Name: Sushi Bake Recipe: Vibrant and Japanese-Inspired
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: Sushi Rice:; 2 cups sushi rice; 2 1/4 cups water; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 2 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp kosher salt; Filling:; 1 lb imitation crab (shredded); 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened); 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp sriracha; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp sesame oil; 2 green onions (chopped); Topping:; 1/4 cup furikake seasoning; 2 tbsp mayonnaise; 1 tbsp sriracha; 1 sheet nori (cut into strips); Optional: Green onions (sesame seeds, nori strips); Suggested Pairings: Green tea (cucumber slices)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Sushi Bake is a vibrant, Japanese-inspired main dish or shared appetizer, perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or casual parties. This deconstructed sushi dish, featuring layers of seasoned rice, creamy crab filling, and a savory topping, delivers bold, umami flavors with a warm, comforting texture. Presented in a white ceramic baking dish, optionally garnished with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or nori strips, this Sushi Bake recipe offers an inviting aesthetic that elevates any table. This recipe provides a simple oven-baked version with accessible ingredients, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing dish that brings sushi-bar charm to any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Sushi Bake:

Sushi Rice:

2 cups sushi rice (or short-grain white rice)
2 1/4 cups water
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp kosher salt

Filling:

1 lb imitation crab (or cooked crab meat), shredded
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
1 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
1 tsp sesame oil
2 green onions, finely chopped

Topping:

1/4 cup furikake seasoning
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp sriracha
1 sheet of nori, cut into thin strips

For Serving:

Optional: Sliced green onions, sesame seeds, nori strips
Suggested Accompaniments: Cucumber slices, avocado, seaweed sheets (for wrapping)
Suggested Pairings: Green tea, sparkling water
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic baking dish
Suggested Equipment: Medium saucepan, 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish, mixing bowl, spatula, measuring cups/spoons, knife, cutting board

Step-by-Step Process

Cook Sushi Rice: Rinse sushi rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine rice and water; bring to a boil, then reduce to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until dissolved; fold into warm rice. Spread rice evenly in a greased 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch white ceramic baking dish.
Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded crab, cream cheese, mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. Mix until smooth. Taste and adjust with more soy sauce or sriracha for a balanced, savory-spicy flavor.
Assemble: Spread the crab filling evenly over the rice layer. Sprinkle furikake seasoning over the filling.
Add Topping: Mix mayonnaise and sriracha in a small bowl. Drizzle over the filling in a zigzag pattern.
Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the top is bubbly and slightly golden.
Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or nori strips. Serve in the white ceramic baking dish with cucumber slices, avocado, or seaweed sheets for wrapping, paired with green tea or sparkling water.

Tips for Better Sushi Bake

Rinse rice thoroughly to achieve a sticky, sushi-style texture.
Taste and adjust the filling before baking to balance umami, creamy, and spicy flavors.
Use a spatula to spread layers evenly for a consistent texture.
Let the dish cool slightly before serving to make scooping easier.
Present in a white ceramic baking dish to highlight the colorful layers and garnishes.
Make ahead: Prepare rice and filling up to 1 day in advance; assemble and bake when ready.
Use a sharp knife to cut nori into thin strips for garnish.
Enhance aesthetic: Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for a vibrant, Japanese-inspired pop.

Variations and Customization

Gluten-Free Sushi Bake: Use gluten-free soy sauce; all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Vegetarian Sushi Bake: Replace crab with 1 lb mashed avocado or diced tofu; use vegetarian furikake.
Low-Fat Sushi Bake: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and cut the mayonnaise to 2 tbsp in the filling.
Spicy Sushi Bake: Increase sriracha to 3 tbsp in the filling and topping.
Salmon Sushi Bake: Replace crab with 1 lb cooked, flaked salmon.
Tuna Sushi Bake: Use 1 lb canned tuna (drained) instead of crab.
Vegan Sushi Bake: Use vegan cream cheese, vegan mayonnaise, and replace crab with mashed hearts of palm.
Cheesy Sushi Bake: Add 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella on top before baking.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave until warm.
Freeze unbaked or baked sushi bake in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge and bake or reheat as needed.
Serve warm for the best creamy texture and bold flavors.
Use as a main dish or shared appetizer for gatherings or parties.
Pair with green tea or sparkling water to complement the umami, spicy flavors.
Present in a white ceramic baking dish with garnishes for a vibrant, inviting charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 6 servings (1 cup each):

Calories: 380 kcal
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 720mg
Total Carbohydrates: 42g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 12g
Vitamin A: 8% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 6% Daily Value
Calcium: 6% Daily Value
Iron: 10% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and substitutions (vegetarian options reduce cholesterol). This dish is moderate in calories and hearty and flavorful.

Conclusion

This Sushi Bake recipe delivers a vibrant, Japanese-inspired main dish or appetizer perfect for family dinners or casual parties. It transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing favorite. Its straightforward preparation and colorful presentation make it a go-to. The creamy filling and sticky rice delight with every bite. It’s surely a cherished recipe, loved for its sushi-bar charm.