Savor the delightful blend of flavors with Philadelphia Sushi Stacks, a creative twist to traditional sushi. This recipe combines the smooth creaminess of Philadelphia cream cheese, the smoky richness of smoked salmon, and the crisp freshness of cucumber and avocado. All these, layered over perfectly cooked sushi rice and wrapped in a thin sheet of nori, create a dish that's not only visually appealing but also packed with diverse textures and flavors.
Although most of the ingredients are readily available in most households, there are a few specialty items you might need to get from a supermarket or Asian grocery store. Sushi rice, smoked salmon, and nori sheets are among these. Sushi rice is a type of short-grain rice that's sticky when cooked, making it perfect for sushi. Smoked salmon adds a rich, smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients. Lastly, nori sheets, which are dried seaweed, hold everything together and add a hint of oceanic flavor.
Ingredients for the Philadelphia Sushi Stack Recipe
Sushi rice: This is the base of our sushi stack. Sushi rice is short grain rice that's sticky when cooked and cooled, perfect for creating the layers.
Smoked salmon: This salmon is cured in salt and then smoked. It provides the sushi stack with a deliciously smoky and rich flavor.
Philadelphia cream cheese: This is a creamy, tangy cheese that adds rich flavor and smooth texture to the sushi stack.
English cucumber: This cucumber, also known as hothouse cucumber, is very mild and almost sweet, with thin skin and fewer seeds than other varieties.
Avocado: Avocado gives a creamy and buttery texture to the sushi stack, and it's a great source of healthy fats.
Nori sheet: This is a thin, dried sheet of seaweed used to wrap the sushi stack. It adds a distinct flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Pickled ginger and wasabi: These are traditional sushi accompaniments. Pickled ginger cleanses the palate, while wasabi adds a kick of heat.
One reader, Gian Hernandes says:
This Philadelphia sushi stacks recipe is a game-changer! The combination of smoked salmon, creamy Philadelphia cream cheese, and fresh avocado is simply divine. The flavors and textures meld together perfectly, creating a delightful dish that's both elegant and easy to make. I highly recommend trying it out!
Key Techniques for Making Philadelphia Sushi Stacks
How to layer the sushi stacks: Begin by placing a layer of cooked sushi rice at the bottom of a ring mold or a small bowl. Then, add a layer of smoked salmon, followed by a layer of Philadelphia cream cheese, sliced cucumber, and sliced avocado. Finally, top with a piece of nori.
How to spread the cream cheese: Use a knife to spread the cream cheese evenly over the sushi stack layers. Alternatively, heat the cream cheese in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring often, until it reaches the consistency of thick sour cream. Then, drizzle it over the sushi stacks with a fork or use a piping bag for a more decorative presentation.
How to garnish with pickled ginger and wasabi: Place a small amount of pickled ginger and wasabi on the side of the sushi stacks for serving. These can be added according to personal preference and taste.
How To Make Philadelphia Sushi Stacks
Try this experimental fusion dish at home. Make these sushi stacks with rice, salmon, some avocados, and topped with Philadelphia cream cheese.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4cupscooked sushi rice
- 1lbsmoked salmon,cut into small pieces
- 8ozPHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese,softened
- 1largeEnglish cucumber,julienned
- 1largeavocado,pitted and thinly sliced
- 1nori sheet,cut into small confetti-like pieces
For Garnishes:
- pickled ginger
- wasabi
Instructions
-
Layer the rice, salmon, cream cheese, cucumber, avocado and nori to form sushi stacks.
-
Spread the cream cheese on with a knife. Or heat it in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring often, until it reaches the consistency of thick sour cream. Then drizzle it over the sushi stacks with a fork or use a piping bag.
Recipe Notes
- If using the larger mini springform pans, use 1 cup of cooked rice per stack and the julienned cucumbers.
- If using the smaller mini springform pans, use 2 tablespoons of cooked rice per bite, and the cucumber coins.
Nutrition
- Calories: 651.47kcal
- Fat: 34.12g
- Saturated Fat: 13.50g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 13.49g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.24g
- Carbohydrates: 56.60g
- Fiber: 5.41g
- Sugar: 3.73g
- Protein: 30.29g
- Cholesterol: 88.45mg
- Sodium: 977.99mg
- Calcium: 105.37mg
- Potassium: 788.31mg
- Iron: 3.70mg
- Vitamin A: 246.85µg
- Vitamin C: 9.11mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Philadelphia Sushi Stacks
When preparing your sushi rice, it's important to rinse it thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes the excess starch and helps the rice to stick together better when forming your Philadelphia sushi stacks. Additionally, when layering your ingredients, try to keep them as uniform as possible. This not only makes the stacks look more appealing, but it also ensures an even distribution of flavors in every bite. Lastly, when using the smoked salmon, try to slice it as thinly as possible for a more delicate texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Philadelphia Sushi Stacks
Prep ahead: Cook the sushi rice, slice the vegetables, and prepare the garnishes in advance to save time when assembling the sushi stacks.
Use a rice cooker: Cooking the sushi rice in a rice cooker can save time and ensure perfectly cooked rice without constant monitoring.
Pre-sliced salmon: Purchase pre-sliced smoked salmon to eliminate the need for slicing, saving time during the preparation process.
Invest in a sushi mold: Using a sushi mold can help create uniform sushi stacks quickly and efficiently.
Multi-task: While the rice is cooking, prepare the other ingredients to maximize efficiency and save time during the recipe preparation.
Substitute Ingredients For Philadelphia Sushi Stacks Recipe
sushi rice - Substitute with short-grain rice: Short-grain rice has a similar texture and stickiness, making it a suitable substitute for sushi rice in this recipe.
smoked salmon - Substitute with smoked trout: Smoked trout has a similar smoky flavor and texture to smoked salmon, making it a good alternative in this recipe.
philadelphia cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt cream cheese: Greek yogurt cream cheese provides a tangy and creamy flavor similar to traditional cream cheese, making it a suitable substitute in this recipe.
english cucumber - Substitute with seedless cucumber: Seedless cucumber can be used as a substitute for English cucumber, as it has a similar crisp texture and mild flavor.
avocado - Substitute with mango: Mango can add a sweet and creamy texture similar to avocado, providing a unique twist to the recipe.
nori sheet - Substitute with soy paper: Soy paper can be used as a substitute for nori sheets, providing a different texture and flavor to the sushi stacks.
pickled ginger - Substitute with pickled radish: Pickled radish can offer a similar tangy and crunchy element to the dish, replacing the pickled ginger.
wasabi - Substitute with spicy mayo: Spicy mayo can provide a creamy and spicy kick similar to wasabi, adding a different flavor profile to the dish.
Presentation Tips for Impressive Philadelphia Sushi Stacks
Elevate the sushi stacks: Gently mold the sushi stacks using a ring mold to create a neat and compact shape. Carefully lift the mold to reveal the beautifully layered sushi stacks.
Artful drizzle of cream cheese: Heat the Philadelphia cream cheese until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Drizzle it over the sushi stacks in an elegant, artistic manner, adding a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Garnish with precision: Place the pickled ginger and wasabi on the plate with precision, ensuring that each element is thoughtfully positioned to complement the overall presentation.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce delicate, edible flowers to add a pop of color and a touch of whimsy to the dish, enhancing its visual appeal and elevating the overall dining experience.
Create a symmetrical arrangement: Arrange the sushi stacks and accompanying garnishes in a symmetrical and balanced manner on the plate, showcasing attention to detail and precision in presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate, allowing the sushi stacks to stand out as the focal point while maintaining an overall sense of elegance and refinement in the presentation.
Essential Tools for Crafting Philadelphia Sushi Stacks
- Cooking pot: A large, deep pot used for boiling, simmering, and cooking various ingredients.
- Sushi mat: A bamboo mat used to roll and shape sushi rice and fillings into sushi rolls.
- Knife: A sharp, versatile tool used for slicing, dicing, and cutting various ingredients in the kitchen.
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, chopping, and preparing ingredients for cooking and meal preparation.
- Saucepan: A small, deep cooking vessel with a handle and often a lid, used for heating and preparing sauces, soups, and other liquids.
Storing and Freezing Guidelines for Philadelphia Sushi Stacks
- To store leftover philadelphia sushi stacks, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- For best results, store the components of the sushi stacks separately:
- Keep the cooked sushi rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Store the smoked salmon, cucumber, and avocado in separate airtight containers or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Keep the philadelphia cream cheese in its original packaging or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- To maintain the best texture and flavor, assemble the sushi stacks just before serving.
- Freezing sushi stacks is not recommended, as the texture and quality of the ingredients will deteriorate significantly upon thawing.
- If you must freeze the components, only freeze the cooked sushi rice. Allow it to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month.
- Thaw frozen sushi rice in the refrigerator overnight before using it to assemble the sushi stacks.
- Do not freeze the smoked salmon, philadelphia cream cheese, cucumber, avocado, or assembled sushi stacks, as the texture and flavor will be compromised.
How To Reheat Leftover Sushi Stack
The best way to reheat leftover philadelphia sushi stacks is to use a microwave. Place the sushi stack on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 30-second intervals until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the sushi, as it can cause the rice to become mushy and the cream cheese to melt too much.
Another option is to reheat the sushi stack in a steamer basket over boiling water. This method will help to retain the moisture in the rice and prevent it from drying out. Steam the sushi stack for 2-3 minutes, or until it is heated through.
If you prefer a crispier texture, you can reheat the sushi stack in a toaster oven or conventional oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the sushi stack on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the sushi is heated through and the nori sheet is slightly crispy.
For a quick and easy option, you can also enjoy the leftover sushi stack cold, straight from the refrigerator. This method works well if you have stored the sushi properly in an airtight container and consumed it within 24 hours of making it.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to handle the leftover sushi safely. Always store it in the refrigerator and consume it within 1-2 days for the best quality and to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.
Interesting Trivia About Philadelphia Sushi Stacks
Philadelphia sushi stacks are a fusion of Japanese and American cuisine, combining the traditional flavors of sushi with the creamy richness of Philadelphia cream cheese.
Is Making Philadelphia Sushi Stacks at Home Cost-Effective?
This Philadelphia Sushi Stacks recipe offers a moderate cost-effectiveness for a household. The key ingredients, such as smoked salmon and avocado, can be pricier, but the dish serves as a delightful indulgence. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $40-$50, depending on the quality of the ingredients. The rich flavors and elegant presentation make it a worthwhile investment for a special occasion or a weekend treat. Overall Verdict: 8/10
Is This Sushi Stack Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The Philadelphia sushi stacks recipe, while creative and visually appealing, may not be the healthiest option. Here's why:
- High in calories: The combination of sushi rice, smoked salmon, cream cheese, and avocado can lead to a calorie-dense dish.
- Refined carbohydrates: Sushi rice is typically made with white rice, which is a refined carbohydrate that can cause blood sugar spikes and provide fewer nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives.
- Saturated fat: Cream cheese is high in saturated fat, which, when consumed in excess, can contribute to heart disease and other health issues.
- Sodium content: Smoked salmon and sushi rice can be high in sodium, which may be a concern for those with high blood pressure or other sodium-related health concerns.
However, the recipe does include some healthy ingredients, such as cucumber, avocado (rich in healthy fats), and nori (a good source of iodine and other minerals).
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Swap white sushi rice for brown rice or quinoa to increase the fiber content and nutritional value
- Use a reduced-fat cream cheese or replace it with a healthier spread like mashed avocado or hummus
- Incorporate more vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, or spinach, to boost the nutrient density of the dish
- Opt for fresh, sushi-grade salmon instead of smoked salmon to reduce the sodium content
- Be mindful of portion sizes, as even healthy ingredients can contribute to excess calorie intake when consumed in large quantities
Editor's Opinion on the Philadelphia Sushi Stacks Recipe
The Philadelphia Sushi Stacks recipe is a delightful fusion dish that combines the flavors of traditional sushi with the creamy richness of Philadelphia cream cheese. The combination of smoked salmon, creamy cheese, and fresh vegetables creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The use of sushi rice as a base provides a perfect canvas for layering the ingredients, while the garnishes of pickled ginger and wasabi add a pop of color and flavor. The addition of a warm cream cheese drizzle elevates the dish, adding a luxurious touch. Overall, this recipe offers a unique and delicious twist on traditional sushi.
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Why trust this Philadelphia Sushi Stacks Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful fusion of sushi and Philadelphia cream cheese, offering a unique and flavorful experience. The combination of smoked salmon, cucumber, and avocado ensures a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. With the addition of pickled ginger and wasabi, this dish promises an authentic sushi experience. The use of sushi rice and nori further enhances the traditional essence of this recipe. Trust in the expertise of this culinary creation for a memorable dining experience.
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