Name: Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake - Easy Deconstructed Salmon Roll Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups sushi rice (uncooked); 2.5 cups water; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 lb fresh salmon fillet (skinless and diced); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (or to taste); 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/2 cup green onions (chopped, plus extra for garnish); 1 sheet nori (cut into small strips); tobiko (optional for garnish)

Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe brings together the beloved flavors of sushi in a warm, comforting, and incredibly satisfying casserole format. If you’ve ever found yourself craving the delightful combination of seasoned rice, savory salmon, and that irresistible spicy mayo kick but wanted something a little more hearty and less fiddly than traditional sushi rolls, then this dish is about to become your new obsession. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends, offering all the deliciousness of your favorite sushi without the rolling pressure. What truly sets this Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe apart is its approachable preparation and the way it allows the core flavors to meld beautifully while baking, creating a rich, layered taste that is simply addictive. Get ready to dive into a dish that’s both familiar and excitingly new!

Ingredients:

2 cups sushi rice (uncooked)
2.5 cups water
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 lb fresh salmon fillet (skinless and diced)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (or to taste)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 cup green onions (chopped, plus extra for garnish)
1 sheet nori (cut into small strips)
to taste tobiko (optional for garnish)

Cooking the Sushi Rice

The foundation of any great sushi bake is perfectly cooked sushi rice. It needs to be slightly sticky to hold everything together. Start by rinsing the sushi rice thoroughly under cold running water in a fine-mesh sieve. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, which is key to achieving the right texture. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed sushi rice and 2.5 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed. Do not lift the lid during this time. Once cooked, let the rice steam, still covered, for another 10 minutes off the heat.

While the rice is steaming, prepare the sushi vinegar mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. Gently transfer the hot, steamed rice to a large, shallow bowl or a wooden sushi oke (if you have one). Pour the prepared sushi vinegar mixture evenly over the hot rice. Using a rice paddle or a flat spatula, gently “cut” and fold the vinegar into the rice. Avoid mashing or stirring vigorously, as this can break the rice grains. Continue to fold until the vinegar is evenly distributed and the rice has cooled slightly to room temperature. This process also gives the rice its signature sheen.

Preparing the Salmon Mixture

Now for the star of our spicy salmon sushi bake: the salmon. Ensure your salmon fillet is skinless. Dice the salmon into bite-sized pieces, about 1/2 inch cubes. In a medium bowl, combine the diced salmon with the mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, and sesame oil. Start with 2 tablespoons of Sriracha and taste; you can always add more if you prefer it spicier. Gently mix everything together until the salmon is evenly coated in the creamy, spicy sauce. You want to ensure each piece of salmon is well seasoned.

Next, add the chopped green onions to the salmon mixture. Reserve a small amount of green onions for garnishing the top of the bake before serving. Fold the green onions into the salmon mixture. This not only adds a fresh, oniony flavor but also a lovely pop of color. The moisture from the mayonnaise and Sriracha will start to slightly “cook” the salmon as it sits, which is part of the delicious process.

Assembling and Baking the Sushi Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking. Spread half of the prepared sushi rice evenly over the bottom of the baking dish, pressing it down gently to form a compact layer. This creates the base of our bake.

Now, carefully spoon the spicy salmon mixture evenly over the layer of sushi rice. Try to distribute it as uniformly as possible so every bite has a good balance of rice and salmon.

Once the salmon layer is in place, top it with the remaining sushi rice. Gently press this top layer of rice down, creating a smooth surface. This is where you’ll see the beautiful layers of your sushi bake begin extract to form. For an extra touch of flavor and texture, sprinkle the nori strips evenly over the top layer of rice. These little strips will add a subtle oceanic essence as they bake.

Baking and Finishing Touches

Place the assembled sushi bake into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and the salmon mixture is heated through and bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to prevent the top from burning. The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible!

Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the bake to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. Before garnishing, sprinkle the reserved chopped green onions over the top of the bake. For an optional burst of color and a delightful pop of flavor, scatter some tobiko (flying fish roe) over the top. The tobiko adds a slightly salty, citrusy note and a beautiful visual appeal.

Serving the Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake

You can serve this spicy salmon sushi bake directly from the baking dish. Use a spatula to scoop out portions, or if you prefer, you can let it cool slightly more and then cut it into squares. It’s delicious served warm, but leftovers are also quite good at room temperature. This dish is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal, or it can be served as part of a larger spread.

The creamy, spicy salmon, combined with the seasoned sushi rice and the hint of nori, creates a wonderfully satisfying and flavorful experience. It’s a deconstructed sushi experience that is both comforting and exciting. Feel free to adjust the Sriracha to your personal heat preference. If you don’t have Sriracha, a good quality chili garlic sauce can be used as a substitute. Enjoy every delicious spoonful of this unique and flavorful creation!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your very own Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe! We hope you enjoyed creating this flavorful and satisfying dish. It’s a fantastic way to bring the deliciousness of sushi into a comforting, shareable bake, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Remember, the beauty of this Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different types of fish, add extra vegetables like corn or edamame, or even adjust the spice level to your preference. We encourage you to get creative and make this recipe your own!

Serving this bake warm is truly the best way to experience all the melty goodness. It pairs wonderfully with a side of pickled gin extractger, wasabi, and soy sauce for dipping. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a simple miso soup or a fresh green salad. We can’t wait to hear about your delicious creations!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can assemble the entire Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven cold.

What other types of fish can I use in this Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe?

While salmon is fantastic, this Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe is quite versatile. Cooked shrimp, imitation crab meat (kani), or even chunks of cooked cod or tilapia would work beautifully. Just ensure the fish is cooked through before adding it to the bake.

How can I make the Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe spicier?

To kick up the heat in your Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe, you can add more sriracha or gochujang to the salmon mixture. You could also sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before baking for an extra visual and spicy kick.