Name: Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 cups sushi rice; 2 ½ cups water; ¼ cup rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 pound fresh salmon skinless and boneless, chopped; ¼ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sriracha; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; ½ cup green onions chopped; ½ cup cucumber diced; ¼ cup nori sheets cut into strips; Soy sauce to taste

This spicy salmon sushi bake is a cozy, deconstructed twist on traditional sushi rolls—no rolling required!

With layers of seasoned sushi rice, creamy spicy salmon, and fresh toppings, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to bake and serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All the sushi flavors in a comforting baked form

Perfect for potlucks, gatherings, or weeknight dinners

No rolling or special tools needed

Easily customizable with your favorite toppings

Kid-friendly and beginner-friendly

Ingredient Highlights (What You’ll Need)

For the Sushi Rice:

Sushi rice – Short-grain Japanese rice that becomes sticky when cooked

Water – To steam the rice

Rice vinegar – Adds classic tangy sushi flavor

Sugar and salt – Balance and season the rice

For the Spicy Salmon Mixture:

Fresh salmon – Boneless, skinless, and chopped

Mayonnaise – Adds creaminess

Sriracha – Spicy kick and bold flavor

Sesame oil – Nutty aroma and depth

Toppings & Garnish:

Green onions – Fresh crunch and color

Cucumber – Cool, refreshing contrast

Nori – Seaweed strips for sushi flavor

Soy sauce – For drizzling or dipping

Pro Tips Before You Start

Rinse sushi rice thoroughly until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Use fresh, good-quality salmon for best flavor and texture.

Adjust the amount of sriracha to match your spice preference.

Let the rice cool slightly before layering to keep the bake from becoming mushy.

Cut nori strips just before serving so they stay crisp.

How to Make Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice
Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until clear.

Combine with water in a rice cooker or pot.

Cook until tender, then let it rest for 10 minutes.

Mix in rice vinegar, sugar, and salt while the rice is still warm.

Step 2: Make the Spicy Salmon Topping
In a bowl, mix chopped fresh salmon with mayonnaise, sriracha, and sesame oil.

Stir until well coated. Taste and adjust spice if needed.

Step 3: Assemble the Sushi Bake
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Spread the seasoned rice into an even layer and press gently.

Spoon the spicy salmon mixture evenly over the rice.

Step 4: Bake the Dish
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake the sushi dish for 20–25 minutes, until the salmon is fully cooked and the top is lightly golden.

Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove from oven and let cool slightly.

Garnish with chopped green onions, diced cucumber, and nori strips.

Serve warm with soy sauce.

What to Serve It With

Miso soup or edamame for a full Japanese-inspired meal

Pickled ginger or wasabi for added zing

A green salad with sesame dressing

Variations & Substitutions

Use canned tuna or cooked shrimp instead of salmon

Make it vegetarian with tofu and avocado

Add cream cheese or shredded cheese for a richer bake

Top with furikake seasoning or eel sauce for extra flavor

Storage & Leftovers

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Microwave individual portions until warmed through.

Note: Nori will soften when stored—add fresh strips before serving again.

FAQs

Can I use cooked salmon instead of raw?
Yes! Leftover cooked salmon works well. Just flake and mix it with the spicy mayo.

Is sushi bake served hot or cold?
It’s best served warm or room temperature for the ideal texture and flavor.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the layers and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

What if I don’t have sushi rice?
You can use short-grain rice or even jasmine rice, but sushi rice gives the best texture.

Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild-to-medium spice level from the sriracha. Adjust to taste.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and confirm all other ingredients are GF-certified.

Do I need a rice cooker?
Nope! A regular pot with a tight lid works just fine.

Final Thoughts

This spicy salmon sushi bake is everything I love about sushi—flavorful, fun, and endlessly customizable—without the fuss.

It’s perfect for sharing, meal prep, or whenever I crave sushi but want something warm and easy.