Spicy Salmon Rolls

These Spicy Salmon Rolls are so fun to make at home and if you're like me and my family and you are obsessed with sushi but it's breaking the bank, let me tell you - these will fix you right up. Sushi is so easy to make from the comfort of your own home and will save you lots of money.

These spicy salmon sushi rolls are very popular around Halloween, Christmas, and New Year's Eve. If you are hosting a party you must make these other popular finger-food recipes for Pull Apart Lobster Sliders and Brown Butter Rosemary Shrimp.

And if you love salmon recipes, make sure to check out my gochujang salmon bites (stove top and air fryer instructions!), my perfect slow roasted salmon, and salmon fried rice to use up any leftovers!

I am thrilled to be bringing you this recipe in partnership with Kvarøy Arctic. If you missed it, I created this Epic Bagel Brunch Board earlier this month and I'm still dreaming about it.

So, sushi. I love it. My husband loves it. Our teens love it. So when I set out to create some recipes for Kvarøy Arctic, I knew that a raw/sushi application was definitely happening with their beautiful salmon fillet.

Can I make Spicy Salmon Rolls at home?

Yes! You can! And you should! There are lots and lots of myths and fears surrounding sushi-grade fish and what it actually means. I'm not going to get into it too much here; I am by no means an authority or expert on the subject, but I am an avid researcher. So, I will urge you to do your own research. Find reputable sources, pretend like you're researching your college thesis. I found these articles to be extremely useful and informative: "What is Sushi-Grade Anyway" and "The Sushi-Grade Myth." One big, big misconception is that sushi-grade fish has never been frozen. Let me tell you, almost ALL of the fish and seafood we consume is flash frozen within moments of catch - if you are buying it non-frozen, it will almost always say "previously frozen." In fact, the FDA dictates that for raw consumption, fish should be "super frozen." Read more about all of it in the articles I've linked above.

The main takeaway for me is that if you are at all concerned about the safety of raw fish, stick with tuna or use farm-raised. Or of course you can cook it first, but if you are after raw sushi like I am, then you can feel confident using farmed salmon - and Kvarøy is a company I trust and will be using exclusively for our sushi-at-home nights. You can order their beautiful Salmon and Salmon products from Fulton Fish Market or pick some up at many Whole Foods locations to make these spicy salmon sushi rolls.

What should I put in my Sushi?

Well, whatever you love! My husband, teens, and I both love spicy anything rolls, so I decided to make spicy salmon rolls. I love the added crunch and contrast of cucumber in my rolls and will often ask for it to be added if we are dining out so I made sure to add some to our rolls. That's the fun of homemade sushi, too - it is totally customizable!

I got a little fancy for the holiday and New Year and added some black tobiko caviar. Isn't it glamorous?? And I love the little briny pops as I'm eating it. But you definitely don't have to add it.

And don't worry - nothing I'm using here is hard to find. All of the ingredients I used (even the tobiko!) I found at my local supermarket and I don't live in a major city. Of course if you had a hard time finding anything, online ordering is always an option.

Is it cheaper to make your own sushi?

Yes. Let me repeat: YES! As much as I would love to go to our beloved sushi bar every week, it is just not feasible for our large family and we have saved a TON making it at home.

Tips for making Spicy Salmon Sushi Rolls

• The rice is sticky! Our first couple rolls were not the prettiest and I felt a little discouraged. But push on! Have a bowl of water nearby and keep your fingertips wet as you are pushing the rice out onto the Nori.
• Don't over stuff them. You just want a thin line of fillings that you will wrap and roll the nori around. Likewise with the rice, just a thin layer.
• Sharpen your best, sharpest knife before beginning. A thin blade is helpful too. And wipe the knife down between slices so you get nice clean cuts and your nori doesn't tear.
• Another tip - make sure to plan ahead and thaw your fish in the refrigerator. It is actually a lot easier to slice and dice if it is still a tiny bit frozen. Just please handle it with care and do not leave it at room temp to thaw. Safety first with all raw proteins, please!

Check out these other seafood recipes:

That's it! Now go make some Spicy Salmon Rolls!

I wish you all a very Happy New Year full of hope, love, and so much good food! If you make this sushi or any of my recipes, let me know! I love seeing my recipes in your kitchens. xo - Anita

Spicy Salmon Sushi Rolls

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Missing sushi? Me too! Satisfy your cravings and make these spicy salmon rolls at home. Quick, easy, and so delicious!

• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 4 spicy salmon rolls

Ingredients

What you'll need:

• Bamboo Rolling Mat
• 4 or more sheets of Nori - usually about 9 come in a pack

SUSHI RICE SEASONING

• 1 cup rice vinegar
• 1 2 inch square kombu
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp kosher salt

SUSHI RICE

• 2 cups short grain rice
• 2 ¼ cups water

SPICY MAYO

• 1 cup kewpie mayo
• 2 tablespoons sriracha
• 2 teaspoon gochujang (optional but really good!)
• 1 green onion thinly sliced
• Salt to taste
• Couple drops sesame oil

SPICY SALMON FILLING 

• 3 tbsp Spicy mayo mix
• 8oz Kvarøy Arctic Salmon
• 2 teaspoons furikake seasoning
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• 1-2 cucumber sticks per roll

GARNISH

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Furikake
• Spicy mayo
• Tobiko (optional but so fun!))chili oil solids 1 green onion thinly sliced Salt to taste Couple drops sesame o

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Instructions

SUSHI RICE

1. Prepare rice by combining rice and water in sauce pan.
2. Bring to a full boil, then reduce to lowest simmer, cover and cook for 20 minutes.
3. After 20 minutes, turn off heat, crack lid, and allow to cool to room temperature.

SUSHI RICE SEASONING

1. While rice is cooking, prepare rice seasoning by combining ingredients in a sauce pan, bring to just below a boil, turn heat off and allow to sit and cool to room temp. Strain and discard kombu.
2. When rice is at warm room temp and rice seasoning has cooled, combine them. I like to use a fork so I don't mash up the rice too much. Just drizzle the seasoning around and fluff the rice with a fork as you go.

SPICY MAYO

1. Combine all spicy mayo ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine
2. Place in fridge if not using right away
3. If you want to be extra fancy, put some in a little squeeze bottle so you can feel like a real sushi chef!

SPICY SALMON FILLING

1. Remove skin from fillet and discard or save for another use if you prefer.
2. Slice the salmon into long strips and then slice those strips into small cubes. I prefer ¼ inch or so, but you can make them larger or smaller depending on your preference.
3. Place salmon in a mixing bowl, add remaining spicy salmon filling ingredients and stir to combine. Place in fridge if not using right away.

To assemble

1. Lay a sheet of nori on your bamboo mat with the dull side facing up. spread a thin layer of rice on the surface, making sure to keep your finger tips moist so the rice doesn't stick.
2. Next, place a small amount of filling in a thin strip from left to right on the side closest to you. Place a few strips of cucumber on top, sprinkle with sesame seeds or furikake seasoning and roll away from you, using the bamboo mat to help keep the roll nice and tight. 
3. Here is a helpful video: How to Roll Sushi
4. Once it is rolled, place on a cutting board and slice into rounds. The ends might be a little messy, but they are just as delicious. 
5. Place your pieces of sushi onto serving plate or board, drizzle with LOTS of spicy mayo, garnish with tobiko, green onions, sesame seeds, furikake, and ENJOY!

• Author: anita | wild thistle kitchen
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: sushi, dinner, seafood
• Method: sushi
• Cuisine: Japanese