When it comes to delicious and satisfying home-cooked meals, few can rival the comforting warmth of a Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake. This dish has quickly become a beloved staple in many households, thanks to its unique blend of flavors and textures that resemble sushi but with a cozy twist. Imagine enjoying all the fantastic elements of sushi—savory salmon, seasoned rice, a hint of spice—without the meticulous rolling. This easy yet impressive recipe is perfect for entertaining family during a casual dinner or cozy night in.
Why you’ll love this dish
There are myriad reasons to make a Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake at home. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to prepare! No sushi rolling skills required—just mix, layer, and bake. This dish is also versatile enough for any occasion, whether a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a party appetizer.
Plus, it’s kid-approved! The flavors are familiar and mild enough to appeal to younger palates, while the addition of Sriracha provides a kick that adults will love. Plus, making this meal can often be done on a budget, especially if you buy ingredients in bulk.
“I made this for my family last Friday, and it was an instant hit! The kids devoured it, and my husband couldn’t stop raving about the flavors. We’ll definitely be making this again!” —raving review from a happy home chef
Step-by-step overview
Creating this Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake is simpler than it sounds. The cooking process involves just a few manageable steps: preparing sushi rice, mixing the flavorful salmon topping, layering it all in a casserole dish, and then baking until golden. It’s a straightforward recipe that allows you to focus on the experience of cooking while delivering an impressive dish.
What you’ll need
Gather these items for your Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake:
- 2 cups sushi rice (uncooked)
- 2.5 cups water
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillet (skinless and diced)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup green onions (chopped, plus extra for garnish)
- 1 sheet nori (cut into small strips)
- Tobiko (optional for garnish)
Feel free to experiment with other ingredients; for instance, if you don’t have sushi rice, short-grain white rice can be a suitable substitute.
Directions to follow

- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the sushi rice according to the package instructions. This usually involves rinsing it under cold water and then combining it with water in a rice cooker or pot until tender.
- In a mixing bowl, blend the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, stirring until dissolved. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and gently fold in the vinegar mixture.
- Spread the seasoned rice evenly at the bottom of a greased baking dish and allow it to cool slightly.
- In another bowl, mix the diced salmon, mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions until well combined. You can adjust the amount of Sriracha to find your preferred spice level.
- Spoon the salmon mixture evenly over the rice layer in the baking dish.
- Bake it in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the salmon is thoroughly cooked and the top is lightly golden.
- After baking, let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with extra green onions, nori strips, and tobiko if desired.
- Serve warm, scooping out the bake with a spoon, and enjoy!
Best ways to enjoy it
To elevate your Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake experience, consider serving it with some ahi poke salad or a side of pickled ginger. A crisp cucumber salad would also complement the flavors beautifully. For a full meal, pair it with miso soup or edamame on the side.
Storage and reheating tips
Leftovers? No problem! To keep your sushi bake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture, or cover with foil and warm in the oven at a low temperature. Freezing is also an option; wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, for up to a month. Be sure to label your containers to keep track of when you made it.
Helpful cooking tips
Want to improve your dish? Here are some pro cooking tips:
- Rinse your sushi rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch, leading to a better texture.
- For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a scoop of furikake seasoning to the rice mixture.
- Don’t be afraid to make the dish your own—consider adding avocado slices for creaminess or a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.
Creative twists
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can swap the salmon for tuna or crab to suit your taste. Incorporate vegetables like shredded carrots or cucumber into the salmon mixture for added crunch. If you want to lighten it up, opt for Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier alternative without compromising on creaminess.
Common questions
How long does it take to prepare and cook this dish?
The preparation will take around 20 minutes, while the baking process takes about 25-30 minutes. In total, you’re looking at around an hour!Can I use leftover salmon?
Absolutely! Just ensure it’s fully cooked and flaked before mixing with the other ingredients.What if I’m not a fan of spicy food?
You can reduce the amount of Sriracha or even omit it entirely. The dish is still delicious without the spice!Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them before baking. Just remember to refrigerate the salmon mixture until you’re ready to use it.
Now, you have the perfect recipe for a Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake that will surely impress family and friends alike. Enjoy crafting this delightful dish from the comfort of your own kitchen!
Print
Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines all the delicious elements of sushi in a cozy baked format.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sushi rice (uncooked)
- 2.5 cups water
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillet (skinless and diced)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup green onions (chopped, plus extra for garnish)
- 1 sheet nori (cut into small strips)
- Tobiko (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the sushi rice according to package instructions.
- In a mixing bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it and fold in the vinegar mixture.
- Spread the seasoned rice in a greased baking dish and let it cool slightly.
- In another bowl, mix diced salmon, mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions until well combined.
- Spoon the salmon mixture over the rice layer in the baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until salmon is cooked and top is golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before garnishing with green onions, nori strips, and tobiko if desired.
- Serve warm, scooping with a spoon, and enjoy!
Notes
Feel free to adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of Sriracha. You can also use leftover salmon or swap in different seafood.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese