Description
This Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake is a comforting fusion dish that layers perfectly seasoned sushi rice with a creamy, spicy salmon mixture and ripe avocados, baked to golden perfection. Ideal for sushi lovers wanting an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing meal that brings all the favorite sushi flavors in a warm, casserole format.
Ingredients
Scale
Sushi Rice
- 3 cups Japanese short-grain rice
- 3 cups cold water
- ½ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Salmon Mixture
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- 1.5 lbs sushi-grade salmon fillet, skin removed
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons masago or tobiko (optional)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (divided use)
Toppings and Serving
- 2 ripe avocados, thinly sliced or diced
- ¼ cup roasted seaweed snacks or nori sheets, cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- Extra Sriracha and mayonnaise for drizzling
- Optional: Furikake
- Optional: Pickled ginger
- Optional: Wasabi
Instructions
- Prepare Sushi Rice: Rinse 3 cups of Japanese short-grain rice with cold water 5-7 times until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain the rice and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Cook the rinsed rice with 3 cups of cold water in a rice cooker or on the stovetop by bringing it to a boil, then simmering covered on low heat for 18-20 minutes. Let stand covered for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the sushi vinegar seasoning by heating ½ cup rice vinegar with 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon sea salt until dissolved; cool to room temperature. Transfer the cooked rice to a non-metallic bowl, gently fold in the vinegar mixture while fanning the rice to cool it to room temperature, ensuring the rice becomes shiny and seasoned. Cover loosely to keep moist.
- Prepare Spicy Salmon Filling: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the sushi-grade salmon fillet on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-18 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily. Let the salmon cool, then flake it into bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup Sriracha sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil until smooth. Add the softened 4 oz cream cheese and mix until fully combined. Fold in the flaked salmon, 2 tablespoons of masago (optional), and 2 tablespoons of the sliced green onions.
- Assemble the Sushi Bake: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon neutral oil. Press the seasoned sushi rice evenly into the dish, creating a layer about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Evenly spread the spicy salmon mixture over the rice layer. Arrange the sliced or diced ripe avocado evenly over the salmon mixture.
- Bake and Serve: Bake the assembled sushi bake in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling. For a crispier top layer, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Allow the bake to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Meanwhile, whisk together extra Sriracha and mayonnaise to create a drizzling sauce. Drizzle over the sushi bake, then sprinkle with 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, remaining sliced green onions, and optional furikake seasoning. Cut the sushi bake into squares and serve immediately alongside roasted seaweed snacks or nori sheets, with optional pickled ginger and wasabi on the side.
Notes
- Use sushi-grade salmon to ensure food safety as this dish involves minimal cooking.
- Rice vinegar seasoning is essential for authentic sushi rice flavor.
- Masago or tobiko adds a nice texture and authentic sushi flavor but is optional.
- The avocado layer adds creaminess and freshness; use ripe but firm avocados for best results.
- Broiling the top is optional but enhances texture and flavor.
- Serve with traditional sushi accompaniments like pickled ginger and wasabi for a full experience.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese Fusion
Keywords: spicy salmon sushi bake, sushi casserole, baked sushi, salmon recipe, sushi rice dish, easy sushi bake
