Crab and Salmon Sushi Bake

This crab and salmon sushi bake has all the delicious flavor of traditional sushi rolls, in a warm layered casserole of rice, seafood, and plenty of toppings. Serve this 30-minute meal for parties and potlucks because it is definitely a crowd-pleaser!

For more Japanese-inspired recipes, check out these juicy Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs and this savory Spam Musubi recipe.

Salmon sushi bake is a mouthwatering fusion of Japanese and American cuisine. This sushi bake includes tender, flaky salmon, chunks of imitation crab, rich kewpie mayo, and plenty of umami flavor. Variations of this baked sushi recipe have gone viral on TikTok but trust me, this is more than just a passing fad!

You will love this Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe:

Easy! Learning how to make a sushi bake is so simple. Although this recipe looks elaborate, you just add the ingredients to a baking dish, cook it in the oven, and add your favorite toppings.

Shareable! If you have an aversion to raw fish, this recipe is for you! It is also great for picky eaters, kids, and pregnant people so everyone can grab a scoop.

Customizable! Switch up the rice, seafood, seasoning, and toppings in order to personalize this recipe.

What is a sushi bake?

A sushi bake is basically a deconstructed sushi roll. It is a layered, baked casserole made with seasoned rice, a creamy mayo-based seafood mixture, and an assortment of toppings.

Ingredients you need:

• Sushi rice: Cook this Japanese short-grain rice (also known as koshihikari) before adding it to the casserole dish. Sushi rice is perfect because it has a soft, sticky texture, just like sushi rolls.
• Salmon filet: Cook the salmon and remove the skin before using it in this recipe.
• Imitation crab meat: This is far more affordable than real crab and some actually prefer the taste and texture.
• Japanese mayonnaise: Also known as kewpie mayo, this mayonnaise is made with egg yolks so it tastes far richer than regular mayo. Find it in your local Asian market.
• Soy sauce: This adds a distinct umami flavor to salmon sushi bake. Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos if salt intake is a concern.
• Sriracha sauce: Add this optional ingredient if you want some heat.
• Sesame oil: This adds a toasted, nutty flavor.
• Seasoning: I season with garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
• Furikake seasoning: Although this is an optional ingredient, I highly recommend it. It is a sweet and salty mixture of dried fish, sesame seeds, sugar, salt, and seaweed.

Toppings

• Sliced avocados
• Diced cucumber
• Green onions or scallions
• Sriracha
• Hoisin sauce
• Nori for serving

How to Make Salmon Sushi Bake:

Cook Rice

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the sushi rice according to the package instructions and let it cool slightly.

Combine Crab and Salmon Mixture

Mix together the Japanese mayonnaise, soy sauce, sriracha sauce (if using), sesame oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.

Cut the salmon filets into small bite-sized pieces and place them in a mixing bowl. Add the shredded imitation crab to the same bowl. Pour the mayo mixture over the salmon and crab and toss to coat evenly. 

*Optional: season the salmon and cook it in the air fryer or a skillet for 3-5 minutes. Shred it with a fork and mix it with the crab meat and mayo mixture. 

Layer Salmon Sushi Bake

In a baking dish, evenly spread a layer of cooked sushi rice as the base. Sprinkle the furikake rice seasoning over the top of the cooked rice.

Add the marinated salmon and crab mixture on top of the rice in an even layer.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through (if not already cooked), and the top is golden.

Once the sushi bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serve the salmon sushi bake warm as a casserole-style dish. Scoop into nori sheets or use wonton chips as a spoon. Finally, enjoy!

Alternatives and Variations:

• California Sushi Bake: For a vegetarian meal, replace the crab and fish with vegetables like sliced carrots or zucchini. You can also use tofu as a substitute.
• Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake: Combine the kewpie mayo with your favorite hot sauce (sriracha works) for spicy mayo. You can also add sliced jalapeños. For super spicy sushi bake, add wasabi.
• Sushi Bake Without Mayo: Instead of mayonnaise, you can add cream cheese.
• Seafood: Do not feel limited to salmon and crab. Try this recipe with shrimp, scallops, canned tuna, or even lobster.
• More Toppings: eel sauce, roasted seaweed

Pro-Tips:

• Remember to rinse the rice in cold water before cooking it. Doing this removes any excess starch. Also, use a rice cooker if you have one, to make the cooking process even easier.
• Sushi rice work best for this recipe but any short-grain rice will do. Avoid long-grain rice because it does not have that sticky texture.
• Have your rice and salmon cooked and ready to go before beginning this recipe. Make it up to one day in advance.
• If you can not find kewpie mayonnaise, add a splash of rice vinegar and a little bit of sugar to regular mayonnaise.

Storing and Reheating:

Store leftover salmon sushi bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can eat it cold or reheat it in the microwave.

FAQ:

Do you use raw or cooked salmon for sushi bake?

Precook the salmon before adding it to the sushi bake.

When was sushi bake invented?

Although sushi bake is clearly influenced by Japanese sushi rolls, the exact origins of the dish are unclear. There is speculation that it became popular in Hawaii as a potluck dish but it has also been credited to a Filipino restaurateur named Mimi Qiu Reyes, the founder of The Original Baked California Roll.

Can sushi bake be eaten cold?

Absolutely! You can wait fresh out of the oven, at room temperature, or directly from the fridge.

More Salmon Recipes to Try

• Cajun Garlic Butter Salmon Bites
• Cajun Pasta with Salmon
• Honey Sriracha Glazed Salmon
• Amazing Blackened Salmon

Be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook when you make this Salmon Sushi Bake recipe! I would love to see your creation, and give you a shoutout!