When you are in love with sushi and have no time or patience to roll it, then Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake will soon become your favorite meal. It gives everything you want in the taste of traditional sushi rolls salty salmon, seasoned rice, spicy sauce and plenty of umami toppings but not the complicated preparation. The ingredients are all stacked, baked and presented in a family style fashion making it perfect as a weeknight meal, potlatch or casual dining.
Sushi bake has been very popular over the past few years in the USA especially among housewives who like dishes with an Asian flavour and a modern touch. This is a combination of Japanese taste and a comfort-food attitude of the Americans, but this is what turns the sushi into a comforting and satisfying casserole that is not only simple to cook but also easy to taste.
We are going to discuss what is unique about this dish and how you can make this dish at home.
What Is Sushi Bake?
Sushi bake is a form of deconstructed sushi rolls that have been baked in a casserole dish. Instead of rolling the pieces one by one, the ingredients are placed in layers; sushi rice as the base, seafood in the middle, and top with tasty toppings. It is usually eaten with seaweed leaves or crackers once baked and consumed by hand.
The spicy salmon version is juicy, crisp around the edges, smooth in the middle, and full of aggressive flavours. Salmon is a very rich dish that is enhanced by baking, and the spicy mayo, and spices add the right amount of spiciness.
The reason why you will enjoy this spicy salmon sushi bake.
- Easy to cook; no need of rolling.
- Ideal for sharing
- Spice level is adjustable
- Appropriate to sushi lovers and beginners.
- Uses easy to find simple ingredients.
It has a special quality, and at the same time does not complicate anything, whether you are having guests or you are just treating yourself.
Ingredients:
For the Sushi Rice
- 2 cups short-grain sushi rice
- 2 ½ cups water
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Salmon Layer
- 1/2 pound fresh salmon with the skin off.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (add according to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Spicy Mayo
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2–3 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
Toppings and Garnish
- Furikake condiment (or sesame seeds)
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
- Avocado slices
- Additional sriracha or eel sauce( optional)
For Serving
- Roasted seaweed sheets (nori)
- Cucumber or Rice crackers.
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice
Wash the sushi rice with cold water until the run is clear thus eliminating starch excess and resulting in right cooking. The rice could be cooked in a rice cooker or on the cooker through the package instructions. In a gentle manner, add in the rice vinegar, sugar and salt when it is warm and mix thoroughly without breaking the grains. Place aside and leave it to cool down a little.
Step 2: Prepare the Salmon
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190 °C). Prepare the salmon in small cubes and put them in a bowl. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, sriracha and a small amount of garlic powder and stir it gently until the salmon is well coated.
Step 3: Make the Spicy Mayo
In a small bowl, mix sriracha, soy sauce and mayonnaise. Add spices and taste to the desired level.
Step 4: Assemble the Sushi Bake
Lightly grease a baking dish. Sprinkle the sushi rice over the bottom evenly. Under the rice sprinkle furikake seasoning or sesame seeds. Place the cooked salmon in a smooth coating. Squeeze or pour a lot of spicy mayo over the surface.
Step 5: Bake
Put the dish into the oven and cook at 1822 minutes or until the salmon is cooked completely, and the top is a bit golden. To have a slightly crispy top, broil an extra 2-3 minutes – keep a close eye on it so as not to burn.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Take out of the oven and allow it to cool to a few minutes. Serve topped with slices of avocado, cilantro and green onions. Also add sriracha or eel sauce to taste. It can be served warm by spooning into nori sheets or served with cucumber slices to bring fresh and crispy taste.
Tips for the Best Sushi Bake
- Fresh salmon is best to use, which gives the best flavour and texture.
- Do not over bake the salmon because it may get dry so fast.
- The level of heat can be altered by adding more sriracha.
- Add cream cheese in case of a richer and creamier consistency.
This is a forgiving recipe and it can be easily adjusted to the individual taste.
Variations to Try
- Use imitation crab (or salmon) instead of salmon.
- Bake shrimp sushi in butter and garlic.
- It is possible to make it vegetarian with tofu or mushrooms.
- sprinkle with a crispy top of panko breadcrumbs.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake is an example of how international tastes can meet in a way that is more comfortable, contemporary, and easy-going. It is daring, gratifying, and bound to impress with those who love sushi inspired food. Be it that you are new to Japanese dishes or already a sushi lover, this recipe will provide you with the flavor of Japanese restaurants in the comfort of your own home. One taste and you will probably make it a part of your dinner rotation.