Craving sushi but don’t feel like rolling individual pieces? Enter the sushi bake, a warm and flavorful casserole-style dish that’s packed with the classic ingredients of sushi, baked to perfection, and perfect for sharing. This recipe is easy to follow and delivers mouthwatering results. Let’s dive in!
What Is Sushi Bake?
Sushi bake is a deconstructed take on sushi, layered with seasoned rice, creamy seafood filling, and toppings that give it a crispy, flavorful finish. It’s typically served warm with seaweed sheets for scooping, making it a family-friendly favorite or a crowd-pleaser at potlucks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the seafood filling:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6–8 oz each)
- 6 oz imitation crab meat
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup Japanese mayonnaise (like Kewpie Mayo)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 tbsp chili crisp oil (optional but adds a kick)
For the rice layer:
- 4 cups cooked white rice (short-grain preferred)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
For the toppings:
- Furikake seasoning (1–2 tbsp)
- Spicy mayo drizzle (Kewpie Mayo + Sriracha)
- Extra chili crisp oil (optional)
- Green onions, thinly sliced
- Lemon wedges
- Nori (seaweed sheets) for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
- Preheat your oven to broil.
- Season the salmon fillets with garlic powder, onion powder, and Old Bay seasoning.
- Place them on a baking sheet lined with foil and broil for about 20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Once cooked, let them cool slightly, then shred into small pieces. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Seafood Mixture
- In a food processor, shred the imitation crab meat.
- Add the shredded salmon and pulse until combined but still slightly chunky.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the cream cheese, Japanese mayo, soy sauce, Sriracha, and chili crisp oil. Mix until smooth and well-blended.
Step 3: Season the Rice
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice with rice vinegar and sesame oil.
- Mix until the rice is evenly seasoned.
Step 4: Assemble the Sushi Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Spread the seasoned rice evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish, pressing it down gently to create a flat layer.
- Spoon the seafood mixture over the rice, spreading it evenly to cover the surface.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Bake the sushi bake for 20 minutes.
- For an extra-crispy topping, switch the oven to broil for an additional 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle furikake seasoning generously over the top.
- Drizzle spicy mayo and chili crisp oil for added flavor.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish and garnish with green onions.
To serve, scoop the sushi bake with a spoon and wrap it in seaweed sheets for the ultimate sushi experience.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Sushi Bake
- Use quality rice: Short-grain rice or sushi rice is ideal for the best texture.
- Adjust spice levels: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of Sriracha and chili crisp oil.
- Make it your own: Add other toppings like tobiko (fish roe) or thinly sliced avocado for extra flair.
- Seaweed options: Toasted nori sheets work best for scooping and holding the sushi bake.
Why This Recipe Works
This sushi bake combines the creamy, savory flavors of baked salmon and crab with the umami-packed elements of sushi, all in an easy-to-make casserole. It’s a versatile dish you can customize and share, making it a must-try for sushi lovers and casserole enthusiasts alike.
Give this sushi bake a try, and let it transport you to sushi heaven, one delicious bite at a time!
