Description
This Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake is a warm, comforting twist on traditional sushi, featuring sushi rice topped with a creamy, spicy mixture of salmon, imitation crab, and cream cheese, baked to perfection and finished with flavorful sauces and fresh garnishes. It combines the rich umami of seafood with a spicy kick, making it an irresistible dish perfect for family meals or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Sushi Rice
- 1 1/2 cups Sushi rice (rinsed)
- 2 cups Water
- 1/4 cup Lite seasoned rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp Furikake
Seafood Mixture
- 8 oz Salmon filet (skin removed and cut into 1/2″ pieces)
- 8 oz Imitation crab meat (shredded)
- 1/3 cup Kewpie mayo
- 3 oz Cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tbsp Sriracha
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce or Tamari
- 1/4 cup Green onions (sliced thin)
Unagi Sauce
- 1/4 cup Soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Mirin
- 2 tbsp Sake
- 1 1/2 tbsp White granulated sugar
Spicy Mayo
- 1/2 cup Kewpie mayo
- 2 tbsp Sriracha
- 1 tsp Fresh lime juice
- 1/4 tsp Salt
Garnishes
- Avocado (sliced thin)
- Sesame seeds (black and white, toasted)
- Green onion (sliced thin)
- English cucumber (sliced thin)
- Nori sheets (cut into small squares)
Instructions
- Prepare Sushi Rice: Place sushi rice inside a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. Then add the rice to a large pot, cover with 2 cups of water, and let soak for 15 minutes.
- Cook the Rice: Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover with a lid. Cook for 20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Season the Rice: Drizzle 1/4 cup lite seasoned rice vinegar over the cooked rice. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the vinegar evenly into the rice. Cover lightly with a dish towel and let cool to room temperature on the counter.
- Prepare Salmon Mixture: Remove skin from salmon and cut into 1/2 inch cubes. In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup Kewpie mayo, softened cream cheese, 2 tbsp sriracha, 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari, and sliced green onions. Gently fold in diced salmon and shredded imitation crab meat, taking care not to break up the pieces. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
- Make Unagi Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup mirin, 2 tbsp sake, and 1 1/2 tbsp sugar. Heat over medium heat until it begins to boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and cool.
- Prepare Spicy Mayo: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup Kewpie mayo, 2 tbsp sriracha, 1 tsp fresh lime juice, and 1/4 tsp salt. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray a baking dish with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper.
- Assemble Sushi Bake: Place the seasoned sushi rice into the prepared pan. Dip your hands in cold water and gently press the rice evenly into the pan. Sprinkle 2 tbsp Furikake over the rice.
- Add Seafood Layer: Pour the salmon mixture evenly over the rice and spread with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. Optionally, turn on the broiler towards the end to caramelize the top, watching carefully to avoid burning. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the sushi bake directly in the pan or transfer onto a wooden board. Drizzle with the prepared unagi sauce and spicy mayo. Garnish with sliced avocado, cucumber, toasted sesame seeds, and sliced green onions. Serve with small nori squares on the side and enjoy.
Notes
- Rinsing the sushi rice thoroughly removes excess starch and prevents clumping.
- Allow the rice to cool to room temperature before assembling to keep the texture perfect.
- Be gentle when folding the salmon mixture to preserve the texture of the seafood.
- Broiling at the end adds a nice caramelized flavor, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- This recipe can be customized with additional seafood or vegetables as desired.
- Use Kewpie mayo for the best flavor and creaminess in the spicy mayo and salmon mixture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese Fusion
Keywords: spicy salmon, sushi bake, baked sushi, creamy salmon recipe, Japanese fusion, spicy mayo, seafood casserole
