Sushi Bake offers a delightful twist on traditional sushi, combining the flavors of a sushi roll with the comforting appeal of a baked casserole. It features layers of seasoned sushi rice, creamy mayo, savory seafood or vegetables, and a crispy topping, creating a satisfying and shareable dish that’s perfect for gatherings or as a tasty weeknight meal.
Ingredients for a sushi bake:
Base Layer:
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling Layer:
- 1 pound imitation crab meat (or real crab meat)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
Topping Layer:
- 1/4 cup furikake (Japanese rice seasoning)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2-3 sheets of nori (seaweed), cut into small strips
- Green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Optional:
- Pickled ginger
- Wasabi
- Soy sauce for dipping
Steps
- Step 1: Prepare the Rice
- Start by preparing the sushi rice. Rinse 2 cups of sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Cook the rice according to the package instructions or using a rice cooker for perfect texture. Once the rice is cooked, season it by mixing 1/4 cup of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt in a small bowl until dissolved. Gently fold this mixture into the cooked rice, ensuring every grain is coated. Spread the seasoned rice evenly in a baking dish, creating a solid base layer for your sushi bake.
- Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Next, prepare the crab filling. In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of imitation crab meat (or real crab meat), 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of sriracha sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 2 teaspoons of sesame oil. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined, forming a creamy and flavorful mixture. Spread this crab mixture evenly over the layer of sushi rice in the baking dish, ensuring an even distribution for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Step 3: Bake the Sushi
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking. Once the oven is heated, place the baking dish inside and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the top is slightly golden and heated through. This baking process melds the flavors together and gives the dish a warm, comforting texture.
- Step 4: Add the Toppings
- After baking, it’s time to add the toppings. Begin by sprinkling 1/4 cup of furikake (Japanese rice seasoning) evenly over the baked sushi for an added burst of umami flavor. Then, arrange slices of fresh avocado and cucumber on top, adding a fresh and creamy contrast to the baked layers. Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top for extra crunch and flavor. For a final touch, add small strips of nori (seaweed) to enhance the traditional sushi taste.
- Step 5: Serve
- Serve the sushi bake warm. You can scoop it out and serve it on individual plates or enjoy it with seaweed sheets for a hand-held sushi experience. Optional condiments like pickled ginger, wasabi, and soy sauce can be served on the side for those who enjoy extra flavor and spice. Enjoy your homemade sushi bake with its delightful combination of creamy, savory, and fresh ingredients!
Tips for Variations
- Protein Swap: Experiment with different proteins to change up the flavor. Instead of imitation crab meat, try using cooked shrimp, diced salmon, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Each protein brings a unique taste and texture to the dish.
- Spicy Twist: For a spicier kick, add more sriracha sauce to the crab mixture or incorporate chopped jalapeños. You can also drizzle spicy mayo (a mixture of mayonnaise and sriracha) over the top after baking for an extra layer of heat.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Enhance the nutritional value by adding finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or edamame to the crab mixture. These veggies add a delightful crunch and vibrant colors to the sushi bake.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
FAQs for Sushi Bake
- Can I use real crab meat instead of imitation crab?
- Yes, you can substitute real crab meat for imitation crab. Real crab meat will add a richer flavor and more protein. Make sure to use cooked crab meat and shred it before mixing with the other ingredients.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a portion in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Be sure to add fresh toppings like avocado and cucumber after reheating for the best taste.
- Can I make sushi bake ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the sushi bake up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake it as directed, then add the fresh toppings before serving.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- To make the recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Also, ensure that all other ingredients, such as imitation crab meat and furikake, are gluten-free.
- What can I use instead of furikake
- you can’t find furikake, you can substitute it with a mixture of sesame seeds, seaweed flakes, and a pinch of salt. This combination will provide a similar flavor profile to Furikake.
Baked Sushi Delight: A Fusion Twist on a Japanese Classic
Sushi Bake offers a delightful twist on traditional sushi, combining the flavors of a sushi roll with the comforting appeal of a baked casserole.
Ingredients
Base Layer:
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling Layer:
- 1 pound imitation crab meat or real crab meat
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
Topping Layer:
- ¼ cup furikake Japanese rice seasoning
- 1 avocado sliced
- 1 cucumber thinly sliced
- 2-3 sheets of nori seaweed, cut into small strips
- Green onions chopped
- Sesame seeds optional
Optional:
- Pickled ginger
- Wasabi
- Soy sauce for dipping
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
- Start by preparing the sushi rice. Rinse 2 cups of sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Cook the rice according to the package instructions or using a rice cooker for perfect texture. Once the rice is cooked, season it by mixing 1/4 cup of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt in a small bowl until dissolved. Gently fold this mixture into the cooked rice, ensuring every grain is coated. Spread the seasoned rice evenly in a baking dish, creating a solid base layer for your sushi bake.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Next, prepare the crab filling. In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of imitation crab meat (or real crab meat), 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of sriracha sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 2 teaspoons of sesame oil. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined, forming a creamy and flavorful mixture. Spread this crab mixture evenly over the layer of sushi rice in the baking dish, ensuring an even distribution for consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Bake the Sushi
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking. Once the oven is heated, place the baking dish inside and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the top is slightly golden and heated through. This baking process melds the flavors together and gives the dish a warm, comforting texture.
Step 4: Add the Toppings
- After baking, it’s time to add the toppings. Begin by sprinkling 1/4 cup of furikake (Japanese rice seasoning) evenly over the baked sushi for an added burst of umami flavor. Then, arrange slices of fresh avocado and cucumber on top, adding a fresh and creamy contrast to the baked layers. Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top for extra crunch and flavor. For a final touch, add small strips of nori (seaweed) to enhance the traditional sushi taste.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the sushi bake warm. You can scoop it out and serve it on individual plates or enjoy it with seaweed sheets for a hand-held sushi experience. Optional condiments like pickled ginger, wasabi, and soy sauce can be served on the side for those who enjoy extra flavor and spice. Enjoy your homemade sushi bake with its delightful combination of creamy, savory, and fresh ingredients!