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If you love sushi but sometimes find rolling those perfect little rolls with a bamboo mat a bit fiddly, you are going to adore sushi balls! These delightful little bites capture all the incredible flavors of classic sushi in a fun, easy-to-make spherical shape that’s perfect for snacking, sharing, or impressing guests with a unique presentation. Sushi balls combine the delicate tang of seasoned sushi rice with creamy cream cheese, smoky salmon, crunchy cucumber, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to create a dish that’s as charming as it is delicious. Whether you’re a sushi beginner or a seasoned fan, sushi balls are a brilliant way to enjoy all the flavors you crave without the hassle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of sushi balls lies in using simple, fresh ingredients that each bring their own magic to the table. Every element plays a crucial role — from the fluffy, tangy sushi rice providing the perfect base, to the smoky salmon adding depth, and the crisp cucumber delivering a refreshing crunch.
- Sushi Rice Cooked and Seasoned: A vital foundation, the sticky, vinegared rice holds everything together while delivering sushi’s signature flavor.
- Smoked Salmon Chopped: Adds a rich, smoky taste and tender texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese.
- Cucumber Deseeded and Finely Diced: Offers a light, refreshing crunch to balance the softer ingredients.
- Cream Cheese Cubed: Provides a luscious creaminess that melts in your mouth and contrasts wonderfully with the salmon.
- Sesame Seeds: A little sprinkle elevates both visual appeal and adds a subtle nutty flavor twist to the sushi balls.
How to Make Sushi balls
Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice
Start by making your sushi rice according to your favorite recipe, seasoning it well with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Once cooked, allow it to cool to room temperature — this will help your sushi balls hold their shape without turning mushy.
Step 2: Chop and Prepare the Fillings
While the rice cools, carefully chop the smoked salmon into small pieces. Deseed and finely dice the cucumber so it doesn’t add unwanted moisture or large chunks. Cut cream cheese into small cubes about 1cm each — these will nestle inside the rice balls for a creamy surprise.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Gently fold the diced salmon and cucumber into the cooled sushi rice, making sure they are evenly distributed. This step is key to ensuring each sushi ball has a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Step 4: Shape the Sushi Balls
Dampen your hands with water to prevent sticking, then take a spoonful of the rice mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a cube of cream cheese in the center, then cover it with another spoonful of rice. Carefully shape the mixture into a compact ball. Repeat until you’ve used all the mixture.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
Sprinkle the sushi balls lightly with sesame seeds for a beautiful finish and a little crunch. Pop them into the fridge to chill until you’re ready to serve. This chilling step also helps them hold their shape perfectly.
How to Serve Sushi balls
Garnishes
Sushi balls shine with simple garnishes that enhance their flavor. A side of pickled ginger refreshes the palate, a dab of wasabi adds heat for those who like it spicy, and a small dish of soy sauce invites delicious dipping. Fresh herbs like shiso or finely sliced spring onions can also add a vibrant fragrant touch.
Side Dishes
Pair sushi balls with light and fresh side dishes, such as seaweed salad, edamame pods sprinkled with salt, or crisp vegetable tempura. These complement the sushi balls’ melt-in-your-mouth texture and keep the meal light yet satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Have fun presenting your sushi balls on a bamboo platter or slate board garnished with edible flowers and greens. Try stacking sushi balls in a pyramid shape or arranging them with alternating colors of sesame seeds or furikake seasoning. Individual serving spoons or small bowls also make for elegant, portable bites at parties and gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Sushi balls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Keep them chilled to maintain the texture and prevent the cream cheese from softening too much. Avoid leaving them out at room temperature for extended periods to keep them safe and delicious.
Freezing
Due to the fresh and delicate nature of the cream cheese and cucumber, freezing sushi balls is not recommended as it can ruin the texture and flavor of the ingredients. For best results, make only what you plan to enjoy within a day.
Reheating
Since sushi balls are designed to be eaten cold or at room temperature, reheating is not necessary or advisable. If you prefer, simply take them out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to allow them to reach a pleasant temperature.
FAQs
Can I make sushi balls without cream cheese?
Absolutely! The cream cheese adds creaminess but you can substitute it with avocado cubes for a dairy-free option or even omit it altogether. Just be sure to keep the rice mixture moist enough to hold together well.
What type of rice should I use for sushi balls?
Sushi rice, a short-grain variety, is best for sushi balls because it’s sticky and holds its shape nicely. If you don’t have sushi rice on hand, short-grain rice is the next best alternative — avoid long-grain rice because it tends to be too fluffy and doesn’t stick together well.
Can I prepare sushi balls with cooked fillings?
Yes! You can experiment by using cooked ingredients like teriyaki chicken or shrimp. Just finely dice them so they mix evenly with the rice and complement the other textures.
How do I keep my hands from sticking to the rice?
Keep a small bowl of water nearby and dampen your hands every time you shape a sushi ball. This simple trick prevents the rice from sticking and makes the shaping process much smoother.
Are sushi balls kid-friendly?
Definitely! Sushi balls are fun finger food for kids and a great way to introduce them to sushi flavors without worrying about rolls unwrapping or falling apart. Just adjust the fillings to suit their tastes and avoid spicy condiments.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving sushi but want something quick, fuss-free, and absolutely delicious, sushi balls are your new best friend. They bring all the wonderful flavors and textures of sushi into easy-to-make bites that are perfect for any occasion. Go ahead and give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself making sushi balls again and again for your family and friends!
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PrintSushi balls
Sushi Balls offer all the flavors of traditional sushi in an easy-to-make, bite-sized form without the need for rolling mats. Made with seasoned sushi rice, smoked salmon, cucumber, and cream cheese, these flavorful balls are perfect as a snack or appetizer and are beautifully topped with sesame seeds for a delightful presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 15 balls 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: New Zealand
Ingredients
Sushi Rice
- 2 Cups Sushi Rice, cooked and seasoned (using rice vinegar, salt, and sugar)
Fillings
- 100 grams Smoked Salmon, chopped (about ½ cup)
- ½ cup Cucumber, deseeded and finely diced
- 100 grams Cream Cheese, cubed into 1cm pieces
Toppings
- Sesame Seeds, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the sushi rice: Cook and season your sushi rice using your favorite stove-top or Instant Pot sushi rice recipe. Allow it to cool completely before use.
- Prepare the fillings: Cube the cream cheese into 1cm pieces. Deseed the cucumber by slicing it in half and scraping out the seeds, then finely dice it. Dice the smoked salmon into small pieces.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently mix the cooled sushi rice with the diced cucumber and smoked salmon until the fillings are evenly distributed.
- Form the sushi balls: With damp hands, take a spoonful of the rice mixture, place a cube of cream cheese in the center, then top with another spoonful of rice. Shape gently into a compact ball with your hands.
- Add the finishing touch: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the sushi balls evenly for added texture and flavor.
- Chill and serve: Place the sushi balls in the refrigerator to chill until ready to serve. Enjoy them as a snack or appetizer, optionally served with pickled ginger, soy sauce, and wasabi.
Notes
- Fineness of fillings is crucial; finely diced ingredients make sushi balls easier to form.
- Keep your hands and utensils damp to prevent the sticky sushi rice from adhering during preparation.
- Serve with traditional accompaniments like pickled ginger, soy sauce, and wasabi for authentic flavor.
- If you don’t have sushi rice, short grain rice can be a suitable substitute.
- Feel free to experiment with other fillings such as avocado, diced capsicum, or grated carrot for variety.
- Sesame seeds are optional but add a lovely taste and visual appeal; alternatively, sprinkle furikake seasoning for extra flavor.