Salmon Sushi Bake : This crowd-pleaser layers fluffy rice, creamy seasoned salmon, and a rich blend of Japanese-inspired toppings into a casserole-style dish. Topped with a drizzle of spicy mayo and a sprinkle of furikake, serve it with crispy nori sheets for a DIY sushi experience that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
What is Salmon Sushi Bake?
Salmon sushi bake is a deconstructed sushi dish layered in a casserole format. At its base, you’ll find seasoned sushi rice, topped with shredded salmon mixed with creamy mayonnaise, sriracha, and soy sauce. The layers are baked until warm and golden, then garnished with classic sushi toppings like furikake, green onions, and drizzles of spicy mayo and eel sauce. Served with nori sheets for scooping, this dish is the perfect balance of salty, tangy, and creamy flavors.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Salmon Sushi Bake
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh salmon and high-quality sushi rice make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Season the Rice Well: Don’t skimp on the rice seasoning (vinegar, sugar, and salt). This gives your bake the authentic sushi flavor.
- Cook the Salmon Perfectly: Bake or pan-sear the salmon until flaky but not dry. You can also use leftover cooked salmon for convenience.
- Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to suit your spice tolerance.
- Invest in a Good Seaweed Brand: Nori sheets should be crisp and flavorful for the best experience.
- Let It Rest Before Serving: Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the flavors meld together.
Variations of Salmon Sushi Bake
- Protein Alternatives:
- Crab Sushi Bake: Substitute imitation crab or lump crab meat for salmon.
- Tuna Sushi Bake: Use canned or fresh tuna for a delicious twist.
- Add Vegetables:
- Include layers of avocado, cucumber slices, or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and nutrients.
- Spicy Lovers:
- Add chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of chili oil for extra heat.
- Gluten-Free Version:
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all toppings are gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free Option:
- Replace mayonnaise with a vegan alternative or omit it entirely for a lighter dish.
How to Serve Salmon Sushi Bake
Serving salmon sushi bake is part of the fun! Here’s how to enjoy it:
- Pair with Nori Sheets: Scoop a spoonful of the bake onto a small square of nori and fold it like a taco. The crisp nori adds a delightful crunch.
- Serve with Side Dishes: Complement the bake with a light cucumber salad, miso soup, or edamame.
- Drizzle Extra Sauces: Keep bottles of spicy mayo, eel sauce, or soy sauce on the table for additional customization.
- Great for Gatherings: Arrange the bake on a serving platter with garnishes for a beautiful, shareable dish.
How to Store Salmon Sushi Bake
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through. Cover with foil to retain moisture.
- Freezing: While not recommended for the best texture, you can freeze portions for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven for best results.
Recipe FAQs
Can I Use Canned Salmon?
Yes! Canned salmon is a convenient and budget-friendly option. Just make sure to drain it well and remove any bones or skin.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
You can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free mayo alternative for a lighter version. Keep in mind that the flavor might slightly change.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the bake up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Is Salmon Sushi Bake Served Hot or Cold?
It’s best served warm, fresh out of the oven. However, some people enjoy it chilled as leftovers.
What Toppings Work Well Besides Furikake?
Other options include sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, or pickled ginger for added depth of flavor.
How Do I Prevent the Nori Sheets from Getting Soggy?
Serve the nori separately and scoop the bake onto it just before eating to keep it crisp.
Salmon Sushi Bake
Salmon Sushi Bake : This crowd-pleaser layers fluffy rice, creamy seasoned salmon, and a rich blend of Japanese-inspired toppings into a casserole-style dish. Topped with a drizzle of spicy mayo and a sprinkle of furikake.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 2 medium salmon filets (6 oz each)
- 1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
For the Spicy Mayo Sauce:
- ¼ cup cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup light mayo
- 2 tbsp sriracha
- ¼ cup furikake seasoning
For the Rice:
- 3 cups cooked sushi rice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
Toppings:
- 1 medium avocado (sliced)
- ½ medium cucumber (diced)
- 2 green onions (diced)
- Nori seaweed (to taste)
- Sesame seeds (to taste)
Instructions
- Place salmon on a baking sheet, skin-side down. Drizzle with tamari and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Bake for 18 minutes or until flaky.
- In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, mayo, sriracha, and furikake.
- Cut the cooked salmon into chunks, discard the skin, and fold into the sauce.
- Combine cooked rice with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.
- Press the rice evenly into a 9-inch baking dish.
- Spread the salmon mixture over the rice layer.
- Bake for 12 minutes at 400°F, then broil for 2–3 minutes until golden on top.
- Top with sliced avocado, diced cucumber, green onions, sesame seeds, and crispy nori.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the sushi bake scoop-by-scoop with seaweed for the perfect bite!
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 447Total Fat 24gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 17gCholesterol 59mgSodium 1378mgCarbohydrates 35gFiber 4gSugar 7gProtein 22g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Salmon sushi bake is a modern, family-friendly take on sushi that is as easy to prepare as it is to devour. With endless ways to customize, it’s a dish you can adapt for any occasion or dietary need. The comforting layers of seasoned rice and creamy salmon, topped with vibrant garnishes, make it an instant crowd-pleaser.
Check my other salmon recipes:
