Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the flavors of sushi without the rolling.
- Perfect for sharing at gatherings or family dinners.
- Customizable heat level.
- Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.
- Great way to use leftover salmon.
- Comforting, warm twist on traditional sushi.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cups sushi rice
2 1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pound fresh salmon, skin removed
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sriracha
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup furikake seasoning
Nori sheets, for serving
Avocado slices, for serving
Cucumber slices, for serving
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine rice and water in a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Gently fold the mixture into the cooked rice.
- Spread the seasoned rice evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the furikake seasoning over the rice.
- In a separate bowl, flake the salmon and mix with soy sauce and sesame oil.
- In another bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha, and softened cream cheese until smooth. Fold this mixture into the salmon.
- Spread the salmon mixture evenly over the rice layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining furikake and chopped green onions over the top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until heated through and slightly golden on top.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Scoop onto nori sheets and top with avocado and cucumber if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6–8 servings
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: Approximately 45 minutes
Variations
- Substitute imitation crab for a California roll-inspired version.
- Add chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
- Use spicy tuna instead of salmon.
- Top with a drizzle of eel sauce before serving.
- Add shredded carrots or thinly sliced radishes for extra crunch.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or oven until just heated through. Avoid overheating to maintain texture.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be prepared a few hours ahead and reheated before serving.
FAQs
Can I use leftover cooked salmon?
Yes, leftover baked or grilled salmon works perfectly in this recipe.
Is this dish very spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat level, but you can adjust the amount of sriracha to taste.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.
Do I need sushi-grade salmon?
Since the salmon is baked, sushi-grade is not required.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the cream cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
What is furikake?
Furikake is a Japanese seasoning blend typically made of dried seaweed, sesame seeds, and seasonings.
Can I freeze sushi bake?
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the rice and sauce may change.
What type of rice should I use?
Short-grain sushi rice works best for the proper sticky texture.
How do I serve it?
Scoop portions onto nori sheets and eat like a hand roll, or serve with a spoon.
Can I add other toppings?
Yes, try spicy mayo drizzle, sesame seeds, or pickled ginger for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake transforms classic sushi flavors into an easy, oven-baked dish that’s perfect for sharing. With creamy, spicy salmon layered over seasoned rice and topped with savory garnishes, it’s a comforting and flavorful meal that brings sushi night home in the simplest way possible.
PrintSpicy Salmon Sushi Bake
Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake is a warm, deconstructed take on classic sushi rolls, layered with seasoned sushi rice, creamy spicy salmon, and savory toppings. This comforting casserole-style dish delivers bold sushi flavors in an easy, shareable format.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- For the rice:
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the salmon:
- 1 pound fresh salmon, skin removed
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- For the spicy mixture:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- Toppings and serving:
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup furikake seasoning
- Nori sheets, for serving
- Avocado slices, for serving
- Cucumber slices, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Rinse sushi rice under cold water until clear. Combine rice and water in a pot, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 10 minutes.
- Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Gently fold into cooked rice.
- Spread seasoned rice evenly in the baking dish and sprinkle half of the furikake over the top.
- Flake the salmon and mix with soy sauce and sesame oil.
- In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha, and cream cheese until smooth. Fold into the salmon mixture.
- Spread the salmon mixture evenly over the rice layer.
- Sprinkle remaining furikake and chopped green onions on top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until heated through and slightly golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Scoop onto nori sheets and top with avocado and cucumber as desired.
Notes
- Adjust sriracha to control spice level.
- Leftover cooked salmon works well in this recipe.
- Short-grain sushi rice provides the best sticky texture.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg