Savory Salmon Sushi Bake: Delicious and Easy Recipe

Welcome to a culinary delight that will elevate your dining experience: Salmon Sushi Bake Casserole. This recipe takes the essence of classic sushi rolls and transforms it into a comforting casserole dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from potlucks to cozy weeknight dinners. Picture layers of warm seasoned rice, creamy spicy seafood, and a medley of crisp, fresh toppings all coming together in one bubbling masterpiece.

The first time I whipped up this Salmon Sushi Bake was for a game night with friends, and let me tell you, it was a hit! Since then, it has become a staple at our gatherings, always disappearing within minutes. The secret? A generous sprinkle of furikake, which not only adds a nostalgic umami kick but also a touch of childhood memories to every mouthful. This dish has even won over the toughest of critics, with my niece declaring it better than any takeout sushi she’s ever had.

With hints of Japanese baked sushi and a hint of Hawaiian flair, this casserole brings the beloved flavors of sushi right to your table. Whether you’re a seasoned sushi lover or just dipping your toes into this cuisine, Salmon Sushi Bake Casserole promises to be a crowd-pleaser, offering both comfort and excitement with each bite. Get ready to savor the fusion of flavors and textures that make this dish a standout sensation.

Quick Benefits

• Crowd-pleasing twist on classic sushi rolls
• Comfort of warm seasoned rice, creamy spicy seafood, and crisp fresh toppings without the rolling mats or fuss
• Versatile – can be customized with different seafood, dairy-free options, and topping alternatives
• Practical spin on beloved cuisine, perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners

Why You’ll Love This Savory Salmon Sushi Bake: Delicious and Easy Recipe Recipe

• Flavorful Twist: This recipe provides a unique twist on classic sushi flavors, combining them into a comforting casserole that is perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
• Crowd-Pleasing: The bubbly layered casserole is a crowd-pleaser, ensuring that it will be a hit at any potluck or party.
• Easy to Prepare: Enjoy all the delicious flavors of sushi without the hassle of rolling mats – this recipe is easy to make, making it ideal for busy cooks.
• Nostalgic Appeal: The addition of furikake seasoning brings a nostalgic umami punch to every bite, making it a comforting and familiar dish for many.
• Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe by using fresh crab meat instead of imitation, swapping cream cheese for mashed avocado if dairy-free, or adjusting seasoning to suit your preferences.
• Leftover Friendly: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days and reheat them easily in the oven or microwave for a quick and delicious meal.
• Versatile: This dish can be enjoyed in multiple ways – serve it with cucumber, avocado, lime wedges, unagi sauce, or extra sriracha for added variety and flavor.
• Adaptable Ingredients: You can easily substitute ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand, making this recipe flexible and versatile.
• Perfect for Sharing: The salmon sushi bake is a great dish for sharing with friends and family, making it a popular choice for gatherings and social events.
• Comfort and Fun: This dish brings both comfort and fun to the table, making it a must-try recipe for anyone who loves sushi flavors.

Ingredients for Savory Salmon Sushi Bake: Delicious and Easy Recipe

Salmon

• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 680 g salmon fillet
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Filling

• 120 ml Japanese mayonnaise
• 115 g cream cheese, softened
• 225 g imitation crab meat, chopped
• 15 ml sriracha
• 15 ml low sodium soy sauce

Rice

• 400 g Calrose sushi rice
• 60 ml seasoned rice vinegar

Toppings

• 2 tbsp furikake seasoning
• Black and white sesame seeds
• Chopped green onion
• Spicy mayonnaise (mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice)

To Serve (optional)

• Sliced English cucumber
• Avocado slices
• Roasted seaweed sheets
• Unagi (eel) sauce

Pro Tips for Savory Salmon Sushi Bake: Delicious and Easy Recipe

Pro tip 1: For the best texture, use fresh skinless salmon fillet but if unavailable, you can use thawed frozen fillets after patting them dry. This will ensure your salmon sushi bake turns out moist and flavorful.

Pro tip 2: If you prefer a different seafood flavor, feel free to substitute real crab meat or flaky white fish for the imitation crab meat. This swap can add a unique taste profile to your casserole, making it even more versatile and appealing to different tastes.

Pro tip 3: To achieve the characteristic stickiness needed for pressing into a casserole, opt for Calrose or short-grain sushi rice. This type of rice will help your casserole hold together and give it the perfect texture. If you don’t have furikake on hand, you can easily omit it or replace it with extra sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.

How to Make Savory Salmon Sushi Bake: Delicious and Easy Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice

1. Rinse sushi rice under cold water for 1 minute, then cook in a rice cooker with water. After cooking, spread rice on a rimmed baking sheet and gently mix in seasoned rice vinegar using a rice paddle. Let rice cool completely.

Step 2: Bake the Salmon

1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Season salmon fillet with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Bake on a tray for 15–20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 63°C. Allow salmon to cool before shredding.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

Combine shredded salmon, chopped imitation crab, Japanese mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, sriracha, and soy sauce in a large bowl. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble

Evenly press cooled sushi rice into a 22×33 cm baking dish. Sprinkle furikake over the rice and spread the prepared salmon mixture on top.

Step 5: Broil

Broil the dish for about 4 minutes until the top is lightly golden brown.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Drizzle spicy mayonnaise and more sriracha on top. Garnish with chopped green onion, black and white sesame seeds. Serve warm with roasted seaweed, cucumber, and avocado. Optional: drizzle with unagi sauce.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Salmon Sushi Bake Casserole, ensure any leftovers are tightly covered and placed in the refrigerator. The dish can be stored this way for up to three days, maintaining its flavors and freshness. When ready to reheat, it is recommended to use a low oven set at around 300 degrees Fahrenheit or microwave in short bursts until just warmed through. Be cautious not to overheat in the microwave to prevent the rice from drying out and the filling from separating.

For variations or dietary preferences, you can customize the dish by using fresh cooked crab instead of imitation crab for a more delicate flavor. Dairy-free options include swapping cream cheese for mashed avocado or extra mayo. If you don’t have furikake seasoning, a mix of crushed roasted nori and toasted sesame seeds can be used as a substitute. Leftover cooked salmon can also be utilized for the filling, making this dish versatile and adaptable to individual preferences.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a different seafood flavor, fresh cooked crab or flaky white fish can be used as a substitute for imitation crab meat in this salmon sushi bake casserole. The real crab meat will provide a more delicate flavor profile that seafood lovers may prefer.

If you are looking to make this dish dairy-free, you can replace the cream cheese with mashed avocado or extra Japanese mayonnaise. This substitution will maintain the creamy texture while catering to dietary preferences or restrictions.

If you don’t have furikake seasoning on hand, you can create a similar flavor profile by using a sprinkle of crushed roasted nori and toasted sesame seeds. This substitution will still provide a savory crunch and umami flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion with the Salmon Sushi Bake Casserole, consider setting up a DIY sushi bake bar for your guests. Provide a variety of toppings such as sliced cucumber, avocado, green onion, sesame seeds, and roasted seaweed sheets. Let everyone customize their own portion with a drizzle of spicy mayo, a dash of furikake, and a squeeze of lime. This interactive and customizable approach adds a fun and social element to your gathering.

Another serving idea is to create sushi bake sliders using small seaweed squares or mini roasted seaweed sheets as the base. Spoon a portion of the salmon sushi bake onto each square, then top with a slice of cucumber or avocado and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or as appetizers, allowing guests to enjoy the flavors of sushi in a convenient and mess-free way.

FAQs for Savory Salmon Sushi Bake: Delicious and Easy Recipe

Can I use a different type of fish instead of salmon?

Yes, you can substitute the salmon with real crab meat or flaky white fish to achieve a different seafood flavor in the sushi bake casserole.

What can I use as a substitute for furikake if it’s not available?

If you don’t have furikake, you can replace it with a sprinkle of crushed roasted nori and toasted sesame seeds for a similar savory crunch and umami flavor.

Can I prepare the salmon sushi bake in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the sushi bake casserole in advance, refrigerate it, and then bake and broil it just before serving to ensure the best freshness and flavors.

How should I store and reheat any leftovers of the salmon sushi bake?

Store any leftovers of the sushi bake tightly covered in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, use a low oven at around three hundred degrees or microwave in short bursts until just warmed through to prevent the rice from drying out while the filling separates.

Conclusion

Whether you are hosting a dinner party or simply craving a cozy weeknight meal, this Salmon Sushi Bake Casserole is a delightful choice that is sure to impress. The layers of warm seasoned rice, creamy seafood, and vibrant toppings come together to create a dish that is both comforting and full of flavor. Plus, the best part is that you can customize it to your liking, making it perfect for any occasion.

Don’t be intimidated by the idea of making sushi at home—the Salmon Sushi Bake Casserole simplifies the process and delivers all the delicious flavors you love in a convenient casserole form. So why not gather your loved ones, put on your favorite movie, and enjoy this tasty dish together? With each bite, you’ll savor the fusion of textures and tastes that make this casserole a standout dish. So go ahead, give it a try, and let this Salmon Sushi Bake Casserole become a staple in your recipe collection.