Name: Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 2 cups dry sushi rice; 2 cups water; 1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar; 1 1/2 lb salmon fillet; Salt & pepper to taste; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 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; Spicy Mayo (mayo mixed with sriracha and lime juice); Green onion (chopped); Black and white sesame seeds; Roasted seaweed; Unagi sauce (eel sauce); English cucumber slices; Avocado slices

Introduction

Salmon Sushi Bake is a delicious and easy-to-make twist on traditional sushi that brings all the rich flavors of salmon and creamy toppings in a warm, comforting casserole. Perfect for serving a crowd or enjoying as a fun weeknight meal, this layered dish combines sushi rice, savory salmon, and flavorful toppings for a delightful fusion experience.

A white rectangular baking dish holds a baked, textured layer of creamy orange spread with small bits of red and beige mixed in. The top layer is drizzled evenly with a smooth, light orange sauce running in thin parallel lines across the surface. Scattered generously on top are small black and white sesame seeds and chopped bright green onion rings, adding contrast and freshness. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with a white cloth with blue stripes nearby and a pair of black chopsticks placed next to it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups dry sushi rice

2 cups water

1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar

1 1/2 lb salmon fillet

Salt & pepper to taste

1/2 tsp garlic powder

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 seasoning

Spicy mayo (mayonnaise mixed with sriracha and lime juice)

Green onion, chopped

Black and white sesame seeds

Roasted seaweed sheets

Unagi sauce (eel sauce)

English cucumber, sliced

Avocado slices

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the dry sushi rice in a fine-mesh sieve under cold water for about 1 minute, stirring gently to clean the grains.

Step 2: Cook the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water in a rice cooker. Once done, transfer the rice to a rimmed baking sheet and gently fold in the seasoned rice vinegar using a rice paddle. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Season the salmon fillet with salt, pepper, and garlic powder evenly on all sides.

Step 4: Bake the salmon at 400°F (204°C) for 15-20 minutes, depending on thickness, until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Allow it to cool.

Step 5: In a large bowl, flake the cooled salmon and combine it with chopped imitation crab, Japanese mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, sriracha, and low sodium soy sauce. Mix thoroughly.

Step 6: Spread and lightly compress the cooled sushi rice evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of furikake seasoning over the rice.

Step 7: Spread the spicy salmon mixture evenly over the rice layer, then broil in the oven for 4 minutes until bubbly and slightly browned.

Step 8: Remove from the oven and drizzle with spicy mayonnaise and extra sriracha. Garnish with chopped green onion and sesame seeds.

Step 9: Serve warm with roasted seaweed sheets, unagi sauce, cucumber slices, and avocado for added freshness and texture.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh salmon for best flavor, but cooked or canned salmon can be substituted in a pinch.

Adjust the level of sriracha to control the spiciness of the dish.

For a vegetarian version, substitute the salmon and crab with finely chopped grilled mushrooms or tofu.

Feel free to add pickled ginger on the side to enhance the sushi experience.

FAQs

Can I use fresh raw salmon instead of baking it?

For this recipe, baking the salmon ensures it is cooked safely and blends well with the creamy mixture. Using raw salmon is not recommended unless you have sushi-grade fish and proper handling skills.

What is furikake and where can I find it?

Furikake is a Japanese seasoning blend typically made from dried fish, sesame seeds, seaweed, sugar, and salt. It is available in most Asian grocery stores or online and adds a salty, umami flavor to sushi dishes.