Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a burst of savory sweetness while hiking along Pacific Northwest ocean beaches? Forget the on-trail snacks of granola bars and trail mixes! Instead, let’s infuse a bit of culinary adventure into our outdoor pursuits with an exhilarating Spicy Salmon Sushi Taco that pairs the velvety richness of fresh salmon with the crisp, refreshing sweetness of Asian pear!
Why salmon sushi for a beachside appetizer, you ask? This PNW seafood is packed with high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and the kind of zest that awakens the senses and keeps you going. Plus, it’s surprisingly portable when tucked neatly into nori sheets. It’s the kind of snack that says, “You’ve got this, and you’re going to enjoy every step of the way.”
Ingredients for Spicy Salmon Sushi Taco with Asian Pear
- Sushi-grade salmon
- Soy Sauce
- Rice Vinegar
- Chili Oil
- Sesame oil
- Ginger root
- Sugar
- Scallions
- Avocado
- Nori sheets
- Corn Starch
- Baking Powder
- Flour
- Egg
- Salt and Pepper
- Asian pear
- Sushi rice (prepared and cooled)
- Kewpie mayonnaise
- Apple Juice
- Tobiko (for that dramatic flair!)
The secret ingredient that elevates this recipe from delicious to downright irresistible is undeniably the Asian pear. Its sweetness cuts through the spice like a refreshing breeze on a sultry day. It’s got that crunchy juiciness that offers a moment of respite from the intense flavors at play.
Why Hiking and Sushi Tacos Go Hand-in-Hand
Convenience: These sensational spicy salmon sushi tacos are super convenient once put together! Pack them in a container, and they’re trail-ready.
Health Benefits: This Asian-inspired delight is not only about those bold flavors but also about offering a good mix of carbs, proteins, and healthy fats, keeping your energy levels steady as you hike.
Variety is the Spice of Life: Who said hiking snacks had to be boring? Every bite comes with a new textural symphony—smooth salmon, crunchy pear, creamy avocado — it’s like a dance party for your taste buds under the open sky!
When it comes to making the salmon filling, my go-to salmon is the Chinook Salmon. Its high-fat content and rich flavor make it absolutely delicious. Plus, its firm texture holds up well in raw preparations.
However, the best choice for this salmon sushi taco is the one that’s fresh, sustainably sourced, and suits your personal taste preferences. If you’re unsure which one to choose, don’t hesitate to ask your fishmonger for recommendations based on what’s available.
FAQs
- How do you make sushi rice?
Making sushi rice, also known as shari or sumeshi, is a crucial step in preparing this recipe. Start with rinsing 2 cups of Japanese short-grain rice. Add rice to 2 1/2 cups water and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let steam for 20-25 minutes. While rice is cooking, dissolve 1/4 cup sugar in a 1/2 cup rice vinegar. When rice is cooked and still warm, incorporate the vinegar mixture. Let rice cool completely before using.
- What is Kewpie mayo? Can I substitute regular mayo?
Kewpie mayo is a type of mayonnaise that originated in Japan. It is known for its rich, creamy texture and slightly sweet and tangy flavor. Kewpie mayo is made with egg yolks rather than whole eggs, contributing to its distinct taste and texture. Yes, you can use regular mayonnaise as a substitute.
So here’s to leveling up our beach snack game with a zesty, flavor-packed treat that will make the grandest of landscapes even more memorable. Before you head out on your next adventure, give the Spicy Salmon Sushi Taco with Asian Pear a whirl!
Spicy Salmon Sushi Taco with Asian Pear
Ingredients
For the salmon…
- 1 lb salmon sushi grade, cubed into bite size pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp chili oil
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger root
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 scallions minced
For the mayo…
- 1/2 cup Kewpie mayonaise
- 3 tbsp apple juice
For the nori "shells"…
- 4-6 nori sheets cut into squares
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 cup club soda
- 2-3 cups vegetable oil for frying
For the garnish…
- 2 cups sushi rice cooked and cooled
- 2 Asian pears julienned
- 1 large avocado thinly sliced
- 1 cup micro greens
- tobiko for garnish
Instructions
- Mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame oil, ginger root, and sugar until sugar is fully dissolved. Add salmon and scallions. Set aside.
- Whisk in apple juice to mayonnaise.
- Heat oil in a heavy bottom skillet to 350 degrees F.
- Combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk in egg and club soda.
- Dip one side of the nori sheet into the batter. Drop into the oil, tempura batter side down. Fry until crispy and golden. Remove from oil. Fold in half diagonally and let cool on a wire rack.
- Add a thin layer of sushi rice to a nori shell. Top with a slice of Asian pear, avocado, and micro greens. Add salmon mixture. Garnish with mayo mixture and tobiko.
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Tag @bewildeats on Instagram and hashtag it #bewildeats.
The crunch of the tempura seaweed shells is beyond.