Salmon Sushi Bake

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This Salmon Sushi Bake is the cozy, oven-baked cousin of your favorite sushi roll—creamy, spicy, and impossibly easy to make. Whether you’re craving something indulgent or hosting a sushi night at home, this dish satisfies in every bite.

The best part? It brings all the bold flavors of sushi without the rolling or fuss. Baked to perfection with savory salmon, tangy sushi rice, and topped with melty cheese and spicy mayo, this fusion favorite delivers a warm and comforting twist on classic Japanese cuisine.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked sushi rice
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup cooked salmon, flaked
1/2 cup Kewpie mayonnaise
1 tbsp Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 sheets nori (seaweed), cut into small rectangles
2 green onions, finely sliced
1 tbsp furikake seasoning
Soy sauce, for serving
Avocado slices and cucumber (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Pour over the cooked sushi rice and mix gently to season.
Spread the seasoned sushi rice evenly at the bottom of a greased 8×8-inch baking dish.
In another bowl, mix the flaked salmon, Kewpie mayo, Sriracha, and softened cream cheese until well combined.
Spread the creamy salmon mixture evenly over the rice.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes or until the top is bubbly and slightly golden.
Remove from oven, sprinkle with furikake and chopped green onions.
Serve with seaweed sheets and garnish with avocado slices or cucumber if desired. Use the seaweed to scoop up the bake like sushi!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 390 kcal per serving | Servings: 4

What Is Salmon Sushi Bake?

Salmon Sushi Bake is a deconstructed, oven-baked take on the classic sushi roll. It blends all the comforting, umami-packed flavors of traditional sushi—like seasoned rice, seaweed, and fresh fish—with a rich, warm, and creamy twist. Instead of individually rolled pieces, the ingredients are layered in a casserole-style dish and baked to golden perfection. It’s topped with melted cheese and spicy mayo for a crispy, creamy, crave-worthy bite in every scoop. The dish has gained massive popularity thanks to its versatility, ease of preparation, and shareable nature, making it a perfect party dish, potluck favorite, or family meal centerpiece.

Origins and Cultural Fusion

This dish is a beautiful example of culinary fusion. Originating in the Filipino-American and Japanese-American communities, Sushi Bake merges Japanese ingredients and flavor profiles with Western-style casseroles. While traditional sushi requires skilled rolling techniques and raw fish handling, Sushi Bake simplifies the process. It offers the familiar satisfaction of sushi without needing a bamboo mat, making it approachable for home cooks of all skill levels. It also reflects how global flavors are blending more seamlessly into modern kitchens—celebrating comfort, creativity, and cross-cultural innovation.

Why You’ll Love It

Salmon Sushi Bake is indulgent, satisfying, and full of flavor. The combination of fluffy sushi rice, flaky salmon, spicy Sriracha, and creamy Kewpie mayo creates a luxurious texture and taste experience that’s hard to resist. It’s baked, so the top becomes slightly crispy while the inside remains creamy and soft. Best of all, it’s endlessly customizable. Don’t like salmon? Use canned tuna, crab sticks, or tofu. Want it spicier? Add jalapeños or hot sauce. Craving crunch? Top with crispy onions or panko breadcrumbs. This recipe invites creativity while delivering comfort in every bite.

Health & Nutrition Benefits

Although it’s creamy and rich, Salmon Sushi Bake can still be part of a balanced diet. Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins like B12 and D. Sushi rice provides energy through complex carbohydrates, while seaweed (nori) is rich in iodine, magnesium, and antioxidants. By adjusting the ingredients—like using low-fat cream cheese or reducing the amount of mayo—you can easily tailor this dish to fit specific dietary preferences. You can even swap white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This recipe is ideal for both casual family dinners and festive gatherings. It’s designed to be scooped out and served with small sheets of nori, so it’s interactive and fun to eat. Think of it like sushi nachos—you scoop a portion with seaweed and enjoy a warm, creamy bite. It’s also a fantastic meal prep option, as leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave. Whether you’re preparing lunch for the week, a birthday dinner, or a cozy movie-night meal, Salmon Sushi Bake fits the bill perfectly.

Customizations and Variations

One of the most attractive features of Salmon Sushi Bake is how easy it is to adapt. Want to go vegetarian? Swap the salmon for marinated tofu, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables. For a tropical twist, add mango slices or pineapple chunks on top after baking. To make it more indulgent, drizzle with unagi sauce (eel sauce) or top with tobiko (flying fish roe) or crispy garlic. You can also explore different proteins like spicy tuna, imitation crab (kani), or even shredded chicken for a fusion feel. The possibilities are limitless—and that’s part of the fun.

Pairing Ideas

Salmon Sushi Bake is a satisfying meal on its own, but pairing it with light sides can elevate the dining experience. A simple miso soup, cucumber salad with sesame dressing, or edamame can add freshness and balance. Pickled ginger on the side helps cleanse the palate between bites, just like with traditional sushi. For beverages, green tea or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc works beautifully. If you’re serving it at a party, offer a variety of seaweed sheets, including flavored ones (wasabi or sesame), to let guests build their own bites.

Tips for Success

Use warm rice: Warm rice absorbs seasoning better and spreads easily in the baking dish.
Don’t overbake: The goal is to warm and slightly brown the top—not dry out the ingredients. 15–20 minutes is usually perfect.
Taste as you mix: Adjust the creaminess or spice level of the salmon mixture to your preference before baking.
Use quality ingredients: Since there are only a few main components, good salmon, real Kewpie mayo, and properly seasoned rice make a noticeable difference.
Serve with variety: Provide toppings like avocado, sliced cucumber, or even chili oil to let guests customize their bites.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Salmon Sushi Bake is an excellent make-ahead dish. You can prepare the rice and salmon mixture the night before, layer them in a baking dish, and refrigerate until ready to bake. It also stores well—leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes. If you plan to freeze it, do so before baking for best results. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Kids & Picky Eaters Love It Too

This dish is a hit with kids and picky eaters. It has a creamy, cheesy, comforting vibe that appeals to those who might be hesitant to try raw sushi. If needed, you can tone down the spice and keep toppings simple. It’s also a great way to introduce younger eaters to Japanese flavors in a low-pressure, familiar format.

Conclusion

Salmon Sushi Bake takes all the best parts of sushi—the fresh flavors, the satisfying rice, and the umami-rich toppings—and transforms them into a warm, bubbly, family-friendly dish. Whether you’re new to Japanese cuisine or a longtime sushi lover, this recipe is a must-try. It delivers big flavor with minimal effort and can be customized endlessly to fit your taste or dietary needs. The simplicity of preparation combined with its wow-factor presentation makes it a standout dish for any occasion. Try it once, and it might just become your go-to comfort food.