Nora
Sushi night just got easier and even more irresistible. This Easy Sushi Bake turns all the flavors of your favorite sushi rolls into a warm, layered casserole that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or simply craving sushi with less fuss, this dish is the answer.
Loaded with creamy crab mixture, seasoned sushi rice, spicy mayo, avocado, and umami-rich toppings, it delivers restaurant-style taste without the rolling. The broiled topping caramelizes into a savory-sweet finish that’s guaranteed to win over your crowd.
What Is the Easy Sushi Bake?
Easy Sushi Bake is a deconstructed sushi roll baked in a casserole dish. It typically includes seasoned sushi rice as the base, a layer of creamy imitation crab or seafood mix, and toppings like avocado, tobiko, green onions, seaweed strips, and sauces. It’s baked until warm, slightly golden on top, and served scooped onto seaweed sheets.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No rolling required: Get sushi roll flavor with half the effort.
- Crowd-pleaser: Great for potlucks, parties, and weeknight dinners.
- Customizable: Swap crab with shrimp or salmon, adjust spice levels, or add mango.
- Meal prep-friendly: Reheats beautifully and makes fantastic leftovers.
- Fun to eat: Scoop with nori sheets for a hands-on meal that’s family-friendly.
Ingredients for Easy Sushi Bake
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups imitation crab, shredded
- 1/2 cup Kewpie mayo (or regular mayonnaise)
- 1 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 2 tbsp tobiko (optional)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp furikake seasoning
- Roasted seaweed sheets (nori) for serving
- Unagi sauce (eel sauce) or soy sauce drizzle
How To Make the Easy Sushi Bake
Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice
Cook 2 cups of sushi rice according to package instructions. While still warm, mix in rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Spread the rice evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Crab Layer
In a bowl, mix shredded imitation crab with Kewpie mayo and Sriracha. Spread the mixture evenly over the rice.
Step 3: Add Toppings
Add slices of avocado over the crab layer. Sprinkle with tobiko (if using), chopped green onions, and furikake.
Step 4: Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, just until everything is heated through. For a caramelized finish, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Drizzle with unagi sauce or soy sauce. Serve warm with roasted seaweed sheets for scooping.
What to Serve with Easy Sushi Bake
Pair this sushi bake with a simple miso soup, a fresh cucumber salad, or seaweed salad for a light and refreshing complement. A side of edamame or gyoza also rounds out the meal beautifully. Don’t forget a little pickled ginger for brightness.
Top Tips for Perfecting Easy Sushi Bake
- Use day-old rice for the best texture—slightly dry rice absorbs the vinegar better.
- Use Japanese Kewpie mayo for extra richness.
- Broil at the end to create a golden top layer with slight crisp edges.
- Serve with toasted nori for added crunch and authentic sushi flavor.
- Add protein like cooked shrimp or salmon for more variety.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in individual portions. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the rice and avocado may become mushy.
FAQs
Sushi bake is typically made with seasoned sushi rice, a creamy seafood layer (usually imitation crab), and toppings like avocado, green onions, and sauces. It’s all baked together and served warm with seaweed sheets.
Yes, you can substitute real crab for imitation crab in sushi bake. Fresh or canned lump crab meat works well and adds a richer seafood flavor to the dish.
Sushi bake is traditionally served warm, right after baking. However, it can also be enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled depending on your preference.
If you don’t have furikake, you can mix toasted sesame seeds with crushed nori sheets and a pinch of salt as a simple alternative topping.
Yes, you can assemble the sushi bake ahead and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Sushi bake will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container and reheat before serving for best results.
Want More Dinner Ideas?
If you love cozy dishes with big flavor, don’t miss my Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for a seafood twist with pasta layers.
For something comforting and meaty, check out the Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole.
Need a veggie-forward option? The Easy Veggie Patties are crisp, filling, and freezer-friendly.
Or satisfy your spicy cravings with Buffalo Chicken Lasagna. And if creamy is your vibe, don’t miss the Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts.
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