What is Gluten Free Candy Sushi?

My husband is a saint. Not only is he a middle school teacher, but he also hosts an after school anime club for 7th and 8th graders. In his free time. After already teaching all day. He’s totally my hero.

I jump in as his sidekick and weekly buy and/or prepare snacks for the kids. I started making these gluten free candy sushi years ago and they have become a “must have” with this students every year! Whenever these ingredients pop up, it’s a sure sign to the end of the school year!

Kellogg’s Rice Krispies are NOT Gluten Free

The recipe isn’t all that difficult, really. It consists of three things: a “rice ball,” candy fish, and fruit rolls for the “nori.” The base for the “rice ball” for the gluten free candy sushi is your basic marshmallow crisped rice treats. I will share the one I used, that was on the packaging. However, you can use whatever recipe that you want. Now as a reminder, regular Kellogg’s Rice Krispies are NOT gluten free. Why? Because they contain barley malt. However the following brands make crisped rice cereal that does NOT malt.

Gluten Free Crisped Rice Cereals

* Nature’s Path Organic Crispy Rice Cereal (certified GF by GFCO)
* One Degree Organic Foods Sprouted Brown Rice Crisps (certified through NSF)
* Barbara’s Organic Brown Rice Crisps (tested to be under 20 PPM, not certified)
* Malt-O-Meal Crispy Rice (no outside certification, Malt-O-Meal / Post GF product listing)
* Aldi Millville Crispy Rice (no outside certification, verified through company)

Tips on Forming Your Crisped Rice Balls

So a few tips on making the “rice ball” portion of your gluten free candy sushi. First, melt your butter and marshmallows on low. You want to achieve a creamy marshmallow “fluff” that will evenly coat your cereal.

After stirring in the cereal, I suggest waiting approx 4-5 minutes to form your “rice balls.” Why? Well, one IT’s HOT! But secondly, you need to let some of the marshmallow firm up for the “rice balls” to hold their shape. Also, I used two sandwich bags, over my hands, to form the “rice balls.” Keeps my hands from getting all gross and sticky.

Which Candy Fish are Gluten Free?

So, let’s talk fish. Candy fish, that is. I used Swedish Fish, because that is what I know to be gluten free. It is listed on the Celiac Disease Foundation General Candy List as being gluten free as well.

Kroger sells their own store brand of candy fish. The ingredient list contains no ingredients that include gluten. It lists “natural & artificial flavor,” however as Tricia Thompson states in her article about flavoring extracts, the manufacturer would have to list if it is made from wheat, rye or barley on the label.

Wholesome! makes organic “DelishFish,” which are certified by GFCO. They’d be another great option for these gluten free candy sushi. Finally, I bought the Welch’s Berry Fruit Rolls, which specifically state gluten free on the box. Plus, the dark purple makes it a closer color match to actual nori! (Welch’s no longer makes this product. Now I use Fruit by the Foot.)

Adding Candy Fish To Your Crisped Rice

Next, you simply place a fish on top of your formed gluten free candy sushi rice ball, wrap a strip of fruit roll around it, and immediately impress everyone you know. I find it works best to start with the fruit roll at the underside of the “rice ball,” pull it over the top and reconnect it on the bottom. T

hese would be great for an underwater theme party, of a fun kid dessert to go with any Asian meal. (For sure, they’d go great with a lunch of onigiri!) Of course, they become the perfect sweet treat when watching your favorite Studio Ghibli film. If you haven’t seen Ponyo, it’s a must. You’ll never be able to say the word ham again without laughing!

Other Gluten Free Marshmallow Treats

Looking for other great marshmallow based treats? Make these Gluten Free Scotcheroos from My Gluten Free Kitchen!  Maybe these Gluten Free Chocolate Dipped Crispy Rice Treat Ice Cream Sandwiches from my friend Amanda at Eat At Our Table are more your style?

Of course, if you’re really brave, you can try making your own homemade marshmallows, like these from Christina Lane at Dessert for Two. Looking to avoid gelatin all together? Then try this spread that my friend Michelle made for her S’mores Sandwich Cookies!

Print

Gluten Free Candy Sushi

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 10 oz pkg mini marshmallows
• 6 oz 7 cups Gluten Free Crisped Rice Cereal
• 24 candy fish
• 1 box Welch’s Berry Fruit Rolls

Instructions

• Melt butter in large saucepan over low heat, and add marshmallows. Continue to melt over low heat until it becomes a creamy mixture. 
• Add in cereal and stir well to coat all of the cereal. Allow to cool 4-5 minutes before attempting to form rice balls. 
• I use two sandwich bags as “gloves” to handle the marshmallow crisped rice “dough” to form into egg-shaped portions. You should be able to make 23-24 rice balls. Place on a platter. If you have a deviled egg tray, it is PERFECT for this treat. 
• Once all of the rice balls are formed, top each one with a candy fish and a strip of fruit roll. You should be able to use one fruit roll to complete 3-4 gluten free candy sushi. I find it best to start wrapping the candy sushi rice ball from the underside, pull it over the candy fish, and then connect it to the bit of fruit roll on the bottom.

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What is Onigiri? How is it Different than Sushi?

Onigiri (O-Knee-Gree) is a Japanese lunchtime staple.  This dish works best with sushi rice. Sushi rice has a “sticky” consistency that holds together better than brown or regular white rice.

People form onigiri into many shapes. However, the triangular form is most traditional shape. Also, Onigiri is not sushi. Sushi is different because sugar and vinegar are added to the rice.

Origins of Onigiri

According to Wikipedia, it dates back to the 11th century or even farther. Apparently these rice balls became popular before the use of chopsticks. Historians say samurai would “store rice balls wrapped in bamboo sheath.” This would provide a quick meal while they were on the front lines of a battle.

We learned about onigiri because my husband teaches an after school anime club. Ever since then, we’ve been fascinated with it! One of the most informative (and highly amusing) sources for Japanese cooking is a YouTube show called “Cooking With Dog.” The host is Francis, a poodle that sits on the kitchen countertop. He does the talking while the female chef prepares the food.

Onigiri Fillings

Because of its Japanese origins, onigiri has some traditional fillings that are unique. Some more ethnic fillings include pickled fruit, caviar, fried tempura and short ribs. Preserved fish mixed with mayonnaise is also popular. However, you can get totally creative. You could also use pulled pork or chicken.

How Do You Make Onigiri?

Onigiri is very easy to make. The first step is to cook your rice and let it cool slightly, so you can work it with your hands. Most people add a bit of salt water. We purchased a small triangular form at the local Asian market. While you don’t need it, it makes forming onigiri drastically easier.

My husband and I don’t follow a standard recipe when we make onigiri. We just kind of wing it. However, Kim Chi Mari has a great recipe for Joomukbap, which is the Korean version of onigiri. I highly recommed following her!

How Much Sushi Rice Should I Use?

To form your onigiri, use a plate or parchment paper as your work surface. Place your form on your work surface and add a few tablespoons of rice. Don’t fill it more than a 1/3 of the way full. Next, add a layer of your preferred filling.

Top the filling with a few more tablespoons of rice and use the form press to squeeze the layers together. To finish it off, take a small strip of nori (dried seaweed) and wrap it around the bottom. The strip should go stretch between the two flat sides of rice. The nori gives your fingers something to hold on to.

My Personal Tip for Making Onigiri

After I press the bottom portion of rice, I build a small ridge of rice around the inside of the form. You basically create a well for the filling. You can see it easier here in my spinach and omelette onigiri. Which is 100% delicious, by the way. A great option if you prefer to not eat meat. Also great if you’re looking for breakfast on the go!

A Note About Furikake

Sometimes the Japanese top their onigiri with furikake. This rice seasoning a mix of seaweed, sesame seeds, sugar and other seasonings. When you make multiple versions of onigiri, this can be helpful for distinguishing the differences between fillings. **It contains sesame seeds.

For example, the ones topped with furikake are filled with spinach and omelette. The ones without is filled with salmon and mayo. Some people mix he furikake with the rice itself, prior to forming their rice balls. *Note- Not all Furikake seasonings are gluten free. USA made Maine’s Balance Furikake is labeled gluten free.

Spam Musubi?

The Japanese form onigiri into other shapes as well, such as this musubi made with Turkey SPAM. I know what you’re thinking. SPAM? The Japanese love SPAM, so it seemed like an obvious option. I packed it in my husband’s lunch and he raved about it when he got home.

Other Handheld Gluten Free Meals

Love handheld meals? Check out my recipe for El Salvadoran pupusas or my grain-free pasties. My gluten free pigs in a blanket work great for lunch, too! Or my gluten free cheeseburger muffins.

What other unique things do you eat instead of sandwiches? Do you make onigiri? If so, leave me a comment below with your favorite filling!

Originally Published September 2016

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