Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe

Simple & Savory Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe For Dinner Magic

Creamy, cheesy sushi bakes have taken social media by storm with their irresistible salmon sushi bake recipe that blends Japanese and Filipino flavors.

This mouthwatering dish combines tender salmon with a rich, velvety topping that melts in your mouth.

Layers of seasoned rice create a perfect base for the succulent fish and creamy sauce.

Each bite promises a delightful explosion of textures and tastes that will transport you straight to culinary heaven.

The recipe strikes a beautiful balance between comfort food and elegant dining.

Simple ingredients come together to create a showstopping meal that will impress everyone at the table.

Prepare to fall in love with this crowd-pleasing fusion dish that’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Why People Love This Salmon Sushi Bake

Why People Love This Salmon Sushi Bake
  • Dive into a beginner-friendly recipe that transforms complex sushi-making into a simple, enjoyable cooking experience perfect for home chefs of all skill levels.
  • Discover a mouthwatering dish that combines creamy salmon, tangy sriracha, and sweet unagi sauce, guaranteeing wide appeal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
  • Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, swapping proteins, or adding favorite toppings to create a personalized meal that suits individual tastes and preferences.
  • Prepare components in advance, allowing for stress-free entertaining and quick assembly when you're ready to impress guests or enjoy a delicious meal with minimal last-minute effort.

Key Ingredients In Salmon Sushi Bake

Main Ingredients:
  • Sushi Rice: A short-grain rice that provides the perfect sticky base for the sushi bake.
  • Salmon: Fresh fish that serves as the primary protein and flavor component of the dish.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds creamy richness and helps bind the salmon mixture.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Mayonnaise, Sriracha, Soy Sauce: These ingredients create a complex and zesty flavor profile for the salmon mixture.
  • White Fish: Provides additional texture and depth to the salmon mixture.
  • Green Onions: Adds a fresh, sharp note to the overall dish.
Sauce and Seasoning:
  • Rice Vinegar: Gives the rice a tangy and traditional sushi flavor.
  • Sugar, Soy Sauce: Combine to create a sweet and savory unagi sauce for drizzling.
Additional Components:
  • Parchment Paper: Helps with easy removal and prevents sticking.
  • Cold Water: Used for handling rice to prevent sticking during preparation.

How To Assemble A Salmon Sushi Bake

How To Assemble A Salmon Sushi Bake

Step 1: Rinse and Cook Rice

Thoroughly wash sushi rice under cold water until water runs clear.

Soak rice for 15 minutes.

Cook rice in a pot or rice cooker with appropriate water.

After cooking, let rice rest for 10 minutes.

Gently fold in rice vinegar, mixing until evenly coated.

Step 2: Create Salmon Blend

Dice salmon into small pieces.

Combine ingredients:
  • Salmon pieces
  • Mayonnaise
  • Cream cheese
  • Sriracha sauce
  • Soy sauce

Fold in steamed white fish and chopped green onions.

Mix gently to maintain texture.

Refrigerate mixture while preparing other components.

Step 3: Craft Unagi Glaze

Simmer soy sauce and sugar in a pan until the mixture thickens.

Allow glaze to cool completely before using.

Step 4: Assemble Baking Dish

Grease a baking dish and line with parchment paper.

Press seasoned rice into an even layer using water-dipped hands to prevent sticking.

Spread salmon mixture uniformly across rice layer.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Preheat oven to 425°F.

Bake for 10-15 minutes.

Switch to broiler for final 1-2 minutes to achieve golden brown top.

Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Remove from oven.

Drizzle unagi glaze over the top.

Optionally garnish with additional green onions or sesame seeds.

Slice and serve warm.

Tips For Making Sushi Bake With Great Flavor

Tips For Making Sushi Bake With Great Flavor
  • Wet your hands with cold water when pressing rice into the baking dish to avoid clumping and create a smooth, even layer.
  • Choose fresh, high-quality salmon with minimal bones and bright color for the best flavor and texture in your sushi bake.
  • Adjust sriracha and soy sauce quantities to match your spice tolerance and create a personalized flavor profile.
  • Watch the dish closely during broiling to achieve a golden top without burning the delicate salmon mixture.
  • Prepare the salmon mixture and unagi sauce in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator to save time during final assembly.

Keeping Sushi Bake Fresh And Easy To Reheat

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days, maintaining best quality and food safety.
  • Wrap tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or container. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread salmon bake in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when thoroughly warm but not overcooked.

What To Serve With Salmon Sushi Bake

  • Sip Sake's Smooth Symphony: Pair traditional Japanese sake with this salmon bake to complement the rich, creamy salmon mixture and enhance the umami flavors.
  • Crisp Cucumber Salad Companion: Create a light, refreshing cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame seeds to balance the dish's richness and provide a cool contrast.
  • Wasabi Punch Pairing: Serve a small wasabi-infused cocktail or mocktail that echoes the sriracha in the recipe, offering a zesty counterpoint to the creamy salmon.
  • Seaweed Crisp Side Kick: Add toasted nori sheets or seaweed chips as a crunchy garnish, introducing a briny texture that elevates the overall sushi bake experience.

Salmon Sushi Bake Variations To Try

  • Gluten-Free Salmon Sushi Bake: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Use gluten-free mayo and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.
  • Spicy Tuna Alternative: Swap salmon for diced raw sushi-grade tuna. Increase sriracha levels for extra heat and add sesame seeds for crunch. Perfect for seafood lovers seeking a protein swap.
  • Vegetarian Rice Bowl Transformation: Substitute salmon with roasted sweet potato cubes or marinated tofu. Use vegan cream cheese and plant-based mayo. Add roasted nori strips for umami depth and seaweed flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Replace rice with riced cauliflower as a low-carb base. Maintain original salmon mixture but reduce cooking time. Garnish with extra green onions for added freshness and visual appeal.

FAQs

  • What is the purpose of rinsing sushi rice before cooking?

Rinsing sushi rice removes excess starch, which prevents the rice from becoming sticky and clumpy. This process ensures a cleaner, more distinct rice texture that’s essential for sushi bake.

  • Why use cold water when pressing rice into the baking dish?

Cold water prevents the rice from sticking to your hands, making it easier to create an even layer in the baking dish. It’s a simple technique that helps you handle the rice more smoothly and efficiently.

  • How does chilling the salmon mixture impact the recipe?

Chilling the salmon mixture allows the flavors to meld together and helps maintain the right texture. It also makes the mixture easier to spread evenly over the rice layer when preparing the sushi bake.

  • What does broiling do for the final dish?

Broiling gives the sushi bake a golden, slightly crispy top layer. It adds a beautiful color and creates a delightful textural contrast to the creamy salmon mixture underneath.

Print
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Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe

Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe


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4.6 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Culinary magic unfolds with this salmon sushi bake, blending Japanese and contemporary fusion flavors into one irresistible dish. Creamy, layered perfection awaits you, promising a delightful experience that bridges traditional sushi with modern comfort food.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein Ingredients:

  • 8 oz salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 12 pieces
  • 8 oz steamed white fish (e.g., cod or grouper) with a touch of seaweed extract

Rice and Base Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups sushi rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups water
  • 0.25 cup lite seasoned rice vinegar

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 0.33 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons Uni-Eagle Sriracha
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (non-alcoholic alternative, e.g., naturally brewed or tamarind-based)
  • 0.25 cup green onions, sliced thin
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce (ensuring it is completely alcohol-free, such as tamarind-based soy sauce or non-fermented options)
  • 1.5 tablespoons white granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Uni-Eagle Sriracha
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt

Toppings:

  • Avocado, sliced thin
  • Sesame seeds (black and white), toasted
  • Green onion, sliced thin
  • English cucumber, sliced thin
  • Nori sheets, cut into small squares

Instructions

  1. Purify sushi rice by rinsing under cold water until liquid becomes transparent, removing excess starch. Soak rice for 15 minutes, then cook in pot or rice cooker. Allow rice to rest 10 minutes after cooking, then incorporate rice vinegar by gently folding until uniformly coated.
  2. Chop salmon into precise half-inch cubes. Combine salmon with mayonnaise, cream cheese, sriracha, and soy sauce. Delicately fold in steamed white fish and sliced green onions, maintaining a delicate texture. Refrigerate mixture while preparing additional components.
  3. Create unagi sauce by simmering soy sauce and sugar until consistency thickens. Allow sauce to cool completely for optimal drizzling quality.
  4. Prepare baking dish with parchment paper and light grease. Press seasoned rice into uniform layer using moistened hands to prevent sticking. Distribute salmon mixture evenly across rice surface, ensuring complete coverage.
  5. Roast in preheated oven at 425°F for 10-15 minutes. Activate broiler during final 1-2 minutes to achieve golden-brown caramelization, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
  6. Once baked, drizzle cooled unagi sauce across surface. Garnish with additional green onions and serve warm.

Notes

  • Customize rice texture by adjusting water ratio, ensuring perfect sticky consistency without becoming mushy.
  • Use fresh, high-quality salmon for the most vibrant flavor and optimal texture in your bake.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting sriracha amount or replacing with mild chili sauce for sensitive palates.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 430
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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