If you are craving a playful and delicious twist on traditional sushi, you will absolutely love this Baked Salmon Sushi Cups Recipe. Combining the crispy, golden crunch of baked wonton wrappers with tender, savory salmon and creamy avocado, these sushi cups bring vibrant flavors and textures right to your fingertips. Perfect as an appetizer or a party treat, each bite delivers a satisfying balance of freshness, umami, and a touch of heat if you choose to add sriracha. This recipe is genuinely fun to make and even more fun to share with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simple ingredient list fool you—each component plays a key role in elevating this dish. From the crispy wonton wrappers that act as a perfect edible vessel to the luscious salmon and perfectly seasoned sushi rice, every ingredient works together for a harmonious blend of taste, texture, and color.
- 12 wonton wrappers: These form the crispy cup base that holds all the delicious fillings.
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed: The star protein that provides rich, flaky, and flavorful bites.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to lightly coat the salmon, keeping it moist and adding a subtle richness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to bring out the natural flavor of the salmon.
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice (cooled): The sticky, seasoned rice that holds the sushi cup together.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds tangy brightness to the sushi rice for that authentic taste.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the acidity in the rice vinegar for perfectly seasoned rice.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the sushi rice.
- 1 avocado, sliced: Creamy slices that add a luscious texture and mild flavor.
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions: Adds a fresh, slightly sharp crunch and vibrant color.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: For a nutty crunch sprinkled on top.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Salty umami drizzle that ties all the flavors together.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (optional): Gives a spicy kick for those who like a little heat.
- Pickled ginger (optional): A classic sushi accompaniment providing a refreshing palate cleanser.
- Wasabi (optional): Adds a sharp, spicy punch if you want an extra boost.
How to Make Baked Salmon Sushi Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Wonton Cups
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin or use paper liners for easy cleanup. Press one wonton wrapper gently into each muffin cup, shaping it to fit snugly. Pop them in the oven to bake for 8 to 10 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden-brown and become perfectly crispy. These crunchy cups create the ideal little boats for your sushi fillings.
Step 2: Bake the Salmon
While your wonton cups are baking, season the salmon fillet with olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Place it on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes until it’s cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Let it cool slightly before flaking the salmon into bite-sized pieces. This tender and flavorful salmon is truly the heart of the Baked Salmon Sushi Cups Recipe.
Step 3: Season the Sushi Rice
In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until fully dissolved. Gently fold this seasoning into the cooked and cooled sushi rice to transform it into that classic sushi rice flavor we all adore. This step is what makes the rice taste truly special and flavorful.
Step 4: Assemble Your Sushi Cups
Now, the fun part begins. Spoon a bit of the seasoned sushi rice into each baked wonton cup, pressing lightly to create a base. Top each cup with flaked salmon, a slice of creamy avocado, and a sprinkle of sliced green onions. The combination of textures here is absolutely unbeatable.
Step 5: Add Final Touches
Drizzle soy sauce and, if you’re feeling adventurous, some sriracha sauce over the top for an exciting kick. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for crunch and visual appeal. Optionally, you can garnish with pickled ginger and wasabi to complete the authentic sushi experience. Serve these delicious little bites immediately to enjoy the perfect contrast of warm, crispy cups and fresh, cool fillings.
How to Serve Baked Salmon Sushi Cups Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like pickled ginger and wasabi is a fantastic way to bring an extra layer of flavor and authenticity to your Baked Salmon Sushi Cups Recipe. Pickled ginger cleanses the palate between bites, while wasabi adds that classic heat. A few extra green onion slices or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can also brighten the presentation beautifully.
Side Dishes
These sushi cups shine best alongside light and fresh sides. Consider a crisp cucumber salad, seaweed salad, or a bowl of miso soup to complement the richness of the salmon. These sides help balance the meal and keep everything feeling fresh and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your sushi cups on a wooden sushi platter with bamboo leaves underneath for that authentic vibe. Alternatively, arranging them around a bowl of soy sauce mixed with a dab of wasabi invites guests to dip and enjoy. You can even top each cup with a tiny bit of tobiko or finely chopped herbs to elevate the look and flavor profile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the salmon sushi cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that the wonton cups may lose some of their crispness after a day or two, but the flavors will still be delightful. It’s best to eat them within 24 hours for the freshest experience.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for the assembled sushi cups since the texture of the wonton cups and avocado will suffer upon thawing. However, you can freeze the cooked salmon and sushi rice separately if you want to prepare components ahead of time. Simply thaw and assemble fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
To warm leftovers and restore some crispness, gently reheat the wonton cups in a toaster oven or regular oven at a low temperature for a few minutes before adding the fillings. Avoid microwaving, as this will make the cups soggy. For the best taste, reheat only the salmon and rice, then assemble separately.
FAQs
Can I use another type of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While salmon is perfect for its rich flavor and texture, you can experiment with cooked tuna, crab meat, or even cooked shrimp for a different twist on the Baked Salmon Sushi Cups Recipe.
What can I substitute for wonton wrappers if I can’t find them?
If wonton wrappers are unavailable, phyllo dough or even small tortilla chips can be alternatives, though the texture and flavor will differ. The key is to find something that can hold the fillings while adding a nice crunch.
How spicy is the sriracha option?
Sriracha adds a moderate level of heat that you can easily control by the amount you drizzle. It’s optional and can be omitted entirely if you prefer a mild dish, keeping the flavors accessible for everyone.
Can I prepare these sushi cups vegan?
You can! Swap the salmon for marinated tofu or seasoned roasted mushrooms. Use tamari instead of soy sauce if gluten-free, and omit wasabi if you want an extra gentler bite. The sushi rice and avocado keep it creamy and satisfying.
How should the sushi rice be cooked?
For the best texture, cook sushi rice according to package instructions, usually rinsing it several times before cooking to remove excess starch. Let it cool completely before mixing with the vinegar seasoning to achieve that ideal sticky yet fluffy rice perfect for assembling these delicious cups.
Final Thoughts
Give this Baked Salmon Sushi Cups Recipe a try the next time you want a fun, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as eye-catching as it is tasty. It’s a delightful mash-up of crispy textures and fresh sushi flavors that will surely become one of your go-to recipes. Once you make this, you’ll find yourself sharing it over and over—trust me, it’s that good!
Print
Baked Salmon Sushi Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese Fusion
Description
These baked salmon sushi cups offer a delightful fusion of crispy wonton wrappers filled with seasoned sushi rice, tender baked salmon, creamy avocado, and flavorful toppings. Perfect as a party appetizer or a fun twist on traditional sushi, each bite combines crunchy texture with fresh and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Base
- 12 wonton wrappers
Salmon
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sushi Rice
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice (cooled)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Toppings & Garnishes
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (optional, for heat)
- Pickled ginger, for garnish (optional)
- Wasabi, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin or line it with paper muffin liners to prevent sticking.
- Bake Wonton Wrappers: Place one wonton wrapper into each muffin cup, gently pressing the edges to fit snugly. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the wrappers turn golden and crispy. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
- Season and Bake Salmon: Rub the salmon fillet with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily when tested with a fork. Allow it to cool slightly, then flake into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare Seasoned Sushi Rice: In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Gently fold this mixture into the cooled sushi rice to season it evenly.
- Assemble the Sushi Cups: Spoon a small amount of seasoned sushi rice into each crispy wonton cup, filling the base. Add a layer of flaked salmon on top, followed by a slice of avocado, and sprinkle with sliced green onions for freshness.
- Add Final Toppings: Drizzle soy sauce and, if desired, sriracha sauce over each sushi cup to add moisture and a spicy kick. Finish by sprinkling sesame seeds evenly on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish each sushi cup with pickled ginger and a dab of wasabi on the side. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect mix of textures and flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh salmon to ensure the best flavor and texture.
- Cook sushi rice according to package instructions and cool completely before mixing with vinegar for best results.
- Wonton wrappers bake quickly and become very crispy; watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Sriracha sauce is optional and can be adjusted or omitted based on spice preference.
- These sushi cups are best served fresh to maintain the crispiness of the wonton cups.
