If you love sushi but are looking for an easy, home-cooked twist on the classic rolls, this Baked Salmon Sushi Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Combining the rich flavors of tender, flaky salmon with the comforting warmth of baked sushi rice, it transforms sushi night into a cozy, satisfying meal that you can prepare in less than an hour. Each bite bursts with creamy avocado, a hint of spice from sriracha mayo, and the subtle crunch of toasted sesame seeds, making this a dish you’ll want to share with friends and family again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Baked Salmon Sushi Recipe lies in its simplicity and balance of fresh ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s creating that perfect sushi rice texture, adding spicy creaminess, or delivering a nutty finish with sesame seeds. Gathering these essentials means you’re just minutes away from creating a vibrant, delicious dish that looks as good as it tastes.
- Salmon Fillet (1 pound): Use cooked, flaked salmon for flaky texture and rich flavor without the raw fish intimidation.
- Sushi Rice (2 cups cooked): The foundation of your sushi, perfectly sticky and slightly sweetened with vinegar.
- Rice Vinegar (3 tablespoons): Adds that signature tangy bite to balance the rice’s sweetness.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): Just enough to mellow the acidity and enhance the rice’s natural flavor.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings all the rice flavors together with a well-seasoned punch.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Creates a creamy, luscious texture to coat the salmon perfectly.
- Sriracha (2 tablespoons): Gives the dish a lively, spicy kick to wake up your taste buds.
- Nori Sheets (2, cut into strips): Adds an umami seaweed flavor and acts as a base lining for even baking.
- Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons): A salty drizzle that ties all the flavors beautifully together.
- Sesame Seeds (2 teaspoons, toasted): Toasted for crunch and a nutty aroma that elevates the dish.
- Green Onions (2, chopped): For a fresh, mild oniony bite to finish off the bake.
- Avocado (1, optional, diced): Adds creaminess and a lovely green contrast, a perfect pairing with salmon.
How to Make Baked Salmon Sushi Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures your oven is ready when your sushi layers are assembled, giving you perfectly even baking every time. While waiting, get your ingredients ready to streamline the process.
Step 2: Season the Sushi Rice and Prepare the Salmon Mix
Combine your cooked sushi rice with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt for that classic sushi rice flavor. This balance of acidity and sweetness is key to authentic taste. Next, mix the flaked salmon with mayonnaise and sriracha to create a creamy, spicy topping that adds depth and excitement to every bite.
Step 3: Line Your Baking Dish with Seaweed
Lightly grease your baking dish to prevent sticking, and then carefully line it with strips of nori. This not only infuses the dish with a subtle seaweed flavor but also helps hold the layers together, offering texture contrast once baked.
Step 4: Assemble the Sushi Layers
Spread the seasoned sushi rice evenly across the lined dish. Next, layer the spiced salmon mixture on top of the rice, spreading it gently but evenly. If you love avocado, scatter diced pieces over the top for an extra creamy, buttery layer that complements the salmon beautifully.
Step 5: Bake until Lightly Golden
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The heat melds flavors, while the slightly golden top signals that everything is warmed through and ready to eat. Baking sushi gives this dish a cozy appeal that’s a wonderful change from cold rolls.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once baked, drizzle the sushi casserole with soy sauce to amp up umami flavor. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, nutty crunch and herbal brightness that complete the dish perfectly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Scoop the baked sushi into portions and serve with extra nori sheets for scooping or enjoy it as a warm sushi bowl. This flexible presentation makes it easy to enjoy regardless of your favorite sushi style.
How to Serve Baked Salmon Sushi Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your baked salmon sushi isn’t just for looks — it deepens the experience. Fresh green onions add a crisp bite, while toasted sesame seeds introduce a rich aroma and nuttiness. For a splash of color and a creamy texture, avocado slices on top work wonders. A final drizzle of soy sauce brightens every mouthful with salty richness.
Side Dishes
This baked sushi pairs incredibly well with simple sides that won’t overshadow it. A tangy pickled ginger salad or a light cucumber sunomono salad offers refreshing acidity that complements the creamy, spicy salmon. For heartier options, steamed edamame or miso soup are classics that round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow guests, turn your baked salmon sushi into mini sushi cakes by baking the layers in muffin tins. Alternatively, layer everything in clear glass jars for a trendy sushi parfait. Serving with colorful sliced veggies or crispy wonton chips can also add texture and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked salmon sushi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Because it’s fully cooked, it holds its flavor well, though textures may soften slightly. It’s a convenient option for quick lunches or light dinners the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this dish freezes well. Simply portion it out, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months. When thawed, it retains much of its original flavor and texture, making it a great ready-to-bake meal for busy nights.
Reheating
To reheat, place the baked sushi in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Microwaving is possible but may cause the rice to become a bit soft. Reheating in the oven helps restore some of the crispy edges and melds the flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use raw salmon instead of cooked for this recipe?
This Baked Salmon Sushi Recipe specifically calls for cooked salmon for safety and texture reasons. Using raw salmon would not only require different handling but could change the flavor and baking time. Cooking the salmon first ensures a flaky texture that works well in the casserole form.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the salmon for marinated baked tofu or grilled mushrooms, and replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo. Keep the sushi rice seasonings and toppings the same to maintain that delicious baked sushi essence.
What kind of rice vinegar is best?
Regular seasoned rice vinegar works great for this recipe, but you can also use unseasoned rice vinegar and adjust sugar and salt to taste. Authentic Japanese rice vinegar brings a mild sweetness that pairs perfectly with sushi rice.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free (tamari is a great alternative) and double-check other ingredients like sriracha for hidden gluten. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How spicy is the baked salmon sushi from the sriracha?
The sriracha adds a gentle warming heat that complements the creamy mayo and mellow salmon perfectly. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less and adjust to your liking — it’s easy to customize!
Final Thoughts
With its comforting warmth and bold flavors, this Baked Salmon Sushi Recipe is an absolute treat that redefines sushi for your kitchen. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering, it’s sure to impress with minimal fuss. Give it a try, and you might find this delicious, baked take on sushi becoming a new favorite in your culinary rotation.
