Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake

Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake is the perfect fusion dish that brings the beloved flavors of sushi into a comfort food format. As someone who enjoys trying out new recipes at home, this dish quickly became a staple during family gatherings and casual weeknight dinners. Imagine a warm, hearty meal you’re eager to dig into—it’s satisfying, unique, and requires minimal effort while still impressing your guests. Plus, it offers a taste of Japan right from your oven, making it special for both sushi lovers and those looking to explore something new.

What makes this recipe special

There are countless reasons to adore this Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake. It’s an excellent choice if you want something quick and budget-friendly without sacrificing flavor. The creamy, spicy salmon topping combined with perfectly vinegared sushi rice creates a balance that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends for a casual lunch, this dish fits the bill perfectly. The bake is a breezy way to enjoy the quintessential sushi flavors without the typical rolling and preparation hassle.

"I made this for a small get-together, and it was a hit! Everyone loved the spicy kick—definitely adding it to my regular rotation!"

How this recipe comes together

Preparing this Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake is not only straightforward but also incredibly satisfying. You’ll start by cooking your sushi rice, then move on to mix a delightful salmon topping. Once everything is prepped, it goes into the oven for a quick bake, culminating in a dish that offers juicy salmon encased in fluffy rice. Before you know it, your kitchen will be filled with irresistible aromas, and your meal will be ready to serve!

What you’ll need

Here’s the list of all the ingredients necessary for this delicious dish:

• 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
• 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)

Feel free to substitute ingredients depending on your dietary needs. For instance, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter option or swap Sriracha with your favorite hot sauce for a different flavor profile.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse the sushi rice under cold water, then combine it with water in a rice cooker or pot and cook until tender.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved.
4. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork and fold in the vinegar mixture.
5. Spread the seasoned rice evenly in the base of a baking dish, allowing it to cool slightly.
6. In another bowl, mix the diced salmon with mayonnaise, Sriracha, sesame oil, and green onions. Feel free to adjust the spice level as desired.
7. Spread the salmon mixture evenly over the sushi rice in the baking dish.
8. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and the top is slightly golden.
9. Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with extra green onions, nori strips, and optional tobiko.
10. Serve warm, scooping out portions to enjoy!

How to plate and pair

Plating your Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake can elevate the dining experience. Serve it in a large dish, garnishing it generously with chopped green onions, colorful nori strips, and a sprinkle of tobiko for a touch of elegance. Pair it with pickled ginger and wasabi on the side for an authentic sushi feel. It also pairs beautifully with a light salad or steamed edamame for a complete meal.

Keeping leftovers fresh

For any leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They should be consumed within 2-3 days for optimal taste. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave, covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Alternatively, you can bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Note that freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the rice may change.

Pro chef tips

1. Soak the rice: Soaking sushi rice for 30 minutes before cooking helps achieve the perfect texture.
2. Quality ingredients: Use sushi-grade salmon for the best flavor and safety. Fresh fish is key!
3. Experiment with spice: Adjust the amount of Sriracha to cater to your taste; you can even add other spices like garlic powder or a pinch of sesame seeds for depth.

Different ways to try it

Feel free to get creative with this recipe. You can swap out salmon for tuna or even crab for a different flavor. Add toppings like avocado slices or mango for a fusion twist. For a vegetarian version, substitute the fish with roasted vegetables or tofu, seasoned similarly to maintain flavor while accommodating a variety of diets.

Your questions answered

How long does this dish take to prepare?
The preparation time is around 15-20 minutes, with an additional 25-30 minutes for baking.

Can I use leftovers from a sushi restaurant?
Absolutely! This is a great way to repurpose leftover sushi rice and fish. Just ensure the fish is fresh and suitable for cooking.

Is this dish spicy?
The spice level is adjustable based on your Sriracha usage. You can start with less and add more until it’s to your liking.

Dive into this rich, flavorful Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake for a dish that’s not only memorable but also sure to become a favorite at your table!

Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake

A delicious fusion dish that combines the beloved flavors of sushi into a comforting and easy-to-make bake, perfect for family gatherings and casual weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine Fusion, Japanese

Servings 6 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the rice

• 2 cups sushi rice (uncooked) Soaked for 30 minutes before cooking for best texture
• 2.5 cups water
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the salmon topping

• 1 lb fresh salmon fillet (skinless and diced) Use sushi-grade salmon for best flavor
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter option
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce Adjust to taste for desired spice level
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 cup green onions (chopped, plus extra for garnish)
• 1 sheet nori (cut into small strips) Optional for garnish
• to taste Tobiko Optional for garnish

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Rinse the sushi rice under cold water, then combine it with water in a rice cooker or pot and cook until tender.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved.
• Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork and fold in the vinegar mixture.
• Spread the seasoned rice evenly in the base of a baking dish, allowing it to cool slightly.
• In another bowl, mix the diced salmon with mayonnaise, Sriracha, sesame oil, and green onions. Adjust the spice level as desired.

Baking

• Spread the salmon mixture evenly over the sushi rice in the baking dish.
• Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and the top is slightly golden.

Serving

• Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with extra green onions, nori strips, and optional tobiko.
• Serve warm, scooping out portions to enjoy!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven, but freezing is not recommended as it can affect the rice texture. Customize the recipe by substituting ingredients as needed or trying different toppings.

Keyword comfort food, Easy Recipe, Family Dinner, Spicy Salmon, Sushi Bake