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Baked salmon sushi tacos
Each serving provides (based on 6 servings) 752 kcal, 30.3g protein, 35.9g carbohydrate (of which 8.4g sugars), 52.6g fat (of which 13.2g saturates), 4.4g fibre and 4.73g salt.
Ingredients
For the rice
- 450g/1lb freshly cooked sushi rice (about 150–175g/5½–6oz uncooked weight)
- 150ml/5fl oz sushi seasoning liquid (also known as seasoned rice vinegar)
For the salmon
- 4 x 120g/4¼oz salmon fillets, skin removed
- 200g/7oz crabsticks, shredded
- 4 spring onions, trimmed and thinly sliced
- 175g/6oz cream cheese
- 2 tbsp Japanese mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sriracha
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp MSG
- pinch salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
For the topping
- 3 tbsp sriracha
- handful fresh coriander, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp Japanese mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sesame seeds
- handful fresh chives, thinly sliced
To serve
Method
Put the cooked rice in a large shallow ovenproof dish (you don’t need to be precise about the size of the dish, but it should be big enough to take the rice in a layer about 2.5cm/1in deep – Justin uses a 22cm/10in round pie dish).
Pour the sushi seasoning over the rice. Gently mix in the sushi seasoning, without breaking the rice grains, for 2–4 minutes. Mix until all of the grains have been coated and the seasoning has soaked in. Gently spread out the rice to cover the entire base of the dish, but do not pack too tightly.
To make the salmon, preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6.
Put the salmon on a baking tray and bake for 12 minutes. Once cooked, transfer to a plate, leave to cool slightly then use your fingers to shred the fish into large flakes.
Put all the remaining ingredients for the salmon in a large bowl and mix thoroughly to combine. Add the flaked salmon and gently fold through the mixture, being careful not to break up the flakes. Spoon the mixture over the rice to cover it completely.
Bake on the middle shelf of the oven for 10 minutes.
Preheat the grill to high. Remove the salmon and rice from the oven and grill for a further 2–3 minutes, or until golden brown and starting to char on top. Leave to rest for 5–10 minutes, or until slightly cooled. (Alternatively use a chef’s blow torch or leave in the oven for a few more minutes.)
Once cooled, add the topping. Drizzle the salmon mixture with the sriracha from edge to edge, in a zigzag. Sprinkle the coriander on top and drizzle over the mayonnaise in a zigzag. Finally, sprinkle with the sesame seeds and chives.
To serve, put the oven dish in the middle of the table, surrounded by the nori squares, avocado, cucumber, soy sauce and wasabi in small bowls.
To eat, grab a nori square and add a spoonful of rice and salmon followed by some avocado and cucumber. Fold it over like a taco and dip it into the soy and wasabi, as you would with sushi.
A Brief History of Japanese Food and Its Cultural Meaning
Japanese food, known as Washoku, has a history stretching back thousands of years. Its traditions have been influenced by geography, religion, seasonal changes and contact with other countries. Rice became a staple food, while fish, vegetables, seafood and fermented ingredients formed the foundations of traditional Japanese cooking.
During the Nara and Heian periods, Chinese influences introduced new ingredients and cooking techniques. Later, Buddhist traditions encouraged vegetarian cooking, while the Edo period saw sushi, tempura and soba noodles become popular. Today, Japanese cuisine combines traditional dishes with modern international influences.
Food has a special meaning in Japanese culture, representing respect, harmony, gratitude and appreciation for nature. Seasonal ingredients are particularly important, with meals often reflecting the time of year. Before eating, Japanese people traditionally say Itadakimasu, expressing gratitude to everyone involved in preparing and providing the food.
There are several important etiquette rules to follow when eating in Japan. Chopsticks should be held correctly, and food should not be passed directly between people’s chopsticks. Never stick chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice, as this resembles a funeral ritual.
It is polite to finish your meal, avoid wasting food and say Gochisousama deshita afterwards. Slurping noodles is generally acceptable and can show enjoyment. However, talking loudly, playing with chopsticks or pointing them at others should be avoided.
Understanding Japanese food etiquette helps visitors appreciate the country’s traditions, values and hospitality.
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