Salmon Rice Balls

Name: Salmon Rice Balls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 200g smoked salmon, finely chopped; 2 cups cooked short-grain rice, slightly cooled; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon mirin; 1 teaspoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds; 2 green onions, finely diced; 1 sheet nori, cut into thin strips (optional); 1 tablespoon water or dashi broth; 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Posted on May 3, 2026

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This Salmon Rice Balls recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is baked to perfection for a deliciously satisfying weeknight dinner that your family will love! You can even involve the kids in the rolling process trust me, it’s really fun and they’ll love it!

Ingredient Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful Salmon Rice Balls:

200g smoked salmon, finely chopped
2 cups cooked short-grain rice, slightly cooled
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon mirin
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
2 green onions, finely diced
1 sheet nori, cut into thin strips (optional)
1 tablespoon water or dashi broth
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Let’s Get Cooking!

Here’s How It’s Done

Preheat Your Oven : First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the Glaze : In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Allow it to simmer for about 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and becomes fragrant. Set aside!
Mix It All Together : In a large mixing bowl, mix the slightly warm rice, a splash of the glaze (about 2 tablespoons), toasted sesame seeds, diced green onions, chopped salmon, and either water or dashi broth. Stir until evenly coated and deliciously combined.
Shape the Rice Balls : Here comes the fun part: wet your hands and form the mixture into 1½-inch balls. You can roll them in some extra toasted sesame seeds or a nori-sesame blend if you’re feeling fancy.
Bake Them Up : Arrange the balls on the lined baking sheet and bake for about 8-10 minutes until they’re golden brown and lightly crispy on the outside. Your kitchen will start smelling divine at this point!
Drizzle and Cool : After baking, drizzle with the remaining glaze (because why not?) and let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with soy sauce or wasabi for dipping, and voila!

If you loved this Salmon Rice Balls recipe, be sure to check out my Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, my Lemon Garlic Salmon, or my Rice Paper Dumplings!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

Say goodbye to long hours in the kitchen. This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something filling and delicious, but without all the fuss.

Minimal Cleanup Required

Since you’re mixing, shaping, and baking all in one go, you’ll have minimal cleanup afterward! Just one bowl, a baking sheet, and maybe a spoon to wash!

Customizable

The beauty of these Salmon Rice Balls is their flexibility! You can literally customize them with what you have. Leftover cooked chicken? Veggies from last week? Throw it all in! You can even switch up the grains, quinoa, brown rice, whatever strikes your fancy!

Loaded with Tons of Flavor

Between the savory salmon, the umami-rich soy sauce, and the crunchy sesame seeds, these tiny bites are loaded with flavor! Dip them in soy sauce or your favorite condiment, and you’re in for a real treat!

Good for Meal Prep

These little rice balls are perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch over the weekend, and you’ll have lunch or an easy snack ready to go! They store well in the fridge, so you can grab and go all week long.

Serving & Storage Tips

How to Serve This Salmon Rice Balls

These delightful bites can be served as a snack, an appetizer, or even a main dish alongside a salad or some steamed veggies. Oh! And don’t forget a small bowl of soy sauce or a spicy dipping sauce for an extra kick!

Storage

Store your leftover Salmon Rice Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can eat them cold, but if you prefer them warm, just pop them in the oven for a few minutes to revive that crispy goodness!

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, simply bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but beware of the risk of sogginess, yikes!

Freezer-Friendly? Yes!

Want to make these ahead of time? You totally could! Form the rice balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid. Then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

Final Thoughts

Make this recipe yours! Salmon Rice Balls are so versatile and perfect for any night of the week. I can assure you, once you make these, they’ll become a staple in your meal rotation. Just remember: the whole family will love them, and the best part is, they’re super fun to make together!

So, gather those ingredients and let’s get cooking! Happy eating! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.