If you’re craving the delightful flavors of sushi but want something a bit heartier and easier to enjoy at home, this Baked Salmon Sushi Recipe is an absolute game changer. Combining the creamy richness of baked salmon with perfectly seasoned sushi rice and fresh, crisp vegetables, this dish captures the essence of sushi in a comforting, warm casserole style. Whether you’re new to making sushi or looking for a fun twist on a classic, this recipe brings incredible taste and satisfying texture into your kitchen with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing complicated here, just simple and essential ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable dish. Each component plays a key role—the sushi rice gives that signature chewy base, the salmon mixture offers richness and protein, and fresh veggies add crunch and color. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice: The foundation of our dish, warm and perfectly sticky for the best texture.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds that classic tangy sushi flavor to the rice.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Balances the vinegar to give the rice a subtle sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the rice.
- 1 cup cooked salmon (flaked): The star protein, tender and full of flavor; canned or fresh works great.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps bind the salmon mixture.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional): Gives a spicy kick if you’re feeling adventurous.
- 1/2 avocado (sliced): Adds luscious creaminess and gorgeous green color.
- 1/2 cucumber (julienned): Brings a refreshing crunch to balance the warm salmon.
- 2 sheets nori (cut into small rectangles): Perfect for scooping or wrapping bites of the bake.
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or cream cheese (optional): For an indulgent melty topping.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: To drizzle on top for savory depth.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds: Sprinkled as a fresh and nutty garnish.
How to Make Baked Salmon Sushi Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Sushi Rice
Start by mixing rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until dissolved. While your sushi rice is still warm, gently fold this mixture into the rice to infuse it with that classic sushi tang and slight sweetness. This step is crucial because the seasoned rice really sets the flavor tone for the whole dish.
Step 2: Assemble the Rice Layer
Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Spread the warm, seasoned sushi rice evenly across the dish, pressing it down gently to create a compact, even layer. This firm base helps everything hold together and bake uniformly.
Step 3: Make the Salmon Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the flaked cooked salmon with mayonnaise and sriracha if you want a spicy punch. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy. This mixture delivers the rich, luscious filling that makes each bite so satisfying.
Step 4: Add the Salmon Mixture and Optional Cheese
Spread the salmon mixture evenly over the rice layer. For an extra creamy touch, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or add small dollops of cream cheese across the top. This step adds an irresistible, melty texture once baked.
Step 5: Bake Until Warm and Slightly Golden
Place your baking dish in the oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll start to see the cheese melt and the top turn lightly golden, with the whole bake heated through. For a crispier finish, you can broil it for the last 1 to 2 minutes—just watch it carefully!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, artfully top the bake with sliced avocado and cucumber. Drizzle soy sauce over everything, then sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve alongside the nori sheets, which are perfect for scooping or wrapping bites of this warm, flavorful sushi bake.
How to Serve Baked Salmon Sushi Recipe
Garnishes
The green onions and sesame seeds scattered on top add a wonderful contrast in texture and a burst of fresh flavor. Don’t skip the avocado slices and cucumber; their coolness and creaminess perfectly complement the warm salmon and rice beneath.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with classic sushi accompaniments like pickled ginger and wasabi to brighten the palate. A crisp seaweed salad or simple miso soup can round out the meal, adding traditional touches that enhance the Japanese-American fusion vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Baked Salmon Sushi Recipe family-style right out of the baking dish, inviting everyone to scoop up their own bites with nori. For a more elegant presentation, assemble individual portions in small bowls or arrange the bake on a platter with colorful garnishes for a dinner party highlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to prepare it ahead of time. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to preserve texture.
Reheating
Reheat your Baked Salmon Sushi Recipe in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the rice from becoming gummy and to maintain that slight crispiness on top.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of cooked salmon?
Absolutely! You can bake or pan-sear fresh salmon beforehand, flake it, and then use it in the recipe. Just make sure it’s cooked through and cooled slightly before mixing with the mayonnaise.
Is it necessary to use mayonnaise in the salmon mixture?
Mayonnaise adds creaminess and helps bind the salmon, but if you prefer, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a different flavor and texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
For a plant-based version, try substituting the salmon with roasted or marinated tofu or tempeh, and replace the mayonnaise with vegan mayo. This still delivers that creamy, flavorful experience without seafood.
What’s the best way to get sushi rice texture at home?
Cook sushi rice according to package instructions, then season it while warm with a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Use short-grain rice if you can, as it’s stickier and ideal for sushi dishes.
How spicy is the sriracha option in the recipe?
The sriracha adds just a gentle heat that complements the richness of the salmon without overpowering the dish. You can adjust the amount or omit it altogether depending on your spice tolerance.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress with a fun twist on classic sushi flavors, the Baked Salmon Sushi Recipe is your new go-to comfort food. It’s warm, creamy, and bursting with vibrant textures and tastes that satisfy every craving. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming a permanent favorite for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or whenever you want sushi without the fuss of rolling.
Print
Baked Salmon Sushi Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Baked Salmon Sushi combines savory cooked salmon with seasoned sushi rice, creamy mayonnaise, and optional spicy sriracha, all baked to perfection and topped with fresh avocado and cucumber. This Japanese-American fusion dish is perfect for a family-style meal with vibrant flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
Sushi Rice
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Salmon Mixture
- 1 cup cooked salmon, flaked
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional, for spicy version)
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cucumber, julienned
- 2 sheets nori, cut into small rectangles
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for drizzling)
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Sushi Rice: In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Stir this mixture into the warm cooked sushi rice to season it evenly.
- Layer Rice: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Spread the seasoned sushi rice evenly in the dish and gently press down to form a compact, even layer.
- Mix Salmon Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flaked cooked salmon with mayonnaise and sriracha (if using) to create a creamy and flavorful topping.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the salmon mixture evenly over the sushi rice layer. If desired, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or place small dollops of cream cheese over the salmon. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, until the top is warm and slightly golden.
- Add Fresh Toppings and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and top with sliced avocado and julienned cucumber. Drizzle soy sauce over the top and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm alongside nori sheets for scooping or wrapping.
Notes
- Canned salmon can be used as a convenient substitute for cooked salmon.
- To achieve a crispier golden top, broil the sushi bake for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking.
- Serve warm, family-style, accompanied by extra soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger if desired.
