Sushi Poppers

William (Uncle Bill) Anatooskin's Note:

These sushi poppers are tasty and do not require an expert to prepare. Young children would find these fun to make.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 30

• 1 cup freshly cooked short-grain rice
• 3 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds or 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds

ASSORTED FILLINGS

• 1 large ripe mango
• ½ cup smoked salmon , chopped small
• 1 (7 ½ ounce) can of solid albacore tuna in water
• ¼ lb fresh small shrimp
• 1 small fresh cucumber
• 1 large avocado
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• wasabi paste

Directions:

1. In a large shallow dish, spread rice and sprinkle with seasoned rice vinegar and sesame seeds.
2. Using a wooden spoon, toss gently to combine, (DO NOT STIR or rice will clump).
3. Keep rice covered with a damp cloth if not using immediately.
4. Using wet fingers, place a rounded teaspoonful of rice in the palm of your hand and roll into a ball.
5. Make an indentation in the center with your finger.
6. Place your choice of desired filling in the indentation.
7. In small bowls, make up a combination of fillings that you enjoy.
8. Dip fingers into water and pack rice firmly around filling to make a small ball.
9. Repeat with remaining rice and your choice of filling.
10. Sprinkle each popper with toasted sesame seeds and a dot of wasabi paste and place on a platter.
11. Cover with plastic wrap and keep at room temperature until ready to serve.

Reviews

[Julie F]

These were very good, however I think I prefer traditional sushi. I missed the seaweed, and found rolling the traditional sushi easier than making these poppers. The flavor was very good though, and it was a nice change.

[Cookin'ontheFly]

I can't tell you how happy I was to find this recipe! I was even happier after I made & sampled them. I kept it really simple the first time, using only cucumber & cream cheese as my filling. I just used rice and vinegar for the rice portion (no sesame seeds to be found, but I really wanted to try these). I first formed them exactly as directed, but they didn't look very pretty & they kind of fell apart. Sooo, I tried using my small Pampered Chef scooper (the one I use for cookie dough). I scooped up some rice and then pressed it into the scoop firmly to pack it tight. Next, I put my finger into the center to make a hole for the filling. I cut all of the cucumbers into small pieces before I started and topped with a small portion of cream cheese so they were ready to go when needed. Then I put the cucumber in & filled in the top with a little more rice mixture & popped them out onto a plate. Really simple, quick & absolutely delicious. I can't wait to try them again with some different fillings & sesame seeds. A wonderful answer to my sushi cravings at a fraction of the cost of going to a restaurant or buying them in the grocery store! Thanks for sharing a great recipe!!!

[simplemom]

I'm so, so happy that I have this recipe!! This was easy to assemble. I used smoked salmon, cream cheese, cucumber and avacado. These are so good!! Thanks for sharing! I'm making again tonight!!