Grilled Salmon with Sushi Rolls

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

For the Sushi Rolls:

• 2 cups sushi rice, cooked and seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt
• 4 sheets of nori (seaweed) for rolling
• 1 avocado, sliced thinly
• 1 cucumber, julienned
• 1/2 carrot, julienned (optional)
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• Soy sauce, for dipping
• Wasabi (optional)
• Pickled ginger (optional)

How to Make Grilled Salmon with Sushi Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Grilled Salmon

• In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, garlic, and Dijon mustard to create a marinade.
• Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then brush the marinade over the fillets. Allow the salmon to marinate for about 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
• Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, place the salmon fillets on the grill, skin side down. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side or until the salmon is cooked through and has beautiful grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
• Once cooked, remove the salmon from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before gently flaking it with a fork.

Step 2: Prepare the Sushi Rolls

• Place a sheet of nori on a bamboo sushi mat or a clean surface with the shiny side facing down.
• Spread a thin layer of cooked sushi rice over the nori, leaving about an inch of space at the top of the sheet for sealing. Press the rice gently to ensure it sticks to the nori.
• Place thin slices of avocado, cucumber, and carrot (if using) in the center of the rice.
• Add a spoonful of the grilled salmon flakes on top of the vegetables for added flavor and protein. If you prefer a creamy texture, you can add a thin layer of cream cheese as well.

Step 3: Roll the Sushi

• Carefully lift the bamboo mat or edge of the nori closest to you and begin rolling it tightly over the filling, using your fingers to keep the roll tight. Roll all the way to the top edge of the nori and then press gently to seal the roll.
• Once the roll is complete, use a sharp knife to slice it into bite-sized pieces. Wet the knife between slices to keep the rice from sticking.

Step 4: Serve the Dish

• Arrange the sushi rolls on a platter, and garnish with sesame seeds for a little extra texture and flavor.
• Serve with soy sauce for dipping, and if desired, add a small dollop of wasabi and pickled ginger for an authentic touch.
• Serve the grilled salmon fillets on the side with lemon wedges for a refreshing burst of citrus. Alternatively, you can serve the salmon on top of the sushi rolls for a more cohesive dish.

Tips for the Perfect Grilled Salmon with Sushi Rolls

1. Fresh Salmon is Key: Make sure to use the freshest salmon available. Fresh fish will enhance the overall taste and texture of the dish.
2. Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Grilled salmon should be tender and flaky. Overcooking it can lead to dryness, so monitor it closely as it cooks.
3. Perfect Rice: Sushi rice should be sticky and slightly vinegary. Make sure to follow the instructions for seasoning the rice to achieve that authentic sushi rice flavor.
4. Get Creative with Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fillings in your sushi rolls. Scallions, spicy mayo, or even pickled vegetables can make for great variations.
5. Rolling Tip: If you’re new to making sushi, take your time and use a bamboo mat to help roll the sushi tightly. If you don’t have a bamboo mat, you can still roll with your hands, just be sure to keep it snug.

Why Grilled Salmon with Sushi Rolls is a Great Dish

• Healthy and Flavorful: This dish combines the heart-healthy benefits of salmon with the freshness of vegetables and the nutritional value of sushi rice, making it a balanced and wholesome meal.
• Elevated yet Simple: It’s a unique way to enjoy both grilled salmon and sushi without needing any fancy equipment or ingredients. It’s a meal that feels upscale yet is surprisingly easy to prepare.
• Versatile: You can adjust the fillings and seasonings to suit your taste. For instance, you could add spicy tuna, avocado, or even some citrus zest to complement the grilled salmon.
• Fun and Interactive: Making sushi rolls at home is a fun activity that can involve everyone in the kitchen, especially if you’re preparing the dish for a family dinner or gathering.

Conclusion: A Delicious Fusion Dish

Grilled Salmon with Sushi Rolls is the perfect fusion dish that combines the best of both worlds: smoky, grilled salmon and fresh, vibrant sushi rolls. It’s a dish that’s easy to prepare, customizable, and sure to impress your family and guests. Whether you’re a seasoned sushi maker or just looking for a new twist on grilled salmon, this recipe offers a delicious, healthy, and fun way to enjoy these two classic favorites. Try it today and enjoy a beautiful, flavorful meal that brings together the taste of the sea in the most delightful way!