Sushi Bake

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Introduction

Sushi Bake is a deliciously warm and comforting twist on traditional sushi, offering all the classic flavors in an easy-to-make, shareable casserole. This deconstructed sushi dish features layers of seasoned rice, a creamy, savory seafood mixture, and a crispy golden topping, creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply craving sushi without the fuss of rolling, Sushi Bake is a guaranteed hit.

The first time I made this, I was amazed at how simple yet satisfying it was. Spreading the rice into the dish, layering it with a rich seafood mixture, and topping it with crunchy bits and a drizzle of spicy mayo felt like assembling a masterpiece. Once baked, the irresistible aroma filled the kitchen, and scooping it into nori sheets with a bit of extra sauce made every bite pure perfection.

What I love most about Sushi Bake is how customizable it is. You can use crab, salmon, shrimp, or even a mix of seafood to make it your own. Want extra crunch? Sprinkle on some furikake or panko. Love spice? Add a generous drizzle of sriracha. However you serve it, this dish turns sushi night into a fun, effortless, and flavor-packed experience.

Perfect for:

  • Potlucks and gatherings
  • Family dinners
  • Sushi lovers
  • Meal prep
  • Easy and fun homemade sushi

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Sushi Bake will be your new favorite dish:

  • Easy to Make: No need for sushi rolling skills—just layer, bake, and enjoy.
  • Customizable: Use your favorite seafood, toppings, and sauces to suit your taste.
  • Great for Sharing: A perfect dish for potlucks and family-style meals.
  • Warm and Comforting: A cozy twist on traditional sushi that’s baked to perfection.
  • Packed with Flavor: The creamy seafood filling and crispy toppings make every bite irresistible.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 6 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Sushi Bake:

For the Rice:

  • 2 cups cooked sushi rice
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Seafood Mixture:

  • 1 lb imitation crab (or real crab, shrimp, or salmon), shredded
  • ½ cup cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie)
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Toppings:

  • ½ cup furikake seasoning
  • ¼ cup green onions, chopped
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for a cheesy version)
  • ¼ cup tobiko (optional, for extra umami)
  • 1 sheet nori (seaweed), crumbled

For Serving:

  • Nori sheets (seaweed, cut into squares)
  • Extra Japanese mayo, sriracha, and eel sauce for drizzling

Ingredient Highlights

  • Sushi Rice: The base of the dish, seasoned with rice vinegar for an authentic sushi taste.
  • Seafood Mixture: A creamy blend of crab, mayonnaise, and seasonings for a rich and flavorful layer.
  • Furikake: A Japanese seasoning blend that adds umami, sesame, and seaweed flavors.
  • Nori Sheets: Used for scooping up bites of sushi bake, just like hand rolls.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Rice:

  1. Cook the Sushi Rice: Prepare sushi rice according to package instructions.
  2. Season the Rice: While still warm, mix in rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir well and set aside.

Prepare the Seafood Mixture:

  1. Shred the Crab: In a mixing bowl, shred imitation crab (or your choice of seafood).
  2. Mix the Filling: Add cream cheese, Japanese mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix until well combined.

Assemble the Sushi Bake:

  1. Layer the Rice: Spread the seasoned rice evenly into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
  2. Sprinkle Furikake: Generously sprinkle furikake seasoning over the rice.
  3. Add the Seafood Mixture: Spread the seafood mixture evenly over the rice layer.
  4. Top with Cheese (Optional): If using, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top for a cheesy version.

Bake the Sushi Bake:

  1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bake for 15-20 Minutes: Bake until the top is slightly golden and heated through.
  3. Broil for a Crispy Finish (Optional): Broil for an additional 2 minutes for a slightly crispy top.

Garnish and Serve:

  1. Drizzle with Sauces: Top with extra Japanese mayo, sriracha, and eel sauce.
  2. Add Final Toppings: Sprinkle with more furikake, green onions, and tobiko if using.
  3. Serve with Nori Sheets: Scoop a portion onto a nori sheet and enjoy like a hand roll.

How to Serve

  • With Seaweed Sheets (Nori Wraps) – The classic way! Scoop some sushi bake onto a small sheet of nori, fold it like a taco, and enjoy.
  • As a Sushi Burrito – Wrap a generous portion of sushi bake in a full-sized nori sheet, add avocado or cucumber slices, and roll it up like a burrito.
  • On Crispy Rice Cakes – Press cooked sushi rice into small patties, pan-fry them until crispy, and top each with a spoonful of sushi bake for a crunchy bite.
  • In Lettuce Cups – For a lighter option, serve sushi bake in butter lettuce or romaine leaves as a low-carb wrap alternative.
  • With Wonton Chips – Use baked or fried wonton chips as crunchy scoops for a fun, appetizer-style presentation.
  • As Sushi Bake Hand Rolls (Temaki Style) – Roll sushi bake into a cone-shaped hand roll with nori, adding fillings like cucumber, mango, or tobiko for extra flavor.
  • Over Steamed Rice – Serve it as a sushi bowl by scooping the sushi bake over freshly steamed sushi rice and adding soy sauce, wasabi, and furikake.
  • Inside a Rice Ball (Onigiri) – Stuff sushi bake inside a rice ball, wrap it with nori, and take it on the go as a delicious snack.
  • With Pickled Vegetables – Balance the richness of sushi bake by serving it with pickled ginger, pickled daikon, or kimchi on the side.
  • Drizzled with Extra Sauce – Elevate the dish by adding more spicy mayo, sriracha, eel sauce, or ponzu drizzle for extra depth of flavor.

Additional Tips

  • Use Fresh Seafood: If using fresh crab or salmon, make sure it’s fully cooked before baking.
  • Make it Spicier: Add more sriracha or a dash of chili flakes for extra heat.
  • For a Crunchy Topping: Add crushed tempura flakes or panko breadcrumbs before baking.
  • Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Recipe Variations

  1. Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake: Use cooked and flaked salmon mixed with spicy mayo.
  2. Tuna Dynamite Bake: Replace crab with canned or fresh tuna and extra sriracha.
  3. Cheesy Sushi Bake: Add more mozzarella for an extra cheesy version.
  4. Unagi (Eel) Sushi Bake: Layer cooked eel with eel sauce for a rich, umami-packed dish.
  5. Vegetarian Sushi Bake: Use tofu, mushrooms, or avocado instead of seafood.
  6. Shrimp Tempura Sushi Bake: Top with crispy tempura shrimp for added crunch.
  7. California Roll Style: Mix in avocado and cucumber for a California roll-inspired version.
  8. Poke-Style Sushi Bake: Top with fresh ahi tuna after baking for a sushi-poke fusion.
  9. Hawaiian Sushi Bake: Use a mix of crab and pineapple for a sweet-savory twist.
  10. Kimchi Sushi Bake: Add chopped kimchi for a spicy, tangy kick.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Freeze unbaked sushi bake in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 extra minutes.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Special Equipment

  • Baking Dish – A ceramic, glass, or metal baking dish (8×8 or 9×13 inches) is essential for layering and baking the sushi ingredients.
  • Rice Cooker – Ensures perfectly cooked and fluffy sushi rice with the right texture and consistency.
  • Sharp Knife – A sharp chef’s knife or sashimi knife is useful for cutting ingredients like imitation crab, fish, or toppings cleanly.
  • Bamboo Rice Paddle (Shamoji) – Helps mix and spread sushi rice evenly without crushing the grains.
  • Mixing Bowls – Needed for preparing sushi rice, mixing toppings, and sauces. Opt for non-metal bowls when handling rice to avoid affecting its flavor.
  • Aluminum Foil or Parchment Paper – Lining the baking dish can help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  • Oven or Toaster Oven – Essential for baking and broiling the sushi casserole to achieve a slightly crispy and golden top.
  • Blow Torch (Optional) – Gives a delicious, torched effect to the mayo-topped sushi bake, adding a smoky, restaurant-style finish.
  • Rice Spreader or Silicone Spatula – Helps evenly spread sushi rice in the baking dish without sticking to your hands.
  • Nori Sheets – Not exactly equipment, but crucial for serving. Use nori sheets to scoop up the sushi bake like a taco or wrap.

FAQ

  1. Can I make sushi bake ahead of time? Yes! Assemble it in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
  2. Can I use brown rice instead of sushi rice? Yes, but the texture will be slightly different.
  3. Can I use canned seafood? Yes, canned tuna or salmon works well in place of fresh seafood.
  4. What’s the best way to reheat sushi bake? Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave in short bursts.
  5. Can I make this dairy-free? Skip the cream cheese and cheese, or use dairy-free alternatives.

Conclusion

Sushi Bake is a delicious, comforting, and shareable twist on traditional sushi, bringing all the flavors of a sushi roll into a warm, baked dish. Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or meal prep, this easy-to-make dish is loaded with layers of seasoned rice, creamy seafood, and flavorful toppings, all baked to perfection.

Customizable and fun to serve, Sushi Bake pairs perfectly with crispy nori sheets, allowing you to scoop up each bite for the ultimate fusion of textures and flavors. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a simple weeknight meal, this dish is sure to become a household favorite.

I can’t wait to see your Sushi Bake creations! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you make this recipe your own. Don’t forget to share your favorite add-ins or twists in the comments. Happy cooking!

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