Name: Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 cup sushi rice or short grain rice; 1 1/2 cups water; 1 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp salt; 1-1.5 lbs salmon fillet; Salt & pepper; 2 tbsp coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tsp honey; 1 clove crushed garlic; 2 scallions; 2 tbsp spicy mayo; 2 tbsp cream cheese; 1/2 cup mayo; 1/3 cup sriracha; 1 tsp sesame oil; Eel sauce (unagi sauce) or teriyaki sauce; Furikake or crushed seaweed snacks; Sesame seeds; Scallions, chopped; Sliced Jalapeños; Avocado, sliced

Jump to Recipe

This Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake is a crave-worthy twist on classic sushi, perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself to something special on a cozy night in. Creamy, spicy, and absolutely packed with umami flavor, this baked wonder delivers all the goodness of a sushi roll—no rolling required! Layers of perfectly seasoned sushi rice, savory furikake, tender salmon, and a luscious spicy mayo create an incredibly satisfying bite every single time. Whether you’re hosting a fun dinner, need a crowd-pleasing potluck idea, or just feel like indulging in a comforting, flavor-packed meal, this Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake will quickly become your go-to recipe.

Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with simple ingredients, each playing a star role in the final wow-factor of your Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake. From sticky sushi rice to rich salmon, every component adds something unique—texture, flavor, creaminess, or that essential pop of color.

Sushi rice: Provides the classic sticky, chewy base you love in sushi—short grain rice works best for texture and flavor.
Water: Just the right amount ensures your rice is cooked to perfection, neither mushy nor dry.
Rice vinegar: Brightens the rice and adds subtle tang; this is essential for authentic sushi flavor.
Sugar: Balances the vinegar’s zing, creating that addictive sushi rice taste.
Salt: Brings all the flavors in the rice together beautifully.
Salmon fillet: The main event! Go for fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture.
Salt & pepper: Season the salmon simply, letting its natural richness shine.
Coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce: Adds a deep, savory umami layer to your salmon.
Honey: A touch of sweetness that balances the savory elements and encourages beautiful caramelization.
Crushed garlic: Infuses the salmon with a subtle aromatic punch—absolutely irresistible.
Scallions: Lend freshness and a mild onion bite to both the salmon mix and the final garnish.
Spicy mayo: Packs a punch! Blends creamy heat right into the salmon mix.
Cream cheese: Makes the salmon mixture ultra-luxurious and keeps it extra moist.
Mayo: The foundation for your spicy sauce toppings, adding classic creamy sushi-shop flavor.
Sriracha: Brings vibrant color and a customizable level of heat.
Sesame oil: Just a hint delivers signature toasty, nutty notes.
Eel sauce (or sweet sauce like teriyaki): Drizzle for that classic sushi sweetness and shine.
Furikake (or crushed seaweed snacks): This umami-rich seasoning takes the whole bake to the next level.
Sesame seeds: A tiny but mighty garnish, adding crunch and visual appeal.
Chopped scallions: For a final burst of green flavor and color.
Sliced jalapeños: Adds spice and a delightful fresh crunch on top.
Sliced avocado: Creamy, cool, and the perfect counterpoint to the spicy, rich elements.

How to Make Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Sushi Rice

Rinse your sushi rice thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, helping achieve that ideal sticky-but-separate sushi rice texture. Add the rice to a pot with water, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until all the water is absorbed. Once cooked, turn off the heat and immediately season with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir well so every grain is flavorful, and set aside while you work on the salmon.

Step 2: Season and Bake the Salmon

While the rice cooks, preheat your oven to 375 F. Pat your salmon fillet dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix together coconut aminos (or soy sauce), honey, and crushed garlic, then generously rub this mixture over the salmon. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, depending on the thickness, until it’s just cooked through and easily flakes with a fork. Once done, remove the skin and place the salmon in a mixing bowl.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Salmon Mixture

Using a fork, flake the warm salmon into bite-sized pieces. Add thinly sliced scallions, a generous dollop of cream cheese for richness, and a couple of spoonfuls of spicy mayo for heat. Mix everything gently but thoroughly—your goal is a creamy, slightly chunky, irresistibly savory salmon mixture that’s packed with flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Rice Layer

Increase your oven temperature to 400 F. Grab a 9×9 baking dish (or something similar) and press your seasoned rice into an even layer at the bottom. Sprinkle a generous amount of furikake seasoning (or crushed seaweed snacks if you prefer) over the rice. This layer adds a subtle crunch, salty umami, and the signature taste of sushi that ties all the flavors together.

Step 5: Layer, Top, and Bake

Spread your creamy salmon mixture evenly across the rice layer. Drizzle eel sauce (or teriyaki) and a generous swirl of spicy mayo right over the salmon for extra flavor and that eye-catching sushi bake look. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 10 minutes to help everything meld, then set under the broiler for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once your Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake emerges from the oven, it’s time for the finishing touches! Sprinkle with sesame seeds, extra drizzle of spicy mayo and eel sauce, sliced avocado, chopped scallions, and coins of fresh jalapeño for pop and heat. Every bite is a vibrant celebration of flavors and textures—creamy, spicy, crunchy, and so satisfying.

How to Serve Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake

Garnishes

The final garnish steps are where the Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake truly shines. Make it pop with contrasting textures and colors—think crunchy sesame seeds, vibrant scallions, creamy avocado slices, and jalapeño for a zingy crunch. A tangle of extra furikake or a drizzle of eel sauce turns each serving into a sushi-shop work of art!

Side Dishes

Pair your sushi bake with crisp cucumber salad, miso soup, or a bright seaweed salad to round out the meal. A side of pickled ginger or simple sliced oranges also helps cleanse the palate and highlights the umami richness of the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop hearty portions onto individual plates, serve family-style right from the baking dish, or offer squares wrapped in sheets of nori for a more interactive experience. Hosting a crowd? Try cutting the bake into bar-style appetizers or offering an array of toppings so everyone can customize their own Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake creation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftover Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake (it happens, but not often!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld even more overnight, making lunch the next day a real treat. It will keep well for up to two days, maintaining its moisture and taste.

Freezing

While you can freeze sushi bake for up to a month, keep in mind that the texture of both the rice and salmon mixture may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze in single portions, tightly wrapped, and only if you really need to extend its shelf life.

Reheating

Pop your refrigerated Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake into a 350 F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent it from drying out. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming. Add fresh garnishes after reheating to recapture the magic and crunch!

FAQs

Can I use a different fish or protein instead of salmon?

Absolutely! This bake is super flexible. Try swapping in cooked crab, canned tuna, shredded cooked chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just remember to adjust seasonings and baking time as needed.

Is Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake gluten-free?

It easily can be! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, double-check that your furikake is gluten-free, and you’re good to go. Always read labels to be 100 percent sure.

How spicy is this recipe?

The spice level is easily adjustable. Start with less sriracha in the mayo if you’re heat-shy, or kick it up with extra jalapeños or even chili crisp for those who love a fiery bite.

Do I need to use furikake?

Furikake adds authentic Japanese flavor and crunch, but if you can’t find it, crushed roasted seaweed snacks are a great substitute. Or just sprinkle extra sesame seeds and a pinch of flaky salt!

Can I assemble Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Assemble the rice layer and top with the salmon mixture, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it right before serving for the freshest, creamiest results, and add your garnishes at the end.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about pulling a bubbling Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake out of the oven and sharing it with people you love. Bold flavors, effortless assembly, and those irresistible creamy, spicy layers will win over sushi fans and skeptics alike. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe—get creative, pile on your favorite toppings, and savor every delicious bite!

Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 29 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A delectable Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake that combines the flavors of sushi in a comforting baked dish. Creamy salmon layered on seasoned rice, topped with spicy mayo, sweet sauce, and a variety of toppings for a delicious twist on traditional sushi rolls.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 F – Get the oven ready for baking.
Rinse the sushi rice and cook – Cook the rice with water, vinegar, sugar, and salt until done. Set aside.
Season and bake the salmon – Season the salmon, bake, and prepare the salmon mix with scallions, cream cheese, and spicy mayo.
Prepare the dish – Layer seasoned rice in a baking dish, add furikake, top with salmon mix, sauces, and mayo.
Bake and broil – Bake the dish, then broil for a crispy finish.
Garnish and serve – Top the dish with sesame seeds, more sauces, avocado, scallions, and jalapeños.
Advance preparation – For make-ahead, layer rice and salmon before baking.

Notes

If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of sriracha or add additional jalapeños.
Adjust the toppings to suit your taste, such as adding more avocado or sesame seeds.
Experiment with different sweet sauces like teriyaki for varied flavors.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Japanese