raw salmon sushi cups, please use sushi grade salmon from a specialized seafood store. (Disclaimer: consuming raw fish is your own risk.)
It is ok to use supermarket salmon like Costco one if you are planning to make baked salmon sushi cups.
Some supermarket salmon filet has skin on. Therefore, you need to remove the skin. But, Costco salmon filets do not have skin on. If you don’t want to remove the skin, buy salmon filet at Costco.
Dice the salmon filet and marinate it with garlic powder, white pepper, salt, sesame oil and dried parsley for at least 15 minutes before cooking.
You can use fresh cooked rice or leftover rice.
Cut 5 nori seaweed sheets into small squares. Each sheet is cut into 4 small squares. I did 5 nori sheets, this can make around 20 cups.
For the spicy mayo sauce, you can add more sriracha or less according to your spicy level.
Bake the salmon sushi cups at 400F for 13-15 minutes. Then, top with diced avocado and drizzle with spicy mayo or furikake (Japanese rice seasoning).

FAQs:

How should I heat up a baked salmon sushi cup?

You can microwave it for 15 seconds or put it into an air fryer or toaster oven for 2-3 minutes at 400F.

How do you store leftover baked salmon sushi cups?

Cover them with a plastic wrap and put them in the refrigerator. It can last for a few days.

Instructions for how to make baked salmon sushi cups:

Preparing & cooking rice:

1. Put 2 cups of rice into the container. Then, pour 6 cups of water and wash the rice.

2. Drain the rice. Repeat steps 1-2 for 3 times.

3. After that, put the washed rice from step 2 into the instant pot.

water and washed rice in the instant pot top view

4. Next, pour 2 cups of water into the instant pot and level off the rice. Cover the lid and close the vent, adjust time 6 minutes at high pressure and natural release pressure.

Cut & marinate salmon:

5. If your salmon filet has skin, peel it off. Wash it and dry with a paper towel.

6. Then, dice 1.5 pounds of salmon filet.

7. After, put the diced salmon from step 6 into the container and add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ⅛ teaspoon of white pepper, ¼ teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.

seasoned and marinated salmon for salmon sushi cups

8. Mix the ingredient well and let it marinate for 15 minutes before cooking.

seaweeds nori sheets cut into small square

Cut nori:

9. Meanwhile, cut 5 nori seaweed sheets into small squares. Each nori sheet is cut into 4 small squares.

Cut avocado:

10. Wash and cut a fresh large ripe avocado (8.5 oz) into half, then dice it.

mayo and sriracha in the container top view

Spicy mayo sauce:

11. Next, put ½ cup of mayo into a container and 2 teaspoons of sriracha. Mix it well. (You can add more sriracha if you like spicy.)

spicy mayo in the ziplock bag with a small cut hole at the corner

12. Put the spicy mayo into a ziplock bag and cut a small hole at the corner.

Combine:

13. When the rice is done, scoop 2 cups of cooked rice out. (You can use more rice.)

cut nori seaweed sheets on muffin tin tray

14. Place the small square nori seaweed from step 9 on the muffin tin tray.

rice on seaweed nori in the muffin tin tray

15. Then, put 2 tablespoons of cooked rice on the seaweed and put it down into the muffin tin tray.

marinated salmon on rice with seaweed in the muffin tin tray (salmon sushi cups unbaked)

16. Put 2 tablespoons of marinated salmon or 3-4 pieces of diced salmon on the rice.

baked salmon sushi cups in muffin tin tray

Baking:

17. Preheat the oven to 400F, bake them at 400F for 13-15 minutes. (If you like eating it raw, remember to use sushi grade salmon and you can skip the baking part. Disclaimer: consuming raw fish is your own risk.)

putting diced avocado on top of baked salmon sushi cup

Topping and sauce:

18. After baking, take it out, add 2-3 diced avocado from step 10.

piping spicy mayo on top of baked salmon sushi cup

19. Lastly, piping or drizzling some spicy mayo from step 12 on the top.

baked salmon sushi cups with spicy mayo top view

Enjoy this simple and delicious baked salmon sushi cup recipe! Also, check out these Thai chicken satay, tonkatsu, Hawaiian spam musubi, honeydew popsicle, massaman curry and grass jelly drink recipes.