Smoked Fish Onigiri

Chatham Harvesters Smoked Fish Onigiri brings Japanese comfort food and Cape Cod craft. together. Gently seasoned, hand-formed rice is filled with rich, flaky Chatham Harvesters smoked fish, showcasing the clean ocean flavor and careful smoking that define the unique dish. Wrapped in crisp nori, each onigiri is simple, portable, and deeply satisfying, letting the quality of the seafood shine while offering a modern, globally inspired way to enjoy sustainably sourced, local fish.

Smoked Fish Onigiri

Ingredients (makes 6-8 onigiri)

• 5 ounces Chatham Harvesters smoked fish (smoked mackerel or smoked bluefish) flaked, skin removed

• 3 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice, warm

• 1 tbsp Japanese mayonnaise (optional- recipe below)

• 1 tsp soy sauce or tamari

• 1 tsp rice vinegar or fresh lemon juice

• 1 tbsp finely sliced scallions (optional)

• ½ tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)

• Fine sea salt, to taste

• 2–3 sheets nori, cut into strips

• Neutral oil + water (for shaping hands)

Instructions

1. Make the filling

   In a bowl, gently combine the 5 oz smoked fish with soy sauce, vinegar (or lemon), and mayonnaise (buy or mix 1/4 cup regular mayonnaise, 1/2 tsp rice vinegar, 1/4 tsp sugar) if using.

2. Fold in scallions and sesame seeds. Taste and keep seasoning light so the smoked fish remains the focus.

3. Season the rice

   Sprinkle a small pinch of salt over the warm rice and gently fold to distribute.

4. Form the onigiri

5. Gently rub oil into your hands. Mix fish mixture with rice, and gently shape into a rectangle or oval (do not compact tightly)

6. Add nori & serve

   Wrap with nori just before serving for the best texture.

7. Optional: Crispy yaki-onigiri: For this recipe, the crew pan-seared shaped onigiri in a lightly oiled skillet until golden, then brushed a little soy and sprinkled with green onion.

Optional variations

• Bright bite: Add a tiny dab of wasabi or a sliver of pickled ginger to the center.

• No-mayo: Skip mayo and add a drizzle of olive oil plus extra lemon.