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+ servings
image of sushi rice salmon fillets furikake sriracha kewpie mayo mayonnaise cream cheese rice vinegar sugar salt soy sauce tamari green onions imitation crab avocado cucumber sesame seeds unagi sauce nori sheets arranged on a white marble kitchen counter with healthy clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight
C. Motter Cindy

Easy Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe Dinner Ideas

A comforting, deconstructed sushi casserole featuring layers of seasoned rice, spicy creamy salmon, and crispy furikake, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that captures the essence of your favorite sushi rolls without the hassle.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Sushi Rice Base
  • 2 cups uncooked premium medium-grain sushi rice
  • 2 1/4 cups water
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
For the Delicious Spicy Salmon Filling
  • 1 pound skinless salmon fillets cooked (baked, poached, or steamed), flaked
  • 1/2 cup kewpie mayo or good quality regular mayonnaise
  • 2-4 tablespoons sriracha adjust to your preferred level of heat
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or Tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced, reserve some for garnish
For the Topping & Serving
  • 1/4 cup furikake seasoning
  • 1-2 tablespoons unagi sauce eel sauce, optional but highly recommended for sweetness
  • 1 extra spicy mayo drizzle mix of kewpie and sriracha
  • 1 package roasted nori sheets cut into quarters, for serving

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish,
  • large mixing bowl,
  • small saucepan,
  • - Spatula

Method
 

Cook and Season the Rice
  1. Rinse the sushi rice until the water runs clear. Cook it according to package directions, typically with 2 1/4 cups of water. Once cooked, transfer the hot rice to a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. Do not boil.
  3. Pour the vinegar mixture evenly over the hot rice. Using a spatula, fold the mixture into the rice gently, taking care not to mash the grains. The goal is glossy, well-separated, slightly sticky grains. Set aside and allow the rice to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  5. If your salmon fillets aren't already cooked, bake or air-fry them until just cooked through and easily flaked. Gently flake the salmon into medium-sized pieces. We want texture, not mush. Transfer the salmon to a large bowl.
  6. Add the softened cream cheese, kewpie mayo, sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sliced green onions to the flaked salmon. Mix everything together thoroughly until the filling is uniformly creamy and pink. Taste and adjust the spice level with more sriracha, if desired.
  7. Press the prepared seasoned sushi rice evenly into the bottom of the prepared 9x13-inch baking dish. This layer should be compact and even. Sprinkle the rice layer evenly with half of the furikake seasoning.
  8. Gently spread the entire spicy salmon filling mixture over the rice layer. Try not to press down too hard, maintaining a fluffy texture. Smooth the topping with a spatula.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining furikake seasoning over the top. Bake the baked sushi casserole in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden brown and bubbling along the edges.
  10. Remove from the oven. Drizzle generously with unagi sauce and extra sriracha or spicy mayo, if using. Serve immediately while warm, alongside chopped avocado slices and quartered nori sheets.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 22g

Notes

For best results, use high-quality ingredients; substitute canned salmon for ease. Gluten-free: use Tamari. Vegetarian: replace salmon with tofu or mushrooms. Store leftovers in fridge for 3-4 days; reheat in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Freeze for up to 2 months.
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