If you love sushi but don’t always feel like rolling and slicing, this Salmon Sushi Bake is going to be your new obsession. It brings together everything we love about sushi rolls — the savory salmon, the creamy sauces, the umami-packed nori — and layers it into one warm, comforting, casserole-style dish that’s way easier to throw together than traditional sushi.
This recipe is cozy, crowd-friendly, and ridiculously satisfying. It’s perfect for casual dinners, potlucks, or even a sushi night at home without the stress of perfect technique. And let’s be honest — creamy salmon over seasoned rice with a crispy top? Total comfort food vibes.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There are a dozen reasons to fall in love with this Salmon Sushi Bake, but here are my top three:
- It’s packed with flavor. Between the rich salmon, tangy sauces, and soft nori, every bite has that sushi roll magic — but in casserole form.
- No rolling mats or slicing skills needed. Just layer, bake, and serve.
- You can easily adapt this recipe for different diets, flavors, or what you have in your fridge.
Whether you’re cooking for the family or bringing a dish to share, this one always disappears fast.
Try these other salmon recipes:
Tips and Tricks
To ensure your Salmon Sushi Bake turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips and tricks:
- Use sushi rice for the right sticky texture — it really makes a difference.
- Let the rice cool slightly before adding layers on top. You don’t want to accidentally cook your sauce.
- Add a little heat to your cream cheese mix with sriracha or wasabi if you like a spicy kick.
- Use a shallow baking dish so the top gets that perfect golden crispiness.
- Short on time? Canned or pre-cooked salmon works beautifully and cuts down on prep.
Make Ahead Tips
If you like to plan ahead (I definitely do on busy weeks), this recipe’s a dream:
- Prep the rice and filling a day ahead and store them separately.
- Assemble but don’t bake — keep it wrapped in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Leftovers? Store baked sushi in the fridge and reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crispy topping.
Recipe Variations
There are plenty of variations to explore with this recipe:
- Use cooked tuna, shredded crab, or even shrimp.
- Drizzle with spicy mayo, eel sauce, or a teriyaki glaze for flavor variety.
- Add fresh toppings: Chopped scallions, avocado slices, or even cucumbers add color and crunch.
- Make it vegetarian: Use tofu or tempeh seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil for that savory depth.
How to Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, I love to top this bake with green onions, sesame seeds, and a few strips of nori for crunch. Serve it warm in scoops over individual plates or bowls, or set it up family-style with a side of soy sauce and pickled ginger for dipping.
For a fun twist, serve it with mini seaweed sheets so guests can make their own hand-roll-style bites!
How to Store
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze the dish, it’s best to do so before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
Equipment Needed
You’ll need a few essential tools to make your Salmon Sushi Bake:
- A medium saucepan for cooking the sushi rice.
- A mixing bowl for combining the filling ingredients.
- A baking dish (9×9 inches or similar) for assembling the dish.
If you don’t have a baking dish, a cast-iron skillet or a Pyrex dish works well too.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use canned salmon for this recipe?
Yes! Canned salmon is a great time-saving option. Just drain it well and flake it before mixing with other ingredients.
How long does it take to bake the Salmon Sushi Bake?
Typically, it takes about 25-30 minutes to bake until the top is golden and crispy.
What can I substitute for sushi rice?
If you can’t find sushi rice, short-grain rice can work as a substitute, but the texture may not be the same.
How To Make Salmon Sushi Bake
Salmon Sushi Bake
Salmon Sushi Bake is a tantalizing twist on traditional sushi that combines the flavors of classic sushi rolls with the comfort of a warm casserole.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 2 ½ cups water
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cooked salmon, flaked (or canned salmon)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional)
- 2 sheets nori, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rice and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Once the rice is cooked, remove from heat and stir in the vinegar mixture. Let it cool.
- In another bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, flaked salmon, mayonnaise, sriracha (if using), and chopped green onions. Mix until well combined.
- In a baking dish, spread the cooled sushi rice evenly across the bottom. Layer the salmon mixture on top, then sprinkle with nori pieces and panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with sesame seeds, and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
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Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 386Total Fat 23gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 64mgSodium 761mgCarbohydrates 31gFiber 1gSugar 9gProtein 14g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Salmon Sushi Bake is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of sushi into a comforting and easy-to-prepare casserole. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, this recipe is versatile, flavorful, and sure to impress. Enjoy the process of making it, and don’t hesitate to make it your own with variations and adaptations that suit your taste!
