Delicious baked salmon sushi, perfect for easy homemade sushi.

EASY Baked Salmon Sushi Recipe (BEST Salmon Sushi Bake!)

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

This Easy Baked Salmon Sushi Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the fresh flavors of sushi without the complicated rolling technique. It combines tender salmon with creamy ingredients over seasoned sushi rice, making it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress everyone who tastes it. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional sushi while still being creamy and delicious.

how to make Easy Baked Salmon Sushi

Ingredients:

  • 1¼ cups or 300 gms uncooked sushi rice
  • 1¾ cups or 420 ml water
  • 4 tbsp or ¼ cup rice vinegar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • ½ tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 lb or 16 oz or 453 gms salmon
  • ¼ tsp pepper
  • 2 to 3 cloves of garlic (smashed and minced)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • ½ tbsp olive oil
  • 3½ tbsp soy sauce
  • 3½ tbsp sugar
  • 3½ tbsp rice vinegar
  • previously cooked salmon (can use cooked leftover salmon)
  • ½ cup or 120 gms kewpie mayo
  • ½ cup or 4 oz or 115 gms cream cheese
  • 3 tbsp sriracha
  • 5 tbsp eel sauce or unagi sauce (leave the rest 1 tbsp for drizzle at the end if you made it at home)
  • 1 whole green onion (chopped)
  • cooked rice
  • 1½ tbsp furikake seasoning
  • creamy salmon mixture

Directions:

MAKE THE SUSHI RICE
First, preheat your oven to 375℉ (190℃) to prepare for baking the salmon later. Rinse 1¼ cups of uncooked sushi rice until the water runs clear, then soak it for 15 to 20 minutes. Drain, add it to a pot with 1¾ cups of water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover and reduce the heat, cooking for about 20 minutes until all the water is absorbed.

PREP YOUR SUSHI RICE
While your rice cooks, create the vinegar mixture. In a bowl, combine 4 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, and ½ tsp salt. Microwave for about 20–25 seconds until the sugar dissolves. Once the rice is done, mix in the vinegar mixture and ½ tsp toasted sesame oil gently. Set aside to cool.

BAKE THE SALMON
While the rice is cooking, prepare the salmon. Place 1 lb of salmon on a baking sheet, seasoning it with ¼ tsp pepper, minced garlic, ½ tbsp olive oil, and 1 tbsp soy sauce. Massage the seasonings into the salmon. Bake for 15 to 16 minutes, then remove the skin and let it cool.

MAKE THE EEL SAUCE OR UNAGI SAUCE
If you don’t have eel sauce, mix 3½ tbsp rice vinegar, 3½ tbsp soy sauce, and 3½ tbsp sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Let cool.

MAKE THE SALMON MIXTURE
Preheat the oven to 400℉ (200℃). In a bowl, combine ½ cup mayo, ½ cup cream cheese, 5 tbsp eel sauce, chopped green onion, and 3 tbsp sriracha. Mix well, then gently fold in the cooked salmon, breaking it apart into chunks. Set aside.

BRING EVERYTHING TOGETHER
Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray and add the sushi rice in an even layer. Sprinkle 1½ tbsp furikake seasoning over the rice. Add the creamy salmon mixture on top, spreading it evenly.

BAKE & SERVE!
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until warm and creamy. Optionally, broil for about 2 minutes to brown the top slightly. Once out of the oven, garnish with more chopped green onions and drizzle with the remaining eel sauce, mayo, and sriracha. Enjoy this dish with nori sheets for hand rolls with fresh toppings like cucumber or avocado.

how to serve Easy Baked Salmon Sushi

Serve this baked salmon sushi warm, garnished with extra toppings if desired. You can use nori sheets or seaweed snacks to make hand rolls filled with the salmon and rice mixture. This makes for a fun and interactive meal!

how to store Easy Baked Salmon Sushi

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving again, making sure to keep it covered to retain moisture.

tips to make Easy Baked Salmon Sushi

  • Use fresh salmon for the best flavor, but pre-cooked salmon can work in a pinch.
  • Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less sriracha to your cream mixture.
  • Feel free to mix in other veggies like avocado or cucumber into the salmon mixture for added flavor.

variation

You can replace salmon with other fish like tuna or even use crab meat for a different flavor profile. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider using mashed tofu or veggies mixed with the cream cheese and mayo.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of sushi rice?
Yes, but the texture and flavor will be different. Sushi rice gives the dish its authentic taste.

What can I serve with this recipe?
You can serve it with a side of edamame, a simple salad, or miso soup for a complete meal.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce for a gluten-free version.