Sushi Bake

Sushi is one of those dishes that feels fancy, right? But sometimes, rolling individual pieces is just…a lot. Enter the sushi bake—a deconstructed, oven-baked sushi casserole that’s creamy, savory, and ridiculously satisfying. Imagine the sweet and savory crab mix, the tangy cream cheese, the spicy kick from sriracha, all layered over perfectly seasoned sushi rice. And the best part? You can scoop it onto nori and eat it like a giant, comforting sushi bowl. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer and perfect for sharing!

Recipe Origin

Sushi bake is a modern, home-friendly twist on traditional sushi. Instead of rolling each piece, the ingredients are layered and baked together, making it a perfect mash-up of flavors and textures in every bite. It’s inspired by sushi but made accessible and shareable for parties, weeknight dinners, or even solo indulgences.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon or small spatula for serving
• Optional: plastic wrap for layering and smoothing

Why You’ll Love Sushi Bake

This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, here’s why it shines:

Versatile

Perfect for dinner, brunch, or potlucks. You can serve it in a casserole dish or individual portions. It’s also a fun DIY-style meal—everyone can scoop their own onto nori sheets!

Budget-Friendly

Uses pantry-friendly ingredients like imitation crab, rice, and cream cheese, so you get big flavor without a big spend.

Quick and Easy

No delicate rolling or sushi skills required. Just layer, bake, and serve.

Customizable

Add extra spice with more sriracha, sprinkle extra furikake, or mix in other seafood like shrimp or salmon.

Crowd-Pleasing

Kids and adults alike love it—the creamy, spicy crab mixture combined with seasoned rice is a guaranteed hit.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Use day-old sushi rice if possible—it holds together better.
• Don’t overmix the crab filling; you want it creamy but still chunky.
• Spread the rice evenly in the pan for a uniform bake and easy slicing.

Ingredients in Sushi Bake

Here’s what makes this dish irresistible:

Imitation Crab:

The star of the filling. Sweet, flaky, and perfectly complemented by the creamy and spicy additions.

Cream Cheese:

Adds richness and a silky texture to the crab mixture. Softened cream cheese blends smoothly for a luscious filling.

Kewpie Mayo:

Japanese mayo that’s tangy and slightly sweet. It’s key for creamy, dreamy sushi bake layers.

Sriracha:

Gives the dish its signature kick. Add more or less depending on your heat preference.

Cooked Sushi Rice:

The base layer that soaks up all the flavors. Seasoned with rice vinegar for that classic sushi tang.

Rice Vinegar:

Brightens and balances the flavors of the rice, giving it that authentic sushi note.

Furikake Seasoning:

Adds umami, texture, and a little crunch. Sprinkle some in the filling and over the top before baking.

Green Onions:

For garnish, color, and a fresh, slightly sharp bite to cut through the richness.

Nori:

The edible “utensil” that makes this feel like sushi without the rolling hassle.

Instructions

Let’s build this flavorful, comforting sushi bake:

Preheat Your Oven:

Set to 375°F (190°C) so your bake cooks evenly and the topping gets slightly golden.

Prepare the Rice:

Combine cooked sushi rice with rice vinegar and a pinch of salt. Spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Mix the Filling:

In a bowl, combine imitation crab, cream cheese, kewpie mayo, sriracha, and a little furikake seasoning. Mix gently until creamy and well combined.

Assemble the Bake:

Spread the crab mixture evenly over the rice. Sprinkle remaining furikake on top for extra flavor. Drizzle with a little more kewpie mayo and sriracha if desired.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the filling is warmed through and slightly bubbly.

Garnish:

Top with sliced green onions for freshness and color.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve warm with nori sheets. Scoop a portion of the bake onto a sheet, roll slightly, and enjoy every bite of creamy, spicy goodness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6-8 \nCalories per serving: ~350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes \nCook Time: 12 minutes \nTotal Time: 22 minutes

How to Serve Sushi Bake

• DIY Sushi Rolls: Use nori sheets and let everyone scoop their own portion.
• Salads: Serve alongside a crisp Asian-style salad for balance.
• Pickled Sides: Pickled ginger or cucumber adds a refreshing contrast.
• Standalone: Rich and flavorful enough to enjoy on its own.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Assemble the bake a day ahead but don’t bake until ready to serve.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven.
• Freezing is not recommended, as cream cheese texture may change.

Variations to Try

• Extra Seafood: Mix in cooked shrimp or crab legs for a deluxe version.
• Cheesy Twist: Add a thin layer of mozzarella or cheddar before baking.
• Vegetable Additions: Finely diced bell peppers or avocado on top for color and texture.
• Spice Levels: Adjust sriracha for milder or bolder heat.

Additional Tips

• Rice Tips: Don’t skip seasoning the rice—it’s key for authentic sushi flavor.
• Layer Evenly: Ensures each scoop has the perfect balance of rice and crab mixture.
• Presentation: Sprinkle extra furikake and green onions before serving for a restaurant-style look.
• Double the Batch: Perfect for parties or meal prep.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use real crab instead of imitation?
A1: Yes! Real crab is delicious and adds a premium touch.

Q2: Can this be made vegetarian?
A2: Substitute crab with diced vegetables like mushrooms or hearts of palm.

Q3: How spicy is this dish?
A3: Moderately spicy, but you can adjust sriracha to your preference.

Q4: Can I prep it the night before?
A4: Yes, assemble and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Q5: Can I freeze leftovers?
A5: Not recommended; cream cheese and rice texture change when frozen.

Q6: What’s the best way to serve with nori?
A6: Cut nori sheets into halves or quarters, scoop a portion of bake, and roll lightly.

Q7: Can I add cheese?
A7: Absolutely—mozzarella or a sprinkle of cheddar on top works beautifully.

Q8: Can I make it gluten-free?
A8: Yes, ensure furikake and sauces are gluten-free.

Q9: Can I make it spicy for kids?
A9: Reduce or omit sriracha for a milder version.

Q10: Can I add avocado on top?
A10: Yes! Sliced avocado adds creaminess and color.

Conclusion

Sushi bake is the ultimate comfort-food sushi experience—creamy, spicy, and oh-so-shareable. Whether it’s for a casual night in or a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to impress. One scoop at a time, you’ll savor the perfect mix of flavors and textures, and I promise, it’ll disappear fast. Trust me, this one deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!

Print