Viral Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake: A Creamy, Flavor-Packed Crowd Favorite

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The viral spicy salmon sushi bake is the ultimate fusion of comfort and flavor — all the best parts of sushi, baked into a warm, creamy casserole-style dish. Imagine layers of fluffy rice, rich salmon, spicy mayo, and savory nori coming together in one irresistible bite. It’s easy to make, perfect for sharing, and just as satisfying as your favorite sushi roll. I once added a drizzle of eel sauce on top before serving, and it added the perfect sweet-savory balance to the spice. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, meal prepping for the week, or just craving sushi without the rolling, this dish delivers everything you love — bold flavor, creamy texture, and a hint of heat.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Salmon fillets – Fresh or baked salmon flakes easily into the mixture and gives the dish rich, buttery flavor.

Cooked sushi rice – The base of the bake; sticky and lightly seasoned with rice vinegar for authentic sushi flavor.

Rice vinegar – Adds tanginess and balances the richness of the dish.

Sugar and salt – Mixed into the rice vinegar to mimic traditional sushi rice seasoning.

Mayonnaise – Provides creamy texture and blends with sriracha to form the spicy sauce.

Sriracha – Brings the heat; adjust the amount to your spice tolerance.

Cream cheese – Softened for easy mixing, it makes the topping ultra-creamy and decadent.

Soy sauce – Adds savory depth and balances the creaminess of the mayo mixture.

Green onions – Chopped for color and fresh, mild onion flavor.

Furikake seasoning – A mix of sesame seeds, seaweed, and fish flakes that adds authentic Japanese flair.

Nori sheets – Cut into small squares for scooping and serving — the perfect handheld bite.

Eel sauce (optional) – A sweet, glossy drizzle that enhances the flavor and presentation.

Avocado slices (optional) – For creamy freshness on top.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.

Start by preparing the sushi rice. In a small bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Warm slightly to dissolve, then stir into the cooked rice. Spread the seasoned rice evenly into the bottom of the baking dish and press it down gently.

Bake or air fry the salmon until cooked through (about 12–15 minutes). Flake the salmon with a fork and place it in a mixing bowl. Add softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, and half the chopped green onions. Stir until well combined and creamy.

Spread the salmon mixture evenly over the rice layer. Sprinkle generously with furikake seasoning.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, until warmed through and slightly golden on top. For extra color, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end — just until lightly crisped.

Remove from the oven and drizzle with more spicy mayo and eel sauce if desired. Garnish with the remaining green onions and avocado slices.

To serve, use scissors to cut nori sheets into squares and scoop portions of the sushi bake onto them. Wrap, bite, and enjoy!

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• 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.
• 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
• knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
• Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, and baking time is 15 minutes. Total time: approximately 35 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until warm, or microwave in 30-second intervals. Do not freeze, as the texture of the rice and cream cheese can change.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Tuna Sushi Bake – Replace salmon with canned or fresh tuna for a different flavor.

California Roll Sushi Bake – Use imitation crab, avocado, and cucumber for a classic twist.

Eel & Avocado Bake – Swap salmon for unagi (grilled eel) for a rich, sweet-savory variation.

Kimchi Salmon Bake – Add chopped kimchi for a tangy, spicy kick.

Shrimp Sushi Bake – Use cooked shrimp and a bit of lemon juice for a fresh, seafood-forward flavor.

Low-Carb Version – Substitute cauliflower rice for sushi rice.

Extra Spicy Bake – Add chili flakes or use a spicier sauce like gochujang mayo.

Teriyaki Salmon Bake – Mix the salmon with teriyaki sauce instead of sriracha for a sweeter option.

Vegetarian Version – Use sautéed mushrooms and avocado instead of fish.

Crispy Topping Version – Add panko breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crunchy finish.

FAQs

Can I use canned salmon?

Yes, drained canned salmon works great as a quick, budget-friendly option.

Can I use leftover cooked salmon?

Absolutely — it’s a great way to use leftovers and saves time.

What kind of rice works best?

Short-grain sushi rice or Calrose rice for the perfect sticky texture.

Is this dish served hot or cold?

It’s best served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead, then bake before serving.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan mayo.

What can I substitute for furikake?

Mix sesame seeds, crushed seaweed, and a pinch of salt for a simple homemade version.

Can I add other toppings?

Yes — sliced cucumber, radish, or pickled ginger all add freshness.

How spicy is it?

Moderately spicy; adjust sriracha to taste.

What should I serve with it?

Pair with miso soup, edamame, or a cucumber salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

The viral spicy salmon sushi bake is a creamy, crowd-pleasing sensation that turns your favorite sushi roll into an easy, shareable dish. With layers of seasoned rice, spicy salmon, and savory toppings, every bite is a perfect mix of comfort and flavor. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for entertaining — and best of all, no rolling or sushi-making skills required. Whether you serve it straight from the oven or with crisp nori sheets on the side, this dish brings bold, irresistible sushi-house flavor right to your table.

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