Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that delivers all the flavors of your favorite sushi roll without the precision or effort of rolling. Creamy, savory, and gently spicy, this baked version is perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or when you are craving sushi-style flavors at home. I first made this recipe when I wanted sushi but needed something warm, filling, and shareable, and it instantly became a staple. The rice forms a soft, seasoned base, the salmon stays tender and flavorful, and the creamy spicy topping brings everything together beautifully. What makes this dish especially appealing is how approachable it is. No special tools, no raw fish handling anxiety, and no complicated techniques. Everything bakes together into a rich, scoopable casserole that feels indulgent yet familiar, making it a reliable dinner idea you will want to repeat often.
Print
Easy Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe – A Cozy Dinner Idea Everyone Loves
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
An easy and flavorful sushi bake made with tender salmon, creamy spicy mayo, and seasoned rice, baked until warm and bubbly for a simple dinner idea.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sushi rice, cooked
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh salmon, cubed
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup furikake seasoning
- Nori sheets for serving
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved.
- Fold seasoned vinegar mixture into warm cooked sushi rice.
- Spread rice evenly into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with half of the furikake.
- In a bowl, mix salmon with mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, and cream cheese.
- Spoon salmon mixture evenly over the rice.
- Top with remaining furikake.
- Bake uncovered for 18–22 minutes until salmon is cooked through and slightly golden.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve warm, scooping onto nori sheets.
Notes
- Adjust sriracha to control spice level.
- Use imitation crab or shrimp as a variation.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
Salmon is the star of the dish. When baked, it becomes tender and flaky while absorbing the creamy, spicy flavors layered on top.
Short-grain rice forms the foundation of the bake. Its slightly sticky texture mimics sushi rice and holds the layers together well.
Rice vinegar seasons the rice with gentle acidity, giving it that classic sushi-style flavor.
Sugar balances the vinegar and enhances the overall taste of the rice.
Salt sharpens the rice seasoning and keeps the dish well balanced.
Cream cheese adds richness and creaminess, creating a smooth, luxurious topping.
Mayonnaise contributes moisture and helps carry the spice evenly through the salmon.
Sriracha provides heat and bold flavor. The amount can be adjusted to taste.
Soy sauce adds umami depth and savory balance to the creamy topping.
Green onions bring freshness and mild sharpness that cut through the richness.
Sesame seeds add light crunch and a subtle nutty aroma.
Optional nori sheets, cucumber, or avocado are used for serving and add freshness and texture.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Begin by cooking the rice according to package instructions. While still warm, gently mix the rice with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Spread the seasoned rice evenly into a lightly greased baking dish and press it down gently to form an even layer.
Season the salmon lightly with salt and place it directly over the rice layer. Bake briefly until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily. Remove from the oven and gently break the salmon into bite-sized pieces, spreading it evenly over the rice.
In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, and half of the green onions until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the salmon layer.
Return the dish to the oven and bake until heated through and lightly golden on top. Remove and garnish with remaining green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve warm, scooping portions onto nori sheets or enjoying directly from the dish.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, and baking time is approximately 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For best texture, avoid overheating.
Variations and Customizations
This sushi bake is highly adaptable. You can substitute canned salmon or imitation crab for convenience, though fresh salmon offers the best flavor and texture. I tested it with canned salmon on a busy night, and it still turned out satisfying and flavorful.
For extra richness, drizzle a little spicy mayo on top after baking. If you prefer a lighter version, reduce the cream cheese slightly and add more salmon. You can also add finely chopped cucumber or shredded carrots between layers for freshness and crunch.
Heat levels are easy to adjust. Increase the sriracha for a bolder kick or tone it down for a milder, family-friendly version. Furikake seasoning sprinkled over the rice adds extra depth if available.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Easy Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake is a balanced dish that provides protein from salmon, carbohydrates from rice, and fats from dairy and mayonnaise. Salmon contributes omega-3 fatty acids, making this a nourishing option when enjoyed in moderation.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Rice Texture
Do not overpack the rice, as a light press keeps it fluffy.
Salmon Cooking
Avoid overbaking the salmon to keep it moist and tender.
Even Spreading
Spread each layer evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
FAQs
Can I use leftover cooked salmon?
Yes, simply flake it and add it to the rice before topping.
Is this dish very spicy?
It is mildly spicy, but the heat can be easily adjusted.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble ahead and bake just before serving.
What rice works best?
Short-grain or sushi-style rice is ideal.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, cucumber or avocado work well when added fresh.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, reduce the sriracha for a milder version.
Can I freeze sushi bake?
Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
Do I need nori to serve it?
No, it is optional but adds a sushi-like experience.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese and mayonnaise alternatives.
How do I prevent dry rice?
Do not overbake and ensure the rice is well seasoned and moist.
Conclusion
Easy Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake is a warm, comforting dinner idea that delivers all the flavors of sushi in a simple, shareable format. Creamy, savory, and endlessly customizable, it is a dependable recipe that turns sushi night into an easy, satisfying home-cooked meal.
Looking for more tasty recipes? Visit our website for full details and follow us on Pinterest for daily food ideas to save and share