Name: Salmon Sushi Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked short-grain or sushi rice; 3 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp sugar; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 1/2 cups cooked salmon (baked, grilled, or canned), flaked; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/3 cup Japanese mayonnaise (or regular mayo); 1–2 tsp sriracha (optional, for spice); 2–3 tbsp furikake seasoning; 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional); 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish); Nori sheets (to serve)

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Salmon Sushi Bake is a rich, creamy, and savory twist on traditional sushi—baked in a casserole style and packed with flavor in every bite. It’s layered with seasoned rice, flaky salmon, a creamy mayo mixture, and finished with furikake and a drizzle of spicy sauce. I love serving it family-style with sheets of seaweed for scooping, making it a fun and casual way to enjoy sushi at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and comforting this dish is while still delivering all the classic sushi flavors. There’s no need for rolling or special equipment, and I can customize the toppings however I want. The warm, creamy salmon topping pairs so well with the vinegared rice and crunchy seaweed. Whether it’s for a weekend dinner or a party appetizer, it’s always a hit.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked short-grain or sushi rice
Rice vinegar
Sugar
Salt
Cooked salmon (baked, grilled, or canned)
Cream cheese, softened
Japanese mayonnaise (or regular mayo)
Sriracha (optional for spice)
Furikake seasoning
Soy sauce (optional)
Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Nori sheets (to serve)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
I season the warm cooked rice with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, then spread it evenly into a lightly greased baking dish.
In a separate bowl, I mix the flaked salmon with cream cheese, mayonnaise, and a bit of sriracha until smooth and creamy.
I spread the salmon mixture over the rice layer, then sprinkle furikake generously on top.
I bake the dish for 15–20 minutes, until heated through and slightly golden on top.
I drizzle with extra mayo or sriracha and garnish with chopped green onions.
I serve it warm with nori sheets for scooping or wrapping.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people.
Total time: About 40 minutes

Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 20 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I swap the salmon for imitation crab to make a spicy “California roll” version. I’ve also added avocado slices, cucumber, or shredded carrots on top after baking for extra freshness. For a more indulgent bake, I use a blend of cream cheese and spicy mayo as the topping base. If I want a vegetarian version, I use tofu or mushrooms instead of fish.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave individual portions until warm. I usually add a fresh drizzle of mayo or extra furikake before serving again.

FAQs

Can I use canned salmon?

Yes, I often use canned salmon for convenience. I just make sure to drain it well and remove any bones or skin before mixing it with the other ingredients.

What’s the best rice for this dish?

I use short-grain or sushi rice because it’s sticky and holds together well. Long-grain rice doesn’t have the right texture for a sushi bake.

Is it supposed to be served hot or cold?

It’s best served warm, fresh out of the oven. I’ve also enjoyed leftovers cold, but the flavors are more pronounced when it’s warm.

What can I use instead of furikake?

If I don’t have furikake, I sprinkle on toasted sesame seeds and crushed seaweed snacks. It gives a similar texture and umami flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. I assemble the whole dish, cover it, and refrigerate it until I’m ready to bake. I just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Conclusion

This Salmon Sushi Bake is one of my favorite easy dinners when I’m craving sushi without the fuss. It’s comforting, customizable, and always delicious. With just a handful of ingredients and no rolling required, it brings all the joy of sushi to the table in a cozy, shareable way.