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Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe

Deconstructed sushi with seasoned rice and creamy spicy salmon baked together in an easy casserole.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-inspired, Japanese
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups sushi rice uncooked
  • 2.5 cups water
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 lb fresh salmon fillet skinless and diced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise Japanese Kewpie preferred
  • 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup green onions chopped, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 sheet nori cut into small strips
  • Tobiko optional for garnish
  • Furikake seasoning for sprinkling

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Rice cooker or pot
  • mixing bowls
  • Fine-mesh strainer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Rinse sushi rice under cold running water in a fine-mesh strainer, swishing with your hand until water runs clear. This removes excess starch.
  3. Cook rice according to package instructions in rice cooker or pot, typically using 2.5 cups water for 2 cups rice.
  4. While rice cooks, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Stir until sugar and salt dissolve completely.
  5. When rice finishes cooking, transfer to large bowl and fluff gently with fork or rice paddle. Drizzle vinegar mixture over hot rice and use cutting motion to fold it in without crushing grains. Let cool slightly until warm but not hot.
  6. Press seasoned rice evenly into bottom of 9x13 inch baking dish, creating layer about 1 inch thick. Use dampened hands or back of spoon to prevent sticking and ensure even coverage.
  7. Pat salmon pieces completely dry with paper towels. In mixing bowl, combine diced salmon with mayonnaise, Sriracha, sesame oil, and half the green onions. Mix gently but thoroughly to coat all salmon pieces. Adjust Sriracha to taste preference.
  8. Spread salmon mixture evenly over rice layer, covering completely. Use spatula to smooth top roughly even for consistent cooking.
  9. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until salmon is cooked through and top is slightly golden around edges. Salmon should flake easily with fork but still look moist.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish generously with furikake seasoning, remaining green onions, nori strips, and tobiko if using.
  11. Serve warm, scooping portions with large spoon. Set out soy sauce, extra Sriracha, and wasabi on the side for customization.

Notes

Rice Preparation: Rinsing rice until water runs clear prevents gummy texture. Season rice while still hot for best absorption of vinegar mixture. Use cutting and folding motion, not stirring, to avoid crushing grains.
Salmon Quality: Use sushi-grade salmon when possible for best flavor and quality. Pat salmon very dry before mixing to ensure proper browning and prevent watery topping.
Spice Level: Start with 1 tablespoon Sriracha for mild heat, use 2 tablespoons for medium, or increase to 3-4 tablespoons for spicy. Can add togarashi for different heat profile.
Broiler Option: For extra crispy top, finish under broiler for 2-3 minutes after baking. Watch closely to prevent burning. Look for light golden browning.
Seafood Substitutions: Swap salmon for cooked shrimp, crab, or imitation crab. Reduce baking time to 15-20 minutes for pre-cooked seafood.
Make-Ahead: Assemble up to 4 hours before baking. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time when starting with cold ingredients.
Storage: Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 2 days. Tastes excellent cold or reheated. Can also pan-fry cold cubes for crispy rice cakes.
Individual Portions: Divide into ramekins for personal servings. Bake 20-25 minutes instead of 30.
Rice Alternatives: Brown sushi rice for healthier option (follow package directions for cooking). Cauliflower rice for low-carb version (squeeze out excess moisture first).
Cream Cheese Addition: Mix 4 oz softened cream cheese into salmon mixture for Philadelphia roll-inspired version.