Delicious homemade sushi bake dish served in a baking dish.

Sushi Bake

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Sushi Bake is a delicious and fun twist on traditional sushi. It offers all the flavors you love in a more accessible and easier-to-make format. Instead of rolling sushi, you can bake it in a pan, making it perfect for gatherings or family dinners. It’s also flexible – you can adjust the ingredients to fit your taste, whether you prefer more spice or extra toppings. Plus, it’s a comfort food that combines the familiar taste of sushi with the warmth of a baked dish.

how to make Sushi Bake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups uncooked sushi rice
  • 2 1/4 cups water for cooking rice
  • 1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • Cooking spray or a light coating of sesame oil for greasing the pan
  • Furikake to taste, sprinkled
  • 1 lb imitation crab meat
  • 1/2 cup Japanese-style mayonnaise plus 1/3 cup for topping
  • Hot chili sauce to taste (approximately 1 Tbsp for mixture, 1 Tbsp for topping)
  • 1 large egg
  • A sprinkle of black sesame seeds
  • Cucumber for serving
  • Green onions for serving
  • Nori sheets for serving

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or a thin layer of sesame oil. This sets the stage for that perfect, non-stick base.
  2. Rinse the 2 cups of sushi rice under cold water until it runs clear, then cook it with 2 1/4 cups of water in a rice cooker or pot as per the instructions.
  3. Combine 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 2 Tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt in a small saucepan. Heat it gently, stirring until everything dissolves. Once the rice is done, transfer it to a bowl, drizzle in that hot vinegar mixture, and fold in 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds for that authentic flavor.
  4. Spread the seasoned rice evenly in your prepared pan and sprinkle on some furikake to taste.
  5. For the seafood layer, finely chop the 1 lb of crab meat, then mix it in a bowl with 1/2 cup mayonnaise and about 1 Tbsp hot chili sauce (adjust for your spice level). Beat in 1 large egg to bind it all together, then spread this mixture over the rice and top with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds and more furikake.
  6. Mix the remaining 1/3 cup mayonnaise with another 1 Tbsp hot chili sauce and drizzle it over the top.
  7. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes until it’s lightly golden and heated through.
  8. Serve it hot with sliced cucumber, green onions, and nori strips for scooping. It’s that simple!

how to serve Sushi Bake

Serve Sushi Bake hot right out of the oven. You can place it on the dining table with sliced cucumber and green onions on the side. The nori sheets can be used to scoop up the baked sushi, making it easy and fun to eat. Each guest can customize their bite with additional toppings if they wish!

how to store Sushi Bake

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

tips to make Sushi Bake

  • Make sure to rinse your sushi rice until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps achieve the desired texture.
  • Don’t skip the furikake; it adds an authentic Japanese flavor to the dish.
  • Adjust the amount of hot chili sauce based on your spice preference. You can omit it altogether for a milder version.
  • Feel free to add additional toppings like avocado, scallions, or other seafood for a twist on flavor.

variation

You can easily customize Sushi Bake by using different types of seafood, such as shrimp or salmon. You could also make a vegetarian version by substituting the crab meat with diced veggies, tofu, or cooked mushrooms.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular rice instead of sushi rice?
It’s best to use sushi rice for this recipe as it has the right sticky texture that helps hold everything together.

2. How spicy is Sushi Bake?
The spice level can vary depending on how much hot chili sauce you use. Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust according to your taste.

3. Can I make Sushi Bake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sushi mixture ahead of time and assemble it in the pan, then bake it just before serving.