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Sushi bake recipe—three words that promise comfort, flavor, and simplicity. Imagine the delicious essence of sushi transformed into a warm, hearty casserole that’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing. With layers of seasoned sushi rice, creamy seafood, and flavorful toppings like furikake and spicy mayo, this dish offers all the joys of sushi without the hassle of rolling.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving something new for a weeknight meal, this sushi bake recipe is as versatile as it is crowd-pleasing. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, making it the perfect dish to suit any taste. Ready to bring sushi-inspired magic into your kitchen? Let’s dive in!
What Is a Sushi Bake Recipe?
A sushi bake recipe is essentially a deconstructed version of sushi, served as a baked casserole. Instead of wrapping rice, fish, and vegetables in seaweed, the ingredients are layered in a dish and baked to perfection. The result is a warm, savory dish with all the flavors of sushi but with a comforting twist.
This viral dish became popular during the lockdown era and has remained a favorite for its simplicity and adaptability. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or looking for a quick family meal, a sushi bake recipe brings a touch of creativity to your table.

Key Ingredients for Sushi Bake Recipe
To create the perfect sushi bake recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Essential Ingredients
- Sushi Rice: Short-grain rice works best for its chewy texture, essential for the foundation of this dish.
- Protein: Cooked salmon, imitation crab, tuna, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Japanese Mayonnaise (Kewpie): Adds a creamy, tangy richness.
- Sriracha: Brings a hint of spice to the dish.
- Rice Vinegar: Used to season the rice for that authentic sushi flavor.
- Nori Sheets: Served on the side for scooping the sushi bake.
Optional Toppings
- Furikake seasoning for a salty, umami-packed crunch.
- Sliced avocado or cucumbers for freshness.
- Tobiko (fish roe) to add texture.
- Sesame seeds or crispy onions for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Sushi Bake Recipe
1. Prepare the Rice
- Rinse 2 cups of sushi rice until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Cook the rice in a rice cooker or on the stovetop.
- While warm, season the rice with:
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Mix thoroughly and let the rice cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Seafood Mixture
- Cook and shred your protein (salmon, tuna, or imitation crab).
- Combine the shredded protein with:
- ½ cup Japanese mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional for added creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust based on your spice preference).
3. Assemble the Sushi Bake
- Grease a baking dish and spread the seasoned rice as the base layer.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of furikake over the rice.
- Layer the seafood mixture evenly over the rice.
- Drizzle with spicy mayo (a mix of Japanese mayo and Sriracha).
4. Bake the Dish
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the dish for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Sushi Bake Recipe
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the bake to prevent the seafood from drying out.
- Use Leftover Rice: Day-old rice works well and absorbs flavors better.
- Experiment with Toppings: Add sesame oil, diced mango, or jalapeños for a unique twist.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Add more Sriracha or a dollop of wasabi for extra heat.
For an equally comforting baked dish, try this Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Nori Sheets: Scoop the warm sushi bake onto nori sheets for a sushi roll experience.
- Serve as a Main Dish: Accompany with sides like miso soup, cucumber salad, or edamame.
- Create a DIY Buffet: Lay out extra toppings for guests to customize their servings.
For a light and healthy side, this Edamame Egg Salad Recipe complements the dish beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What makes a sushi bake recipe different from traditional sushi?
A sushi bake recipe is served warm as a layered casserole, while traditional sushi is rolled and served cold.
2. Can I make this recipe vegan or gluten-free?
Yes! Use tofu or jackfruit for the protein and substitute soy sauce with gluten-free tamari.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
4. Can I prepare the sushi bake in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish and refrigerate it. Bake just before serving to ensure freshness.
Conclusion
The sushi bake recipe is a delicious and creative way to enjoy the flavors of sushi with minimal effort. Its warm, layered approach makes it a comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or a potluck, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Ready to elevate your sushi nights? Give this sushi bake recipe a try and savor every bite!
PrintSushi Bake Recipe: A Simple Way to Impress Guests
This sushi bake offers the best of both worlds: the savory flavors of sushi with the comforting, warm elements of a baked casserole. The rice base holds the creamy, spicy crab mixture, creating the perfect bite every time. Top it off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and furikake to enhance the umami experience.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner or just craving something flavorful for yourself, this dish brings all the best sushi ingredients together in a fun and easy way. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love, and it’s incredibly versatile, so feel free to add or subtract ingredients to make it your own. Enjoy this sushi bake as a main dish or pair it with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 cups sushi rice, cooked
- 1 lb imitation crab, shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 sheet nori, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon furikake (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Start by preparing the sushi rice. Cook the rice according to the package instructions and allow it to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded imitation crab, mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Fold in the cream cheese, chopped green onions, and chopped nori.
- In a baking dish, spread the sushi rice evenly across the bottom.
- Spoon the crab mixture on top of the rice, spreading it out evenly.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the top and sprinkle sesame seeds and furikake seasoning for extra flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the casserole
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
Keywords: sushi bake recipe