If you’ve ever craved sushi but didn’t want to fuss with rolling, this Easy Sushi Bake Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine all the bold, creamy, umami-packed flavors of your favorite sushi roll, but layered into a cozy, crowd-pleasing casserole you can scoop and share at the table. It’s quick to whip up, endlessly customizable, and absolutely irresistible—perfect for both busy weeknights and festive gatherings. Whether you’re already a sushi lover or just sushi-curious, this dish will make you feel like a kitchen superstar with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Sushi Bake Recipe is how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. Each component has a special role—bringing either bright flavor, creamy richness, or that signature sushi texture to the finished dish.
- Cooked sushi rice (2 cups): The heart of the casserole—sticky, seasoned, and perfect for soaking up all those tasty toppings.
- Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Gives the rice its signature tang and authentic sushi flavor.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): A little sweetness balances the savory and acidic notes in the rice.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every layer of flavor from the rice to the crab topping.
- Imitation crab meat, shredded (1 1/2 cups): Brings that classic California roll vibe—feel free to sub in cooked shrimp or tuna if you prefer!
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The secret to ultra-creamy, luscious texture in the topping.
- Sriracha (2 tablespoons, adjust to taste): Adds a spicy kick that wakes up the whole dish.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Lends umami depth and ties the flavors together.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Infuses the crab mixture with toasty, nutty notes.
- Avocado, diced (1): Creamy, buttery, and fresh—balances the richness of the bake.
- Cucumber, diced (1/2): Adds crunch and a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory base.
- Chopped green onions (1/4 cup): Sprinkle on top for a pop of color and mild oniony zing.
- Furikake seasoning (1 tablespoon): This Japanese seasoning blend brings umami, crunch, and a touch of sea flavor to finish.
- Roasted seaweed sheets (for serving): Use these to scoop up the sushi bake—no chopsticks required!
How to Make Easy Sushi Bake Recipe
Step 1: Season the Sushi Rice
Start by prepping the foundation of your Easy Sushi Bake Recipe: the rice! While your sushi rice is still warm, gently mix together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Pour this sweet-tangy mixture over the rice and fold it in until each grain is glossy and perfectly seasoned. This step is what gives the dish its true sushi character, so don’t skip it!
Step 2: Layer the Rice in the Baking Dish
Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Press the seasoned sushi rice evenly into the bottom, creating a firm and even layer. Pressing it down ensures the rice holds together when serving, and creates the perfect base for those creamy, flavorful toppings.
Step 3: Mix the Crab Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded imitation crab meat with mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Give it a good mix until everything is coated and creamy. This mixture is the star of the Easy Sushi Bake Recipe, with just the right balance of spicy, savory, and rich flavors. Adjust the sriracha to your preferred spice level!
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Spread the crab mixture evenly over the rice layer in your baking dish. Sprinkle the top generously with furikake seasoning—this brings that authentic sushi taste and a fun crunch. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top turns a little golden. The flavors meld together beautifully in this step!
Step 5: Top and Serve
Let your sushi bake cool for a few minutes so it sets. Then, shower the top with diced avocado, cucumber, and a handful of green onions. These fresh toppings add color, crunch, and creamy goodness, making each bite pop. Serve warm, using roasted seaweed sheets as little scoops—everyone gets to build their own perfect bite.
How to Serve Easy Sushi Bake Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference! Try a drizzle of extra spicy mayo or unagi sauce for added flavor and visual flair. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or extra furikake never hurts, either. These garnishes elevate the Easy Sushi Bake Recipe from simple to show-stopping.
Side Dishes
This sushi bake is a meal on its own, but you can round it out with a light miso soup, a crisp Asian slaw, or a simple salad dressed with ginger vinaigrette. Pickled ginger and wasabi on the side will please any sushi traditionalist and add brightness to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Easy Sushi Bake Recipe in individual ramekins for personalized portions. Or, set up a sushi bake bar with toppings in separate bowls, letting everyone customize their plate. This makes it interactive and perfect for parties or family dinners!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors only deepen as it sits, making for a delicious next-day lunch.
Freezing
While you can freeze the un-topped baked sushi base, the fresh toppings like avocado and cucumber don’t thaw well. For best results, freeze the cooled rice and crab layers (without garnishes) wrapped tightly. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh toppings just before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the sushi bake with foil and warm it in a 325°F (165°C) oven until heated through—about 10 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave works too, just heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking. Add the fresh toppings after reheating for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use real crab instead of imitation crab?
Absolutely! Real crab meat brings extra sweetness and delicate flavor to the Easy Sushi Bake Recipe. Just be sure to pick out any bits of shell and adjust the seasoning to taste, as real crab can be a bit saltier.
Is this dish gluten free?
With a couple of swaps, it can be! Just use gluten free soy sauce and double-check that your other ingredients (like furikake) are certified gluten free. Roasted seaweed sheets are often gluten free, but always read labels to be sure.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Yes! You can assemble the rice and crab layers a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, then add the fresh toppings. This Easy Sushi Bake Recipe is a total party pleaser and so easy to prep ahead.
What if I don’t have furikake seasoning?
No worries! You can sprinkle on toasted sesame seeds and crumbled roasted seaweed as a substitute. Or get creative with a tiny bit of salt, sugar, and nori flakes to mimic the flavor profile.
Can I use a different protein?
Definitely! Try canned tuna, cooked shrimp, or even flaked salmon for a twist on the classic. The Easy Sushi Bake Recipe is super flexible, so make it your own with your favorite seafood or even a vegetarian alternative like marinated tofu.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Easy Sushi Bake Recipe and see how simple it is to bring big sushi flavors to your table without any rolling or special equipment. It’s comforting, customizable, and guaranteed to impress—so gather your friends, fire up the oven, and get ready to dig in!
Print
Easy Sushi Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Sushi Bake recipe is a delicious and simple twist on traditional sushi, combining seasoned sushi rice and a spicy crab mixture baked to perfection. Topped with fresh avocado, cucumber, and green onions, and served with roasted seaweed sheets, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Sushi Rice
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Crab Topping
- 1 1/2 cups imitation crab meat, shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon furikake seasoning
- Roasted seaweed sheets for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Sushi Rice: In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. While the sushi rice is still warm, gently fold this vinegar mixture into the rice to season it evenly.
- Layer the Rice: Press the seasoned sushi rice firmly into the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking dish, creating an even layer.
- Make the Crab Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine shredded imitation crab, mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix until everything is well incorporated and creamy.
- Assemble the Bake: Spread the crab mixture evenly over the rice layer. Sprinkle furikake seasoning generously over the top for extra flavor.
- Bake: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10–15 minutes, until warmed through and slightly golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly for a few minutes. Top with diced avocado, diced cucumber, and chopped green onions. Serve warm with roasted seaweed sheets for scooping.
Notes
- You can substitute canned tuna or cooked shrimp for the imitation crab for a different protein option.
- Adding a drizzle of spicy mayo or unagi sauce on top before serving enhances the flavor profile.
- Adjust sriracha quantity according to your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh sushi rice for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pan
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
