Viral easy baked salmon sushi bake cups served in a stylish dish.

Viral Easy Baked Salmon Sushi Bake Cups

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Baked Salmon Sushi Bake Cups are a delightful and easy way to enjoy sushi flavors without the fuss of rolling. This dish combines the rich taste of salmon with perfectly seasoned rice and adds a fun twist with individual cups. They’re great for family dinners, parties, or as a delicious meal prep option. Plus, they are customizable, allowing everyone to add their favorite toppings!

How to Make Viral Easy Baked Salmon Sushi Bake Cups

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of cooked sushi rice (jasmine or any short-grain rice will work)
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp mirin
  • 1 tbsp of sweetener (I used agave)
  • 6 pieces roasted nori seaweed (cut into 4 squares)
  • 1 piece of salmon (8 oz, skinless, cubed)
  • 2 tbsp of soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp of kewpie mayo
  • 2 tbsp sriracha
  • Garnish ideas (all garnish are optional. You can add as much or as little as you want):
    • Sliced avocado
    • Green onions
    • Furikake
    • Kewpie mayo
    • Sriracha
    • Sesame seeds

Directions:

  1. Preparing the Salmon: Start by cutting the skinless salmon into small cubes. This helps it cook faster and mix well with the rice.

  2. Marinating the Salmon: In a bowl, mix the cubed salmon with soy sauce, kewpie mayo, and sriracha. Let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

  3. Flavoring the Sushi Rice: In a separate bowl, mix the cooked sushi rice with rice vinegar, mirin, and sweetener. Stir gently so you don’t break the rice.

  4. Assembling the Salmon Sushi Bake Cups: Take your nori squares and place them into muffin tins, forming little cups. Fill each cup with sushi rice, pressing it down gently, and then add the marinated salmon on top.

  5. Baking and Garnishing: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the cups for about 15-20 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through. Once out of the oven, add your desired garnishes.

  6. Serve and Enjoy: Allow to cool slightly and then enjoy your Sushi Bake Cups fresh from the oven!

How to Serve Viral Easy Baked Salmon Sushi Bake Cups

These bake cups are perfect as a main dish or an appetizer. Serve them warm with extra soy sauce and sriracha on the side for dipping. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor.

How to Store Viral Easy Baked Salmon Sushi Bake Cups

To store your leftover cups, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Tips to Make Viral Easy Baked Salmon Sushi Bake Cups

  • Use sushi rice for the best texture, but any short-grain rice can work.
  • Allow the salmon to marinate for longer for a stronger flavor.
  • Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences!

Variation

You can easily substitute the salmon with other proteins like shrimp or tofu. You could also make a vegetarian version by using vegetables and tempura scraps.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of Kewpie mayo?

  • Yes, you can. However, Kewpie mayo has a unique flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

2. How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

  • The salmon will turn from a translucent pink to an opaque pink color. It should flake easily with a fork when done.

3. Can these cups be frozen?

  • Yes, you can freeze the assembled cups before baking. Just be sure to cover them tightly. When ready to eat, bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.