Name: Sushi Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 lb imitation crab, shredded; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup Kewpie mayo (plus extra for topping); 2 tbsp sriracha (plus extra for topping); 4 cups sushi rice, cooked; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 3 tbsp furikake seasoning; Green onions, chopped for garnish; Nori sheets for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 14 reviews

If you have ever wished for a dish that captures all the vibrant flavors of sushi but comes together easily in your oven, this Sushi Bake Recipe is a total game-changer. It takes the beloved ingredients from your favorite sushi rolls and transforms them into a warm, comforting casserole that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. The creamy crab mixture combined with perfectly seasoned sushi rice creates a delightful balance of textures and flavors that will make you crave seconds. Plus, it’s fun to eat by scooping portions onto crisp nori sheets, offering the interactive joy of sushi without any rolling fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several clear glass bowls placed on a white marbled surface, each containing a different ingredient. There is a bowl filled with white cooked rice, another with sliced green onions, and one with a white creamy sauce. Another bowl holds red crab stick pieces stacked together, while a smaller one contains black seaweed flakes with some sesame seeds. There are two small oval bowls, one with a bright red sauce and the other with a light beige liquid. Additionally, there is a bowl with a soft white cream cheese-like substance and a small white rectangular plate holding several dark sheets of seaweed. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential, each bringing something unique to the Sushi Bake Recipe. From creamy textures to zesty seasonings, every component plays a vital role in delivering that authentic sushi flavor in an easy bake form.

Imitation crab (1 lb): Provides the classic seafood flavor and tender texture that’s mild and perfect for baking.
Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Adds a luscious creaminess that complements the crab beautifully.
Kewpie mayo (½ cup plus extra): This Japanese mayo is less tangy and richer than traditional mayo, bringing depth and silkiness to the dish.
Sriracha (2 tbsp plus extra): A spicy kick that livens up the creamy crab mixture and adds a punch on top.
Sushi rice (4 cups, cooked): The foundation of the bake, providing that sticky texture essential to sushi.
Rice vinegar (1 tbsp): Brightens the sushi rice with a delicate acidity and helps recreate authentic sushi rice flavor.
Furikake seasoning (3 tbsp): A mixture of seaweed, sesame seeds, and spices that infuses the dish with color, crunch, and umami.
Green onions (chopped): For a fresh, herbaceous garnish that adds vibrant color and a hint of bite.
Nori sheets: Crisp seaweed sheets used to scoop and enjoy the sushi bake, replicating the sushi roll experience.

How to Make Sushi Bake Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prepare Ingredients

Start by assembling all your ingredients so everything is within easy reach. Softening the cream cheese beforehand will make mixing with the crab and mayo far easier and quicker.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 400°F to ensure it’s hot enough to bake the dish perfectly, creating a slightly golden and bubbly top layer.

Step 3: Make the Crab Mixture

Shred the imitation crab into a bowl for bite-sized pieces, then mix together with softened cream cheese, Kewpie mayo, and sriracha. This creates the rich, spicy topping that will go over the rice base, providing a creamy, flavorful punch.

Step 4: Season the Sushi Rice

Toss the cooked sushi rice with rice vinegar to infuse it with that subtle tang which is key to sushi’s signature taste. Then press the rice evenly into the bottom of your baking dish to form a solid, compact layer.

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

Sprinkle half of your furikake seasoning over the pressed rice to add crunch and umami. Spread the crab mixture evenly on top and then sprinkle the remaining furikake. Finish this step by drizzling more Kewpie mayo and sriracha over everything to keep the flavors harmonious and inviting.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the assembled dish for 25 minutes. During this time, the top will bubble and slightly brown, melding all the flavors together and creating that irresistible baked sushi texture.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, garnish generously with chopped green onions to add freshness and a pop of color. Serve immediately with nori sheets on the side, so everyone can scoop up their own sushi bake bites.

How to Serve Sushi Bake Recipe

The image shows a white bowl with a square piece of a layered dish resting on a bed of white rice. The top layer is golden brown with a slightly crispy texture, covered in small green slices of fresh scallion and thin lines of red sauce drizzled over it. Next to the dish in the bowl, there are two large, dark seaweed sheets standing upright, with a pair of light wooden chopsticks resting against them. In the background, there is a white rectangular baking dish containing more of the same layered food, topped with green scallions and red sauce, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of chopped green onions is ideal to brighten the dish. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a few thinly sliced avocado pieces for extra creaminess and color contrast.

Side Dishes

Sushi bake pairs wonderfully with light side dishes that complement its rich flavors, such as a crisp cucumber salad, pickled ginger, or even an edamame bean bowl. These sides add freshness and texture, balancing the indulgence of the bake.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the sushi bake in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets to keep portions neat and warm. You can also use colorful nori wraps or even tortilla wraps for a fusion approach that adds visual appeal and variety.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your sushi bake, wrap any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days, making it a perfect make-ahead option for busy evenings.

Freezing

You can freeze sushi bake, but keep in mind the texture may change slightly upon thawing, especially the rice. If you plan to freeze, portion it out first and store in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to one month.

Reheating

To reheat, remove from the fridge or freezer and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, usually about 15 minutes for refrigerated leftovers and a bit longer for frozen. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use real crab instead of imitation crab?

Absolutely! Real crab meat will make the sushi bake extra decadent and fresh-tasting, though imitation crab is a budget-friendly and tasty alternative that holds up well during baking.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the crab with seasoned heart of palm or artichoke hearts, use vegan cream cheese and mayo, and skip the furikake or find a vegan-friendly variety. The flavors won’t be exactly the same but will still be delicious.

What is the best sushi rice to use?

The key is to use short-grain or medium-grain sushi rice as they have the right sticky consistency to hold the bake together. Avoid long-grain rice, which won’t stick properly.

Can I prepare the sushi rice in advance?

Yes, sushi rice can be cooked a few hours before assembling the bake. Just keep it covered to prevent it from drying out, and gently re-fluff with a fork before mixing with vinegar.

What can I use instead of Kewpie mayo?

Traditional mayonnaise mixed with a tiny bit of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lemon can work as a substitute, though Kewpie mayo’s unique flavor adds a signature creaminess and sweetness that elevates the dish.

Final Thoughts

This Sushi Bake Recipe is such a joyful way to enjoy sushi flavors in a cozy baked dish that’s perfect for gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner. Its straightforward ingredients and simple steps make it accessible for cooks of all levels, yet it delivers impressive, crave-worthy results everyone will love. I can’t wait for you to make this at home and discover why it’s become one of my go-to dishes when I want sushi without the fuss. Give it a try and enjoy every buttery, spicy, umami-packed bite!