Papa Rolfe's Famous Salmon Tower

A stunning, flavorful appetizer inspired by a restaurant favorite! This smoked salmon tower combines layers of rice, salmon, crab salad, avocado, and cream cheese, topped with a tangy soy-wasabi sauce. Perfect for sharing at your next dinner party.

Serves: 2–4

Ingredients:

Tuna Tower:

• 2–4 cylinder rings (available at cooking stores or online)
• 1 cup of cooked rice
• 1–2 packs of thinly sliced smoked salmon (also works great with tuna)
• 1 block of cream cheese, sliced
• 1 small container of crab salad or dip (found in the seafood section)
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• 1 tbsp capers
• 1 tbsp champagne vinaigrette
• 1 tbsp chopped green onions
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• Rolfe Rub (to taste)
• Crackers or sliced cucumbers (for serving)

Sauce:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp wasabi paste
• 1 tsp finely diced ginger
• 1 tsp BBQ sauce
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp sriracha

Instructions:

Prepare the rice:

1. Boil rice according to package instructions. Drain and transfer to a bowl.
2. Mix with Rolfe Rub and toasted sesame seeds.

Prepare the tuna or salmon:

1. Finely chop the salmon.
2. Toss with capers and champagne vinaigrette.

Prepare the crab salad:

1. Combine the crab salad with chopped green onions.

Make the sauce:

1. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, wasabi, ginger, and BBQ sauce. Simmer for about 15 minutes, then let cool.
2. Whisk the cooled mixture with mayonnaise and sriracha until smooth.

Assemble the tower:

1. Place a cylinder ring on a serving plate. Add the following layers:
   • Thin layer of rice
   • Salmon mixture
   • Sliced cream cheese
   • Sliced avocado
   • Crab salad
   • Another layer of rice
2. Repeat layers if desired, omitting the second cream cheese layer.
3. Compact the layers using the bottom of a drinking glass or similar object, then carefully remove the cylinder ring to reveal the tower.

Garnish and serve:

1. Sprinkle the top with additional sesame seeds.
2. Drizzle the sauce over the top.
3. Serve with crackers or sliced cucumbers and enjoy!