Temaki Salmon Cream Cheese Recipe – Mangoes and Palm Trees

Introduction to Temaki Salmon Cream Cheese


The Temaki Salmon Cream Cheese recipe is a Japanese hand-rolled sushi that delivers a delightful balance of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors. Featuring tender salmon, smooth cream cheese, and seasoned sushi rice encased in a crunchy nori cone, this interactive dish is ideal for home cooks looking to impress or enjoy a fun sushi-making experience. Its simplicity and versatility make it a standout, with options to add tropical twists like mango slices. Discover more seafood delights in our Salmon Recipes collection or pair it with a refreshing tea.

Temaki, meaning “hand-rolled” in Japanese, is a traditional sushi style originating from Japan. Wrapped in nori seaweed, it’s filled with sticky rice, fresh fish, and vegetables, offering a portable, chopstick-free treat that’s both casual and flavorful, perfect for gatherings or solo meals.

Temaki Salmon Cream Cheese Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 5 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Servings 4 (8 rolls)

Sushi Rice Seasoning Ingredients

QuantityIngredientPreparation
2 tbspRice vinegar
1 tbspSugar
1/2 tspSalt

Main Ingredients

QuantityIngredientPreparation
1 cupShort-grain sushi riceCooked
8 sheetsNori (seaweed)Cut in half
1/2 lbSashimi-grade salmonThinly sliced
4 ozCream cheeseSoftened
1CucumberThinly sliced
1AvocadoThinly sliced
1/4 cupSoy sauceFor dipping

Optional Add-ins

QuantityIngredientPreparation
1 tspWasabi
1/4 cupPickled ginger
1 tbspSriracha or spicy mayoFor spicy option
1/4 cupMangoThinly sliced, tropical option
2 tbspSesame seedsToasted

Instructions

  1. Rinse short-grain sushi rice until water runs clear, cook with 1.25 cups water, mix with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, and cool to room temperature.
  2. Place a half-sheet of nori, shiny side down, on a clean surface or sushi mat.
  3. Using wet fingers, spread 2 tablespoons of sushi rice thinly over half of the nori, leaving a border.
  4. Arrange 2-3 slices of salmon, 1 teaspoon cream cheese, cucumber, and avocado diagonally across the rice.
  5. Roll nori into a tight cone shape from one corner, seal edge with rice grains.
  6. Incorporate optional wasabi, Sriracha, mango, or sesame seeds inside or on top.
  7. Serve immediately with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger, emphasizing mango for a tropical twist.

Nori: The Sushi Wrapper

Types of Nori

Choose toasted nori for a crisp texture and rich, umami flavor, ideal for this salmon sushi roll. Premium nori offers a smoother, more refined quality, while raw nori is softer but less common for temaki.

Handling and Storing Nori

Store nori sheets in airtight containers in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. Handle with dry hands to prevent sogginess, and assemble temaki quickly to maintain texture.

Crafting the Temaki

Assembling the Ingredients

Prepare sashimi-grade salmon, softened cream cheese, halved nori sheets, seasoned sushi rice, thinly sliced cucumber, avocado, and soy sauce for a balanced roll.

Rolling Techniques

Spread sushi rice thinly on the nori to avoid overfilling. Place fillings diagonally for even distribution. Roll from one corner into a tight cone, sealing with rice grains.

Flavor Enhancements

Soy Sauce Pairings

Lightly dip in light soy sauce for umami, dark soy sauce for richness, or tamari for a gluten-free option, as highlighted in our Gluten-Free Meal Plans. Avoid over-dipping to preserve flavors. Learn more at Serious Eats.

Wasabi and Pickled Ginger

Add a dab of wasabi for a spicy kick. Serve pickled ginger to cleanse the palate, enhancing the sushi experience.

Presentation Tips

Aesthetic Serving Ideas

Present temaki rolls on a black slate plate, wooden board, or sushi stand, arranged in a circular pattern around a soy sauce bowl for an elegant look.

Garnishing for Appeal

Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, avocado slices, wasabi dollops, or fresh dill sprigs for flavor and visual appeal.

Health Benefits

Nutritional Value of Salmon

Sashimi-grade salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins B12 and D, supporting heart health and energy, as detailed by Healthline.

Advantages of Cream Cheese

In moderation, cream cheese provides calcium, vitamin A, and healthy fats, complementing the salmon’s benefits.

Common Mistakes

Avoiding Soggy Nori

Cool sushi rice to room temperature before assembly. Work quickly and serve immediately to maintain nori’s crisp texture.

Balancing Flavors

Use small amounts of cream cheese to avoid overpowering salmon. Keep fillings minimal and season rice lightly.

Variations and Twists

Adding Vegetables

Incorporate cucumber, carrots, avocado, or bell peppers for crunch, color, and nutrition.

Spicy Salmon Options

Add Sriracha, wasabi, or spicy mayo for a fiery kick, amplifying the creamy salmon and cheese.

Pairing Suggestions

Sake and Wine Pairings

Pair with dry sake, Sauvignon Blanc, or champagne for an authentic or celebratory touch. Explore more in our Coffee collection.

Complementary Side Dishes

Serve with edamame, miso soup, seaweed salad, or a light salad from our Salads collection.

Making It at Home

Essential Tools

Gather a sushi mat, sharp knife, mixing bowl, and spoon for a smooth temaki-making process.

Step-by-Step Guide

Prepare fresh ingredients, season and cool sushi rice, spread on nori, add salmon, cream cheese, and vegetables, roll into a cone, and serve fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

A hand-rolled Japanese sushi featuring sashimi-grade salmon, cream cheese, seasoned rice, and vegetables wrapped in a crisp nori cone.

Spread seasoned sushi rice on a halved nori sheet, add thinly sliced salmon, cream cheese, and vegetables, then roll into a cone shape.

Yes, it’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and nutrients from salmon, rice, and vegetables.

Yes, smoked salmon adds a savory, smoky flavor that pairs well with cream cheese and nori.

Keep nori dry, roll tightly with even pressure, and seal the edge with a few rice grains.

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