Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Brings all the flavors of sushi in a baked, family-style format no rolling required.
Rich, creamy filling pairs perfectly with savory, umami toppings.
Easy to customize with different proteins, sauces, or veggies.
Ideal for parties, potlucks, or meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the rice
2 cups dry sushi rice
2 cups water
1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar

For the salmon
1 1/2 lb salmon fillet
Salt & pepper to taste
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Filling
8 oz imitation crab meat, chopped
1/2 cup Japanese mayonnaise
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 Tbsp sriracha
1 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
2 Tbsp furikake

Topping
Spicy mayo (mayo + sriracha + lime juice)
Green onion
Black and white sesame seeds

Serve with
Roasted seaweed
Unagi (eel) sauce
English cucumber
Avocado slices

Directions

Cook the rice: Rinse sushi rice until water runs clear. Combine with water in a rice cooker or pot. Cook until tender, then gently mix in seasoned rice vinegar. Spread evenly into the bottom of a lightly greased baking dish.
Bake the salmon: Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Place salmon on a lined baking sheet, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily. Cool slightly, then shred into chunks.
Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, mix shredded salmon, chopped imitation crab, Japanese mayonnaise, cream cheese, sriracha, soy sauce, and furikake until well combined.
Assemble the bake: Spread the filling evenly over the sushi rice in the baking dish.
Bake: Return to the oven and bake uncovered for 10–12 minutes, or until warmed through.
Add toppings: Drizzle spicy mayo on top, then sprinkle with green onion and sesame seeds.
Serve: Spoon portions onto roasted seaweed sheets, and garnish with unagi sauce, cucumber, and avocado slices.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 6–8
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Cook time: ~25–27 minutes
Total time: ~40–42 minutes

Variations

Swap imitation crab for cooked shrimp, real crab meat, or more salmon.
Add extra vegetables like julienned carrots or bell peppers inside the bake for added crunch.
Make it spicier by adding more sriracha or a dash of chili oil to the filling.
Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 °F (175 °C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals. Keep toppings like cucumber and avocado fresh by adding them after reheating.

FAQs

What is a sushi bake?

A sushi bake is a deconstructed sushi roll, layered in a casserole-style dish, then baked for a warm, comforting version of sushi.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes assemble the rice and filling layers ahead, refrigerate, then bake just before serving.

Is this served hot or cold?

It’s typically served warm with fresh, cool garnishes.

Can I use raw salmon instead of cooked?

No for food safety, salmon should be fully cooked before mixing into the bake.

Can I make it without imitation crab?

Absolutely replace with more salmon, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein.

What kind of rice is best?

Short-grain sushi rice works best for its stickiness and authentic texture.

Do I need Japanese mayonnaise?

Japanese mayo (like Kewpie) gives a richer, tangier flavor, but regular mayo can be used in a pinch.

What is furikake?

Furikake is a Japanese seasoning blend made from seaweed, sesame seeds, and other flavorful ingredients perfect for adding umami.

Can I freeze sushi bake?

It’s not recommended freezing affects the texture of rice and creamy fillings.

What can I serve alongside this dish?

Miso soup, edamame, or a fresh seaweed salad make great accompaniments.

Conclusion

Salmon Sushi Bake is a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed dish that transforms the art of sushi into an easy, shareable meal. With its savory layers, creamy filling, and endless topping possibilities, it’s a guaranteed hit for gatherings, potlucks, or simply treating yourself at home.