Salmon Rice Balls 7 Tips for Authentic Japanese Delight

If you’re looking for a snack that’s filling, portable, and packed with flavor, look no further than salmon rice balls. These savory bites, also known as onigiri in Japanese cuisine, are a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy leftover salmon and warm, seasoned rice.

Whether you’re packing a lunchbox, prepping a week’s worth of healthy snacks, or exploring new ways to use salmon in your meals, salmon rice balls are a go to option. They require minimal ingredients, can be made in advance, and are highly customizable.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make salmon rice balls from scratch using pantry staples, plus get Chef Lucas Benette’s shaping technique that keeps every ball neat, tasty, and mess free. Let’s start with what makes this dish so special.

What Are Salmon Rice Balls?

Salmon rice balls or salmon onigiri are a popular Japanese snack made by shaping cooked rice around a filling of flaked, seasoned salmon. They’re often wrapped in a strip of nori (dried seaweed) to help hold their shape and add an extra layer of flavor.

These rice balls can be:

• Triangular, round, or oval
• Served cold or room temperature
• Made with white rice or short grain brown rice
• Stuffed with variations like spicy mayo salmon, teriyaki salmon, or avocado

Perfect for bento boxes, road trips, meal prepping, or picnics, salmon rice balls are nutritious, protein rich, and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients for Salmon Rice Balls

You only need a few simple ingredients to make salmon rice balls at home. Most of these are pantry staples, and you can adjust the seasonings or fillings based on what you have on hand.

For the Rice Balls:

• 2 cups cooked short grain white rice (or sushi rice), slightly cooled
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp rice vinegar (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional for rolling or topping)
• 1 sheet nori (seaweed), cut into strips (for wrapping)

For the Salmon Filling:

• 1 fillet cooked salmon, flaked (grilled, baked, or canned all work)
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• ½ tsp sesame oil
• Pinch of black pepper
• Optional: 1 tsp Japanese mayo or sriracha for a spicy variation

Chef Lucas Benette’s Rice Ball Shaping Secret

Making salmon rice balls is simple but making them neat, compact, and consistent takes a little finesse. Chef Lucas Benette shares his go to method for mess free shaping and sealing:

1. Use Slightly Warm Rice

Lucas says: “Rice should be warm but not hot cool enough to handle but still sticky. Cold rice won’t hold its shape.”

2. Use Plastic Wrap or Wet Hands

Line a small bowl with plastic wrap and spoon in about ⅓ cup of rice. Press gently into a well shape.

3. Add the Filling

Place a spoonful of the flaked salmon mix in the center of the rice. Then gather the edges of the rice up and around the filling.

4. Shape & Seal

Twist the plastic wrap around the rice and shape it into a ball or triangle, pressing firmly but gently. Remove the wrap and let it rest for a minute to hold shape.

Optional: Wrap with a strip of nori and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

How to Make Salmon Rice Balls (Step by Step)

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready and Chef Lucas Benette’s shaping tips in mind, here’s how to assemble your salmon rice balls from start to finish.

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Filling

1. Flake the cooked salmon into a bowl.
2. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper.
3. Mix well. For spicy versions, stir in Japanese mayo or a little sriracha.

Step 2: Season the Rice

1. In a separate bowl, mix warm cooked rice with salt and a splash of rice vinegar (optional).
2. Stir in toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Step 3: Shape the Rice Ball

1. Place a square of plastic wrap in a small bowl or your hand.
2. Spoon about ⅓ cup of seasoned rice onto the center.
3. Make a small indent and add 1–2 teaspoons of the salmon filling.
4. Bring the rice up around the filling and gently press into a ball or triangle.

Step 4: Wrap and Finish

1. Twist the plastic wrap around the rice ball and tighten to seal the shape.
2. Remove the wrap and press a strip of nori around the bottom or center.
3. Garnish with extra sesame seeds or a light brush of soy sauce if desired.

Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to 24 hours for the best texture.

Nutrition Info and Filling Variations

Want to mix it up? Here are some tasty variations and their estimated nutrition per rice ball (based on ⅓ cup rice + filling):

Option	Calories	Protein	Add In
Classic Salmon	180 kcal	9g	Flaked grilled salmon
Spicy Mayo Salmon	210 kcal	9g	Salmon + spicy mayo
Teriyaki Salmon	220 kcal	10g	Soy glazed salmon
Avocado Salmon	200 kcal	8g	Salmon + avocado slices

Tip: Use short grain brown rice for added fiber or quinoa rice blend for a nutritious twist.

FAQs About Salmon Rice Balls

1. How do you get rice balls to stick together?

The key is to use short grain or sushi rice, which has a higher starch content and natural stickiness. Be sure to shape the rice while it’s still warm, and press gently but firmly. Using wet hands or plastic wrap helps form the shape without sticking, while keeping the rice compact.

2. What to put in salmon onigiri?

Salmon onigiri can be filled with a variety of salmon based options, including:

• Grilled or baked salmon, flaked and seasoned
• Canned salmon mixed with mayo or soy sauce
• Spicy salmon with sriracha and Japanese mayo
• Teriyaki glazed salmon
  You can also add extras like avocado, scallions, or furikake seasoning to boost flavor and texture.

3. Is salmon onigiri healthy?

Yes, salmon onigiri can be a healthy, balanced snack or light meal. It provides lean protein from the salmon, complex carbs from rice, and healthy fats especially if you use salmon rich in omega 3s. For lower sodium, go light on sauces or use low sodium soy sauce.

4. What is raw salmon and rice called?

Raw salmon and rice together is typically called salmon sushi or salmon nigiri in Japanese cuisine. It’s different from salmon onigiri, which uses cooked salmon inside seasoned rice and is shaped by hand. Nigiri features raw fish over pressed rice, often served with wasabi and soy sauce.

Final Thoughts on This Simple Yet Satisfying Snack

Salmon rice balls are a delicious, versatile snack that blends flavor, nutrition, and convenience in one tidy bite. Whether you’re using leftover salmon or meal prepping for the week, they’re an easy way to enjoy protein packed goodness.

Thanks to Chef Lucas Benette’s shaping method, your rice balls will stay compact, neat, and bursting with flavor inside. Pair them with miso soup, pickled veggies, or enjoy them solo for a light, satisfying meal.