Foolproof Sushi Bake Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Family Treat

Weeknight dinners get a delightful twist with this mouthwatering sushi bake recipe that brings restaurant-style flavors directly to your table.

Layered with creamy textures and bold Japanese-inspired ingredients, this dish combines comfort and excitement in every bite.

The fusion of California roll elements creates a stunning casserole that feels both familiar and exotic.

Crispy panko breadcrumbs and perfectly seasoned rice form the foundation of this crowd-pleasing meal.

Fresh salmon or imitation crab meat adds a rich protein component that makes the dish truly satisfying.

Perfectly balanced and surprisingly simple to assemble, this sushi bake promises to become your new go-to recipe for impressing dinner companions.

Get ready to dive into a culinary experience that celebrates the best of Japanese-American fusion cuisine.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 4 minutes

Total Time: 34 minutes

Calories: 610 kcal

Servings: 5

Easy Sushi Bake Ingredient Guide

• Calrose Sushi Rice: Fluffy, short-grain rice perfect for authentic sushi texture with slightly sticky consistency.
• Seasoned Rice Vinegar: Adds tangy flavor and helps rice achieve glossy, professional appearance.

• Imitation Crab, Tempura Shrimp: Delivers delightful seafood flavor and protein-packed layer with contrasting textures.
• Japanese Mayonnaise: Creamy, rich condiment that provides silky smoothness and authentic Japanese taste.
• Cream Cheese: Introduces luxurious, velvety richness that binds ingredients beautifully.
• Sriracha: Brings zesty heat and vibrant kick to balance creamy components.

• Furikake: Traditional Japanese seasoning that adds umami depth and crunchy texture.
• Spicy Mayo: Creates exciting drizzle with creamy heat.
• Unagi Sauce: Delivers sweet-savory glaze with complex depth.
• Cucumber: Introduces fresh, crisp element for textural contrast.
• Green Onion: Provides bright, sharp flavor and elegant garnish touch.

Equipment to Prep a Quick Sushi Bake

• Rice Cooker: Essential for perfectly cooking sushi rice with minimal effort.
• Baking Sheet: Helps spread and cool rice evenly, and provides a surface for layering ingredients.
• Mixing Bowl: Crucial for combining crab mixture ingredients smoothly.
• Rice Paddle: Helps gently mix rice with seasoned vinegar without damaging grains.
• Sieve: Needed for rinsing rice thoroughly before cooking.
• Knife: Required for chopping cucumber and green onions.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate portioning of furikake and other ingredients.
• Oven with Broiler: Necessary for achieving the final golden, slightly crispy top.

Instructions for Layering the Perfect Sushi Bake

• Rice Base Foundation

Grab your Calrose rice and rinse thoroughly under cool water. Cook the rice in a rice cooker until perfectly fluffy and tender. Once done, spread the rice across a baking sheet and gently fold in seasoned rice vinegar for extra flavor.

• Creamy Seafood Blend

Create a luscious mixture by combining tender imitation crab chunks, crispy tempura shrimp, tangy Japanese mayo, smooth cream cheese, and a touch of spicy sriracha. Mix these ingredients until they form a harmonious, creamy seafood sensation.

• Flavor Layering

Carefully press the cooled rice into an even, compact layer across the baking sheet. Sprinkle a delicate coating of furikake over the rice, adding a savory Japanese twist. Generously spread the seafood mixture on top, ensuring complete coverage.

• Oven Magic

Slide the prepared dish into a preheated oven and broil until the top turns golden and slightly crispy, releasing irresistible aromas that will make your mouth water.

• Final Flourish

Drizzle a zigzag of spicy mayo and unagi sauce across the top. Scatter fresh green onions and crunchy cucumber pieces for a burst of color and freshness that elevates the entire dish.

Smart Tips to Tweak Your Sushi Bake

• Personalize the classic recipe with these exciting tips and variations.
• Swap imitation crab with fresh crab meat, cooked shrimp, salmon, or tuna for a gourmet twist that elevates the flavor profile.
• Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing sriracha, or experiment with different hot sauces like gochujang or chili oil to match your taste preferences.
• Prepare the crab mixture and rice a day in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator to save time during meal preparation.
• Replace seafood with grilled tofu, roasted vegetables, or cream cheese-based vegetable mixture for a plant-based version that's equally delicious and satisfying.

Serving Sushi Bake for Family or Gatherings

• Serve with Seaweed Wraps: Roll spoonfuls of the sushi bake into crispy nori sheets for a handheld, bite-sized delight that combines hot and cold textures.
• Pair with Pickled Sides: Add a zesty complement like pickled ginger or quick cucumber sunomono to balance the rich, creamy sushi bake flavors.
• Create a Fresh Salad Base: Spread the sushi bake over a bed of mixed greens or baby spinach for a lighter, more nutritious meal option that adds extra freshness.
• Enjoy as Party Appetizer: Serve in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for a crowd-pleasing starter that guests can scoop and share during gatherings.

Storing Sushi Bake the Right Way

• Quick Batch Preparation: Make extra sushi bake and divide into individual portions for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week. Store in airtight containers for fast lunch or dinner options.
• Refrigerate Smart: Keep leftover sushi bake sealed in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent moisture and maintain freshness.
• Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen sushi bake stays delicious for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat Carefully: Warm refrigerated or thawed sushi bake in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain the crispy top and prevent soggy texture.

Foolproof Sushi Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 34 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sushi bake brings Japanese-inspired comfort to home kitchens with layered flavors of seasoned rice, creamy seafood, and crisp nori. Californian influences meet traditional techniques in this crowd-pleasing dish you can enjoy with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds (907 grams) salmon
• 16 oz (454 grams) imitation crab meat
• 8 oz (226 grams) cream cheese
• 2 cups sushi rice
• ½ cup spicy mayo
• ¼ cup unagi sauce
• 1 to 2 tbsps furikake
• ½ sheet nori seaweed
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, chopped

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Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Rinse Calrose Sushi Rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until water becomes crystal clear, eliminating excess starch.
2. Rice Cooking: Cook rice in a rice cooker with precise water measurement, allowing it to steam into fluffy perfection. Once cooked, transfer to a spacious baking sheet and gently fold in seasoned rice vinegar using a wooden paddle for even distribution.
3. Filling Creation: In a mixing bowl, blend imitation crab meat, tempura shrimp pieces, Japanese mayonnaise, cream cheese, and sriracha sauce until the mixture forms a cohesive, flavor-packed filling.
4. Layering Foundation: Spread cooled rice across the baking sheet, pressing gently to create a compact, even layer. Generously sprinkle furikake seasoning over the entire rice surface.
5. Topping Application: Evenly distribute the prepared crab mixture across the rice, ensuring complete coverage and uniform thickness.
6. Broiling Process: Position the baking sheet in the oven and broil for 4 minutes, monitoring closely to achieve a golden, slightly crispy top without burning.
7. Final Embellishment: Remove from oven and enhance with a delicate drizzle of spicy mayonnaise and unagi sauce. Garnish with additional furikake, finely chopped cucumber, and thinly sliced green onions for a vibrant, fresh finish.

Notes

• Rice Rinsing Technique: Thoroughly rinse Calrose rice to remove excess starch, ensuring a sticky and perfect sushi texture without becoming gummy.
• Temperature Control: Let rice cool to room temperature before assembling to prevent moisture and maintain ideal structural integrity for the sushi bake.
• Broiling Precision: Watch carefully during the 4-minute broiling process to achieve a golden, crispy top without burning the delicate ingredients.
• Flavor Balancing: Mix crab ingredients thoroughly to create a harmonious blend that ensures every bite delivers consistent and exciting taste profiles.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: Japanese-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg