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Appetizers · Part 2 of 3: Instructions

Crispy Spicy Salmon Sushi Donuts Step-by-step instructions

A golden-fried sushi rice donut topped with spicy salmon tartare, avocado roses, and a drizzle of eel sauce.
Prep
Cook
Total
Serves
4
Includes 15 min resting

Before you start

Before beginning, ensure your workspace is clean and organized. Prepare the sushi rice by seasoning it appropriately if not already done. Have your silicone donut mold ready and lightly greased with a neutral oil to ensure easy removal.

Dice your salmon into uniform, small cubes and keep it refrigerated. Slice your avocado thinly and keep it covered with a damp cloth to prevent browning.

Finally, have your frying oil, thermometer, and paper towels ready next to the stove to ensure a smooth cooking flow.

Ingredients at a glance (7)
  • 200 g seasoned sushi rice
  • 150 g fresh salmon, finely diced
  • 25 ml sriracha mayo
  • 2 cups neutral frying oil
  • 1 whole avocado, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp eel sauce
  • 1 tsp black sesame seeds

Instructions

Shape and Chill

  1. Shape the Rice
    Pack the seasoned sushi rice firmly into the wells of a lightly greased silicone donut mold. Ensure the surface is level for even frying later. Place the mold in the refrigerator to chill for 15 minutes, which helps the rice maintain its shape during the frying process.
    Look for The rice should be compact and firm to the touch after chilling.
    Tip Pressing the rice firmly is essential for preventing the donuts from crumbling during frying.

The rice should be firmly packed into the mold and chilled until it feels solid and cold. This chilling step is essential for structural integrity during the frying process later.

Prepare the Topping

  1. Prepare the Salmon
    In a clean mixing bowl, combine the finely diced salmon with the sriracha mayo. Stir gently until the salmon is evenly coated with the spicy mixture. Keep this mixture chilled in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the donuts, maintaining food safety standards for raw fish.
    Look for The salmon should be uniformly coated and vibrant in color.
    Tip Dice the salmon into small, uniform cubes for the best texture and mouthfeel.

The salmon should be diced uniformly and mixed thoroughly with the sriracha mayo. The mixture should be creamy, consistent, and kept chilled in the refrigerator until the final assembly steps.

Fry and Assemble

  1. Fry and Assemble
    Heat the oil in a frying pan to 375°F (190°C). Carefully remove the rice donuts from the mold and fry them for 2 minutes per side until the exterior is golden-brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Crown each warm donut with the spicy salmon mixture, avocado roses, a drizzle of eel sauce, and a sprinkle of black sesame seeds. Serve immediately while the rice is still crispy.
    Look for The donuts should turn a deep golden brown and feel firm and crunchy.
    Safe temperature 145°F (63°C) internal temperature (fish)
    Tip Ensure the oil temperature remains stable at 375°F (190°C) for the perfect golden crust.

The donuts should emerge from the oil golden and crispy. Once assembled with the salmon, avocado, and sauce, they should be served immediately to maintain the best possible texture contrast.

Common mistakes

A common mistake is failing to pack the rice tightly enough into the mold, which causes the donuts to fall apart in the frying oil. Another error is neglecting to chill the rice properly, which allows the starches to firm up for better frying.

Never overcrowd the frying pan, as this lowers the oil temperature rapidly and leads to greasy, limp donuts rather than a crispy crust. Finally, ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before adding the rice to achieve the desired golden finish.

How to tell it’s done

The sushi donuts are done when they reach a deep, golden-brown color on all sides and feel crisp to the touch. The rice should hold its shape firmly. The salmon topping should be served at a chilled temperature, as it is a raw preparation.

Ensure the internal temperature of the salmon reaches 145°F (63°C) if you prefer it cooked, though the traditional preparation is raw. The rice itself will be hot and crispy, providing the ideal base for the cool, creamy salmon.

  • Fish: 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part

Coming up in Part 3: common questions

  • Can the sushi rice be made in a standard pan if a mold is unavailable?
  • Why is it important to chill the rice before frying?
  • Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Also in Part 3: variations (Spicy Tuna Donuts, Vegetarian Avocado Donuts), storage and make-ahead, and the printable recipe card.

Up next · Part 3 of 3

2 variations · storage & make-ahead · 3 answers · printable card

Tips, FAQ & printable recipe (Part 3)← Back to the ingredients (Part 1)