Spicy Gochujang Smoked Salmon Tartare Towers with Crispy Kimchi Rice Cakes

Instructions

1. 1

   For the kimchi rice cakes: Finely chop the kimchi. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sushi rice, chopped kimchi, 1 tablespoon of gochujang, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar. Mix well until thoroughly combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

   ~10 min
2. 2

   Form the rice mixture into small, compact discs, about 2 inches in diameter and 0.5 inches thick. You should get about 12 discs. Set aside.

   ~10 min
3. 3

   For the gochujang dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of gochujang, remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, remaining 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set aside.

   ~5 min
4. 4

   Prepare the salmon and vegetables: Dice the smoked salmon into small cubes. Dice the avocado and cucumber into small cubes. Thinly slice the scallions.

   ~10 min
5. 5

   In a separate bowl, gently toss the diced salmon with half of the gochujang dressing. In another bowl, gently toss the diced avocado and cucumber with the remaining gochujang dressing. Be careful not to overmix.

   ~5 min
6. 6

   Pan-fry the rice cakes: Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Carefully place the rice cakes into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.

   ~8 min
7. 7

   Once crispy, remove the rice cakes from the pan and place them on a cooling rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

   ~2 min
8. 8

   Assemble the towers: Use a ramekin or a ring mold to create the towers. Place one crispy kimchi rice cake at the bottom. Carefully layer the seasoned smoked salmon mixture on top of the rice cake. Then, layer the seasoned avocado and cucumber mixture on top of the salmon. Repeat with another rice cake and salmon/avocado layers if desired for height.

   ~15 min
9. 9

   Garnish: Sprinkle with thinly sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds. For an extra touch, lightly torch the top of the towers for a subtle smoky flavor.

   ~5 min
10. 10

    Serve immediately.