If you love sushi but don’t want to spend time rolling it, this Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake is your answer! Juicy, teriyaki-glazed salmon bites sit atop a bed of warm, sticky sushi rice, broiled to perfection and topped with creamy avocado, spicy mayo, crispy onions, and furikake. Every bite is an explosion of textures and flavors, from the caramelized salmon to the rich umami of the toppings.
This dish is perfect for a quick and delicious dinner, an impressive date-night meal, or even a creative addition to a sushi night with friends. It’s an easy, no-fuss way to enjoy all the flavors of your favorite sushi rolls, without the hassle of rolling! Serve it with a side of miso soup or a refreshing cucumber salad for a complete meal.
Full Recipe:
- ¾ lb salmon (Coho recommended)
- 3 tbsp teriyaki sauce or Japanese BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 3 cups cooked sushi rice
- 1 small avocado, cubed
- 3 tbsp spicy mayo (or yum yum sauce)
- 1 tbsp furikake
- 2 tbsp crispy fried onion bits
- 2 tbsp scallions, finely diced
Directions:
- Preheat the broiler on high.
- Remove the skin from the salmon and cut it into 1-inch cubes.
- In a medium bowl, mix the cubed salmon with teriyaki sauce and salt. Set aside.
- In a small baking dish, spread out the cooked sushi rice evenly.
- Top the rice with the teriyaki salmon mixture and evenly sprinkle garlic powder and brown sugar over the top.
- Place the dish under the broiler for 6 minutes, or until the salmon begins to caramelize.
- Remove from the oven and top with avocado, a drizzle of spicy mayo, furikake, crispy fried onions, and scallions.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 minutes | Total Time: 16 minutes
Kcal: ~380 kcal per serving | Servings: 2
Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake – A Flavorful Fusion Dish
If you’re a fan of sushi but want a simplified, fuss-free way to enjoy all the flavors of your favorite roll, the Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake is the perfect dish for you. This innovative, oven-baked sushi-inspired casserole combines the bold, umami-rich taste of teriyaki-glazed salmon with warm, seasoned sushi rice, creamy avocado, and crispy toppings, all layered together for a delightful balance of textures and flavors. It’s a dish that brings together the best of sushi, but without the need for rolling, making it an easy, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for any occasion.
What is a Sushi Bake?
A sushi bake is a layered, deconstructed version of a sushi roll that is baked in a casserole dish and served warm. It was popularized through social media and has since become a trendy, easy-to-make alternative to traditional sushi. The concept is simple: a base of seasoned sushi rice is topped with a creamy or marinated seafood mixture, baked until slightly caramelized, and finished with fresh toppings like avocado, spicy mayo, furikake, and crispy onions for added crunch.
Unlike traditional sushi, which requires precise rolling and slicing, a sushi bake is much more forgiving and customizable. Once baked, it’s typically served with nori (seaweed sheets), allowing you to scoop up portions and enjoy bite-sized sushi flavors with minimal effort.
The Unique Twist – Teriyaki Glazed Salmon
While many sushi bakes use imitation crab or spicy tuna as the main protein, this recipe takes a bold, flavorful approach by using teriyaki-glazed salmon. The salmon is marinated in a rich and slightly sweet teriyaki sauce, then broiled to create a caramelized, sticky glaze that enhances its natural umami.
The combination of tender, flaky salmon with the smoky-sweet depth of teriyaki sauce makes for an incredibly satisfying bite. Adding a touch of brown sugar to the marinade helps intensify the glaze, giving the salmon a beautiful golden-brown finish when broiled.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Sushi Rolling Required – If you love sushi but struggle with rolling perfect maki, this dish delivers all the same flavors without the hassle.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare – With minimal prep and only a few minutes under the broiler, you can have a sushi-inspired dish on the table in under 20 minutes.
- Customizable and Versatile – This dish can easily be adapted to suit different tastes. You can swap the salmon for other proteins like tuna, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Perfect for Sharing – Whether you’re making this for a cozy dinner or serving it at a gathering, it’s an interactive meal that everyone can enjoy together.
The Secret to Perfect Sushi Rice
A great sushi bake starts with well-prepared sushi rice. Using short-grain rice ensures the right sticky consistency, making it easy to pack into the baking dish. For authentic flavor, the rice should be seasoned with a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, enhancing its slight tang and sweetness.
To make the rice prep even easier, pre-cooked or frozen sushi rice can be used, but it should be warmed up before assembling the dish to ensure the right texture.
Enhancing the Flavor with Toppings
The beauty of this dish lies in its variety of toppings, each bringing a different texture and taste element:
- Spicy Mayo – A creamy blend of mayonnaise and sriracha adds a kick of heat, balancing the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.
- Avocado – Provides a buttery richness that complements the savory salmon.
- Furikake – This Japanese seasoning blend adds an extra layer of umami with its mix of sesame seeds, dried seaweed, and seasonings.
- Crispy Fried Onions – Instead of traditional panko breadcrumbs, crispy fried onions offer a bold crunch and an extra boost of flavor.
- Scallions – A fresh, slightly sharp contrast that enhances the dish’s complexity.
How to Serve Sushi Bake
One of the most enjoyable aspects of a sushi bake is how it’s served. Instead of slicing it like a traditional casserole, it’s typically enjoyed by scooping portions onto crispy nori (seaweed) sheets, much like a sushi hand roll. This method allows for a fun, interactive dining experience, making it a great dish to serve at gatherings or sushi nights with friends and family.
To elevate the presentation, consider serving the sushi bake with additional condiments like extra teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, or wasabi for those who enjoy a bit more spice.
Pairing Suggestions
Since this dish is packed with bold flavors, pairing it with light and refreshing sides can create a well-balanced meal. Here are a few great options:
- Cucumber and Avocado Salad – A light, crunchy salad with a tangy sesame dressing balances the richness of the dish.
- Miso Soup – A warm, comforting bowl of miso soup makes a classic side that pairs well with sushi-inspired meals.
- Edamame with Sea Salt – Simple, nutritious, and a perfect appetizer before digging into the sushi bake.
- Pickled Ginger – Acts as a palate cleanser, enhancing each bite’s depth of flavor.
Can You Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! This recipe is a great option for meal prep. If you want to make it ahead of time:
- Prepare the salmon and rice – Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge.
- Assemble before baking – When ready to serve, layer the ingredients in the baking dish, broil, and add toppings for the freshest flavors.
- Reheat gently – While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave, though the toppings may lose some of their crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different protein instead of salmon?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with shrimp, crab, tuna, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Do I need to use sushi rice?
Sushi rice is preferred because of its sticky texture, but if needed, short-grain white rice or jasmine rice can be used as a substitute.
3. How spicy is this recipe?
The level of spice can be adjusted by controlling the amount of sriracha in the spicy mayo. If you prefer a milder version, simply use plain mayo or reduce the sriracha.
4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! The base recipe is already dairy-free, but check store-bought sauces to ensure they don’t contain any dairy ingredients.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and consumed within 1-2 days for the best quality.
Conclusion
The Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake is a must-try recipe for sushi lovers and food enthusiasts alike. It delivers all the flavors of a classic sushi roll in an easy-to-make, shareable dish that requires minimal effort. With its combination of sweet and savory teriyaki salmon, creamy avocado, crispy onions, and seasoned sushi rice, this dish is packed with delicious layers of texture and flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner, meal prepping, or simply looking for a creative way to enjoy sushi at home, this sushi bake is guaranteed to impress. Try it out and experience the magic of baked sushi!