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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Assemble the Sushi Bake: Spread the seasoned sushi rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add the Topping: Evenly spread the crab or shrimp mixture over the rice layer, covering it completely.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
