Salmon Sushi Cake for Special Occasions
Salmon Sushi Cake for Special Occasions
Salmon Sushi Cake for Special Occasions
Every year for Christmas, I used to bake bread or a small cake to share with my family. This year, however, I felt less inclined to bake and thought I’d just have a quiet holiday. But as Christmas approached, I felt a sense of regret about letting it pass by so simply. The idea of making something special during the three-day holiday weekend started to form. While looking for ingredients, I found a pack of salmon. I thought, ‘Maybe I could make some sushi, which my kids love…’ and then, remembering I couldn’t bake a cake this year, I decided to create this sushi cake! It’s a beautiful and delicious dish perfect for celebrating special moments with loved ones, promising to create wonderful memories for everyone.
Main Ingredients- 1 pack fresh salmon (sashimi-grade or smoked)
- 2 bowls freshly cooked warm rice
- 1 Tbsp finely minced onion
- A little finely minced broccoli (blanching recommended)
- 1 tsp fresh wasabi (adjust to taste)
Sushi Vinegar Seasoning- 3 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Cream Cheese Dip Sauce- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp cream cheese (softened at room temperature)
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of white pepper (or black pepper)
- 3 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Cream Cheese Dip Sauce- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp cream cheese (softened at room temperature)
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of white pepper (or black pepper)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the sushi vinegar seasoning. In a small bowl, combine 3 Tbsp rice vinegar, 2 Tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Stir well until the sugar and salt dissolve. You can briefly microwave it for 20-30 seconds or heat gently on low heat while stirring. Let it cool completely before use.
Step 2
Pour the cooled sushi vinegar seasoning evenly over 2 bowls of freshly cooked warm rice. Using a rice paddle, gently mix the rice, being careful not to mash the grains. Mix until each grain is glossy and the rice is perfectly seasoned – this is the foundation for delicious sushi.
Step 3
Next, prepare the onion and broccoli to add a smooth texture and subtle flavor. Finely mince the onion to reduce its sharpness. For the broccoli, chop it into small pieces, blanch it in boiling water for a minute, then rinse under cold water and drain thoroughly before mincing. Blanching helps retain the broccoli’s vibrant green color and improves its texture.
Step 4
Now, let’s make the creamy dip sauce that will enhance the sushi cake’s flavor. In a bowl, combine 2 Tbsp mayonnaise and 2 Tbsp softened cream cheese. Mix them together until smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and a pinch of white pepper to taste for a rich and savory dip. Stir in the minced onion prepared in step 2.
Step 5
Prepare your Gugelhupf pan (or any desired cake mold) for shaping the salmon sushi cake. Line the inside of the pan thoroughly with plastic wrap. This step is crucial for ensuring the cake releases cleanly from the mold without losing its shape.
Step 6
Arrange the salmon slices one by one, overlapping them slightly, along the plastic-lined inner wall of the pan. Cover the entire inner surface neatly with salmon, ensuring there are no gaps. The beautiful red color of the salmon will form the outer layer of your cake. Smoked salmon can add a richer flavor.
Step 7
Spread a thin layer of fresh wasabi onto the salmon-lined pan. The wasabi’s sharp kick will cut through the richness of the salmon and add a delightful contrast to the sushi rice. Adjust the amount of wasabi according to your preference.
Step 8
Carefully layer about one-third of the prepared sushi rice over the wasabi. Spread it evenly. Then, spread the cream cheese dip sauce (from step 3) evenly over the sushi rice. Add the remaining sushi rice on top and flatten the surface smoothly. Avoid overfilling with rice, as it can make the cake difficult to handle.
Step 9
Now, it’s time to reveal the cake! Cover the pan with plastic wrap, then invert it onto a flat plate or cutting board. Gently shake the pan or tap the bottom to help release the cake. Carefully peel away the plastic wrap to reveal your stunning salmon sushi cake.
Step 10
Finally, garnish the top of the cake with the minced broccoli prepared in step 2. You can also add other toppings like microgreens or fish roe for extra visual appeal and flavor. Enjoy your impressive salmon sushi cake, a dish that’s sure to impress your loved ones on any special occasion!
