Creamy Salmon Sushi Bake (View Print Version)

A luscious salmon casserole layered with creamy sauce, sushi rice, and melted cheese.

# What You'll Need:

→ Seafood

01 - 14 oz skinless salmon fillet, cooked and flaked
02 - 4 oz imitation crab sticks, shredded (optional)

→ Rice

03 - 2 cups sushi rice, uncooked
04 - 2 1/2 cups water
05 - 3 tbsp rice vinegar
06 - 1 tbsp sugar
07 - 1 tsp salt

→ Creamy Sauce

08 - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
09 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably Japanese Kewpie)
10 - 2 tbsp Sriracha or chili sauce (adjust to taste)
11 - 1 tbsp soy sauce

→ Toppings

12 - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
13 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
14 - 2 scallions, finely sliced
15 - 1 sheet nori, cut into small strips or nori snack packs
16 - Optional: sliced avocado, cucumber, pickled ginger

# Method:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Rinse sushi rice under cold water until clear. Combine rice and water in a saucepan; bring to boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let steam for 10 minutes.
03 - Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Gently fold the mixture into cooked rice. Spread the rice evenly in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
04 - In a bowl, combine flaked salmon, imitation crab (if using), cream cheese, mayonnaise, Sriracha, and soy sauce. Mix thoroughly until creamy and well incorporated.
05 - Spread the seafood mixture evenly over the rice layer. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
06 - Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
07 - Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, scallions, and nori strips over the top. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by sliced avocado, cucumber, and pickled ginger.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It gives you all the flavor of sushi without any rolling or special equipment, just layer and bake.
  • The creamy, spicy sauce mixed with tender salmon creates a texture thats almost addictive.
  • Cheese on top might sound unusual, but it melts into a golden blanket that makes every bite irresistible.
  • Its perfect for feeding a crowd because you can scoop as much or as little as you want.
02 -
  • Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened or it will clump instead of blending smoothly into the sauce.
  • Dont skip rinsing the rice, it removes excess starch and keeps the base from turning gummy.
  • If your salmon is dry, mix in a splash of mayo or a bit of melted butter to keep it moist.
  • Watch the cheese carefully in the last few minutes, it can go from golden to burnt quickly.
03 -
  • Use day-old cooked rice if you have it, it spreads more easily and holds its shape better in the dish.
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan until fragrant, it takes seconds and doubles the flavor.
  • For a crispier top, broil the dish for the last two minutes, but watch it like a hawk.
  • If youre serving a crowd, double the recipe and use two dishes so everyone gets plenty.
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