Sushi Bake Recipe

Imagine sharing the flavors of your favorite sushi roll with friends or family—only instead of rolling each piece, you serve up irresistible spoonfuls from a bubbling, savory casserole dish. That’s the irresistible magic of Sushi Bake: all the bold, creamy, and umami-rich joy of sushi, but in a warm, oven-to-table format that brings everyone together. If you love the playful blend of spicy crab, tangy rice, creamy toppings, and a shower of furikake, this twist on classic sushi is about to become your new obsession. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sushi Bake is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together for something memorable—there’s nothing overly fancy here, but every element plays a crucial role in creating those signature layers of taste and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need, plus a few tips for shopping and prepping.

• Cooked Sushi Rice: The sturdy, slightly sticky base to hold all that creamy crab topping. Make sure it’s warm for easier seasoning and layering.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings a gentle tang that helps balance the richness of the other ingredients.
• Sugar: Just a touch rounds out the acidity of the vinegar and enhances the savory flavors.
• Salt: Boosts every flavor and helps the rice seasoning pop.
• Imitation Crab or Cooked Shredded Crab: The classic sushi filling, offering sweet, briny flavor and a tender texture that’s perfect for mixing.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone that makes the topping luscious. Japanese Kewpie mayo is extra rich, but regular mayo works in a pinch.
• Sriracha: Adds a crave-worthy spicy kick—feel free to adjust to your desired heat level!
• Cream Cheese (Softened): The secret to melt-in-your-mouth silkiness and a little tang.
• Soy Sauce: Infuses the crab mixture with deep umami notes and a touch of salt.
• Chopped Green Onions: Bring bright color and a mild, fresh sharpness to every bite.
• Furikake Seasoning: That signature savory, slightly sweet sprinkle that brings authentic sushi flavor—don’t skip this!
• Roasted Seaweed, Crumbled (Optional): A nutty, salty layer that adds texture and a taste of the ocean.
• Extra Furikake and Sriracha Mayo (For Topping): Finish with drizzles and sprinkles for both looks and a punch of flavor.
• Roasted Seaweed Sheets (Nori) for Serving: Scoop up the bake like chips and dip, or make little hand rolls—fun for everyone at the table!

How to Make Sushi Bake

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Rice

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s good and hot when you’re ready to bake. While that’s warming, mix together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Gently fold this seasoned mixture into your warm sushi rice. This step infuses the rice with that signature tang and just a hint of sweetness—essential for any good Sushi Bake. Press the seasoned rice evenly into the bottom of a lightly greased 8×8-inch baking dish, patting it down for an even layer.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Crab Topping

In a medium bowl, combine your crab meat (imitation or fresh, both work beautifully), mayonnaise, sriracha, cream cheese, soy sauce, and those vibrant green onions. Mix until you have a smooth, creamy, and slightly spicy crab filling. The combination of mayo, cream cheese, and sriracha is what makes Sushi Bake so indulgent and craveable—the mixture should be thick but easily spreadable.

Step 3: Layer the Crab Mixture

Carefully spread the crab topping all over your rice layer, smoothing it right to the edges so every slice gets that perfect ratio. Take a quick moment to admire those layers—this is where the magic starts taking shape!

Step 4: Add Furikake and Seaweed

Sprinkle a hearty layer of furikake seasoning across the surface of your crab mixture. If you’re a seaweed fan, add crumbled roasted seaweed on top for that extra briny flair. This step is small but mighty, adding not just flavor but enticing color and texture.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Creaminess

Pop your assembled Sushi Bake into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is bubbling slightly and just starting to turn a gorgeous golden color. The smell at this point will be absolutely irresistible!

Step 6: Drizzle and Finish

Once your Sushi Bake is out of the oven, drizzle with extra sriracha mayo and sprinkle on even more furikake if you’re feeling festive. This last step turns the dish into true sushi-inspired comfort food, ready for scooping, sharing, and devouring.

How to Serve Sushi Bake

Garnishes

Garnishing is half the fun! Beyond that final dusting of furikake and a generous zigzag of sriracha mayo, try a sprinkle of finely sliced green onions or even a scattering of toasted sesame seeds for extra pop and crunch. For a brighter note, a few thin slices of avocado on top make this Sushi Bake absolutely stunning and add cool, creamy richness.

Side Dishes

Sushi Bake is hearty enough to be a main event, but it loves good company at the table. Pair it with a crisp cucumber salad, a simple miso soup, or some lightly pickled ginger to help refresh your palate between bites. For an extra Japanese-inspired touch, some edamame or a bright seaweed salad alongside won’t go amiss.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your creativity shine when serving Sushi Bake! Set out stacks of roasted seaweed sheets so everyone can scoop and roll bite-sized wraps, almost like sushi tacos. For gatherings, bake individual portions in ramekins for a fun, personalized experience. You can even serve Sushi Bake piping hot over a bed of fresh greens for an irresistible salad-meets-sushi fusion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Sushi Bake (lucky you!), cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The layers hold together beautifully, and the flavors only meld more as they sit. Perfect for an easy next-day lunch or dinner!

Freezing

While Sushi Bake is at its best fresh, you can freeze individual portions for up to one month if needed. Let them cool completely before wrapping tightly and storing in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked magic, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until heated through—about 10 to 15 minutes should do the trick. You can microwave single servings for speed, but the oven preserves the best texture and prevents everything from going soggy.

FAQs

Can I use real crab instead of imitation crab?

Absolutely! Real, cooked crab meat is a wonderful upgrade for Sushi Bake. Its delicate, natural sweetness is delicious—just be sure to chop or shred it well so it layers nicely with the creamy mixture.

How do I make this Sushi Bake less spicy for kids or spice-averse eaters?

Simply reduce or leave out the sriracha in the crab topping, and skip the sriracha mayo drizzle at the end. The bake will still be flavorful and creamy, thanks to the other seasonings and the richness of the mayonnaise and cream cheese.

Is there a good substitute for furikake?

You can make a quick furikake alternative by mixing toasted sesame seeds, crushed roasted seaweed, and a pinch of salt and sugar. The UMAMI is key for that true Sushi Bake flavor, so don’t be shy with your homemade blend!

Can I make Sushi Bake in advance for a party?

Definitely! Assemble everything up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and store in the fridge. When it’s party time, just pop the dish in the oven and bake as directed—you’ll have a showstopping, crowd-friendly Sushi Bake hot and ready to serve.

What’s the best way to make the sushi rice if I don’t have a rice cooker?

No rice cooker? No problem! Simply cook your rice on the stovetop according to package instructions. Once fluffy and hot, transfer to a large bowl to season with vinegar, sugar, and salt just like in the recipe. Sushi Bake is wonderfully forgiving, so don’t stress over rice perfection.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so welcoming and fun about a dish that’s this easy, shareable, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, Sushi Bake is a guaranteed hit—so why not gather your favorite people and dive in? You’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears!