Name: Salmon Sushi Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked sushi rice; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp sugar; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 cups cooked salmon (baked, grilled, or canned), flaked; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie); 1–2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste); 1 tbsp soy sauce; 2 green onions, chopped; 2 tbsp furikake seasoning; Nori sheets or seaweed snacks, for serving; Optional: sliced cucumber, avocado, or pickled ginger for garnish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes all the best parts of sushi—flavored rice, savory salmon, creamy sauces, and seaweed—and transforms them into a comforting, oven-baked dish. It’s perfect for sharing at gatherings, easy enough for weeknight dinners, and customizable for any palate. Plus, no sushi-rolling skills required.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

cooked sushi rice
rice vinegar
sugar
salt
cooked salmon (baked, grilled, or canned)
cream cheese, softened
mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie)
sriracha
soy sauce
green onions, chopped
furikake seasoning
nori sheets or seaweed snacks, for serving
optional: cucumber, avocado, or pickled ginger for garnish

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, season the warm sushi rice with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Mix well and spread evenly in the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined baking dish.
In a separate bowl, flake the cooked salmon and combine it with cream cheese, mayonnaise, sriracha, and a splash of soy sauce. Mix until creamy and well combined.
Spread the salmon mixture evenly over the rice layer.
Sprinkle furikake seasoning generously on top.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through and lightly golden on top.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions and any desired toppings like avocado or cucumber.
Serve warm with nori sheets for scooping or wrapping.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Spicy Tuna Bake: Swap the salmon for canned or cooked tuna and add extra sriracha.
Crab Version: Use imitation crab meat mixed with the same creamy sauce for a California roll-style bake.
Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice in place of sushi rice.
Cheesy Top: Add shredded mozzarella or a drizzle of spicy mayo on top before baking.
Vegetarian Option: Use seasoned tofu, mushrooms, or avocado in place of salmon.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes until warm. For best texture, avoid overheating.

FAQs

Can I use canned salmon?

Yes, canned salmon works great and is a convenient, affordable option.

Do I need to use sushi rice?

Sushi rice is ideal for its stickiness and flavor, but you can use short-grain rice as a substitute if needed.

What can I use instead of furikake?

You can substitute furikake with a mix of sesame seeds and crushed nori if it’s not available.

Is this recipe served hot or cold?

It’s best served warm, straight from the oven, but leftovers can be eaten cold like traditional sushi.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead and store it in the fridge, then bake just before serving.

What type of salmon should I use?

Cooked salmon from leftovers, grilled fillets, or canned salmon all work well. Avoid raw salmon unless it’s sushi-grade and you’re not baking it.

Can I freeze sushi bake?

It’s not recommended, as the texture of the rice and creamy toppings may change when thawed.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your furikake is gluten-free to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

What can I serve with sushi bake?

Serve with miso soup, cucumber salad, or edamame for a complete meal.

How spicy is it?

The level of spice depends on how much sriracha you add. You can adjust it to your preference or omit it for a milder version.

Conclusion

Salmon sushi bake is the perfect way to enjoy sushi flavors in a fuss-free, family-friendly format. Whether you’re feeding a group, meal prepping, or just craving sushi without the rolling, this creamy, savory bake delivers bold flavor in every bite. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a regular in your meal rotation.