Easy Sushi Bake Recipe

If you want to enjoy all the wonderful flavors of sushi without the hassle of rolling and shaping, this Easy Sushi Bake Recipe is your new best friend. It’s essentially sushi served in a warm, comforting casserole that’s loaded with creamy, spicy crab or shrimp atop perfectly seasoned sushi rice. Every bite delivers that familiar umami punch, but with so much less fuss, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or party dish that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Sushi Bake Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of taste and texture–from the tender sushi rice to the creamy, spicy seafood topping, and even the garnishes add that delightful finishing touch.

• 2 cups sushi rice: The foundation of this dish, short-grain rice is sticky and perfect for holding everything together.
• 2 1/2 cups water: Essential for cooking the rice to fluffy perfection.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds that signature tang and subtle sweetness to the rice.
• 1 tablespoon sugar: Balances the acidity of the vinegar for a harmonious flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall taste and brings out the rice’s natural sweetness.
• 1 lb imitation crab meat or cooked shrimp: The star seafood, shredded or chopped for easy mixing.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably Japanese Kewpie): Delivers creaminess and richness to the topping.
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce: Gives a gentle kick of heat – adjust based on your spice love!
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds depth and that savory umami hit.
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil: Provides a nutty aroma that complements the seafood perfectly.
• 1/4 cup cream cheese: Softened to blend smoothly, this rounds out the texture with velvety richness.
• 1 tablespoon green onions (optional): For a fresh, mild onion crunch and vibrant color.
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional): Adds nuttiness and a pop of texture on top.
• 1 tablespoon shredded nori strips: A sprinkle of seaweed flavor that screams sushi.
• 1 tablespoon furikake (optional): A flavorful Japanese seasoning mix to elevate the garnish.
• Sushi rolls or steamed white rice (for serving): Great accompaniments to complete the sushi experience.

How to Make Easy Sushi Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice

The secret to great sushi bake rice begins with rinsing the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear—this step is key to removing excess starch, so your rice won’t turn gummy. Once rinsed, cook it in a rice cooker or pot with water until tender and fluffy.

Step 2: Season the Rice

While the rice cooks, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt together and warm the mixture slightly until the sugar dissolves. Stir this very gently into the hot rice to season it evenly, then fluff up the grains with a fork and let it cool just a bit before layering.

Step 3: Make the Topping Mixture

Mix shredded imitation crab or chopped cooked shrimp with mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, and softened cream cheese. This combination is what makes the sushi bake irresistible—creamy, spicy, and packed with umami flavor that pairs beautifully with the rice.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a medium-sized baking dish. Spread the seasoned sushi rice evenly on the bottom in a nice layer, then carefully spread the seafood topping over it so you have a uniform layer ready for baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the top looks golden and bubbly. This baking step melds the flavors, melts the cream cheese perfectly, and gives the bake a slight crust, adding an irresistible texture.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle green onions, shredded nori, toasted sesame seeds, and furikake on top for fresh pops of flavor and color that make the dish truly shine and look stunning on your table.

How to Serve Easy Sushi Bake Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh green onions, toasted sesame seeds, shredded nori, and furikake transforms your sushi bake from comforting casserole to an elegant dish bursting with layers of flavor and texture. These garnishes bring brightness and that iconic sushi vibe that guests will love.

Side Dishes

This sushi bake pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed white rice or even some handmade sushi rolls. For a refreshing contrast, pickled ginger and wasabi add classic sushi accompaniments that cleanse the palate and heighten the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your sushi bake in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets so everyone gets a personal portion to enjoy. Alternatively, scoop the bake over sushi rolls or rice paper wraps to make hand-held bites perfect for parties or casual dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Easy Sushi Bake Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Store it with a tight-fitting lid to maintain the moisture of the rice and topping without getting soggy.

Freezing

Freezing sushi bake is possible, but the texture of the rice may change slightly. If you plan to freeze, portion it into freezer-safe containers and consume within a month for best flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers, reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. Avoid microwaving if possible, to preserve the texture and flavor balance of the creamy topping and perfectly cooked rice.

FAQs

Can I use fresh crab instead of imitation crab?

Absolutely! Fresh crab or cooked shrimp can be used to make your sushi bake even more luxurious. Just make sure to shred or chop the seafood finely to mix evenly with the creamy topping.

Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat?

The recipe includes sriracha for a gentle heat, but you can easily adjust the amount to suit your taste, or omit it altogether for a milder flavor that still tastes amazing.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

While the traditional recipe uses seafood, you can swap in cooked mushrooms or even marinated tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version that still delivers on texture and flavor.

What type of rice can I use?

Short-grain sushi rice is best because of its sticky texture, which helps hold the bake together. Long-grain or jasmine rice won’t work as well for this recipe.

Can I prepare the rice and topping ahead of time?

Yes! Making the rice and seafood mixture ahead of time can save you time. Just assemble and bake when ready to enjoy fresh, warm sushi bake that feels like it was just made.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Sushi Bake Recipe is a game-changer when you want the delightful flavors of sushi without the rolling fuss. It’s creamy, spicy, comforting, and fun to share with friends or family. Give it a try soon and watch how it quickly becomes a favorite in your recipe rotation—trust me, you’re going to love it.

Easy Sushi Bake Recipe

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4 from 24 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This Easy Sushi Bake recipe offers a delicious twist on traditional sushi by layering sushi rice with a creamy, spicy crab or shrimp topping and baking it to perfection. Perfect for a warm, comforting meal that’s simple to prepare, this sushi bake is garnished with classic Japanese flavors like nori, sesame seeds, and furikake for an authentic taste.

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Ingredients

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Sushi Rice

• 2 cups sushi rice (short-grain rice)
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Sushi Bake Topping

• 1 lb (450g) imitation crab meat or cooked shrimp, shredded or chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably Japanese mayonnaise, like Kewpie)
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust based on heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened

Garnishes

• 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
• 1 tablespoon nori (seaweed) strips or sheets, shredded
• 1 tablespoon furikake (optional)

Serving

• Sushi rolls or steamed white rice (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Sushi Rice: Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, ensuring the rice cooks up fluffy and sticky.
2. Cook the Rice: In a rice cooker or pot, combine the rinsed rice with 2 1/2 cups of water. Cook according to your rice cooker’s instructions or, if using a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.
3. Season the Rice: While the rice cooks, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl, then heat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to dissolve. Stir this seasoning into the cooked rice gently and fluff with a fork. Let the rice cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Sushi Bake Topping: In a bowl, combine shredded imitation crab or shrimp with mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and softened cream cheese. Mix well until smooth and evenly blended.
5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a medium-sized baking dish, about 9×9 inches.
6. Assemble the Sushi Bake: Spread the seasoned sushi rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
7. Add the Topping: Evenly spread the crab or shrimp mixture over the rice layer, covering it completely.
8. Bake the Sushi: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the topping is golden and bubbly, indicating it’s fully warmed through and lightly caramelized.
9. Garnish: Once baked, sprinkle the top with shredded nori strips, chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and furikake if using, to add flavor and texture.
10. Serve: Serve the sushi bake warm alongside sushi rolls or steamed white rice. Offer soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi on the side for extra traditional flavor accompaniments.

Notes

• Use Japanese mayonnaise like Kewpie for authentic flavor, but regular mayonnaise works as well.
• Adjust the sriracha amount to control the spice level according to your preference.
• Imitation crab can be substituted with cooked shrimp or real crab meat for variation.
• Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be reheated but may become softer.
• Furikake and nori add traditional Japanese umami flavor and can be omitted if unavailable.
• The sushi bake can be served in individual ramekins for portion control or sharing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Japanese