Description

This Easy Salmon Sushi Bake delivers all the flavors of traditional sushi rolls without the hassle of rolling. Inspired by TikTok, this layered sushi casserole features seasoned sushi rice, nori, and a creamy salmon mixture, baked to perfection. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or sushi lovers looking for a simple homemade option.

Ingredients

For the Rice Base:

1½ cups short-grain sushi rice, rinsed
1⅔ cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon rice vinegar

For the Salmon Layer:

14 oz salmon fillets
¼ cup cream cheese
¼ cup aioli or mayo
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sweet chili jam
2 scallions, finely sliced
½ cup cilantro leaves, torn
2 nori sheets

For the Toppings:

½ cucumber, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons aioli
½ tablespoon gochujang paste
2 tablespoons chili jam
½ cup cilantro leaves
2 scallions, sliced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
½ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Preheat & Prepare Rice:
- Preheat oven to 360°F (180°C) fan-forced.
- In a pot over medium heat, combine rinsed rice, water, and salt. Once bubbling, cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 12 minutes, then remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Stir in rice vinegar.
Prepare the Salmon Layer:
- Remove the skin from the salmon and finely chop the flesh.
- In a bowl, mix the salmon with cream cheese, aioli, soy sauce, sweet chili jam, scallions, and cilantro.
Assemble the Sushi Bake:
- Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Press the cooked rice firmly into the base to create an even layer.
- Lay the nori sheets over the rice, covering the surface completely.
- Spread the salmon mixture evenly over the nori.
Bake:
- Bake for 20 minutes until the salmon is firm and fully cooked.
Prepare the Toppings:
- While baking, slice the cucumber and sprinkle with salt.
- Mix gochujang paste with aioli.
- Slice scallions and soak some in cold water to curl.
Garnish & Serve:
- Let the sushi bake rest briefly before topping with gochujang aioli, cucumber, scallions, chili jam, cilantro, and sesame seeds.
- Serve warm with extra nori sheets for wrapping or enjoy as-is.

Notes

Spicy Kick: Add extra gochujang or Sriracha to the salmon mixture.
Different Proteins: Swap salmon for canned tuna, imitation crab, or shrimp.
Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of sushi rice.
Extra Crunch: Top with crispy fried onions or tempura flakes.
Vegan Alternative: Replace salmon with mashed tofu and use vegan mayo.

Prep Time: 15min
Cook Time: 20min
Category: Main Course, Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired