Name: Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe - Easy & Delicious!
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked sushi rice; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; ½ teaspoon sugar; ½ teaspoon salt; 12 oz skinless salmon fillet, cooked and flaked; ¼ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 sheets roasted seaweed (nori), cut into small squares; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake – have you ever imagined savoring all the incredible flavors of your favorite sushi roll without the intricate art of rolling? Well, prepare to have your culinary dreams come true! I am absolutely thrilled to share with you a recipe that has taken home kitchens by storm, offering a delightful fusion of convenience and authentic taste. This dish truly blossomed in popularity, particularly during recent times when home cooking became a cherished activity, allowing everyone to enjoy restaurant-quality sushi-inspired meals right at their own table. It’s an ingenious, deconstructed take on traditional Japanese flavors, transformed into a comforting, communal dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with this Dish

People adore this bake for so many reasons. Imagine creamy, tangy sushi rice forming the base, topped with a luscious mixture of perfectly cooked, flaky salmon infused with a delightful kick of spice. It’s then baked to golden perfection, creating irresistible crispy edges while maintaining a tender, flavorful interior. The texture play is simply divine, combining the soft rice, the tender fish, and that lovely baked crust. It’s incredibly versatile too; you can easily customize it with your favorite toppings like avocado, furikake, or a drizzle of sriracha mayo. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply craving something extraordinary for dinner, the Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake offers a satisfying, savory experience that’s both impressive and surprisingly simple to achieve. I promise, this recipe will quickly become a cherished staple in your culinary repertoire!

Ingredients:

For the Sushi Rice:

2 cups (about 400g) Japanese short-grain or medium-grain sushi rice
2 ½ cups water (for cooking rice)
¼ cup rice vinegar (unseasoned preferred, or adjust if using seasoned)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon sea salt

For the Spicy Salmon Filling:

1 ½ pounds (approximately 680g) fresh salmon fillets, skin removed (I find two thick fillets work great)
1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup Japanese mayonnaise (like Kewpie mayo)
¼ cup sriracha sauce (adjust to your spice preference, I like it fiery!)
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free option)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon sugar (helps balance the heat and acidity)
2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions, white and light green parts, divided (some for the mix, some for garnish)

For Layering and Topping:

1 ripe avocado, sliced or diced
4 sheets roasted seaweed snacks (nori), crumbled, plus extra for serving
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Extra sriracha and Japanese mayonnaise, for drizzling (optional)
Fresh cilantro or extra green onions, for garnish (optional)

Essential Equipment:

9×13 inch baking dish
Rice cooker or heavy-bottomed pot
Large mixing bowl for rice
Small mixing bowl for sauce
Whisk
Fork for flaking salmon
Plastic wrap or parchment paper (optional, for pressing rice)

Preparing the Perfect Sushi Rice for Your Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake

The foundation of any great sushi bake, including our delectable Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake, is perfectly cooked and seasoned sushi rice. This step requires a little patience but it’s absolutely worth it for that authentic taste and texture.

Rinse the Rice Thoroughly: Start by placing your 2 cups of short-grain sushi rice in a fine-mesh sieve or a large bowl. Rinse the rice under cold running water, agitating it gently with your hand, until the water runs clear. This step is incredibly important as it removes excess starch, which prevents the rice from becoming overly gluey and helps achieve that delightful sticky-but-separate texture we all love in sushi. I usually rinse mine about 5-7 times until the water is no longer cloudy.
Soak (Optional, but Recommended for Best Results): Once rinsed, if you have the time, let the rice soak in a bowl of fresh cold water for about 20-30 minutes. This helps the rice absorb water evenly, resulting in a more tender and consistent cook. After soaking, drain the rice very well.
Cook the Rice: Transfer the rinsed and drained rice to your rice cooker or a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid. Add 2 ½ cups of fresh water. If using a rice cooker, simply press the “cook” button. If using a pot, bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover tightly, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time! Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it steam, still covered, for another 10-15 minutes. This steaming period is crucial for the rice to finish absorbing all the moisture and become perfectly fluffy.
Prepare the Sushi Vinegar Seasoning: While the rice is cooking and steaming, prepare your seasoning mixture. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the ¼ cup rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon sea salt. Microwave for 30-60 seconds, or heat gently on the stovetop, until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. Stir well to ensure everything is fully incorporated. Let it cool slightly.
Season the Cooked Rice: Transfer the hot, fluffy rice to a large, non-metallic bowl (a wooden hangiri is traditional and ideal, but a large glass or ceramic bowl works perfectly). Pour the prepared vinegar mixture evenly over the rice. Using a cutting motion with a rice paddle or a flat spoon, gently fold and mix the seasoning into the rice. Avoid mashing the rice; we want to keep the grains intact. Continue to fold and fan the rice (a small handheld fan or even a piece of cardboard works) to help it cool down quickly and give it a beautiful glossy sheen. This fanning also prevents the rice from becoming mushy. Continue until the rice is lukewarm and individual grains are visible but still sticky. This process ensures the rice is perfectly seasoned and ready for our Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake.

Preparing the Irresistible Spicy Salmon Filling

Now for the star of our show, the flavorful and spicy salmon! This filling is what gives our Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake its incredible character.

Preheat Oven and Prepare Salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps them cook more evenly and develop a nice crust. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season with ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Gently rub the seasonings over both sides of the salmon.
Bake the Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-18 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. You want the salmon to be cooked through and easily flakeable. For thicker fillets, it might take a bit longer. My personal preference is to cook it just until it’s opaque throughout but still incredibly moist. Once cooked, remove the salmon from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Flake the Salmon: Once cool enough to handle, transfer the salmon to a medium-sized bowl. Using a fork, gently flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces. Try to keep some texture; we don’t want a completely smooth paste. Remove any skin or pin bones if they weren’t already removed.
Prepare the Spicy Mayo Sauce: In another small bowl, whisk together the ½ cup Japanese mayonnaise, ¼ cup sriracha sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Taste the sauce and adjust the sriracha if you prefer it spicier, or add a tiny pinch more sugar if you find it too tart. This sauce is the heart of the “spicy” in our Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake, so make it just right for your palate!
Combine Salmon and Sauce: Pour the spicy mayonnaise mixture over the flaked salmon. Add about 1-2 tablespoons of the chopped fresh chives or green onions to the salmon mixture (reserving the rest for garnish). Gently fold everything together until the salmon is evenly coated with the delicious spicy sauce. Try not to overmix, as we want to maintain the flaky texture of the salmon.

Assembling the Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake Layers

This is where the magic truly comes together! Layering our ingredients carefully ensures every bite of your Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake is perfectly balanced and utterly delicious.

Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This helps ensure nothing sticks and makes for easier serving.
Layer the Sushi Rice: Evenly spread the seasoned sushi rice across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. I find it easiest to wet my hands slightly to prevent the rice from sticking, then gently press the rice down into an even layer, making sure it’s compact but not overly dense. You want a firm foundation for our salmon. You can also use a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper over the rice and press with your hands or the bottom of a flat glass. This ensures a nice, even layer.
Add the Spicy Salmon Filling: Spoon the spicy salmon mixture evenly over the compacted sushi rice layer. Use the back of your spoon or a spatula to gently spread the salmon all the way to the edges, creating a consistent layer. This ensures that every piece of your Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake gets a generous portion of that amazing filling.
Top with Avocado and Nori: Arrange the sliced or diced ripe avocado over the salmon layer. The creamy avocado provides a wonderful contrast to the spicy salmon. Then, take 4 sheets of your roasted seaweed snacks (nori) and crumble them evenly over the avocado. This adds a fantastic umami crunch and an authentic sushi flavor.

Baking and Serving Your Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake

The final steps involve baking our creation to golden perfection and then presenting it beautifully. Get ready for an explosion of flavors!

Bake the Sushi Bake: Place the baking dish into your preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges of the rice are slightly crispy and golden brown, and the salmon filling is heated through and bubbling slightly. The goal here is to warm everything thoroughly and get some textural contrast on the rice. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
Garnish and Drizzle: Once out of the oven, your Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake will look and smell absolutely incredible. Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and the remaining fresh chives or green onions. For an extra flourish and a touch more flavor, you can drizzle extra sriracha and Japanese mayonnaise in an artistic zig-zag pattern across the top. A little fresh cilantro can also add a pop of color and herbaceous freshness.
Rest and Serve: Let the sushi bake rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the layers to settle slightly, making it easier to cut and serve. To serve, cut the sushi bake into squares or rectangles directly in the dish.
Enjoy Your Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake: This is the best part! Serve the warm squares with additional sheets of nori seaweed snacks on the side. Instruct everyone to place a piece of the warm sushi bake onto a nori sheet, fold it up like a taco or a hand roll, and enjoy! The combination of warm, crispy rice, creamy spicy salmon, fresh avocado, and crisp seaweed is absolutely divine. This is truly a crowd-pleaser and a fun, interactive way to enjoy sushi flavors at home.

Chef’s Tip: For an even deeper flavor, you can prepare the spicy salmon filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before assembling and baking. This Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake is fantastic for gatherings, potlucks, or just a fun weeknight meal!

Conclusion:

Well, my friends, we’ve come to the end of our culinary journey, and I genuinely hope you’re feeling as inspired as I am about this incredible dish. There’s a reason why I simply had to share this recipe with you, and it boils down to the fact that it’s not just food; it’s an experience. This isn’t your average weeknight meal; it’s a celebration in a casserole dish, a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that truly elevates the simple act of eating. The beauty of this recipe lies in its uncanny ability to deliver all the vibrant, fresh flavors of your favorite sushi rolls, but with the comforting warmth and satisfying heft of a baked dish. It’s the best of both worlds, making it a spectacular crowd-pleaser that consistently vanishes from the table in record time.

What truly makes this a must-try is its remarkable balance. You get the rich, buttery goodness of perfectly cooked salmon,
infused with a delightful kick from the spicy mayo, all nestled atop a bed of perfectly seasoned rice. The umami is off the charts, and the slight crispiness that develops on the top layer during baking? Absolutely divine. It’s incredibly forgiving, making it ideal for both seasoned home cooks and those just beginning their culinary adventures. No complex rolling techniques or special equipment needed – just simple ingredients transformed into something truly extraordinary. If you’ve ever hesitated to make sushi at home, this recipe is your golden ticket to unlocking those beloved flavors without any of the intimidation. It’s a testament to how creative and comforting fusion cuisine can be.

Elevate Your Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake Experience

Now, while the recipe as written is phenomenal on its own, part of the fun of cooking is making it your own. Let’s talk about how you can serve this magnificent creation and some fantastic variations to keep things exciting. For serving, I absolutely love presenting the sushi bake family-style, allowing everyone to scoop their desired portion onto crispy sheets of roasted seaweed. The crunch of the nori against the warm, creamy salmon and rice is a classic pairing that just can’t be beaten. Thinly sliced cucumber rounds or crisp lettuce cups also make excellent vessels, offering a refreshing contrast that cuts through the richness beautifully. Don’t forget your favorite garnishes! A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, a generous dusting of furikake, a handful of thinly sliced green onions, or even a few dollops of masago or tobiko will add an extra layer of flavor, texture, and visual appeal that truly makes the dish pop. For those who crave even more heat, a drizzle of extra sriracha or a side of pickled ginger and wasabi are always welcome additions.

Personalize Your Perfect Bake

Beyond serving suggestions, this recipe is ripe for variation! Feeling adventurous? Consider swapping out half of the salmon for imitation crab meat, or even cooked shrimp, for a delightful seafood medley. For my vegetarian friends, baked and crumbled tofu or even finely chopped mushrooms tossed in the same spicy mayo mixture can create an equally satisfying and flavorful alternative. You can also play with the spice level; add more sriracha for a fiery kick, or dial it back with a touch of honey if you prefer a milder, sweeter heat. A thin layer of cream cheese spread over the rice before adding the salmon mixture can introduce an extra layer of tangy richness that’s utterly decadent. Or, for a different texture, try incorporating some finely diced avocado into the salmon mixture before baking, allowing it to warm slightly and meld with the other flavors. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other vegetables either; a handful of shredded carrots or finely diced bell peppers could add a lovely sweetness and crunch. The possibilities are truly endless, limited only by your imagination!

So, what are you waiting for? This is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create, to share, and to savor. I wholeheartedly encourage you to roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and give this Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake a try this week. It’s comforting, it’s exciting, and it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. Once you’ve experienced the sheer deliciousness, I would absolutely love to hear about it! Please, come back and share your experiences, your unique twists, and any photos of your glorious creation. Your kitchen is about to become your new favorite sushi spot, and I can’t wait for you to discover the joy of making this for yourself and your loved ones. Happy baking!