Delicious easy sushi bake dish ready to serve with fresh ingredients

Easy Sushi Bake

why make this recipe

Easy Sushi Bake is a fun and delicious way to enjoy sushi flavors without needing complicated rolling skills. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. This recipe is not only simple but also customizable, allowing everyone to add their favorite ingredients. Plus, baking sushi is a great way to serve a crowd!

how to make Easy Sushi Bake

Ingredients

  • 4 cups cooked short-grain sushi rice
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup imitation crab sticks, shredded
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha or mild chili sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives or green onions
  • 1/4 cup water (for baking)
  • 1/4 cup shredded nori (seaweed) for topping
  • 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds for topping
  • 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds for topping
  • Additional mayonnaise for drizzling

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved. While your cooked sushi rice is still warm, gently fold this mixture into the rice until well combined. The rice should be seasoned evenly.
  3. Pour the 1/4 cup of water into the bottom of a 9×13 inch glass baking dish. Evenly spread the seasoned rice over the water in the baking dish, pressing it down lightly but not compacting it too much.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, combine the shredded imitation crab, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, and sriracha or chili sauce. Mix until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Gently fold in the chopped chives or green onions.
  5. Spread the crab mixture evenly over the rice layer in the baking dish.
  6. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 15 minutes. This steaming step is key to ensuring your rice stays moist and fluffy, preventing it from drying out in the oven.
  7. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden and bubbly.
  8. Remove from the oven. Drizzle generously with additional mayonnaise, then sprinkle with shredded nori, black sesame seeds, and white sesame seeds.
  9. Serve warm with extra nori sheets on the side for scooping, if desired.

how to serve Easy Sushi Bake

Serve Easy Sushi Bake warm right out of the oven. You can place it in the center of the table for everyone to scoop their portion. Pair it with extra nori sheets for a fun way to enjoy the bake. You can also add pickled ginger and soy sauce on the side for more flavor.

how to store Easy Sushi Bake

If you have leftovers, let the sushi bake cool completely and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) until warmed through.

tips to make Easy Sushi Bake

  • Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Fresh crab meat can be used instead of imitation crab if you prefer.
  • Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less sriracha to suit your taste.
  • Make sure not to press the rice too firmly; this keeps it fluffy and light.

variation

You can customize the filling by adding vegetables like cucumbers, avocado, or cream cheese. Feel free to switch the protein to shrimp or salmon for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

Q: Can I make Easy Sushi Bake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sushi bake a few hours in advance and then bake it when you are ready to serve.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your mayonnaise does not contain gluten.

Q: Can I freeze Easy Sushi Bake?
A: It’s best to eat it fresh, but you can freeze it before baking. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed when you’re ready to eat.