Smoked Salmon Sushi Tacos (Philadelphia Roll)

Learn how to make smoked salmon sushi tacos, similar to the famous Philadelphia roll but eaten taco style. Nori sheets are layered with cream cheese, sushi rice, cucumber, smoked salmon, avocado, green onion and topped with spicy mayonnaise.

This creative culinary experience is not only fun to prepare but downright delicious!

If you like fusion or Asian style recipes, you have to try this Sushi Bake with Spicy Crab, Dragon Roll Sushi Bowls or Shrimp Tempura Hand Rolls!

Jump to:

• WHAT ARE SUSHI TACOS?
• HISTORY OF FUSION CUISINE
• INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO MAKE SMOKED SALMON SUSHI TACOS
• STEP-BY-BY INSTRUCTIONS
• PREPARE TORTILLA SHAPED NORI SHEETS
• ASSEMBLE SMOKED SALMON SUSHI TACOS
• SERVE & ENJOY!
• SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS
• TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS
• FAQ's
• Smoked Salmon Sushi Tacos (Philadelphia Roll)

WHAT ARE SUSHI TACOS?

Sushi tacos are considered a fusion style way of cooking and combining elements of Japanese sushi with Mexican tacos. The recipe tastes completely Japanese with flavors and texture of traditional sushi but served as a taco, fun right?

Instead of using traditional sushi rolls or nigiri, sushi tacos typically feature a crispy or soft taco shell filled with sushi-inspired ingredients. In today's recipe, we are keeping as close to authentic Japanese cuisine as possible using nori sheets as the shell!

In any sushi taco recipe or if you're out ordering this from a restaurant, here's what the taco will consist of:

1. Taco Shell: The taco shell can vary around preference and creativity. I've seen some recipes use crispy wonton wrappers or fried tortillas for a crunchy texture, while others use softer shells such as seaweed sheets or nori sheets.
2. Sushi Rice: Sushi rice is key for this recipe. You can't use regular rice as it will not present the "sticky" texture needed. We will season with rice vinegar, sugar, oil and salt presenting that distinct sushi flavor.
3. Protein: Sushi tacos often include a protein component; sushi-grade fish (like tuna or salmon). Other proteins like shrimp, crab, tofu, or even cooked chicken or beef can also be used. Next, I'd like to try steak!
4. Toppings: Sushi tacos can be topped with a variety of ingredients; avocado slices, cucumber, cabbage, radishes, sesame seeds, spicy mayo or other Asian style sauces.
5. Garnishes: Garnishes such as sliced green onions, microgreens, or edible flowers may be added for a finishing touch and visual appeal.

HISTORY OF FUSION CUISINE

Sharing the history of fusion cuisine I felt was necessary as it can be an eye opener learning how this migration/merge occurred. Tracing back to ancient trade routes, as different cultural came in contact through trade and migration, exchanges would occur, cooking techniques and culinary traditions were also shared! Pretty cool, right?

Immigration and diaspora have been key drivers of fusion cuisine throughout history. When people migrate to new countries, they bring their culinary heritage with them, adapting it to local ingredients and tastes. For example the the blending of African, European, and Indigenous American influences in Latin American cuisine.

The term fusion cuisine became popular in the late 20th century to describe the merging of culinary traditions. Through experimentation and cross cultural collaboration, cooks draw from their introductions to vast cultural traditions to create new and exciting flavor combos!

INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO MAKE SMOKED SALMON SUSHI TACOS

If you love Asian (and Japanese) inspired foods, I bet you'll have most of all of these ingredients on hand. Here's what you will need to make smoked salmon sushi tacos:

1. Nori sheets. This will be the base of the taco and how it is picked up (like a taco) and consumed.
2. Cream Cheese (room temp). Sticking with the traditional Philadelphia style sushi roll, we are smearing cream cheese on the nori sheets for a creamy finish to the tacos.
3. Sushi Rice. This recipe is incomplete without traditional sushi rice. Made with short grain white rice, we are adding a rice vinegar mixture to the rice that will present the sweet, tangy and sticky texture you're accustomed to.
4. Cucumber. As mentioned, we are keeping this recipe as traditional to the infamous "Philly" roll as possible. Adding crunchy cucumber makes this taco taste fresh and provides crunchy texture.
5. Smoked Salmon. My favorite part of this recipe, smoked salmon. You can find this at any grocery store. I found this pre-sliced version from Kroger, it was about $10.
6. Avocado. While this ingredient is not in a traditional Philly roll, we are adding it for extra fat (healthy), flavor, color and texture.
7. Green Onion. If you're into toppings like me and love a good bite of onion, green onion pairs great with the other ingredients.
8. Spicy Mayo. I am a sauce girl so if you love sauces, the spicy mayo is an absolute must. You can purchase store bought or take a few extra steps and pair my version of spicy mayo (it's tasty) tap here to see that recipe.
9. EBTB Seasoning. Optional ingredient but remember, we eat with our eyes first. I always purchase my bagel seasoning from Trader Joe's but you can use sesame seeds as an alternative as well!

STEP-BY-BY INSTRUCTIONS

SUSHI RICE

First, let's prepare the sushi rice. Once you prepare it this full proof way, I suggest making a batch each week. Perfect for sushi tacos, at-home sushi, sushi bowls and more!

Rinse the sushi rice under cold water and add rice to a sauce pot. Cook the rice according to the package instructions. While the rice cooks, we will need to prepare the rice vinegar mixture that will be added at a later time.

In a small pot, add the rice vinegar, sugar, salt and oil. Heat on warm and whisk until ingredients have dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool, set aside.

After the sushi rice has steamed/cooked, add the rice vinegar mixture to the rice and mix thoroughly until sushi rice becomes sticky in texture. It is important to note, the rice will need to cool and come to room temperature before assembling the sushi tacos.

PREPARE TORTILLA SHAPED NORI SHEETS

If you are using nori sheets as pictured, I will show you easily it is to create tortilla shaped (or round shaped) nori sheets for the tacos.

First, place the nori sheets on a flat surface, preferably a cutting board. Locate a soup sized bowl (or the circumference you'd like the tacos to be) and place the bowl in the middle of the nori sheet. Next, using a pairing knife, carefully trace the outline of the bowl onto the nori sheet.

This creates a round shape for the nori presenting similar to tortillas. Carefully tear the nori sheets off the access sheets and set aside. Repeat this step for desired amount of tacos.

Be sure to do this step right before assembling the tacos. The nori sheets do retain moisture that can be in the air.

ASSEMBLE SMOKED SALMON SUSHI TACOS

First, lay the nori sheet on a flat surface (such as a cutting board). Next, using a spoon, spread the room temperature cream cheese in the middle of the nori sheet. Then, layer about 1-2 tablespoons of sushi rice on top of the cream cheese. Layer the rice around the nori sheet, leaving about 1 inch depth of space so the rice is not to the edge.

Now add the sliced cucumber on top of the cream cheese and rice. Layer 2-3 slices of smoked salmon on top and layer the avocado and green onion.

Lastly, drizzle with spicy mayo and sprinkle with ETBT (bagel) seasoning.

SERVE & ENJOY!

When I served these smoked salmon sushi tacos to friends, I thought they were aesthetically pleasing served flat to reveal the delicious ingredients and sauce. Arrange each taco on a flat surface sort of "open face" and garnish with extra cucumber slices, soy sauce, wasabi and pickled ginger slices.

Trust me, your friends and family will think you've had a bit of training from a sushi chef.

SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS

This recipe is easily customizable, here are a few options I think would work great!

1. Protein options. As mentioned earlier, get creative with protein add-ons. Sashimi would be perfect, spicy tuna, shrimp, crab or thinly grilled skirt steak would be amazing with these tacos!
2. Taco shell. You can substitute the sushi taco shell for many variations. Try slightly toasting traditional tortillas or fry wontons until crispy.
3. Sauces. I am a sauce girl, amp this recipe even more with additional traditional style Japanese sauces such as eel sauce, ponzu sauce or soy sauce!

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

1. Be sure to allow the sushi rice to completely cool before assembling the tacos. If not, the moisture from the stick rice will dampen the nori sheets resulting in a soggy taco. You can also place the sushi rice in the refrigerator for faster results.
2. Carefully create the taco shaped nori sheets with a pairing knife. Any knife that is larger may result in a broken or torn taco shell. Again, carefully and slowly trace around the bowl.
3. Prep sushi taco toppings. Prepare all your ingredients and toppings ahead of time and set up an assembly line to make assembling the sushi tacos quick and efficient, especially if serving a larger group.
4. Ingredients should be cold. Keep your ingredients, especially the smoked salmon and avocado, chilled until ready to use. Cold ingredients will maintain their freshness and texture, enhancing the overall taste of your sushi tacos.
5. Serve immediately! Sushi tacos are best enjoyed fresh, assemble and serve immediately after preparation to prevent taco shells from becoming soggy.

FAQ's

1. WHERE CAN I FIND SUSHI GRADE FISH?

Sushi-grade fish can often be found at specialty grocery stores, fish markets, or Japanese supermarkets. It's important to look for fish labeled as sushi-grade, which has been frozen to kill any parasites and is safe for raw consumption. H-Mart, Whole Foods and Publix are great options!

CAN I MAKE VEGAN OR VEGETARIAN SUSHI TACOS?

You can easily make vegetarian or vegan sushi tacos by using plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh. Load the tacos with vegetables like avocado, cucumber, shredded cabbage, and sprouts for a delicious meat-free option.

CAN I MAKE SUSHI TACOS AHEAD OF TIME?

While sushi tacos are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some components ahead of time, such as cooking the sushi rice and preparing the taco shells. Assemble the tacos just before serving to prevent the taco shells from becoming soggy.

ARE SUSHI TACOS GLUTEN FREE?

Sushi tacos can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and ensuring that the taco shells and other ingredients are free from gluten-containing grains. Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free and can be used as a substitute for wheat-based tortillas.

IHOPE YOU ENJOY THIS SMOKED SALMON SUSHI TACO (PHILADELPHIA ROLL) RECIPE!

If you try this recipe, I'd love to see it! Share it with me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or Pinterest.