WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Are you ready to enjoy a dish that’s both fun to make and packed with flavor? My Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake is a delightful twist on the classic sushi experience. With fresh salmon, creamy sauces, and the perfect balance of spices, this easy-to-follow recipe will impress your friends and family alike. Let’s dive in and prepare a delicious meal that everyone will love!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of spicy sriracha and creamy mayonnaise gives this dish a distinctive taste that’s both bold and satisfying.
- Easy to Make: This sushi bake is simple and requires minimal prep, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level and toppings to suit your preferences, allowing for a personalized dish every time.
- Perfect for Sharing: This dish serves multiple people, making it a great option for parties or family meals where everyone can scoop and enjoy.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 cup sushi rice
– 1 pound fresh salmon, skinless and cubed
Sushi rice is the base of this dish. It has a sticky texture that holds together well. Fresh salmon adds rich flavor and protein. These two ingredients make the heart of your spicy salmon sushi bake.
Flavors and Enhancements
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon sriracha
Rice vinegar, sugar, and salt balance the sushi rice. They create a tangy and sweet flavor that complements the salmon. The mayonnaise makes the salmon creamy. Sriracha gives it a spicy kick. You can adjust the sriracha amount to fit your spice level.
Garnishes and Serving Suggestions
– ½ avocado, sliced
– 1 green onion, chopped
– Nori strips, cut into strips
– Sesame seeds
Sliced avocado adds a smooth texture. Chopped green onions give a fresh crunch. Nori strips are perfect for scooping or rolling. Sesame seeds add a nice, nutty flavor and look great on top. These garnishes make your dish pop visually and tastefully.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Sushi Rice
First, rinse the sushi rice under cold water. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch and helps the rice cook better.
Next, combine the rinsed rice with 1 ¼ cups of water in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil. After it boils, cover the pot and lower the heat. Cook for about 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the water is gone.
After cooking, take the pot off the heat. Let the rice rest for 10 minutes. Fluff it with a fork, then mix in 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Set this delicious rice aside.
Preparing the Spicy Salmon Mixture
In a bowl, take 1 pound of fresh, skinless salmon and cube it. Add 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon of sriracha. Adjust the sriracha to fit your spice level. Mix everything together until combined. This mixture gives a nice kick to the dish.
Assembling and Baking
Now, grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and grease it lightly. Spread the sushi rice evenly across the bottom. Next, layer the spicy salmon mixture on top of the rice.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the dish for 15-20 minutes. The salmon should be cooked through and slightly golden on top when done.
Once baked, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. Top with sliced avocado and sprinkle some chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture. Serve it warm with nori strips for scooping or rolling. Enjoy your tasty Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake!
Tips & Tricks
Rice Cooking Tips
To get perfect sushi rice, rinse it well. Wash it under cold water until it runs clear. This step removes extra starch, making it less sticky. Use a medium saucepan. Combine 1 cup of sushi rice with 1 ¼ cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then cover and lower the heat. Cook for 18-20 minutes until the water is gone. Let it rest for 10 minutes after cooking. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in rice vinegar, sugar, and salt for flavor.
If you are short on time, try using a rice cooker. It makes cooking easier and more precise. You can also cook the rice ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
Adjusting Spice Levels
You can adjust the spice with sriracha to fit your taste. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more if needed. Mix it well with mayonnaise and salmon. This way, you control how spicy it gets.
If sriracha is too hot for you, try other options. You can use sweet chili sauce for a milder taste. You can also use a bit of wasabi for a different kick.
Presentation Tips
Serving your sushi bake with nori strips adds fun. Cut nori sheets into strips for easy scooping or rolling. This makes it a tasty hand-held treat.
Garnishing is key for a great look. Top your dish with sliced avocado for creaminess. Use chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra color and crunch. A good presentation makes the dish even more appealing.
Pro Tips
- Choose Fresh Salmon: Always opt for the freshest salmon you can find; it makes a significant difference in flavor and texture.
- Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of sriracha based on your heat preference; start with less and add more if desired.
- Perfectly Cooked Rice: Ensure your sushi rice is perfectly cooked and fluffed to provide a great base for the salmon mixture.
- Garnish for Appeal: Don’t skip the garnishes! Avocado, green onions, and sesame seeds add flavor and visual appeal.

Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can easily swap salmon for other seafood. Shrimp or crab works great in this dish. Just cook them until they’re tender.
For a vegetarian option, use cooked mushrooms or tofu. They soak up flavors well and offer a nice texture.
Flavor Variations
Experiment with different sauces or spices for a new twist. Try adding teriyaki sauce for sweetness or chili paste for heat. Each sauce brings its unique taste.
Seasonal vegetables can also enhance your sushi bake. Add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for a fresh crunch. These veggies pair well with the creamy salmon mix.
Serving Variants
Sushi bake nachos are a fun twist. Simply scoop the warm sushi bake onto tortilla chips. Top with avocado and green onions for a tasty snack.
You can also make a sushi bake casserole. Use a larger dish and layer more rice and salmon. This feeds more people and looks great on a table.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Tips
To store leftovers, let the sushi bake cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents odors. Use a glass or plastic container with a tight lid. It should fit the size of your leftover sushi bake.
Reheating Instructions
You can reheat in the microwave or the oven. The microwave is faster. Heat it in short bursts, about 30 seconds at a time. Stir in between to avoid hot spots. The oven takes longer but keeps the texture better. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes. Cover it with foil to stop it from drying out.
Freezing Guidelines
You can freeze the sushi bake before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. If you freeze after baking, let it cool first. Thaw the dish in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat, use the oven or microwave as mentioned above. Enjoy it as good as fresh!
FAQs
Can I use white rice instead of sushi rice?
Using white rice changes the dish’s texture and flavor. Sushi rice is sticky and short-grain. It holds together well, which is key for sushi. White rice is long-grain and less sticky. This can make the bake crumbly. For best results, stick to sushi rice.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?
Look for visual cues to tell if the salmon is done. The flesh should turn from bright pink to a lighter color. It will also flake easily with a fork. If you see any raw or translucent spots, it needs more time. A thermometer should read 145°F (63°C) for safe eating.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the sushi rice and salmon mixture earlier in the day. Store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready, layer them in the baking dish and bake. This makes meal prep easy and quick.
Making sushi bake at home is simple and fun. We explored key ingredients, from sushi rice to fresh salmon, and how to enhance flavors. You learned to prepare the sushi rice and mix the spicy salmon. Assembling and baking is key to great results. We shared tips for cooking rice, adjusting spice, and presenting your dish beautifully.
Try the variations for new flavors, and don’t forget storage tips for leftovers. Enjoy your sushi bake experience, and impress your family with delicious meal
Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake
A delicious and easy-to-make sushi bake featuring spicy salmon, perfect for sharing.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1.25 cups water
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound fresh salmon, skinless and cubed
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 0.5 whole avocado, sliced
- 1 whole green onion, chopped
- to taste Nori sheets, cut into strips (for serving)
- to taste sesame seeds, for garnish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear; this removes excess starch.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 18-20 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
Once the rice is cooked, remove it from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and mix in the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Set aside.
In a bowl, mix the cubed salmon with mayonnaise and sriracha, adjusting the amount of sriracha to your desired heat level.
In a greased 8x8-inch baking dish, spread the sushi rice evenly across the bottom.
Layer the spicy salmon mixture on top of the rice.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and slightly golden on top.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Top with sliced avocado and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve warm with nori strips for scooping or rolling.
Adjust the amount of sriracha for your preferred spice level.
Keyword bake, salmon, spicy, sushi
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?