Here’s my take on the viral Tiktok Salmon Rice Bowl meal, turned into cute Korean rice balls! A quick and easy recipe with a fun twist.
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If you were ever on TikTok during the weeks of late September to most of October, you would’ve probably come across the viral Salmon Rice bowls everywhere! Popularized by Emily Mariko, it’s a simple recipe that utilizes Japanese mayo (Kewpie being the most famous), and is partially at fault for the rise in demand for that condiment in the States.
It was trending everywhere! But honestly, I can’t blame people for jumping on the Japanese mayo craze cause it’s really good! I myself have been obsessed with it, and prefer it over normal mayo.
SALMON RICE BOWL
Just like Salmon Crab Stick Sushi Bake, it’s sort of like a deconstructed salmon avocado sushi roll. The idea of this rice bowl is to make a delicious meal out of leftover salmon and rice, mixed with a simple sauce-ensemble of soy sauce, Japanese mayo, and Sriracha (which is a top-tier combo, honestly!). Finally, it’s topped with some avocado, roasted seaweed and kimchi.
This recipe made my salmon-lovin’ heart very giddy, and the mix of soy sauce and mayo with rice is pretty reminiscent of how I used to eat as a kid. With the ingredients used, it’s actually pretty close to how Korean-style rice balls are made, which inspired me to make some! So here’s my take on the TikTok salmon rice bowl sensation turned into rice balls.

This recipe is also meant to repurpose your leftovers into something great. The salmon recipe I used for this is my Miso Garlic Butter Salmon. Making this can be a really fun activity that you can also rope your family members into. These make for a great snack that you can take on roadtrips, or even just munch on as you chill in front of the TV.
TIPS FOR THIS EASY SALMON RICE BALLS
- Flaking cooked salmon – Use a fork to mash up your cooked salmon fillet easily.
- Rice – I recommend using short grain rice such as sushi rice as it sticks together better, making it easier for you to shape the rice balls. It sticks together effortlessly while still being fluffy. You can substitute with any other short grain rice available.
- Wet your hands before shaping the rice balls to prevent the rice from sticking to your hands. Alternatively, you can use a cling wrap to shape the rice balls.
Looking for more Salmon recipes? Here you go:
- Miso Garlic Butter Salmon
- Salmon Mentai Aburi Don
- Spicy Salmon Mini Taco
- Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls (Shrimp & Smoked Salmon)
RECIPE

Tiktok Salmon Rice Balls
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups cooked rice
- 1/2 lb cooked salmon (1 salmon fillet)
- 4 tbsp Japanese mayo
- 3 tbsp Sriracha
- 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- roasted seaweed
Instructions
- Mash the cooked salmon and heat it up.
- Add to a bowl of rice that's been heated up.
- Add Japanese mayo, Sriracha, light soy sauce, sesame oil and sesame seeds. Mix everything together until well combined.
- With damp hands, form equal sized rice balls with the salmon rice mix.
- Crush the roasted seaweeds in a plastic/ziploc bag and add the rice balls.
- Gently roll and squeeze the rice balls in the bag so it will be coated with the seaweed. Serve and enjoy!
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