If you love sushi but sometimes wish it was a bit easier to make at home, then this Salmon Sushi Bake with Avocado and Crispy Topping Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This comforting casserole combines flaky baked salmon, creamy avocado, perfectly seasoned sushi rice, and a crispy, golden topping that’s packed with flavor and texture. It hits all the right notes — rich, tangy, slightly spicy, and wonderfully fresh — making it a showstopper for casual dinners or special gatherings. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s so beloved and why it’s the perfect way to enjoy sushi flavors without the hassle of rolling individual pieces.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Salmon Sushi Bake with Avocado and Crispy Topping Recipe lies in its simple, carefully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious dish that’s fresh, creamy, and irresistibly crispy at the top.
- Salmon filets: Fresh, flaky salmon is the star, delivering protein and rich flavor.
- Tamari or soy sauce: Adds a salty depth that complements the richness of the fish.
- Seasonings: A blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder keeps the flavors balanced.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese provides a luscious creaminess that binds the topping.
- Furikake seasoning: This Japanese seasoning adds umami and a delightful crunch.
- Light mayo and sriracha: Mix to create a spicy, creamy sauce with just the right kick.
- Cooked sushi rice: Slightly seasoned with rice vinegar and sugar, it forms the perfect base.
- Avocado: Creamy slices add freshness and richness to each bite.
- Cucumber and green onions: Offer crispness and a bright contrast in texture and flavor.
- Nori seaweed and sesame seeds: Essential for that classic sushi taste and extra crunch.
How to Make Salmon Sushi Bake with Avocado and Crispy Topping Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Salmon
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to get it nice and hot for baking the salmon. Place the salmon filets skin-side down on a baking sheet or pan. Drizzle each filet with tamari or soy sauce for that perfect salty flavor, then sprinkle the salt, pepper, and garlic powder evenly over the top. Bake for about 18 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork — this ensures it’s perfectly cooked but still moist and tender.
Step 2: Mix Creamy Sauce
While the salmon bakes, combine the cream cheese, light mayo, furikake seasoning, and sriracha in a large bowl. This creamy, spicy mixture will mingle beautifully with the salmon chunks, adding layers of flavor and a dreamy texture to the topping.
Step 3: Incorporate Salmon into Sauce
When the salmon is ready, carefully cut it into large chunks, discarding the skin. Gently fold the salmon pieces into the sauce mixture, making sure you don’t break the fish apart too much — you want those flaky chunks to shine through.
Step 4: Season and Press the Rice
In the meantime, mix your cooked sushi rice with rice vinegar, salt, and sugar. This seasoning step is key to achieving that authentic sushi rice flavor — slightly tangy and sweet, balancing the savory elements in the dish. Transfer the seasoned rice to a 9-inch baking dish and press it down firmly to create an even layer.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Sushi Bake
Spread the salmon and creamy topping evenly over the pressed sushi rice. Once assembled, bake the dish in the oven for 12 minutes. To achieve the irresistible crispy topping, switch to broil for an additional 2-3 minutes — keep a close eye to prevent burning but allow the cheese and furikake to develop that golden, crunchy finish.
How to Serve Salmon Sushi Bake with Avocado and Crispy Topping Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh avocado slices, diced cucumber, green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds and torn nori pieces are essential garnishes that add vibrant colors and delightful textural contrasts. Not only do these toppings make the dish more visually appealing, but they also enhance each bite with bursts of creaminess and crispness.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides such as a simple seaweed salad, pickled ginger, or edamame beans for an extra dose of green goodness. A side of miso soup can also warm things up and round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the bake in individual small ramekins or layered in glass jars to showcase the colorful layers. You can also portion it on top of crispy wonton chips or spread it inside nori wraps for sushi-style handheld bites that are sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors tend to meld even deeper overnight, making for a fantastic next-day meal or snack.
Freezing
While you can freeze this bake, keep in mind that the texture of the avocado will change upon thawing, becoming less creamy. It’s best to freeze the bake without avocado and add fresh slices upon reheating for the best experience.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through to preserve the crispy topping as much as possible. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the deliciously crispy finish intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of fish for this sushi bake?
Absolutely! While salmon is fantastic for flavor and texture, you can substitute it with cooked crab, shrimp, or even a firm white fish. Just adjust baking times accordingly to ensure the fish is cooked properly.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicier or milder?
Yes! You can easily control the spice by adjusting the amount of sriracha in the sauce mixture. For a milder version, reduce or omit the sriracha. For extra heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce or some chopped fresh chili peppers.
What is furikake seasoning and can I substitute it?
Furikake is a Japanese rice seasoning mix typically containing sesame seeds, seaweed, salt, and sometimes dried fish flakes. If you don’t have furikake, a mix of toasted sesame seeds and crushed seaweed snacks can work as an easy substitute.
Can I prepare the rice part ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook and season the sushi rice a few hours before assembling the bake. Just keep it covered with a damp cloth to maintain moisture. Avoid refrigerating the rice before baking, as cold rice can affect the texture.
How should I serve leftovers for best flavor?
Serve leftovers slightly warm with fresh avocado and garnishes added right before eating. This refreshes the dish and brings back that fresh sushi-like experience closer to the original bake.
Final Thoughts
This Salmon Sushi Bake with Avocado and Crispy Topping Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the essence of sushi in a cozy, easy-to-make casserole form. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines comfort food vibes with fresh, vibrant Japanese flavors. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become a recipe you turn to again and again, whether for family dinners or casual entertaining. Don’t wait—grab your ingredients and dive into this delicious adventure!
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Salmon Sushi Bake with Avocado and Crispy Topping Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Sushi Bake with Salmon is a delicious twist on traditional sushi, combining savory baked salmon with creamy, spicy sauce layered over seasoned sushi rice. Baked until bubbly and topped with fresh avocado, cucumber, green onions, sesame seeds, and nori seaweed, this comforting dish is perfect for sharing and brings all the flavors of sushi into an easy-to-make casserole.
Ingredients
Salmon and Seasoning
- 2 medium salmon filets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 Tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Sauce
- 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup furikake seasoning
- 1/4 cup light mayo
- 2 Tablespoons sriracha
Rice
- 3 cups cooked sushi rice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Toppings
- 1 medium avocado (sliced)
- 1/2 medium cucumber (diced)
- 2 medium green onions (diced)
- Nori seaweed (to taste)
- Sesame seeds (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F to prepare for baking the salmon.
- Add Salmon To Pan: Place the salmon filets on a baking sheet or pan, skin-side down, ready for seasoning.
- Add Seasoning: Drizzle the salmon with tamari or soy sauce, then sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder on top for flavor.
- Bake Salmon: Bake the salmon for about 18 minutes or until it flakes easily with a fork, indicating it’s cooked through.
- Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, light mayo, furikake seasoning, and sriracha until smooth and creamy.
- Mix Salmon Into Sauce: Cut the baked salmon into large chunks, discard the skin, and gently fold the salmon into the sauce mixture.
- Season Cooked Rice: In a separate bowl, mix the cooked sushi rice with rice vinegar, salt, and sugar to season and add tanginess.
- Press Into Baking Dish: Transfer the seasoned rice to a 9-inch baking dish and press it down evenly to form a solid base layer.
- Press Salmon On Top: Spoon the salmon and sauce mixture over the rice and press gently to spread it evenly across the top.
- Bake, Then Broil: Bake the assembled dish for 12 minutes to heat through, then switch to broil for 2-3 minutes until the top becomes crispy and slightly browned.
- Add Toppings: Remove from oven and garnish the sushi bake with sliced avocado, diced cucumber, chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and nori seaweed for extra texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use day-old or cooled sushi rice for best texture and easier pressing into the baking dish.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the sriracha in the sauce.
- Make sure the salmon is fully cooked and flaky before mixing into the sauce to avoid undercooked fish.
- Broiling adds a delicious crisp top but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- This dish can be served with soy sauce or extra furikake for added taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
