Craving a fresh, flavorful sushi experience? The Temaki Salmon Cream Cheese recipe from Mangoes and Palm Trees combines silky salmon, creamy cheese, and sticky rice in a hand-rolled nori cone, ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for sushi lovers and beginners alike!
Introduction to Temaki Salmon Cream Cheese
The Temaki Salmon Cream Cheese recipe is a Japanese hand-rolled sushi that blends fresh salmon, rich cream cheese, and seasoned rice in a crisp nori cone. This fun, interactive dish is ideal for home cooks and sushi enthusiasts. Explore more in our Salmon Recipes collection.
Origins of Temaki
Temaki, meaning "hand-rolled" in Japanese, is a traditional sushi style from Japan. Wrapped in nori, it’s filled with rice, fish, and vegetables, making it a portable, chopstick-free treat.
Popularity in Modern Cuisine
Temaki has gained global popularity, with the salmon-cream cheese combo standing out for its creamy, savory appeal. Chefs and home cooks experiment with additions like avocado or spicy sauces, making it versatile and approachable.
Temaki Salmon Cream Cheese Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4 (8 rolls)
Sushi Rice Seasoning Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| 2 tbsp | Rice vinegar | - |
| 1 tbsp | Sugar | - |
| 1/2 tsp | Salt | - |
Main Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | Short-grain sushi rice | Cooked |
| 8 sheets | Nori (seaweed) | Cut in half |
| 1/2 lb | Sashimi-grade salmon | Thinly sliced |
| 4 oz | Cream cheese | Softened |
| 1 | Cucumber | Thinly sliced |
| 1 | Avocado | Thinly sliced |
| 1/4 cup | Soy sauce | For dipping |
Optional Add-ins
| Quantity | Ingredient | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tsp | Wasabi | - |
| 1/4 cup | Pickled ginger | - |
| 1 tbsp | Sriracha or spicy mayo | For spicy option |
| 1/4 cup | Mango | Thinly sliced, tropical option |
| 2 tbsp | Sesame seeds | Toasted |
Instructions
- Rinse sushi rice until water runs clear, cook with 1.25 cups water, then mix with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt; cool slightly.
- Place a half-sheet of nori, shiny side down, on a clean surface or sushi mat.
- Spread 2 tbsp sushi rice thinly over half the nori with wet fingers.
- Place 2-3 salmon slices, 1 tsp cream cheese, cucumber, and avocado diagonally on the rice.
- Roll nori from one corner into a cone, using slight pressure to keep tight; seal edge with a few rice grains.
- Add optional wasabi, Sriracha, or mango slices inside before rolling, or sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
- Serve immediately with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger. Enjoy as a tropical twist with mango!
Nori: The Sushi Wrapper
Types of Nori
Use toasted nori for crisp texture and rich flavor, or premium nori for smoother quality. Raw nori is softer but less common for sushi.
Handling and Storing Nori
Store nori in airtight containers in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. Handle with dry hands to maintain crispness.
Crafting the Temaki
Assembling the Ingredients
Prepare sashimi-grade salmon, softened cream cheese, nori, sushi rice, cucumber, avocado, and soy sauce for a balanced roll.
Rolling Techniques
Spread rice thinly, place fillings diagonally, roll into a cone, and seal with rice grains for a tight, crisp temaki.
Flavor Enhancements
Soy Sauce Pairings
Dip lightly in light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, or tamari (gluten-free) to enhance umami without overpowering. Learn more at Serious Eats.
Wasabi and Pickled Ginger
Add a touch of wasabi for heat and pickled ginger to cleanse the palate between bites.
Presentation Tips
Aesthetic Serving Ideas
Serve on a black slate plate, wooden board, or sushi stand, arranged in a circular pattern around a dipping sauce bowl.
Garnishing for Appeal
Sprinkle sesame seeds, add avocado slices, a dollop of wasabi, or fresh dill for color and crunch.
Health Benefits
Nutritional Value of Salmon
Salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids for heart health, protein for muscle repair, and vitamins B12/D for energy and bones.
Advantages of Cream Cheese
Cream cheese offers calcium for bones, vitamin A for immunity, and healthy fats for energy, in moderation.
Common Mistakes
Avoiding Soggy Nori
Cool rice with a fan and assemble quickly to keep nori crisp; serve immediately.
Balancing Flavors
Use small amounts of cream cheese, avoid overloading fillings, and season rice lightly to highlight salmon.
Variations and Twists
Adding Vegetables
Include cucumber, carrots, avocado, or bell peppers for crunch and color.
Spicy Salmon Options
Add Sriracha, wasabi, or spicy mayo for heat, enhancing the creamy salmon.
Pairing Suggestions
Sake and Wine Pairings
Pair with dry sake, crisp Sauvignon Blanc, or bubbly champagne to balance creaminess.
Complementary Side Dishes
Serve with edamame, miso soup, seaweed salad, or pickled ginger for a complete meal.
Making It at Home
Essential Tools
Use a sushi mat, sharp knife, mixing bowl, and spoon for easy preparation.
Step-by-Step Guide
Prepare ingredients, spread rice on nori, add fillings, roll into a cone, and serve fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Temaki Salmon Cream Cheese?
A hand-rolled sushi with salmon, cream cheese, rice, and nori.
How Do You Make Temaki Sushi at Home?
Spread rice on nori, add salmon, cream cheese, and vegetables, then roll into a cone.
Is Temaki Sushi Healthy?
Yes, rich in omega-3s, protein, and nutrients from salmon and rice.
Can I Use Smoked Salmon for Temaki?
Yes, smoked salmon adds a distinct, savory flavor.
What Type of Rice Is Used for Temaki?
Short-grain sushi rice for stickiness and texture.
What Other Fillings Go Well with Salmon and Cream Cheese?
Avocado, cucumber, carrots, or bell peppers.
How Should I Serve Temaki Sushi?
With soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger for dipping.
How Do I Keep Temaki from Falling Apart?
Keep nori dry, roll tightly, and seal with rice grains.
Conclusion
The Temaki Salmon Cream Cheese recipe is a delightful, easy-to-make sushi option that blends creamy cheese, fresh salmon, and sticky rice in a crisp nori cone. Perfect for home cooks and sushi lovers, it’s a fun, flavorful dish with a tropical mango twist for a *Mangoes and Palm Trees* flair. Try it today and share with friends!
