Salmon Sushi Bake

This post may include affiliate links — learn more here .

Introduction

If you’re a fan of sushi but want to try something different, then you’re going to love Salmon Sushi Bake. This creative and delicious dish takes the classic flavors of sushi and transforms them into a warm, comforting casserole-style bake. The combination of tender, flaky salmon, seasoned rice, and creamy sauce offers a familiar yet elevated experience that will have you craving more. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a casual meal for family, or simply indulging in something special, Salmon Sushi Bake is the perfect dish to satisfy your sushi cravings without the need for rolling individual pieces.

In this article, we’ll dive into why Salmon Sushi Bake is a must-try dish, provide detailed instructions on how to make it, and offer helpful tips and variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re a sushi enthusiast or a newcomer to Japanese-inspired cuisine, this dish is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Sushi Lover’s Dream: For anyone who loves sushi, this baked version brings all the flavors you adore without the need to roll each piece individually.
• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of creamy mayonnaise, spicy sriracha, and tender salmon creates a rich, mouth-watering flavor that you won’t be able to resist.
• Easy to Make: Unlike traditional sushi, which requires precision and expertise, the sushi bake is easy to prepare and doesn’t require any special skills. It’s a no-fuss way to enjoy sushi flavors at home.
• Comforting and Hearty: The warm, baked casserole style of the dish makes it a comforting meal that’s perfect for cozy nights or casual gatherings.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. Make it spicier with more sriracha, or add extra vegetables for a lighter twist.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour (15 minutes for prep, 30 minutes for baking)
• Servings: This recipe makes about 6 servings, depending on portion size.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 450, Protein: 35g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 22g

Ingredients

For the Sushi Rice:

• 2 cups sushi rice: Sushi rice is sticky and perfect for holding together the ingredients in the bake.
• 2 ½ cups water: To cook the rice.
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds the characteristic tangy flavor to the rice.
• 2 tablespoons sugar: To balance the acidity of the rice vinegar.
• 1 teaspoon salt: For seasoning the rice.

For the Salmon Filling:

• 1 lb fresh salmon fillet (skinless): Salmon provides the perfect texture and flavor for this dish. Make sure it’s boneless and fresh.
• ½ cup mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the filling.
• 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce: For a spicy kick. You can adjust this to your spice preference.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil: To enhance the flavor and give it a nutty aroma.
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use halal-certified soy sauce): For umami flavor that complements the salmon.
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: Adds a slight tang to the creamy mixture.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a bit of savory flavor.
• ½ teaspoon ginger powder: Adds a warm, spicy note to the filling.

For the Topping:

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: For a creamy and smooth topping.
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce: Adds extra heat to the top of the bake.
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions: For a pop of color and freshness.
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• 1 tablespoon nori flakes (optional): Adds a hint of seaweed flavor, which is typical in sushi.

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal note.
• Pickled ginger: A traditional sushi accompaniment that adds a sweet and tangy contrast.
• Cucumber slices: For a refreshing crunch on the side.

For the Rice Crust:

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil: To add flavor and prevent the rice from sticking to the baking dish.
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs: For a crunchy, golden crust on top of the rice.

Step-by-Step

Preparation

First Step: PREPARE THE SUSHI RICE

1. Rinse the Rice: Begin by rinsing the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps the rice become sticky.
2. Cook the Rice: Place the rinsed rice and water in a rice cooker or a pot. Cook according to your rice cooker’s instructions or bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the rice cook for about 15-20 minutes until all the water has been absorbed.
3. Season the Rice: Once the rice is done, transfer it to a large bowl. In a small bowl, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Pour this mixture over the cooked rice and gently fold it in to season the rice. Allow the rice to cool while you prepare the salmon filling.

Second Step: PREPARE THE SALMON FILLING

1. Cook the Salmon: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon fillet on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Season with a pinch of salt and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is fully cooked and easily flakes with a fork.
2. Shred the Salmon: Once the salmon has cooled slightly, use a fork to flake it into small pieces, making sure to remove any bones. Set the shredded salmon aside.
3. Prepare the Creamy Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Stir until smooth and well combined.
4. Mix the Salmon: Add the shredded salmon to the creamy mixture and gently fold it together until the salmon is well coated.

Third Step: ASSEMBLE THE BAKED SUSHI

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with sesame oil to prevent sticking.
2. Layer the Sushi Rice: Spread the seasoned sushi rice evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Press it down gently with the back of a spoon to ensure it forms a firm, even layer.
3. Top with Salmon Filling: Spoon the salmon mixture over the sushi rice, spreading it out evenly to cover the rice completely.
4. Add the Crust: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with a little sesame oil. Sprinkle this mixture over the salmon to create a crunchy crust.

Fourth Step: BAKE THE SUSHI

1. Bake the Dish: Place the assembled sushi bake into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
2. Prepare the Topping: While the sushi bake is baking, mix together the mayonnaise and sriracha sauce for the topping.
3. Top the Sushi Bake: Once the sushi bake is done, remove it from the oven and drizzle the sriracha mayonnaise over the top. Sprinkle with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and nori flakes if using.

Final Step: GARNISH AND SERVE

1. Garnish: Garnish the sushi bake with fresh cilantro and serve with optional sides like pickled ginger or cucumber slices.
2. Slice and Serve: Slice the sushi bake into squares or scoop out portions with a spoon. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting, savory flavors of this unique twist on traditional sushi.

How to Serve Salmon Sushi Bake

Salmon Sushi Bake is a versatile dish that can be served in various settings. Here are some ideas for how to enjoy it:

1. As a Main Course for Dinner

This dish is hearty and satisfying, making it a perfect main course for dinner. Pair it with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

2. For a Family Gathering or Potluck

Salmon Sushi Bake is easy to prepare in advance and great for sharing with others. Serve it as part of a buffet-style meal at family gatherings, potlucks, or casual parties.

3. With Sushi-Inspired Sides

Serve the sushi bake with traditional sushi-inspired sides such as miso soup, edamame, or seaweed salad to complete the Japanese-inspired meal.

4. As a Comfort Food

This baked version of sushi offers a warm, comforting alternative to traditional sushi rolls. It’s perfect for a cozy meal when you’re craving something flavorful but with a homey touch.

Tips for Perfect Salmon Sushi Bake

1. Use Fresh Salmon: Fresh salmon will give the dish the best flavor and texture. If using frozen salmon, make sure it’s thoroughly thawed before cooking.
2. Don’t Overcook the Salmon: To ensure your salmon is tender and moist, bake it just until it’s fully cooked but still juicy. Overcooking can lead to dry salmon.
3. Prepare in Advance: You can prepare the rice and salmon mixture ahead of time. Assemble the bake just before you’re ready to bake it, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.
4. Customize the Spice: Adjust the level of sriracha based on your spice preference. Start with a small amount and taste test as you go.

Additional Tips

1. Make Ahead: You can prepare the rice and marinated salmon in advance. Assemble the dish up to 1 day ahead, refrigerate, and then bake it when ready to serve.
2. Use Cooked Salmon: If you prefer cooked salmon, you can bake or pan-sear the salmon before adding it to the dish, ensuring it’s cooked through.
3. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sauce by adding more sriracha for spice, or a little honey for sweetness.
4. Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, replace the salmon with a plant-based substitute like tofu or avocado, and use a vegan mayo alternative.

Recipe Variations

While Salmon Sushi Bake is delicious as is, here are some ways to switch it up:

1. Add Vegetables

For added texture and flavor, consider incorporating vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, or shredded carrots into the dish. You can also top it with fresh avocado for a creamy element.

2. Use Different Fish

While salmon is the star of this recipe, other fish like tuna or even shrimp can be used for a different seafood twist. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the protein.

3. Add More Spice

If you love spicy foods, add a little extra sriracha to the sauce or sprinkle chili flakes over the top before baking.

4. Use Brown Rice

For a healthier alternative, swap sushi rice with brown rice. It will add more fiber and a nutty flavor to the dish.

Freezing and Storage

To store leftover Salmon Sushi Bake, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

If you want to freeze the dish, allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.

Special Equipment

You don’t need any special equipment to make this dish, but here are some helpful kitchen tools:

• Rice Cooker: To perfectly cook sushi rice.
• Baking Dish: A 9×9-inch square dish works best for this recipe.
• Spatula: For spreading the mayo-sriracha sauce evenly over the salmon.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen salmon? Yes! Just make sure the salmon is completely thawed before using it in the recipe.
2. Can I make this recipe without mayo? You can substitute the mayo with Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative for a lighter version.
3. How can I make it spicier? Add more sriracha sauce to the mayo mixture, or sprinkle chili flakes over the top before baking.
4. Can I make a smaller version? Yes, you can halve the ingredients and use a smaller baking dish to make a more compact portion.

Conclusion

Salmon Sushi Bake is a delicious and creative way to enjoy the flavors of sushi in a warm, comforting casserole-style dish. With its creamy salmon filling, seasoned sushi rice, and crispy topping, it’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy both sushi lovers and those looking for something new. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner, a holiday gathering, or just treating yourself to something special, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Try it today, and enjoy a comforting, flavorful twist on your favorite sushi!