The Salmon Sushi Bake (Viral Recipe) Recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves the flavors and textures of traditional sushi but craves an easy, cozy, and shareable twist. This delightful dish layers perfectly seasoned sushi rice with a creamy, spicy mixture of salmon and imitation crab, all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s packed with umami goodness, vibrant colors, and that irresistible pop of heat from sriracha mayo that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re new to sushi or a seasoned fan, this recipe brings sushi night to your home in a fun, comforting casserole style that pleases a crowd every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Salmon Sushi Bake (Viral Recipe) Recipe is a breeze thanks to its simple, staple ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so addicting and visually stunning.
- Sushi rice: The essential base that’s sticky and tender, providing the perfect foundation for this bake.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that balances the rich seafood flavors and seasons the rice like authentic sushi.
- White sugar: Slight sweetness to mellow out the vinegar and enhance the overall harmony.
- Salt: A pinch to highlight all the savory components without overpowering.
- Imitation crab: Affordable and flavorful, it mixes beautifully with salmon for that classic sushi blend.
- Salmon: Tender, flaky, and full of omega-3 goodness; it’s the star protein that elevates the dish.
- Cream cheese: Brings a luscious, creamy texture that binds the seafood together with a subtle richness.
- Sriracha mayo: This spicy, creamy sauce is the dish’s signature kick — fiery yet smooth.
- Furikake: Japanese seasoning that adds toasted seaweed, sesame, and salt for that mouthwatering umami hit.
- Seaweed snacks: Perfect for wrapping the sushi bake bites, mimicking the traditional experience with a crunchy twist.
- Sesame seeds: Optional but recommended for toasty notes and beautiful presentation.
- Green onion: Fresh and crisp, they add a final burst of color and brightness.
How to Make Salmon Sushi Bake (Viral Recipe) Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sushi Rice
Start by cooking the sushi rice according to the package directions until it’s tender and perfectly sticky. This step is the foundation, so patience here ensures the rest of the dish comes together beautifully.
Step 2: Season the Rice
Mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl and heat until dissolved. Gently fold this flavorful seasoning into the cooked rice. This adds that signature tangy and slightly sweet sushi rice flavor that elevates the whole recipe.
Step 3: Prepare the Salmon
Season your salmon with salt and pepper for a simple seasoning. You can air fry it at 400F for 10-12 minutes or bake it at 375F for 15-17 minutes until flaky and cooked through. Either method works wonderfully – just make sure it’s tender enough to shred easily.
Step 4: Make the Seafood Mixture
In a large bowl, shred the cooked salmon and imitation crab into bite-sized pieces. Add cream cheese and sriracha mayo, mixing thoroughly until creamy and smooth. This luscious filling is what gives the bake incredible richness and spicy warmth.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 400F and grab a 9×9 inch or 9×13 inch baking dish. This size lets the bake spread out evenly, ensuring every bite has a delicious balance of rice and seafood.
Step 6: Assemble the Bake
Press the sushi rice into the bottom of your baking dish, creating a firm, even layer. Sprinkle abundant furikake over the rice to infuse it with savory crunch and depth. Then, layer the salmon-crab mixture evenly on top, gently pressing it out to smooth the surface.
Step 7: Bake the Dish
Pop the assembled bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until it’s warmed through and just starting to bubble on top. The oven transforms this dish into a comforting, melty masterpiece.
Step 8: Add Final Toppings
After baking, add more sriracha mayo, a sprinkle of chili furikake, sesame seeds, and chopped green onions on top. These garnishes enhance the look and flavor, giving each bite layers of spicy, nutty, and fresh notes.
Step 9: Serve with Seaweed Snacks
To eat, scoop spoonfuls of the bake and wrap them in seaweed snacks for a hand-held sushi experience that’s fun, delicious, and totally shareable.
How to Serve Salmon Sushi Bake (Viral Recipe) Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with chopped green onions, extra furikake, and sesame seeds adds visual appeal and final bursts of flavor. Don’t skip the drizzle of sriracha mayo on top for that irresistible spicy creaminess that ties the whole dish together.
Side Dishes
Pair the bake with light, crisp sides like a cucumber salad, pickled ginger, or edamame beans. These fresh accompaniments balance the richness and make the meal feel complete without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve the bake in small glass jars or ramekins for individual servings, or layer it into a trifle dish for a fancy sushi bake parfait. You can also offer an assortment of seaweed snacks and garnishes on the side so guests can customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Salmon Sushi Bake (Viral Recipe) Recipe covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best stored in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this sushi bake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a conventional oven at 350F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to keep the rice texture intact and the bake from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh crab instead of imitation crab in this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh crab will add a luxurious texture and taste. Just be sure to shred it finely to mix well with the salmon and cream cheese.
What can I substitute for the sriracha mayo if I am sensitive to spice?
You can swap sriracha mayo with an avocado mayo blend or plain mayo mixed with a tiny bit of lemon juice for a creamy, mild alternative.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, the Salmon Sushi Bake (Viral Recipe) Recipe is excellent for meal prep since it stores well and tastes great reheated. Just remember to keep the seaweed snacks separate to maintain their crispiness.
Can I make this recipe without cream cheese?
Cream cheese adds that signature creamy texture, but you can substitute with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter texture, although the flavor and consistency will vary slightly.
How spicy is the salmon sushi bake?
The level of spice depends on how much sriracha mayo you use. You can easily adjust the heat to your taste by reducing or omitting the sriracha in the mayo.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a fun, flavorful twist on sushi that everyone will adore, the Salmon Sushi Bake (Viral Recipe) Recipe is your new go-to. It’s approachable for cooks of all levels, perfect for sharing with friends and family, and packs all the best flavors of sushi into a warm, comforting dish. I truly can’t recommend it enough — once you try it, it will become a staple in your recipe rotation. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Salmon Sushi Bake (Viral Recipe) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
- Diet: Halal
Description
Salmon Sushi Bake is a delicious and viral recipe that combines cooked sushi rice with a creamy, spicy mixture of shredded salmon, imitation crab, cream cheese, and Sriracha mayo. This layered bake is topped with furikake seasoning, sesame seeds, and green onions, then baked to perfection and served wrapped in seaweed snacks for an easy, flavorful sushi-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Rice Base
- 2 cups uncooked sushi rice
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp white sugar
- ½ tsp salt
Seafood Mixture
- 10 oz imitation crab
- 8 oz salmon (about 2 cups shredded cooked salmon)
- 4 oz cream cheese
- â…“ cup Sriracha mayo (substitute: mayo mixed with Sriracha sauce to taste)
Toppings and Garnishes
- Furikake seasoning
- Seaweed snacks
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Green onion, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Sushi Rice: Prepare the sushi rice according to the package instructions until tender and sticky.
- Season the Rice: In a microwave-safe bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Microwave for about 30 seconds until sugar and salt dissolve. Pour this mixture over the cooked rice and gently fold to combine evenly. Set aside.
- Cook the Salmon: Season salmon with salt and pepper. Choose to cook it either in an air fryer at 400°F for 10-12 minutes or bake it in the oven at 375°F for 15-17 minutes until cooked through. After cooking, shred the salmon into pieces.
- Mix the Seafood Layer: In a large bowl, combine shredded imitation crab, cooked salmon, cream cheese, and Sriracha mayo. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Set oven temperature to 400°F and grease or line a 9×9 inch or 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Assemble the Sushi Bake: Transfer the seasoned cooked rice to the baking dish and gently press down to flatten the surface. Sprinkle a generous layer of furikake seasoning over the rice.
- Add Seafood Mixture Layer: Spread the salmon and crab mixture evenly on top of the rice layer, pressing gently to smooth the surface.
- Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through and slightly golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and top with additional Sriracha mayo, chili furikake, sesame seeds, and chopped green onions. Serve by scooping portions and wrapping them with seaweed snacks.
Notes
- Sriracha mayo can be substituted by mixing regular mayo with Sriracha sauce to taste.
- You can use fresh salmon or previously cooked salmon left over from another meal.
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha mayo according to your preferred spice level.
- Seaweed snacks are a convenient alternative to traditional nori sheets and add a crispy texture.
- Furikake adds a salty, umami flavor and can be found in Asian grocery stores or online.
