Crispy Cucumber and Creamy Crab Inari Sushi
Easy & Delicious Inari Sushi with Cucumber and Crab! Quick Crab Rice Ball Recipe (Perfect for Bento)
Introducing a special Inari sushi and rice ball recipe bursting with a refreshing, sweet, and savory flavor that awakens your appetite. The crispiness of cucumber combined with soft crab meat creates an irresistibly addictive taste. It’s a dish loved by both children and adults, making it a highly recommended option for bento boxes or snacks!
Ingredients for Inari Sushi & Rice Balls
- 150g imitation crab sticks (surimi)
- 170g cucumber (about 1/2 medium)
- 14 square fried tofu pouches (for inari sushi)
- 420g warm cooked rice (about 2 bowls)
- 25g seasoned sushi vinegar mix (included in inari sushi kits)
- 10g dried vegetable mix (included in inari sushi kits)
- 1 tsp toasted black sesame seeds
Crab Cucumber Salad Dressing
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp honey mustard
- A pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp wasabi paste (or adjust to taste)
Cucumber Pickling Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp honey mustard
- A pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp wasabi paste (or adjust to taste)
Cucumber Pickling Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare all the necessary ingredients. Using the seasoned sushi vinegar mix and dried vegetable mix included in your inari sushi kit will make achieving the perfect flavor even easier.
Step 2
In a bowl, combine the warm cooked rice (about 420g or 2 bowls) with the seasoned sushi vinegar mix and dried vegetable mix. Gently fold the rice with a spatula, being careful not to mash the grains, until well combined and fluffy. Let the rice cool slightly if it’s too hot, as very hot rice can tear the tofu pouches.
Step 3
Wash the cucumber thoroughly, then thinly slice it into julienne strips about 0.3cm thick. Slicing them too thick can result in an unappealing texture and prevent the seasoning from penetrating well.
Step 4
Place the julienned cucumber in a bowl. Add 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 2 Tbsp rice vinegar. Gently toss to combine, then let it sit for 10 minutes to pickle and soften the cucumber.
Step 5
Without rinsing the pickled cucumber, place it in a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh bag and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Excess moisture can make the salad and sushi taste bland.
Step 6
Shred the imitation crab sticks into 3cm lengths, then gently pull them apart along the grain into finer strands. This method ensures the dressing coats evenly and enhances the texture when bitten.
Step 7
In a large bowl, combine the drained pickled cucumber and the shredded crab. Add 2 Tbsp mayonnaise, 1 Tbsp honey mustard, 1 tsp wasabi paste, a pinch of freshly ground black pepper, and 1 tsp sugar.
Step 8
Gently mix everything together until well combined to create a delicious crab and cucumber salad. Taste and adjust the amount of wasabi or sugar according to your preference.
Step 9
Briefly blanch the square fried tofu pouches in boiling water, then rinse them under cold water. Squeeze them firmly by hand to remove all excess liquid. This step removes any potential ‘fried’ odor from the tofu and allows it to absorb flavors better.
Step 10
Gently open one side of a prepared tofu pouch. Fill it about 80% full with the sushi rice prepared in Step 1. Then, artfully top with a generous portion of the crab and cucumber salad made in Step 7.
Step 11
Tip! To easily fill the tofu pouches with rice without it sticking to the utensil, slightly dampen the tip of a spoon with water before scooping the rice. Using a teaspoon can make this process even more convenient.
Step 12
Mix the remaining sushi rice and salad mixture with 1 tsp of toasted black sesame seeds. Then, shape this mixture into bite-sized, round rice balls. This provides an alternative way to enjoy the delicious combination beyond just the stuffed tofu pouches.
Step 13
Your vibrant and flavorful Crispy Cucumber and Creamy Crab Inari Sushi and rice balls are now ready! They are perfect for bento boxes or as a simple lunch meal. Enjoy making and savoring this delightful dish!
