Salmon Ochazuke is a light and refreshing Japanese dish where steamed rice is topped with flaked salmon and poured over with green tea or dashi broth. This version is a chilled summer-friendly variation using cold water and grated cucumber for a crisp, cooling effect. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal!
Ochazuke (Salmon)
Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆Servings
2
servingsPrep time
10
minutesCooking time
10
minutesIngredients
2 fillets of salmon (ginzake or Atlantic salmon)
1 cucumber, grated
2 servings of cooked rice (Japanese short-grain rice recommended)
2 packets ochazuke mix (Substitute: ½ tsp dashi powder + pinch of salt per serving)
Cold water or ice water, as needed (Green tea or cold dashi can also be used for extra umami)
Wasabi paste, to taste
1–2 tsp white dashi (optional, for flavor adjustment)
Directions
- Prepare the Salmon
Remove skin and bones from the salmon fillets, then rinse under cold water.
Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover lightly, and microwave at 600W for 2 minutes until cooked through. (Alternatively, bake or pan-fry for extra flavor.)
Once cooled slightly, flake the salmon into small pieces. - Assemble the Rice Bowl
Scoop steamed rice into two serving bowls.
Top each bowl with flaked salmon and ochazuke mix. - Prepare the Cucumber & Broth
Grate the cucumber and mix with a dash of white dashi for extra flavor. - Serve with Ice Water & Toppings
Pour ice water or chilled green tea over the rice. (For a warmer version, use hot tea or dashi broth instead.)
Top with grated cucumber and a small dollop of wasabi. - Enjoy!
Stir slightly before eating and enjoy this cool, refreshing Japanese dish!
Notes
- ✔ For a hot ochazuke version: Use warm dashi or green tea instead of cold water.
✔ For a richer taste: Lightly grill the salmon instead of microwaving.
✔ For a crunchy texture: Add sesame seeds, shredded nori, or crispy tempura bits (tenkasu).
✔ For extra umami: Use kombu-infused water instead of plain ice water.
✔ For a meal prep option: Cook and flake extra salmon, store in the fridge, and use it for quick meals.