Baked Salmon Sushi Recipe
If you’re someone who craves sushi flavors but wants an easier, more comforting way to enjoy them at home, Baked Salmon Sushi is about to become your new obsession. Imagine layers of perfectly seasoned sushi rice, creamy avocado, and tangy, savory salmon, all nestled under golden, melty cheese and that unmistakable sprinkle of nori. This dish brings together everything we love about sushi—its textures, flavors, and playful presentation—without any of the fuss or rolling. Whether you’re prepping it as a cozy weeknight dinner or wowing friends at a potluck, Baked Salmon Sushi is endlessly versatile, impressive, and so much fun to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s truly amazing how a handful of easy-to-find ingredients can come together to create such a unique and crave-worthy dish. Each one is carefully chosen for the way it layers on flavor, texture, or that eye-catching pop of color we all love in a sushi bake.
- Sushi rice: The heart of the dish—sticky, mildly sweet, and essential for that authentic sushi vibe.
- Water: Use the right ratio for fluffy, perfectly cooked rice every time.
- Rice vinegar: Gives the rice that signature tang and hint of brightness found in classic sushi.
- Sugar: Balances out the vinegar, rounding out the seasoning for the rice.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor without overpowering.
- Cooked or canned salmon (flaked): Rich, savory, and so easy to incorporate—even leftovers work!
- Mayonnaise: Lends creaminess and binds the salmon filling together beautifully.
- Sriracha (optional): Adds a customizable kick of heat if you like things spicy.
- Cream cheese (softened): Makes the filling extra luscious and satisfying.
- Avocado (sliced): Buttery and smooth, these slices add freshness and a gorgeous color pop.
- Nori sheet (cut into strips or crumbled): Delivers that classic ocean flavor and a bit of crunch.
- Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional): Melts into a bubbly, golden crust—totally irresistible.
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions: For garnishing—think nutty crunch and vibrant color with every bite.
How to Make Baked Salmon Sushi
Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice
Start by rinsing your sushi rice thoroughly under cold water. This crucial step removes excess starch, ensuring that beautifully sticky-yet-separated texture. Bring rice and water to a boil in a small pot, then cover and simmer on low for 18–20 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 10 minutes until the grains are tender and glossy. While the rice rests, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Gently fold this mixture into the warm rice—this is where your Baked Salmon Sushi starts to capture that iconic sushi essence! Set the seasoned rice aside to cool slightly before building your layers.
Step 2: Make the Salmon Mixture
Combine your flaked salmon (cooked or canned both work!) with mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, and a dash of sriracha if you love a little fire. The mayo and cream cheese come together for an ultra-smooth, rich texture, while the salmon lends that signature savory-sweet bite. Mix until everything is gorgeously creamy and well incorporated. This filling will provide all the big flavors that make Baked Salmon Sushi so memorable.
Step 3: Layer the Base
Grab a small baking dish or oven-safe pan and press your seasoned sushi rice evenly into the bottom. Aim for a layer that’s compact but still a little fluffy—nobody likes a dense bottom! Top this with the sliced avocado, gently fanning the slices for even coverage. The warmth from baking will soften the avocado further, enhancing its buttery magic in every forkful.
Step 4: Add the Salmon and Cheese
Spread the creamy salmon mixture evenly across the avocado layer, making sure it reaches every corner. For the crowning touch, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar on top if you’re leaning into that melty, golden goodness (and why wouldn’t you?). The cheese forms a beautiful crust as it bakes, melding the flavors together in the oven.
Step 5: Bake and Garnish
Pop your assembled dish into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and everything is irresistibly aromatic. When it comes out, shower it with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and lots of nori—either in thin strips for drama or crumbled for subtle crunch. Your Baked Salmon Sushi is ready to steal the show!
How to Serve Baked Salmon Sushi
Baked Salmon Sushi Garnishes
Garnishing is where you let your creativity shine! A generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a lovely nutty crunch, while fresh green onions bring brightness and color. Crumbled or sliced nori is the finishing touch for that unmistakable sushi character. If you’re feeling extra, try a drizzle of spicy mayo or a dash of furikake seasoning on top—each bite becomes a flavor bomb.
Side Dishes
To round out your sushi bake feast, serve with crisp cucumber salad, edamame, or classic miso soup. Seaweed snacks or extra sheets of nori are perfect for scooping up the warm, layered goodness. These easy sides complement the rich layers of Baked Salmon Sushi and turn an ordinary meal into a true occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the pan! You can assemble your Baked Salmon Sushi in individual ramekins for a dinner party appetizer, or spoon it into lettuce leaves for a fresh, handheld bite. For a family meal, serve it as a deconstructed sushi bowl—everyone gets to dig in and customize with their favorite toppings or sauces.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got extras, simply cover your baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or a well-fitted lid and store in the refrigerator. Baked Salmon Sushi keeps well for 2 to 3 days, maintaining its flavor and texture for quick, fuss-free lunches or snacks.
Freezing
While sushi rice is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze slices of your Baked Salmon Sushi if needed. Wrap portions in plastic, then foil, and store in an airtight container. For the best taste and texture, use within a month and note that avocado may brown slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil to preserve moisture, and warm in a 325°F oven for about 10–12 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings on medium power until hot. Add fresh garnishes after reheating to refresh the flavors and textures.
FAQs
Can I use leftover cooked salmon for Baked Salmon Sushi?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled, baked, or even poached salmon all work beautifully for Baked Salmon Sushi. Just flake it up and mix with the creamy ingredients—no need for anything fancy.
What’s the best way to serve Baked Salmon Sushi?
Scoop warm portions into bowls and let everyone customize with nori, extra spicy mayo, or soy sauce. For parties, let guests build their own bites using seaweed snacks or lettuce leaves.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Of course! Swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative, omit the shredded cheese, and use vegan mayo if needed. You’ll still get all the flavor and richness, but suitable for a dairy-free crowd.
Is it possible to prepare Baked Salmon Sushi ahead of time?
Yes—assemble everything up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, just bake until heated through, garnish, and enjoy. It’s a fabulous make-ahead option for busy nights or entertaining guests.
What other proteins can I use in this sushi bake?
Feel free to use cooked shrimp, crab (real or imitation), or even rotisserie chicken for an adventurous twist. The method is the same, so have fun experimenting with your favorite flavors.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Baked Salmon Sushi, you’ll understand why it’s become a comfort food favorite in kitchens everywhere. Quick, crowd-pleasing, and full of sushi flavor, it’s an easy recipe you’ll want to revisit again and again. Give it a try—your taste buds and your dinner guests will thank you!
Print
Baked Salmon Sushi Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Baked Salmon Sushi is a delightful twist on traditional sushi, combining the flavors of baked salmon, creamy avocado, and tangy cream cheese. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for sushi lovers who prefer a warm, baked option.
Ingredients
Sushi Rice:
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 ¼ cups water
Sushi Rice Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Filling:
- 6 oz cooked or canned salmon (flaked)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional for spicy)
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- 1 sheet nori (cut into strips or crumbled)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
Garnish:
- sesame seeds
- sliced green onions
Instructions
- Rinse the Sushi Rice: Rinse sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Cook the Rice: Combine rice and water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 18–20 minutes. Let sit covered for 10 minutes. Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Fold into the cooked rice.
- Prepare the Salmon Mixture: Mix flaked salmon, mayonnaise, cream cheese, and sriracha.
- Assemble and Bake: Layer seasoned rice in a baking dish. Add avocado slices, top with salmon mixture, and optional cheese. Bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and nori. Serve warm with soy sauce or spicy mayo.
Notes
- You can assemble this dish ahead of time and bake just before serving.
- Enjoy as a deconstructed sushi bowl or pair with seaweed snacks for scooping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
