This Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake brings the full flavor of your favorite sushi roll into a bubbling, creamy oven-baked casserole. Inspired by the beloved Lion King roll, this deconstructed version combines sushi rice, spiced creamy salmon-crab topping, and crisp seaweed squares for an easy yet luxurious meal. Baking the ingredients lets all the bold umami flavors meld together, while garnishes like fresh avocado, cucumber, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of unagi sauce elevate the dish visually and texturally. Whether served at a party or enjoyed for a cozy dinner, it’s the perfect way to indulge your sushi cravings with no rolling required.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
Sushi Rice:
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1 ½ cups sushi rice, rinsed
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2 cups water
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¼ cup lite seasoned rice vinegar
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2 tbsp furikake
Salmon Mixture:
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8 oz fresh salmon fillet, skin removed, diced into ½” cubes
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8 oz imitation crab meat, shredded
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⅓ cup Kewpie mayonnaise
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3 oz cream cheese, softened
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2 tbsp sriracha
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2 tbsp soy sauce (or Tamari)
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¼ cup green onions, thinly sliced
Unagi Sauce:
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¼ cup soy sauce
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¼ cup mirin
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2 tbsp sake
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1 ½ tbsp white granulated sugar
Spicy Mayo:
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½ cup Kewpie mayonnaise
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2 tbsp sriracha
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1 tsp fresh lime juice
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¼ tsp salt
Toppings & Garnish:
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1 avocado, thinly sliced
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1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
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Toasted black and white sesame seeds
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Additional green onions, sliced
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Nori sheets (cut into squares for serving)
Directions:
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Cook the Rice: Rinse rice under cold water until clear. Soak for 15 minutes, then boil. Simmer covered for 20 minutes, then let sit 10 minutes. Add rice vinegar and gently fold. Let cool to room temperature.
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Prepare the Salmon Mixture: Mix Kewpie mayo, cream cheese, sriracha, soy sauce, and green onions. Gently fold in diced salmon and crab meat. Refrigerate.
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Make Unagi Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Simmer until slightly thickened. Cool.
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Make Spicy Mayo: Combine Kewpie mayo, sriracha, lime juice, and salt in a small bowl. Chill.
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Assemble Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a 9×9” baking dish with parchment paper. Press seasoned rice evenly into the pan with wet hands. Sprinkle with furikake.
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Layer & Bake: Spread salmon mixture evenly over rice. Bake for 10-15 minutes. For a caramelized finish, broil for 1-2 minutes.
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Garnish & Serve: Let cool 10 minutes. Drizzle with unagi sauce and spicy mayo. Garnish with avocado, cucumber, sesame seeds, and green onions. Serve with nori sheets.
Prep Time: 40 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 428 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
What Is a Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake?
A Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake is a warm, layered casserole version of sushi, combining all the flavors you love in a sushi roll without the need for rolling or slicing. Instead of wrapping seaweed around fillings and rice, everything is layered in a baking dish and baked until the top is bubbly and golden. Once baked, you scoop it onto seaweed sheets and enjoy it taco-style or with chopsticks. It’s an innovative twist on traditional sushi that’s easier to make and even easier to love. This recipe features a creamy, spicy mixture of salmon and imitation crab meat, spread over a bed of seasoned sushi rice. It’s then garnished with toppings like sliced avocado, cucumber, green onions, sesame seeds, spicy mayo, and homemade unagi sauce (a sweet soy-based glaze). The result is a flavorful, satisfying dish perfect for sushi lovers and those new to sushi alike.
Origins and Popularity
The sushi bake trend first gained popularity in Hawaii and among Filipino-American communities in the United States. It went viral during the pandemic, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, when home cooks wanted comforting yet gourmet meals they could make without special equipment. Its roots are heavily influenced by Japanese sushi rolls (particularly the “Lion King Roll,” which includes baked seafood and sauce) and adapted for a more approachable, crowd-friendly preparation. The Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake represents the best of fusion cuisine: simple to assemble, customizable, and irresistibly delicious.
Why This Recipe Is a Game-Changer
1. No Rolling Skills Needed
One of the most intimidating parts of making sushi at home is the rolling technique. This recipe eliminates that challenge altogether. By layering the ingredients in a casserole format, you get all the familiar sushi textures and flavors with zero fuss.
2. Warm and Comforting
Unlike traditional sushi, which is served cold or at room temperature, this bake is served warm. The creamy, spicy salmon mixture melts into the rice and creates a comforting, umami-packed bite that’s perfect for cozy dinners or potlucks.
3. Budget-Friendly Alternative
Going out for sushi can be expensive, especially when ordering specialty rolls. This sushi bake stretches ingredients like crab and salmon into a hearty dish that serves up to 8 people, without breaking the bank.
4. Versatile and Customizable
You can easily adapt this dish to suit different dietary preferences. Use shrimp, canned tuna, or tofu as substitutes for salmon. Make it dairy-free by swapping cream cheese with vegan alternatives. Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version. The options are endless.
5. Prep Ahead Friendly
This recipe is a dream for meal prep. Both the rice and salmon mixture can be made ahead of time and stored separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake just before serving for maximum freshness and convenience.
Health Benefits of the Ingredients
While indulgent in taste, this dish includes a number of nutritious components:
- Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health.
- Avocados provide healthy fats, fiber, and potassium.
- Seaweed (nori) is a great source of iodine, essential for thyroid function.
- Rice vinegar is known to aid digestion and improve nutrient absorption.
- Green onions and cucumbers bring in antioxidants and hydration.
If you want to make the dish even healthier, use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari, reduce the amount of mayo, or increase the amount of fresh vegetables.
Ingredients Breakdown
The core components of the sushi bake are:
- Sushi rice: Seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt to replicate the signature sushi flavor.
- Salmon and crab mixture: A blend of fresh salmon, imitation crab, cream cheese, Kewpie mayo, soy sauce, and sriracha for a creamy and spicy topping.
- Toppings: Furikake seasoning adds crunch and umami. Avocados, cucumbers, and sesame seeds offer freshness and texture.
- Sauces: Spicy mayo and homemade unagi sauce elevate the dish with tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Pro Tips for Success
Use Cold Water to Handle Sticky Rice
To avoid the rice sticking to your hands while pressing it into the baking pan, dip your hands into cold water. This simple step makes handling much easier and keeps the rice layer uniform.
Chill the Cream Cheese
Ensure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature for smooth blending. This helps it mix well with the other ingredients and avoids lumps in your salmon mixture.
Use a Broiler at the End
If you like a slightly caramelized top, turn on your oven’s broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end of the bake. This gives your sushi casserole a golden crust and boosts flavor.
Let It Cool Before Cutting
Allow the bake to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing or serving. This helps the layers settle and makes serving cleaner and easier.
Serve With Nori Squares or Lettuce Wraps
Nori sheets or seaweed snack squares are perfect for scooping the bake. For a lighter option, try using romaine or butter lettuce leaves.
How to Serve Sushi Bake
Individual Servings:
Scoop a portion of the bake onto a nori sheet, add a few avocado and cucumber slices, then roll it or fold like a taco. It’s messy, fun, and interactive—perfect for parties.
Family-Style:
Serve the sushi bake directly in the dish and offer toppings buffet-style. Guests can assemble their own custom bites.
Lunchbox Idea:
Cool the sushi bake, portion it into containers, and pack with nori sheets on the side. It’s an easy, make-ahead lunch with gourmet flair.
As a Starter:
Cut the bake into small cubes and serve them as bite-sized appetizers on seaweed crackers or mini rice cakes.
Storage and Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
To reheat, use a microwave or oven at 300°F until warmed through. While it tastes best fresh, it still maintains its flavor when reheated properly.
Freezing:
You can freeze it, although the texture of rice and mayo may slightly change. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best results.
Variations You Can Try
- Tuna Sushi Bake: Substitute salmon with canned or seared ahi tuna.
- Vegan Sushi Bake: Use marinated tofu or hearts of palm in place of seafood, and vegan cream cheese and mayo.
- Spicy Shrimp Version: Use cooked shrimp chopped and mixed with the same spicy mayo blend.
- Low-Carb/Keto Version: Replace rice with cauliflower rice and use low-carb sauces.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use Tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, and ensure your imitation crab and furikake are gluten-free certified.
Conclusion
The Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake is the perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and convenience. It brings all the excitement of sushi into a family-style dish that anyone can make. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, meal-prepping for the week, or simply satisfying a sushi craving at home, this recipe delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. It’s approachable for beginners and flexible for seasoned cooks who love to customize. And above all, it proves that a gourmet experience doesn’t require complicated techniques or ingredients.Add this dish to your rotation and watch it become a household favorite!