Easy Salmon Sushi Bake

For the days where you find yourself craving sushi at-home, run to your kitchen and make my Easy Salmon Sushi Bake! This simple, sushi-inspired recipe is filled with tender, baked salmon, classic sushi rice, and a variety of different sushi toppings for a cozy and comforting dish that the whole family will enjoy.

Friends, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I LOVE sushi. Like, I could eat sushi every single day and never get sick of it. Whether I’m enjoying a hand roll or one of my viral sushi cups, there is nothing better than sticky sushi rice, paired with a fatty fish and a delicious sauce. In my opinion, it’s the best meal ever!

But, if there’s one thing that I don’t love about sushi, it’s how hard it is to make. No matter how many tutorials I follow, I can never roll it quite right! Plus, it takes me so long to make just one roll. And when I’m prepping enough sushi for not only myself, but for my two, hungry, growing boys… trying to make traditional sushi can end up taking hours out of my day that I don’t have. Which means, I love relying on sushi-inspired recipes to give me the flavors that I crave, without the time-intensive process. Like this sushi bake!

Now, let’s make one thing clear: is this a traditional, authentic sushi recipe? Nope, and I’m not claiming that it is. But, it is INSPIRED by sushi, which means it contains all of the same flavors and ingredients that you know and love! I’ve seen different sushi bake recipes floating around the internet for some time, so I knew that it was time for me to put my own spin on it. And I have to say.. I’m obsessed! If you’re looking for a simple, easy, no-fuss recipe to make for dinner (or, even to serve as a fun Game Day appetizer!) then look no further, because this recipe is it.

What You Need to Make This Sushi-Inspired Dish

• Sushi Rice: Sushi rice is a shorter-grain rice that is stickier, which helps this sushi bake hold together.
• Salmon: Of course, it isn’t a sushi-inspired recipe without the fish, and what better fish to use than my absolute favorite: salmon! Salmon is packed with heart-healthy Omega 3’s, making it a true superfood. Plus, if you’re on a budget, you can also make this recipe with canned salmon.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos: Soy sauce is essential to sushi, but if you want to keep this recipe gluten-free, you can easily swap the soy sauce for coconut aminos, tamari, or liquid aminos!
• Toasted Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil has a light, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with this dish. Don’t skip it!

• Kewpie Mayo:  Kewpie mayo is a Japanese mayo that is made exclusively from egg yolks and vinegar, giving it a fattier flavor. However, you can also use traditional mayo, or if you want to take this recipe up a notch, use my homemade mayo for the best flavor!
• Sriracha: I love adding sriracha to this sushi bake for a spicier kick, and you can vary the amount you’re using, depending on how spicy you like it!
• Rice Vinegar: The key to making sushi is to mix the rice with rice vinegar. You can usually find rice vinegar in the “international” aisle of your local grocery store!
• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds a perfectly creamy touch to the sauce that gives this sushi bake the best flavor.
• Green Onions: Green onions add a delicious flavor to this sushi bake!
• Furikake Seasoning: If you’ve never had furikake seasoning, then friends, you are missing out! It is a delicious, crunchy, salty seasoning made up of seaweed, sesame seeds, herbs, and sea salt. I get mine from Trader Joe’s, but most grocery stores will have it in the “International” foods section!

How to Make This Simple & Easy Sushi Bake

To make this sushi bake, start by preparing the rice according to package instructions. Then, set it aside. Next, cook the salmon. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the salmon filet in the center of it. Then, transfer it to the oven and broil it for 8 minutes. If you don’t want to broil it, you can bake it at 375 for 15-18 minutes.

Once it’s done, allow it to cool, then use a fork to shred the salmon, being sure to remove the skin. Then, place the shredded salmon into a bowl and add in the soy sauce, sesame oil, kewpie mayo, sriracha, rice vinegar, cream cheese, green onions, and furikake. Use a spoon to mix the ingredients together until they’re fully combined.

Next, preheat your oven to 400 F. Grab an 8×8 baking dish or a 9×11 baking dish and press the rice into an even layer at the bottom of it. Then, add the salmon mixture on top, being sure to spread it out in an even layer. Once the salmon has been added, sprinkle the top of the sushi bake with more furikake seasoning.

Bake the sushi bake for 10 minutes, then turn on the broiler and broil it for 2-3 minutes.
Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and serve immediately with tortilla chips or squares of nori. Enjoy!

If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new.

** Photography by Tanya Pilgrim