Irish Seafood Meets Japanese Style
Smoked Salmon Sushi with Pickled Samphire brings together the best of Irish coastal produce and Japanese culinary technique. This fusion dish combines silky smoked Irish salmon with vinegared sushi rice and a pop of briny freshness from pickled samphire—a coastal vegetable native to Irish shores. It’s a fresh, elegant appetizer or light meal that celebrates both tradition and innovation.
🍽️ Serving Size
Makes 24 sushi rolls (serves 4–6 as an appetizer)
⏱️ Preparation Time
30 minutes (plus 30 minutes for rice cooling)
🔥 Cooking Time
15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Sushi Rice:
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
For the Rolls:
- 6 sheets of nori (seaweed)
- 200g thinly sliced smoked Irish salmon
- 1/2 cup pickled samphire (see below)
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
Optional for Serving:
- Soy sauce
- Pickled ginger
- Wasabi
How to Make Pickled Samphire
Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Blanch 1/2 cup fresh samphire for 1 minute, then plunge into ice water. Drain and place in a small jar with 1/4 cup white wine vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, and a pinch of salt. Let sit for 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight.
Instructions
- Rinse the sushi rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Combine rice and water in a pot, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 10–12 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand (covered) for 10 minutes.
- In a small saucepan, dissolve sugar and salt in the rice vinegar over low heat. Stir into the rice and let cool to room temperature.
- Lay a sheet of nori on a bamboo sushi mat (or parchment paper). Spread a thin layer of rice over the sheet, leaving a 1-inch gap at the top.
- Arrange smoked salmon, pickled samphire, cucumber, and avocado in a line near the bottom edge of the rice.
- Roll the sushi tightly using the mat, sealing the edge with a bit of water.
- Slice each roll into 4–6 pieces using a wet, sharp knife. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Serve immediately with soy sauce, ginger, and wasabi if desired.
Serving Tips
This Irish-Japanese fusion sushi makes an elegant party dish or starter. For a dramatic touch, serve with wild sea herbs or edible flowers. For a more casual feel, pair it with a cold glass of white wine or craft beer.
