If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy the bold flavors and comforting warmth of sushi in a cozy, homey way, this delicious Baked Salmon Sushi Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender, flaky salmon with fluffy seasoned rice, creamy avocado, and a melty topping, this dish reinvents traditional sushi into an irresistible baked delight. It’s perfect for casual dinners, get-togethers, or anytime you crave Japanese-inspired comfort food without all the fuss of rolling. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Baked Salmon Sushi Recipe lies in its simple ingredients, each chosen to deliver the perfect blend of taste, texture, and color. From the slightly tangy rice to the creamy avocado and rich salmon, every component plays a key role in crafting balance and harmony on your plate.
- 1 cup sushi rice: The essential base providing fluffy, sticky texture that holds everything together beautifully.
- 1 ¼ cups water: Needed to cook rice to perfection with just the right tenderness.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Brings a subtle tartness that brightens the rice and mimics classic sushi flavors.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the vinegar’s acidity.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors ensuring nothing falls flat.
- 6 oz cooked or canned salmon (flaked): The star protein, rich and flavorful, providing the classic sushi character.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps bind the salmon mixture.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional): A kick of spice for those who like a bit of heat in their sushi.
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened): Brings a smooth texture and mild tang that complements the salmon perfectly.
- 1 avocado (sliced): Fresh and buttery, it adds a luscious softness that balances the savory elements.
- 1 sheet nori (cut into strips or crumbled): Delivers the unmistakable umami and sea flavor of sushi.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional): For a golden, melty topping that adds richness and a comforting finish.
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish: These final touches add crunch, color, and fresh flavor accents.
How to Make Baked Salmon Sushi Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice
Start by rinsing your sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear, which removes excess starch for the perfect sticky yet fluffy texture. Combine the rinsed rice and water in a small pot, bringing it to a boil. Cover and turn the heat low to let it simmer gently for about 18 to 20 minutes. Once cooked, remove from heat and allow the rice to rest covered for 10 minutes so it can steam gently and finish cooking.
Step 2: Season the Rice
Meanwhile, mix together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves. Gently fold this mixture into the warm rice. This seasoning step transforms plain rice into that iconic sushi rice with a delicate balance of sweet and tangy, awakening the whole dish with authentic flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Salmon Topping
In a medium bowl, combine your flaked salmon with mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, and sriracha if you want a little spicy edge. This creamy salmon blend will serve as the luscious filling that contrasts beautifully with the bright rice and buttery avocado.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small baking dish or ovenproof pan, spread the seasoned sushi rice in an even layer. Next, add the sliced avocado right over the rice for a fresh, creamy layer. Spoon the salmon mixture over the avocado, spreading it evenly. If you like, sprinkle shredded cheese on top for a melty, golden crust. Bake the whole dish for about 12 to 15 minutes until it’s warmed through and the cheese gets that perfect light golden color.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and crumbled nori over the top for a final burst of flavor and texture. Serve it warm, ideally paired with soy sauce or a zesty spicy mayo for dipping. This final presentation step elevates the dish, making it feel special and just a little bit indulgent.
How to Serve Baked Salmon Sushi Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and crumbled nori not only boosts flavor but also gives a gorgeous contrast in texture. The sesame seeds add a toasty crunch, the onions bring fresh sharpness, and the nori provides that classic ocean-savory hit that’s unmistakably sushi.
Side Dishes
Serve this alongside light sides such as a crisp cucumber salad, miso soup, or pickled ginger for a well-rounded meal. These fresh or warm sides complement the richness of the baked salmon sushi without overwhelming the delicate balance of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Baked Salmon Sushi Recipe in individual ramekins for a fun, personal touch, or layer it in a clear glass dish for a colorful sushi parfait look. Another crowd-pleasing idea is to pair it with seaweed snacks, encouraging guests to scoop up the baked mixture while savoring traditional nori crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to mingle, and it should stay fresh for up to 2 days—perfect for a quick next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is not ideal because the creamy and avocado layers do not freeze well and can become watery or mushy upon thawing. For best quality, enjoy the Baked Salmon Sushi Recipe fresh or refrigerate it shortly after cooking.
Reheating
When reheating, use a low heat oven or toaster oven to maintain the texture and avoid drying out the salmon and rice layers. Around 10 minutes at 325°F (160°C) should suffice to warm through without compromising taste or texture.
FAQs
Can I use raw salmon instead of cooked for this recipe?
Since this dish is baked, it’s best to use cooked or canned salmon to ensure safety and ease. Using raw salmon would require careful handling and would alter the texture after baking.
Is cream cheese necessary in the Baked Salmon Sushi Recipe?
Cream cheese adds smoothness and richness but can be omitted if you prefer. Mayonnaise alone will still keep the salmon mixture creamy, but the cream cheese gives it that distinctive mild tang and texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
This particular recipe relies on salmon for its key flavor and protein, so for vegan or vegetarian variations, you might substitute with marinated tofu or smoked mushrooms and use vegan mayo and cheese alternatives.
What can I use instead of sushi rice?
Sushi rice is preferred for its sticky texture, but short-grain rice like Arborio or other sticky rice varieties can work if sushi rice isn’t available, though texture and flavor will be slightly different.
How spicy is the sriracha option?
The sriracha adds a mild to moderate heat that nicely complements the creamy salmon. You can easily adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance or omit it altogether for a milder dish.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Salmon Sushi Recipe is a delightful twist on classic sushi, perfect for those times when you want rich flavor with a comforting, warm embrace. It’s simple to prepare, packed with layers of texture and flavor, and welcomes endless customization. Trust me, once you try it, this cozy, satisfying baked dish will become your go-to for sushi nights at home. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s bake your new favorite sushi experience!
Print
Baked Salmon Sushi Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
Description
Baked Salmon Sushi is a comforting and easy-to-make Japanese-inspired dish that blends the flavors of sushi ingredients in a warm casserole style. Featuring seasoned sushi rice, creamy avocado, a flavorful mix of flaked salmon with mayonnaise and cream cheese, and a melty cheese topping, this recipe offers a fun, deconstructed take on traditional sushi. Baked to perfection and garnished with sesame seeds, green onions, and nori, it’s a perfect meal for sushi lovers looking for a simple, home-friendly alternative.
Ingredients
Rice Base
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 ¼ cups water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Salmon Mixture
- 6 oz cooked or canned salmon (flaked)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional for spicy)
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- 1 sheet nori (cut into strips or crumbled)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Sushi Rice: Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Combine the rinsed rice with water in a small pot and bring it to a boil. Cover and reduce the heat to low, simmering for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is cooked. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 10 minutes. Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl and gently fold into the warm rice. Allow the rice to cool slightly.
- Mix Salmon Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the flaked cooked or canned salmon with mayonnaise, cream cheese, and sriracha if you want a spicy kick. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated and creamy.
- Assemble the Sushi Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small baking dish or oven-safe pan, press the seasoned sushi rice evenly into the bottom. Arrange sliced avocado over the rice layer. Spread the salmon mixture evenly on top of the avocado. If using, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese over the salmon mixture.
- Bake: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the dish is heated through and the top is slightly golden and bubbly if cheese was added.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and crumbled nori pieces. Serve warm with soy sauce or spicy mayo on the side for dipping.
Notes
- You can prepare the dish ahead up to assembly and bake it just before serving for freshness and convenience.
- This recipe works well as a deconstructed sushi bowl for those who prefer not to roll sushi.
- Serve with seaweed snacks or rice crackers for a fun and easy sushi experience.
- Adjust spice levels by varying the amount of sriracha or omitting it for a milder flavor.
- If you prefer, substitute the cheese with a vegan option or omit entirely for a dairy-free version.
