Easy Sushi Bake

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I can’t even begin to tell you how many times this easy sushi bake has saved me on busy weeknights or impressed guests at casual dinner parties. It combines all the best parts of sushi — creamy, savory, slightly sweet — and packages them in a warm, comforting casserole that anyone can scoop right out of the dish. The first time I tried it, I was hooked and knew I had to make it my own.

I’ve experimented with different combinations of crab, salmon, and even spicy tuna until I found the perfect balance that feels indulgent yet surprisingly simple. Baking it in layers is such a genius way to get all that flavor without rolling a single piece of sushi. Everyone loves it because it tastes like sushi but feels much more relaxed and easy to share.

If you’ve never made sushi bake before, you’re about to find out why this is such a crowd-pleaser in my kitchen. I can whip it up in under an hour, and it’s always a hit — creamy on the inside, just a little crispy on top, and bursting with umami flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Sushi Bake

This easy sushi bake has everything you want in a comfort food dish: it’s creamy, satisfying, and packed with bold flavors that make it taste like restaurant-quality sushi in casserole form. You’ll love how customizable it is — you can use imitation crab, fresh fish, or even keep it vegetarian. Plus, it’s a perfect dish to bring to potlucks or serve family-style at home. One bite and you’ll understand why it’s become one of my go-to recipes when I want something that feels special but doesn’t take all night to prepare.

Ingredients

Short-grain rice is the foundation of this dish, giving it that signature sticky, sushi-like texture you need to hold the casserole together. I always use seasoned rice vinegar to mix into the warm rice for that tangy-sweet sushi rice flavor that balances the richness of the topping. Imitation crab sticks are my favorite protein here because they’re budget-friendly, tasty, and easy to shred into bite-sized pieces. Cream cheese adds an irresistible creaminess, while mayonnaise (Japanese Kewpie, if you can find it) ties everything together with its velvety texture. A little bit of soy sauce adds savory depth, and I sprinkle furikake seasoning generously for that unmistakable seaweed and sesame flavor that screams sushi. For garnish, sliced green onions and an optional drizzle of sriracha give it color and a touch of heat.

How to Make Easy Sushi Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Cook the short-grain rice according to package instructions. While it’s still warm, gently fold in seasoned rice vinegar and spread the rice evenly into a greased baking dish. This will be your bottom layer.

Step 2: Mix the Crab Topping

In a large bowl, combine shredded imitation crab sticks, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, a splash of soy sauce, and half the furikake. Mix until creamy and well blended.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Spread the creamy crab mixture over the rice layer in the baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining furikake over the top.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and bubbling.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with sliced green onions and a drizzle of sriracha if desired. Serve warm, scooping portions into individual plates. You can even provide sheets of nori on the side for wrapping.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

What I love about easy sushi bake is how versatile it is. Sometimes I swap imitation crab for canned salmon or even chopped cooked shrimp to mix things up. If you’re vegetarian, you can use diced avocado and cucumber in place of seafood and sprinkle a little extra furikake on top for umami. Can’t find Kewpie mayonnaise? Regular mayonnaise works just fine, though I sometimes add a pinch of sugar and rice vinegar to mimic Kewpie’s tang. If you like it spicy, stir some sriracha into the crab mixture or drizzle spicy mayo on top before baking.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

I usually serve easy sushi bake family-style, right in the baking dish, with toasted nori sheets on the side so everyone can scoop a little and make their own hand rolls. A side of pickled ginger and a small dish of soy sauce for dipping complete the experience. I’ve also paired it with a light miso soup or a crisp cucumber salad for a more rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, cover the baking dish with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave individual portions until warmed through. The texture is best when reheated in the oven.

FAQs

Can I make easy sushi bake ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish a few hours ahead, cover it, and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake. It’s perfect for prepping before guests arrive.

How do I make easy sushi bake spicier?

Add sriracha or chili flakes to the crab mixture before baking, or drizzle spicy mayo and extra sriracha on top when serving.

Can I freeze easy sushi bake?

I don’t recommend freezing it because the texture of the rice and creamy filling doesn’t hold up well after thawing.

Can I use real crab in easy sushi bake?

Absolutely! Fresh crab meat makes it extra luxurious. Just be sure to check for shells and adjust seasoning since real crab is naturally sweeter.

What kind of rice works best for easy sushi bake?

Short-grain Japanese or Calrose rice is ideal because it has the stickiness you need for the bottom layer to hold together like sushi rice.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you’re already a fan of this easy sushi bake, you’ll definitely want to try my light lemon basil pasta salad with chicken for another refreshing yet satisfying dish. For another creamy and comforting dinner idea, check out my easy creamy polenta with shrimp. Both are perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

Don’t forget to save this easy sushi bake recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so you can find it anytime you need a quick and crowd-pleasing dish. If you make it and love it, feel free to share your creation on social media and tag me — I’d love to see how yours turns out. Sharing this recipe with friends and family is the best compliment you can give, so pass it along and spread the sushi bake love!

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