Looking for a fun and delicious dinner or game day appetizer? This Easy Salmon Sushi Bake is just what you need! It’s a deconstructed version of a sushi roll so it’s not your typical sushi, but it’s packed with all the yummy flavors we love. This dish features tender, flavorful salmon mixed with creamy, spicy goodness and served over a bed of sushi rice. It’s so easy to make, and everyone will ask for the recipe! Plus, if you’re not a fan of salmon, you can easily swap it out for shredded chicken or canned tuna. Let’s dive into this tasty, crave-worthy dish!
Method
Prepare the Rice
Begin by cooking the sushi rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set the rice aside and allow it to cool slightly. The rice is the base of the dish, so make sure it is fluffy and sticky, which will help it hold its shape when pressed into the baking dish.
Cook the Salmon
To cook the salmon, place the fillets on a baking sheet and broil them in your preheated oven for about 8 minutes on the middle rack. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can bake the salmon at 375°F for 15-18 minutes. Once the salmon is cooked through and cool enough to handle, use a fork to shred the fish into small, bite-sized pieces. Be sure to remove the skin before shredding the salmon to ensure a smooth, tender texture in the bake.
Mix the Salmon and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded salmon along with the low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos), toasted sesame oil, kewpie mayo, sriracha, rice vinegar, and cream cheese. Stir the ingredients together until they are well-combined and the mixture is smooth. The cream cheese and mayo will add richness to the dish, while the sriracha gives it a spicy kick. The soy sauce (or coconut aminos) brings umami depth, and the rice vinegar adds a tangy balance.
Assemble the Bake
Now that the salmon mixture is ready, it’s time to assemble the dish. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Take your 8×8 or 9×11 baking dish and press the cooked sushi rice into an even layer at the bottom. Make sure the rice is packed down well so it holds together while baking. Once the rice is set, spread the creamy salmon mixture over the top in an even layer. After that, sprinkle the furikake seasoning over the salmon for an extra burst of savory flavor and to give the dish an authentic Japanese touch.
Bake and Broil
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. After that, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Be sure to keep an eye on the dish while broiling to prevent the top from burning. The broiling will give the top layer of the salmon a nice golden color and a bit of crispness.
Serve and Enjoy
Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the Easy Salmon Sushi Bake warm, paired with a side of crispy nori sheets for a sushi-like experience, or enjoy it with crunchy tortilla chips for a fun, fusion twist! Enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!
Necessary Tools
- Baking sheet
- 8×8 or 9×11 baking dish
- Knife and cutting board
- Fork (for shredding salmon)
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Oven and broiler
Easy Salmon Sushi Bake
Cuisine: JapaneseDifficulty: Easy8
servings10
minutes25
minutes35
minutesIngredients
For the Base:
1 1/2 cups sushi rice, cooked
1 1/2 lbs salmon, cooked
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
3 tbsp kewpie mayo (Japanese mayo)
1 tbsp sriracha (or more if you like it spicier!)
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 8oz container cream cheese
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1/4 cup furikake (Japanese seasoning)
Serving Suggestions:
Nori squares
Tortilla chips
Directions
- Start by cooking the sushi rice according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, set it aside to cool slightly.
To make the salmon super easy, place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet and broil them on the middle rack of your oven for about 8 minutes. If you prefer, you can bake the salmon at 375°F for 15-18 minutes. Once the salmon is cooked and cool enough to handle, use a fork to shred it into small pieces. Be sure to remove the skin before shredding.
In a large bowl, add the shredded salmon. Then, mix in the low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos), toasted sesame oil, kewpie mayo, sriracha, rice vinegar, cream cheese, and chopped green onions. Stir everything together until well combined, creating a creamy and flavorful salmon mixture.
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Now, take your 8×8 or 9×11 baking dish and press the cooked sushi rice into an even layer at the bottom. Once the rice is packed down, spread the salmon mixture over the top in an even layer. Sprinkle the furikake seasoning on top of the salmon to give it that signature Japanese flavor.
Bake the salmon sushi bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. After that, switch to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly. Keep an eye on it while broiling to make sure it doesn’t burn.
Once the bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the Easy Salmon Sushi Bake warm with a side of nori sheets for a sushi-like experience or with crispy tortilla chips for a fun twist! Enjoy every creamy, savory bite!
Notes
- Salmon Cooking: Be careful not to overcook the salmon. It should be tender and flaky. If you prefer, you can cook it in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the dish.
- Broiling: When broiling, make sure to watch the top closely. Broiling can quickly go from golden to burnt, so stay nearby for those final few minutes!
- Rice Consistency: Be sure the rice is pressed evenly into the bottom of the baking dish to ensure it cooks and holds its shape when baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Salmon Sushi Bake is perfect on its own, but you can make it even more fun by serving it with crispy nori squares or crunchy tortilla chips. You can also serve it with a simple salad or some steamed veggies to balance out the flavors.
Fun Fact
Did you know that sushi rice is made by seasoning plain rice with vinegar, sugar, and salt? This gives the rice its signature tangy flavor that pairs so well with the creamy, spicy salmon in this dish. Plus, salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your heart and brain health!
Conclusion
This Easy Salmon Sushi Bake is a fun and delicious twist on traditional sushi rolls. It’s perfect for dinner, a game day snack, or even a casual gathering with friends. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll create a dish that’s creamy, savory, and full of flavor. Don’t forget to try it with nori sheets or tortilla chips, and let me know how you make it your own. Enjoy!
