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If you have ever wanted to enjoy the vibrant flavors of sushi without the fuss of rolling and raw fish, then this Baked Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to dish. Imagine layers of warm, seasoned sushi rice topped with a creamy, spicy salmon mixture, all baked to golden perfection and finished with fresh avocado, nori, and a splash of soy sauce. It’s comforting, easy to make, and brings a delightful twist to classic flavors that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by sushi-making because this recipe calls for simple, accessible ingredients that each play a key role in delivering authentic taste, luscious texture, and beautiful color. They are easy to find and come together quickly, promising a satisfying dish every time.
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice: The fundamental base that brings sticky, slightly sweet texture perfect for layering.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness that shines through the rice and balances the richness.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: A subtle sweetness that complements the vinegar in the rice seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors while seasoning the rice just right.
- 1/2 pound cooked salmon (baked or grilled, flaked): The star protein, tender and flavorful, providing rich umami goodness.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened): Creates a creamy, indulgent texture to the salmon mixture.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Helps bind the salmon and cream cheese while adding smoothness.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste): Brings a kick of heat that livens up the dish.
- 1/2 avocado (diced): Fresh and buttery, it adds vibrant color and cooling creaminess on top.
- 2 sheets nori (cut into small squares or strips): The umami-packed seaweed that finishes the dish with classic sushi flavor and a slight crunch.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds savory depth as a finishing drizzle.
- 1 tablespoon green onions (sliced): Provides a fresh, mild bite and a pop of color.
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Adds a delicate nutty hint and attractive visual texture.
- Oil spray or melted butter for greasing: Ensures your bake releases easily and develops a lovely crust.
How to Make Baked Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Sushi Rice
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms up, stir together rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until dissolved. Gently fold this seasoning into the warm cooked sushi rice to give it that tangy, slightly sweet flavor that’s essential for authentic sushi taste. Allow the rice to cool a bit so it’s easier to handle in the next steps.
Step 2: Mix the Salmon Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the flaked cooked salmon with softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sriracha sauce. Mix well until the ingredients are smooth and fully blended. This mixture should be creamy and spicy with a rich salmon flavor that perfectly complements the seasoned rice base.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
Lightly grease your baking dish or muffin tin with oil spray or melted butter. Press a generous layer of the seasoned sushi rice into the bottom of the dish, approximately 1/2 inch thick. Then, carefully spoon and spread the salmon mixture evenly on top of the rice layer. This creates a beautiful two-layer effect that turns into a warm, irresistible sushi bake once cooked.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The top should become lightly golden and heated through without drying out. Remove the bake from the oven and allow it to cool just enough so it’s comfortable to serve.
Step 5: Add Fresh Toppings
Finish off your bake with diced avocado pieces, a strip or two of nori, a light drizzle of soy sauce, and the sliced green onions. If you want, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a final touch of nutty flavor and texture. These toppings add freshness and visual appeal, elevating your Baked Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe into a showstopper.
How to Serve Baked Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes are where you can get creative and add layers of flavor and texture. The diced avocado provides that creamy coolness against the baked salmon, while nori strips deliver subtle crunch and a quintessential sushi essence. Green onions add a fresh, mild bite, and soy sauce introduces deep umami notes. Don’t forget the sesame seeds—they complete the look and offer a slight nuttiness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs delightfully with light, refreshing sides to balance the rich flavors. Try serving it with a crisp cucumber salad tossed in rice vinegar and sesame oil or a simple miso soup. Pickled ginger or a small seaweed salad also make excellent companions that keep the meal bright and harmonious without overwhelming the sushi bake’s vibrant layers.
Creative Ways to Present
While the traditional presentation is in a casserole dish, you can create individual portions in a muffin tin for pretty, easy-to-serve single servings—perfect for parties or casual dinners. Another fun way is layering the rice and salmon mixture repeatedly in a clear dish for a layered sushi casserole with stunning cross-sections revealed when served.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors marry beautifully overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
While this dish is best fresh or refrigerated, you can freeze leftovers in a sealed container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor as best as possible.
Reheating
Reheat your baked salmon sushi bake gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave if possible to preserve texture, though it can be used in a pinch—just cover loosely to keep moisture in.
FAQs
Can I use raw salmon for this recipe?
This Baked Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe calls for cooked salmon to ensure safety and ease of preparation. Using raw salmon is not recommended because baking raw fish will change the texture and flavor substantially, and it requires careful handling to avoid food safety issues.
Is cream cheese necessary in this recipe?
Cream cheese adds creaminess and richness that make the salmon topping smooth and indulgent. You can skip it for a lighter version or substitute with Greek yogurt if you prefer, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
To make a vegan or vegetarian version, substitute the salmon with mashed chickpeas or seasoned tofu, use vegan cream cheese and mayonnaise, and skip the fish-based toppings. The rice seasoning and other ingredients can remain the same for an equally delicious alternative.
How spicy is the sriracha in this dish?
The sriracha adds a pleasant mild heat that livens up the salmon mixture but is not overwhelmingly spicy. You can easily adjust the amount to suit your heat preference, or omit it entirely for a milder flavor profile.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, it can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients like mayonnaise and sriracha are gluten-free brands. Always double-check labels to be sure.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Baked Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe enough if you want a sushi-inspired dish that’s easy to make, comforting, and full of flavor without any complicated rolling or raw fish. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, casual entertaining, or whenever you crave sushi vibes with minimal fuss. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy salmon and sushi rice in one irresistible bake!
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Print
Baked Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Baked Salmon Sushi is an easy, no-roll sushi recipe perfect for sushi beginners. This Japanese-inspired dish combines seasoned sushi rice with a creamy mixture of flaked baked salmon, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and spicy sriracha, baked to golden perfection and topped with fresh avocado, nori, soy sauce, and green onions for vibrant flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Sushi Rice
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Salmon Mixture
- 1/2 pound cooked salmon (baked or grilled, flaked)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
Toppings and Garnish
- 1/2 avocado (diced)
- 2 sheets nori (cut into small squares or strips)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon green onions (sliced)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Other
- Oil spray or melted butter for greasing
Instructions
- Prepare the Sushi Rice: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, mix together rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Stir this seasoning mixture into the warm cooked sushi rice, then set the rice aside to cool slightly.
- Make the Salmon Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the flaked baked salmon, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sriracha. Mix until the texture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Lightly grease a small baking dish or a muffin tin with oil spray or melted butter. Press a layer of the seasoned sushi rice into the bottom of the dish or into each muffin well, about 1/2 inch thick. Evenly spoon the salmon mixture over the rice layer.
- Bake the Sushi: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon topping is golden and heated through. Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- Add Final Toppings: Garnish each portion with diced avocado, a strip or small square of nori, a drizzle of soy sauce, and sliced green onions. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- This sushi bake requires no rolling, making it very beginner-friendly.
- You can assemble this in layered form in a casserole dish for a more traditional sushi bake presentation.
- Use pre-cooked or canned salmon for convenience and quicker preparation.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spice level to your liking.
- Serve as a main course or appetizer depending on portion size.
