Name: Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Japanese Fusion
Ingredients: 2 cups uncooked sushi rice; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp white sugar; ½ tsp salt; 10 oz imitation crab; 8 oz salmon (about 2 cups shredded cooked salmon); 4 oz cream cheese; ⅓ cup Sriracha Mayo (see note for substitute); Furikake, for sprinkling; Seaweed snacks, for serving; Sesame seeds, for topping (optional); Green onion, chopped

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 15 reviews

If you’re craving the delicious flavors of sushi but want something warm, comforting, and easy to share, this Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe is going to be your new go-to. It’s basically all the best parts of a salmon roll layered in a casserole dish, baked until bubbly, and topped with spicy mayo and crunch. Perfect for family dinners or bringing to potlucks, it delivers that sushi experience in a fun, hearty way that everyone will love. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked on this irresistible combination of creamy, savory, and slightly spicy bites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with white cooked rice with a soft and slightly sticky texture, being stirred by a wooden spoon on the right side of the bowl. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface, with the rice grains looking fluffy and slightly separated. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe lies in a few well-chosen, simple ingredients that come together to create rich flavor and comforting texture. Each one plays a star role — from the fluffy sushi rice to the creamy blend of salmon and cream cheese, finished off with the perfect spicy kick.

2 cups uncooked sushi rice: The foundation that holds everything together with its sticky, perfect texture.
2 tbsp rice vinegar: Brings that signature tangy sushi rice flavor that brightens the whole dish.
1 tbsp white sugar: Balances the vinegar for that classic sushi rice sweetness.
½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
10 oz imitation crab: Adds a sweet seafood flavor and soft texture that complements the salmon.
8 oz salmon (about 2 cups shredded cooked salmon): The star ingredient with rich, flaky goodness.
4 oz cream cheese: Creates a creamy, indulgent mixture that binds proteins and gives body.
⅓ cup Sriracha Mayo: Adds a spicy, tangy twist with a smooth finish. (See note for substitute.)
Furikake: A Japanese seasoning that adds savory umami and a pop of color to the rice layer.
Seaweed snacks: Used for wrapping and adding that familiar crispy sushi bite.
Sesame seeds, for topping (optional): Adds crunch and nutty flavor on top.
Green onion, chopped: Fresh, crisp garnish that lifts and freshens each bite.

How to Make Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Season the Sushi Rice

Begin by cooking your sushi rice according to the package instructions to get that fluffy, sticky texture you want. While it’s warm, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl and heat until the sugar and salt dissolve. Stir this mixture gently into the rice to season it perfectly. This step gives the rice that authentic sushi zing that’s crucial for our bake.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

Season your salmon with a pinch of salt and pepper to keep the natural flavors front and center. You have options here: cook the salmon in an air fryer at 400°F for 10-12 minutes for juicy flakes or bake it in a 375°F oven for 15-17 minutes. Either method will yield beautifully tender salmon that flakes easily and blends seamlessly into the mix.

Step 3: Combine the Filling

In a large bowl, shred the imitation crab and cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces. Then add cream cheese and Sriracha mayo to the seafood mixture. Mix everything together really well until it’s smooth and creamy — this rich filling is what transforms the dish from simple ingredients into a crave-worthy comfort food.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F and grab a 9×9 or 9×13 inch baking dish. Press your seasoned sushi rice evenly into the dish, creating a solid base. Sprinkle a generous layer of furikake over the rice for a hit of savory flavor and a little crunch. Top with the creamy salmon and crab mixture, smoothing it out with a spatula to cover everything evenly.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes until the top is slightly golden and bubbling. This heat melds the flavors and gives the top a delightful, slightly crispy edge that is just irresistible.

Step 6: Add Final Toppings and Serve

Once out of the oven, drizzle more Sriracha mayo over the top for extra creaminess and a spicy kick. Sprinkle chili furikake, sesame seeds, and chopped green onions over the bake for color, flavor, and a beautiful presentation. Now it’s ready to be scooped onto seaweed snacks — just like mini sushi bites!

How to Serve Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe

A square-shaped sushi dish sits on a white plate with black edge patterns, placed on a white marbled surface. The sushi has three main layers: the bottom layer is white sticky rice, the middle layer is a thin strip of dark seaweed, and the top layer is a bright orange mixture, likely spicy tuna or sauce. The top is decorated with small green onion slices, thin dark seaweed strips, and a few light-colored sesame seeds. A dark sauce is drizzled over the sushi and plate, pooling slightly around the base. To the right side of the sushi on the plate, there is a small pile of light pink pickled ginger. In the background, more sushi pieces with the same layers and garnishes are slightly blurry. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes with this dish. Freshly chopped green onions add brightness and a little crunch, while sesame seeds bring a toasty nuttiness. Furikake provides that classic Japanese umami punch and a textured finish to every mouthful—this makes the dish look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Keep the sides light and complementary. A fresh cucumber salad with a simple sesame dressing or a bowl of miso soup pairs beautifully. These sides cut through the richness of the bake and bring a refreshing balance to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling fancy? Serve the bake in individual ramekins for a personal touch or layer it in a glass trifle dish to show off the colorful layers. Another fun idea is to present it family-style on a platter, letting everyone build their own seaweed wraps. It’s interactive, fun, and sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Salmon Sushi Bake keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or sealed in an airtight container. This makes it a fantastic option to prepare ahead for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Freezing

Freezing this bake is possible but not ideal due to the rice texture changing and cream cheese separating slightly. If you do freeze, wrap the dish tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, place the bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the best texture and prevent the rice from becoming too mushy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh salmon instead of cooked?

It’s best to cook the salmon first so that it flakes perfectly and mixes well with the other ingredients; raw salmon wouldn’t bake evenly in this recipe.

What can I substitute for Sriracha Mayo?

If you want less heat, mix mayonnaise with a little ketchup and a dash of soy sauce for a milder yet flavorful alternative.

Is imitation crab necessary?

Imitation crab adds sweetness and texture, but you can substitute with cooked shrimp or additional salmon if you prefer.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in your Sriracha Mayo and check that your furikake and seaweed snacks are gluten-free.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy salmon and crab mixture along with the mild sushi rice flavor are usually very popular with kids. You can reduce or omit the spicy ingredients for little ones.

Final Thoughts

This Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe is honestly such a delightful twist on traditional sushi that you’ll find yourself craving it again and again. It combines comfort, flavor, and a playful way to enjoy the classic tastes of sushi without the fuss of rolling or raw fish. Whether you’re cooking for your family or wanting a crowd-pleaser to bring to your next gathering, give this recipe a shot — it’s a total winner!