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Viral Sushi Bake Recipe

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3.9 from 58 reviews

Sushi Bake is a viral TikTok recipe that combines the flavors of sushi in a comforting baked casserole form. This dish layers seasoned sushi rice with a spicy seafood mixture made from salmon and crab, then bakes it to perfection. It’s an easy-to-make, shareable seafood casserole topped with nori, sesame seeds, and creamy spicy mayonnaise, perfect for sushi lovers looking for a home-cooked twist.

  • Total Time: 47 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Sushi Rice

  • 2 cups sushi rice (uncooked)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Good pinch of salt

Seafood Filling

  • 11oz / 310g salmon fillet
  • 11oz / 310g imitation crab/surimi
  • ½ cup Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise or regular mayonnaise
  • 1-3 teaspoons sriracha sauce (adjust to spice preference)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Toppings and Garnishes

  • 1 nori sheet
  • Sesame seeds
  • Black sesame seeds
  • Spicy mayonnaise (for drizzling)
  • Chopped cilantro (coriander) and/or scallions
  • Seaweed snacks or extra nori sheets (for serving)
  • Sliced avocado
  • Sliced cucumber

Additional

  • Olive oil spray or brush (for greasing and salmon)

Instructions

  1. Cook Sushi Rice: Rinse the sushi rice in a non-stick pot until the water runs clear. Optionally, soak the rice for 30 to 60 minutes to improve texture. Add 2½ cups water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce to low, cover with a lid, and cook for 15-20 minutes until water is fully absorbed. Remove from heat and let steam with lid on for 5-10 minutes.
  2. Prepare Salmon: Season the salmon fillet with salt and pepper, and lightly spray or brush with olive oil. Cook the salmon by air frying for 10 minutes until done, or alternatively pan fry or oven bake until cooked through.
  3. Prepare Seafood Filling: Flake the cooked salmon with a fork into a large mixing bowl. Pull the imitation crab sticks apart lengthwise to create string-like pieces, then dice into small cubes and add to the salmon.
  4. Mix Filling: Add soy sauce, Kewpie mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, and sesame oil to the bowl with the crab and salmon. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
  5. Preheat Oven and Season Rice: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt to make the rice seasoning.
  6. Assemble Rice Layer: Spray a 13×9 inch (30×22 cm) oven-safe dish with olive oil. Add the cooked sushi rice and pour the seasoning mixture over it. Gently fold the rice with a wooden paddle or rubber spatula to evenly distribute seasoning without mushing the rice.
  7. Spread Rice Evenly: Use a rubber spatula to spread and flatten the rice into an even layer, extending to the edges of the dish.
  8. Add Nori and Seeds: Tear the nori sheet into small pieces and sprinkle them evenly over the rice, followed by a scattering of sesame seeds.
  9. Top with Seafood Filling: Spread the mixed seafood filling evenly over the rice layer. Gently pat it down for an even surface.
  10. Bake the Dish: Place the dish in the oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Then switch to broil mode and broil for 2 minutes to slightly brown and crisp the top.
  11. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with a zigzag drizzle of spicy mayonnaise, black sesame seeds, and chopped cilantro or scallions. Slice into 6 squares and serve with nori sheets, sliced avocado, and cucumber on the side. Enjoy your comforting and flavorful Sushi Bake!

Notes

  • Soaking sushi rice before cooking improves texture but is optional if short on time.
  • Adjust sriracha amount to your desired spice level.
  • You can cook salmon by air frying, pan frying, or oven baking depending on preference and available equipment.
  • To avoid mushy rice, fold in the seasoning gently and avoid overmixing.
  • Use Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise for authentic flavor, but regular mayo works as well.
  • This dish is best served immediately for optimal texture and flavor.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 32 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Japanese-American Fusion