Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself craving sushi but don’t want to spend a fortune or fuss with rolling mats, then you’re going to love this Salmon Sushi Bake. This dish is a wonderfully rich, comforting twist on traditional sushi that combines succulent cooked salmon, creamy cheese, and a kick of Sriracha all baked together with perfectly seasoned sushi rice. It’s hands-down one of my favorite easy meals for weeknights or get-togethers, delivering that iconic sushi flavor in a fun casserole form. Trust me, once you try this luscious Salmon Sushi Bake, it will become a staple in your kitchen rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Salmon Sushi Bake is deceptively simple in ingredients, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering the creamy, spicy, and savory layers of flavor. From sushi rice that’s the perfect sticky base to the luscious cream cheese that enriches the filling, every component contributes to the magic.

• Sushi Rice (2 cups): Use medium or short grain for the ideal sticky and tender texture that holds together beautifully when baked.
• Rice Vinegar (¼ cup): Adds the classic tangy sushi rice flavor—make sure it’s the plain kind, not seasoned.
• Granulated Sugar (1½ tablespoons): Balances the acidity of the vinegar and creates that subtle sweetness in the rice.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and seasons the rice perfectly.
• Toasted Sesame Oil (small amount): Optional, but adds a lovely nutty aroma and prevents sticking in the baking dish.
• Cooked Salmon (8 ounces): The star of the dish, flaky and rich, providing that unmistakable seafood goodness.
• Imitation Crab Meat (8 ounces): Adds extra texture and flavor to the mix with mild sweetness.
• Cream Cheese (4 ounces): Makes the filling creamy and luxurious, balancing the spice perfectly.
• Sriracha (½ cup): Brings that addictive spicy kick—adjust to taste if you want it milder or hotter.
• Kewpie Mayo (¼ cup + ¼ cup for spicy mayo): Creamy with a slight tang, it melds the mixture and doubles as a sauce base.
• Green Onion (1 stalk): Provides a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
• Seaweed Snack: Excellent for scooping and wrapping your sushi bake bites.
• Optional – Furikake: A sprinkle of this Japanese seasoning adds a flavorful crunch and extra umami punch.
• Optional – Unagi Sauce Ingredients: Sake, soy sauce, sugar, and mirin can be simmered to make a sweet-savory glaze.
• Optional – Avocado and Cucumber: Creamy and crisp toppings that add freshness to each bite.

How to Make Salmon Sushi Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice

Start by washing your sushi rice 2 to 3 times until the water runs clear to remove excess starch—this is key for achieving that perfect texture. Cook the rice using your preferred method, whether a rice cooker or stovetop. While it’s cooking, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, warming just enough to dissolve the sugar and salt fully. When the rice is done, fluff it gently with a rice paddle and fold in the vinegar mixture in stages. You want the rice to be sticky but not soggy, the ideal canvas for your Salmon Sushi Bake.

Step 2: Make the Salmon and Crab Mix

If you’re starting with raw salmon, bake or air fry it until just cooked through, then flake into bite-sized pieces. For the crab, shred the imitation crab meat to blend it seamlessly into the mix. Combine the salmon, crab, softened cream cheese, Kewpie mayo, spicy Sriracha, and sliced green onion in a bowl and stir until everything looks luscious and well married. This creamy, spicy mixture will be the rich top layer of your bake.

Step 3: Optional Spicy Mayo and Unagi Sauce Prep

Mix together ¼ cup of Kewpie mayo with a tablespoon of Sriracha to create a creamy spicy mayo drizzle that takes your bake to another level. For the unagi sauce, gently simmer sake, soy sauce, sugar, and mirin until glossy and syrupy—they add a luxurious sweet and savory depth when drizzled on top.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease your baking dish with toasted sesame oil. Press the seasoned sushi rice evenly into the pan, compacting it gently so it holds together well. If you love extra flavor, sprinkle furikake over the rice. Layer your salmon and crab mixture on top, again pressing gently to create an even layer. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through and the edges start to golden. When done, take it out and let it cool for a moment before adding your final touches.

How to Serve Salmon Sushi Bake

Garnishes

Top your Salmon Sushi Bake with drizzles of the spicy mayo and optional unagi sauce for a beautiful, glossy finish. Sprinkle on some more furikake and fresh green onions for added texture and color. For an indulgent touch, scatter slices of ripe avocado and cucumber around the edges or serve alongside for guests to add themselves. This makes each bite a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and fresh.

Side Dishes

This dish is fantastic on its own but also pairs wonderfully with traditional sides like miso soup for a comforting Japanese-inspired meal. If you’re serving it for a party or potluck, Filipino lumpia spring rolls add a delightful crunch that contrasts the creamy bake. Pickled ginger and wasabi can also be great accompaniments to amp up the sushi vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun spin, serve the Salmon Sushi Bake in individual ramekins or small casserole dishes, perfect for portion control and an elegant presentation. You can also offer a DIY station with seaweed snacks, avocado slices, cucumber, and assorted sauces so everyone can assemble their own savory sushi bites. Either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser that stimulates conversation and excitement around the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Salmon Sushi Bake, store leftover portions tightly covered in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days and maintains its rich flavors. Just make sure to cover it properly to avoid drying out the rice or fish.

Freezing

Freezing is not ideal for this dish because the texture of the rice and creamy topping can become watery and grainy upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy the Salmon Sushi Bake fresh or refrigerated within a few days.

Reheating

When reheating, gently warm your leftovers in the oven at a low temperature to help maintain the texture, or microwave covered with a damp paper towel to keep the rice moist. Add fresh garnishes after reheating to brighten the flavors and presentation.

FAQs

Can I use fresh raw salmon instead of cooked salmon?

Absolutely! Just bake or air fry the raw salmon first until it’s just cooked through, then flake it before mixing. This ensures your bake has that perfect flaky texture and safe-to-eat fish.

Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the salmon mixture?

While not mandatory, cream cheese adds a creamy richness that balances the heat from the Sriracha and ties the mixture together wonderfully. You can reduce or omit it if you prefer a lighter bake.

Can I substitute imitation crab meat with real crab?

Definitely! Fresh or canned crab meat would make this dish even more luxurious with authentic seafood flavor. Just be gentle when mixing so you don’t break up the crab too much.

What if I don’t have Kewpie mayo? Can I use regular mayonnaise?

Regular mayonnaise works in a pinch, but Kewpie mayo is preferred due to its slightly sweeter, richer texture and flavor, which perfectly complements the sushi bake.

Can I make the Salmon Sushi Bake vegetarian or vegan?

To make a vegetarian version, you could swap out the salmon and crab for grilled or roasted vegetables like mushrooms and avocado, and use vegan cream cheese and mayonnaise alternatives. While it won’t have the same seafood flavor, it can still be a delicious and satisfying meal.

Final Thoughts

This Salmon Sushi Bake is a total game-changer when you want sushi vibes without the fuss of rolling or raw fish. Its creamy, spicy, and savory layers make it an irresistibly comforting dish that’s just as perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner as it is for sharing at parties. I truly hope you give this recipe a try—it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy salmon and sushi flavors all baked into one delightful dish!