If you’re looking for a simple and cozy dish that the whole family will enjoy, then an Easy Salmon Sushi Bake is just what you need! This sushi-inspired recipe features tender, baked salmon layered with classic sushi rice and a variety of sushi toppings. It brings together the delicious flavors of a spicy salmon roll without the fuss of traditional sushi making. I absolutely love making this dish for friends during gatherings, especially when I want a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t take hours to prepare. The sticky sushi rice combined with the rich, fatty fish and a delicious sauce makes it a perfect Game Day appetizer or a comforting family dinner.
This spicy salmon sushi bake is a deconstructed version of a sushi roll, layered beautifully with sushi rice, furikake, and a flavorful seafood mixture that can include fresh avocado and sliced jalapenos. Whether you choose to include kani, and shrimp, or stick with the spicy salmon mix, it’s all about making it your own. You can enjoy it warm, or for those who like a twist, serve it with nori for a unique treat. This dish is not only easy to make but also embodies all the comforting flavors of sushi that you crave, making it my go-to recipe for any occasion!
What You Need to Make This Sushi-Inspired Dish
Making a salmon sushi bake at home is easy and packed with flavor! This recipe uses staple ingredients from traditional sushi but is baked for a unique twist. Here’s a step-by-step look at everything you’ll need.
Start with the Sushi Rice
For the base, you’ll need sushi rice, which is usually short-grain rice. This rice is essential because it becomes sticky and can hold together well. Use about 2 cups of white rice. Cook it with water, then season it with rice vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt to get that traditional sushi flavor. You can find rice vinegar in the international aisle of most grocery stores.
Prepare the Salmon
Salmon is the main seafood in this dish. For a budget option, use canned salmon; if you want something fresher, go with boneless, skinless Atlantic salmon. Use about 1/4 pound of salmon per person if you’re making this as a main course. The salmon provides plenty of heart-healthy Omega 3’s, making this dish not just tasty but a real superfood meal.
Add Flavor to the Salmon
Mix the salmon with low-sodium soy sauce to keep the saltiness down or try tamari if you need it to be gluten-free. Alternatively, coconut aminos or liquid aminos work well for a slightly different taste. These options help flavor the fish without overwhelming it.
The Creamy Layer
For a creamy, rich layer, blend Kewpie mayo—a Japanese mayo known for its fattier flavor because it’s made with extra egg yolks and a bit of vinegar. This is often preferred over traditional mayo for the best flavor in sushi dishes. You can also add a touch of toasted sesame oil to add a light, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the other flavors.
Sriracha for Spice
For a spicier kick, add sriracha to taste. The amount can be adjusted to your preference to give the dish a hint of spicy warmth, which complements the creaminess of the mayo. This ingredient is optional but highly recommended for those who enjoy a garlicky spice.
Cream Cheese for Extra Creaminess
Add a layer of cream cheese to the dish for an additional creamy touch. Philadelphia cream cheese is a great choice, as it melts beautifully into the dish and provides an irresistible creaminess.
Finish with Toppings
Sprinkle furikake seasoning on top. This Japanese seasoning mix includes seaweed, sesame seeds, and herbs for a crunchy, salty finish. You can find it in the international foods section of many grocery stores or at Trader Joe’s. Green onions are also a great addition, adding a delicious flavor to the finished bake.
Optional Sauces
Add a drizzle of eel sauce for a sweet, savory umami flavor. This sauce is easy to find in many Asian markets or Japanese markets.
How to Make This Simple & Easy Sushi Bake
For a super simple recipe that’s perfect for sharing at parties or potlucks, this salmon sushi bake only takes about 40 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people as a main entrée. Follow these step-by-step instructions to recreate it at home!
First, preheat your oven to 425°F. Place a salmon filet on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Season the salmon with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder. Bake for 20 minutes or until the salmon is fully cooked. Once done, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool. After cooling, flake the salmon with a fork, making sure to remove any skin. Adjust the oven temperature to 450°F for the next steps.
Prepare the Sushi Rice
While the salmon is baking, prepare your sushi rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, season the rice by mixing in rice vinegar, a bit of sugar, and salt to add flavor. Set the rice aside.
Make the Spicy Salmon Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the flaked salmon with Kewpie mayo, a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess, and sriracha for a spicy kick. Mix until the salmon becomes a smooth, spicy salmon mixture. You can adjust the texture by shredding it into finer pieces or keeping bigger chunks based on your personal preference.
Layer and Bake
Get an 8×8 or 9×13 baking dish ready for layering. Press the sushi rice firmly into the bottom of the dish to create an even layer. Sprinkle a generous amount of furikake seasoning over the rice for a crunchy, salty flavor. Next, add the spicy salmon mixture on top of the rice and spread it into an even layer.
Bake and Broil for a Toasty Finish
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven at 450°F and bake for 10 minutes. For a toasty finish, switch the oven to broil and broil for an additional 2–3 minutes until the top turns golden and toasty and all the ingredients meld beautifully.
Garnish and Serve
To serve, sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh, delicious flavor. You can also add toppings like roasted seaweed, sliced cucumbers, avocado, spicy mayo, or eel sauce. Serve warm with tortilla chips or nori squares and enjoy this flavorful twist on sushi!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sushi bake?
Sushi bake is a fusion dish that takes inspiration from Japanese and Western cultures. It is like a deconstructed sushi roll meets a warm and gooey midwestern casserole. This salmon version is similar to the viral TikTok salmon rice bowl by Emily Mariko and is definitely a crowd-pleaser.
Where is sushi bake from?
The origin of sushi bake is somewhat of a mystery. However, some credit Mimi Qiu Reyes, the founder of The Original Baked California Roll in the Philippines in 2015. Meanwhile, others say the idea of baking sushi in a casserole dish was popularized at Hawaiian potlucks years before.
Where can I get eel sauce?
I typically make it at home using this eel sauce recipe. It is really easy and only requires 3 simple ingredients. However, if you really don’t want to make it at home, you can typically find it at your local specialty Japanese or Asian grocery store. You may find it on the shelves labeled as eel sauce, unagi sauce, or sushi sauce. The one I most commonly see in stores is Kikkoman’s Unagi Sushi Sauce.
Could this be eaten cold?
I prefer it warm because the mayo and cream cheese meld together and is just so comforting and gooey. However, it is fine to eat cold as well. I would just make sure the rice is fresh and not cold and hard from the fridge.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 lb (450g) cooked salmon, flaked
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sriracha (adjust for spice level)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1 sheet nori, cut into small strips (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional topping)
Directions:
- Prepare the rice: Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, and stir into warm sushi rice. Spread the rice evenly in a greased baking dish.
- Make the salmon mix: In a bowl, combine flaked salmon, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sriracha. Spread this mixture over the rice layer.
- Top it off: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the salmon layer.
- Bake it: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Top with green onions, sesame seeds, and nori strips. Serve warm with additional nori sheets for scooping or alongside your favorite sushi sides.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g