Description
This Easy Sushi Bake Recipe is a delightful, comforting twist on traditional sushi, featuring a creamy, spicy seafood topping layered over perfectly seasoned sushi rice and baked to bubbly perfection. Ideal for gatherings or a cozy dinner, this sushi bake combines familiar flavors with the convenience of a casserole, garnished with nori, sesame seeds, and green onions for added texture and flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Sushi Rice
- 2 cups sushi rice (short-grain rice)
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1 lb (450g) imitation crab meat or cooked shrimp, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably Japanese mayonnaise, like Kewpie)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust based on heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
Garnishes
- 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon nori (seaweed) strips or sheets, shredded
- 1 tablespoon furikake (optional)
For Serving
- Sushi rolls or steamed white rice
Instructions
- Prepare the Sushi Rice: Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, ensuring the rice cooks evenly and achieves the proper sticky texture.
- Cook the Rice: In a rice cooker or pot, combine the rinsed rice and water. Cook according to rice cooker instructions or bring to a boil on stovetop, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 18-20 minutes until tender and water is absorbed.
- Season the Rice: Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Heat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until dissolved, then stir gently into the cooked rice. Fluff with a fork and let it cool slightly.
- Make the Sushi Bake Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded imitation crab or shrimp, mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, and softened cream cheese. Stir until evenly mixed and smooth.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a medium-sized (about 9×9 inch) baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Sushi Bake: Evenly spread the prepared sushi rice in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Add the Topping: Spread the crab or shrimp mixture evenly over the rice, ensuring full coverage.
- Bake: Bake the assembled sushi bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish: Once baked, sprinkle the top with shredded nori, green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and furikake if desired for added flavor and texture.
- Serve: Enjoy warm, served with sushi rolls or steamed white rice. Accompany with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi on the side for a traditional sushi experience.
Notes
- Use Japanese mayonnaise like Kewpie for authentic flavor and creaminess.
- Adjust sriracha to your preferred spice level.
- Imitation crab is commonly used for convenience and flavor but cooked shrimp works beautifully as an alternative.
- Allow rice to cool slightly before assembling to avoid sogginess.
- Garnishes like furikake and nori strips add traditional sushi flavors and visual appeal.
- This dish is best served warm and can be reheated gently in the oven.
