Zesty Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe: A Fusion Delight for All

Seafood lovers rejoice as this salmon sushi bake recipe delivers a mouthwatering fusion of traditional Japanese flavors and modern culinary creativity.

Tender, flaky salmon nestles perfectly atop a bed of seasoned rice, creating an irresistible dish that sparks excitement at any gathering.

The combination of rich, marinated fish and creamy textures makes this recipe a true crowd-pleaser.

Layers of harmonious ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a delightful eating experience that tantalizes the taste buds.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of umami, freshness, and comfort.

The vibrant colors and aromatic spices promise a gastronomic adventure that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary journey.

Let’s find out this delectable salmon sushi bake and let your palate embark on an unforgettable flavor expedition.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 430 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes in Salmon Sushi Bake

• Sushi Rice: Sticky, short-grain rice perfect for authentic Japanese texture and flavor.
• Water: Clean, filtered water ensures optimal rice cooking and taste.
• Seasoned Rice Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and traditional sushi rice seasoning.
• Furikake: Umami-packed Japanese seasoning blend for extra depth and crunch.

• Salmon Filet, Imitation Crab: Protein-rich combination creating creamy, seafood-forward filling.
• Kewpie Mayo, Cream Cheese: Silky binders that enhance richness and smooth texture.
• Sriracha, Soy Sauce: Spicy and savory elements bringing complex flavor profile.
• Green Onions: Fresh, zesty garnish adding sharp herbal notes.

• Unagi Sauce (Soy Sauce, Mirin, Sake, Sugar): Classic Japanese glaze with sweet-salty caramelized undertones.
• Spicy Mayo (Kewpie Mayo, Sriracha, Lime Juice, Salt): Creamy, zingy condiment with balanced heat.
• Avocado, Cucumber: Cool, crisp vegetable layers providing refreshing contrast.
• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions, Nori: Crunchy, aromatic garnishes elevating visual and flavor experience.

Tools to Bake That Perfect Sushi-Inspired Dish

• Rice cooker or large pot: Perfect for cooking fluffy rice precisely.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for preparing salmon mixture and sauces.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for cubing salmon and chopping green onions.
• Baking dish: Needed for layering and baking sushi ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Whisk or fork: Ideal for mixing sauces and blending ingredients smoothly.
• Broiler or oven: Required for baking and caramelizing the sushi bake.
• Spatula: Helps spread rice and salmon mixture evenly in the dish.

How to Assemble and Bake Salmon Sushi

• Rice Foundation

Prepare a fluffy base for your sushi bake by carefully washing and cooking short-grain rice. Allow the grains to absorb moisture and develop a tender texture that will cradle the rich salmon flavors.

• Salmon Ensemble

Create a luxurious salmon blend by combining tender fish chunks with creamy condiments. Mix in zesty seasonings that will transform the protein into a mouthwatering centerpiece with layers of complex taste.

• Flavor Infusion

Craft a delicate sauce reduction that balances sweet and savory notes. This liquid gold will elevate the entire dish, adding depth and complexity to each delectable bite.

• Baking Transformation

Layer your carefully prepared components into a beautiful culinary canvas. The oven will work its magic, caramelizing the top and melding flavors into a harmonious experience that tantalizes the senses.

• Finishing Touches

Adorn your sushi bake with fresh, vibrant garnishes that provide crisp texture and visual appeal. Serve immediately to capture the perfect balance of warmth and freshness, inviting everyone to dive into this contemporary twist on traditional sushi.

Helpful Notes for Great Salmon Sushi Texture

• Expert Tips and Twists
• Choose fresh, high-quality salmon with vibrant color and minimal fishy smell for the most delicious results.
• Let rice sit covered after cooking to achieve that perfect sticky-yet-fluffy consistency sushi lovers crave.
• Adjust Sriracha quantity to match your heat tolerance, from mild whisper to fiery explosion.
• Replace salmon with cooked shrimp, crab, or tofu for fun flavor variations that keep the dish exciting.

Serving Tips for This Popular Sushi Bake

• Party Platter Presentation: Transform your sushi bake into a stunning centerpiece by arranging it on a large wooden board with colorful garnishes scattered around. Guests can scoop portions directly from the dish, creating an interactive and social dining experience.
• Nori Wrap Station: Set up a DIY station with crisp nori sheets, allowing everyone to create personalized hand rolls. People can spoon the salmon bake into sheets, adding extra toppings like avocado or cucumber for a custom bite.
• Tropical Pairing Suggestion: Complement the rich salmon flavors with a side of fresh mango salsa or a light cucumber-wasabi salad. These bright, zesty accompaniments will balance the creamy texture of the sushi bake and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Sake or Mocktail Companion: Serve chilled Japanese sake or create a citrusy mocktail with yuzu juice and sparkling water. These drinks will enhance the umami flavors and provide a sophisticated touch to your meal.

Storing Sushi Bake for Second Servings

• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover salmon sushi bake in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled to maintain texture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Quick Reheating Hack: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispy edges.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare rice and salmon mixture a day in advance, storing separately in sealed containers. Assemble and bake just before serving to keep ingredients fresh and flavors vibrant.

Creamy Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Delightful salmon sushi bake arrives as a modern twist on classic Japanese cuisine, blending creamy textures with bold Pacific Northwest flavors. Crispy panko topping and rich salmon create an irresistible dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) sushi rice, rinsed
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) water
• 8 oz (226 grams) salmon filet, skin removed and cut into 0.5-inch pieces
• 8 oz (226 grams) imitation crab meat, shredded
• 3 oz (85 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) lite seasoned rice vinegar
• ⅓ cup Kewpie mayo
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) Kewpie mayo
• 2 tbsps (30 milliliters) soy sauce or tamari
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
• 2 tbsps (30 milliliters) Sriracha
• 2 tbsps (30 milliliters) Sriracha
• 2 tbsps (30 milliliters) furikake
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) green onions, sliced thin
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) mirin
• 2 tbsps (30 milliliters) sake
• 1.5 tbsps (22.5 milliliters) white granulated sugar
• 1 tsp (5 milliliters) fresh lime juice
• ¼ tsp (1.25 milliliters) salt
• Avocado, sliced thin

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Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Rinse short-grain rice thoroughly, soak for 15 minutes, then cook in precisely measured water until tender and fluffy.
2. Rice Seasoning: Fold rice vinegar into cooked rice, creating a glossy and flavorful base, then allow to cool to room temperature.
3. Salmon Mixture: Dice salmon into uniform cubes, then blend with mayonnaise, cream cheese, Sriracha, soy sauce, green onions, and imitation crab meat until well combined.
4. Flavor Enhancements: Prepare two complementary sauces – a simmered soy glaze with mirin, sake, and sugar, and a spicy mayo whisked with Sriracha, lime juice, and salt.
5. Baking Preparation: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C), lightly spray a baking dish, then create a uniform rice layer topped with furikake seasoning.
6. Assembly and Baking: Spread salmon mixture evenly over rice, bake for 12-15 minutes, then broil briefly to achieve a golden-brown caramelized top.
7. Finishing Touches: Rest the dish for 10 minutes, drizzle with soy glaze and spicy mayo, then garnish with avocado, cucumber, sesame seeds, and green onions.
8. Serving: Plate immediately with nori sheets, creating an interactive and visually appealing dining experience.

Notes

• Precise Rice Preparation: Rinsing and soaking short-grain rice removes excess starch, ensuring a perfect sticky texture crucial for authentic sushi bake.
• Salmon Selection Matters: Choose fresh, sushi-grade salmon to guarantee food safety and optimize flavor profile and texture of the dish.
• Oven Temperature Precision: Maintain exact 425°F to achieve proper heating and golden-brown caramelization without overcooking delicate salmon mixture.
• Resting Time Essential: Letting the sushi bake rest for 10 minutes allows flavors to meld and helps achieve a more cohesive, appealing texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg