Sumikko Gurashi Sushi Rice Balls 角落公仔壽司飯糰

Have you seen these cutie critters before?  They are called Sumikko Gurashi!  Aren’t they super adorable?  Today, I’m sharing a recipe with you that’s inspired by these super adorable characters from Japan: Sumikko Gurashi Sushi Rice Balls 角落公仔壽司飯糰.  If you’ve checked out my video tutorial above, you’ll also see the tools and ingredients that I used to make them.



It all started not long ago with a super soft and squishy plush toys that I got for my daughter from a Japanese store.  Ever since that day, we all fell in love with these cute little creatures!

Image from the web

Image from the web

What does Sumikko Gurashi means?  “Sumikko” means corner, and “Gurashi” means life.  Together, they can be translated to 'living in a corner,' as that’s what these little critters like to do.



From time to time when I see cute little Sumikko Gurashi products, I couldn’t resist but to take them home with me! 

Picture from web

In today’s recipe, I’m making these sushi rice balls stuffed with a creamy and smoked salmon filling.  The rice itself is seasoned with different ingredients for their natural colors and flavors.

First off, we have Neko Cat.  The rice is seasoned with cod powder for the umami flavor and gorgeous pink color.  It compliment the salmon fillings really well.



Next is Polar Bear.  I leave the rice plain on this one for the white color.  Its ears are decorated with pink Soy Wrappers that are so much fun and easy to use!  It’s mouth and legs are stamped out cheddar cheese and it’s eyes and hands are stamped out seaweeds.



Up next is Penguin!  The green color is from matcha green tea powder.  You can also substitute with spinach puree or other dark green vegetable puree if you have those on hand.  But the earthy green tea flavor truly balanced well with the smoky salmon inside these rice balls.



Last but not least, Tonkatsu!  Remember I shared my homemade Tonkatsu recipe with you not long ago?  It’s Japanese style pork cutlets!  See the resemblance?   For this one, I seasoned the rice with a little bit of light soy sauce for flavor and color.  They all turned out super yummy!

Image from web

How well did I I in in shaping and decorating these characters against the picture sample above?  Not bad, isn’t it?  I can’t wait to make “tail of fried shrimp”, “tapioca”, and “sparrow” next time!  They are all super duper cute!



I hope you enjoyed today’s video and recipe as much as we do.  My daughter and I had a fun time creating them together!  Thank you so much for reading and stay tuned for more fun and kawaii recipe next week!  Remember, Eat, Drink, and Be Happy! 




Products, ingredients, and tools used in this post:
Sumikko Gurashi Cat Plush Toy (Click here for more information)Sumikko Gurashi Rice Ball Mold  (Click here for more information)
Soy Wrappers  (Click here for more information)Matcha Green Tea Powder (Click here for more information)
Sumikko Gurashi Chopsticks (Click here for more information)
Sumikko Gurashi Cup (Click here for more information)
Roasted Seaweed (Click here for more information)
Honey Smoked Salmon (Click here for more information)
Organic Soy Sauce (Click here for more information)
Japanese Sushi Rice (Click here for more information)
Japanese Mayo (Click here for more information)
Food Decorating Tongs/Tweezers (Click here for more information)



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Sumikko Gurashi Sushi Rice Balls 可愛壽司飯糰:
Makes: 8 to 10 filled rice balls

2 cups Sushi Rice, cook according to package / rice cooker instructions
1/2 cup cooked smoked wild salmon
2 tablespoon Japanese Mayo
2 teaspoons Seasoned Cod Powder
1/2 teaspoon Matcha green tea powder (okay to substitute with green vegetable puree)
1 teaspoon light soy sauce
2 slices of cheddar cheese
1 piece of seaweed
1 piece of soy wrapper (optional, you can just use seaweed as well)

Tools needed:
Sumikko Gurashi Rice Ball Mold:
https://goo.gl/sg1ERx

In a small bowl, mix together salmon and mayo.   Set aside.

Divided the cooked rice into 4 equal portions, leaving 1 portion plain.  In the 2nd portion, mix with cod powder, green tea powder in the 3rd, and soy sauce in the last one.  Mix until well incorporated.

With the stamp from the rice ball mold set, stamp out ears, nose, mouth, and legs from the cheddar cheese.  Using the metal stamp, stamp out arms, whiskers, and eyes from the seaweed and soy wrapper (if using). 

Place a small amount of rice on the bottom of the rice mold, gently press with the back of a spoon to create a cavity.  Place a small amount of smoked salmon filling in the middle.  Then, cover with a bit more rice and place the top part of the mold on top.  Apply gentle pressure.  Flip the mold over and un-mold the rice ball. 

Decorate the rice with cheese ears and nose, seaweed eyes and arms.  Adore and enjoy!