There’s something truly delightful about gathering friends and family around a dish that combines all the flavors of sushi with the comfort of a home-baked meal. I was looking for a way to bring that vibrant sushi experience into my kitchen without the rolling and fuss, and that’s when I discovered this Easy Sushi Bake recipe.
Imagine a warm baking dish filled with fluffy, seasoned sushi rice topped with creamy imitation crab, crispy tempura shrimp, and a drizzle of spicy mayo—all finished off under the broiler for that perfect golden crunch. It’s an unexpected twist that seamlessly blends convenience and flavor, making it perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive gatherings.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or someone just looking for a delicious way to ditch fast food, this dish is a game-changer. Join me as we dive into this simple yet satisfying recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why will you love this Easy Sushi Bake?
Convenience at Its Best: This recipe simplifies sushi night by eliminating the rolling process while delivering all the delightful flavors you love.
Flavor Fusion: The combination of imitation crab, tempura shrimp, and creamy sauces creates a rich, umami explosion in every bite.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for gatherings, this dish serves a crowd without the stress of traditional sushi preparation.
Versatile Dish: Customize it with your favorite toppings or substitutes to delight your family or impress guests.
Quick Broil Finish: In just 4 minutes under the broiler, you achieve that mouthwatering crispy texture that elevates the entire dish.
Dive deeper into homemade goodness with our master sushi making guide and transform your cooking experience!
Easy Sushi Bake Ingredients
For the Sushi Base
- Calrose Sushi Rice – 2 cups; this unique rice variety becomes wonderfully sticky, ideal for sushi dishes.
- Water – 2 cups; use filtered water for the best flavor in your sushi bake.
- Seasoned Rice Vinegar – 1/4 cup; this adds a delightful tang and enhances the overall taste of the sushi rice.
For the Topping
- Imitation Crab – 16 oz, chopped into small pieces; a classic sushi ingredient that adds that authentic seafood flavor.
- Tempura Shrimp – 10, cooked and chopped; they add a delightful crunch to each bite.
- Japanese Mayonnaise – 1/2 cup; rich and creamy, it provides a luxurious texture to the topping.
- Cream Cheese – 2 oz; this softens the filling and adds a delightful richness.
- Sriracha – 1 Tbsp; just the right amount of spice to awaken the flavors in this Easy Sushi Bake.
For Garnishing
- Furikake – 3 tablespoons; this seasoned seaweed blend adds depth and an umami kick to your bake.
- Spicy Mayo – 1/2 cup; drizzle this on top for an extra zing.
- Unagi Sauce – 1/4 cup; brings a sweet and savory finish that beautifully ties everything together.
- Furikake – 1-2 Tbsp (for garnishing); sprinkle on top for an appealing presentation and added flavor.
How to Make Easy Sushi Bake
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Rinse the dry Calrose sushi rice under cold water for about one minute to thoroughly remove excess starch. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect sushi rice texture.
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Cook the rinsed rice in a rice cooker with 2 cups of water. Once cooked, transfer it to a rimmed baking sheet and gently fold in 1/4 cup of seasoned rice vinegar, allowing it to cool slightly.
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Combine in a bowl the chopped imitation crab, tempura shrimp, Japanese mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, and sriracha. Mix until well blended; this will form a creamy, flavorful topping.
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Spread and compress the cooled sushi rice evenly across the baking sheet, ensuring an even base for the toppings. Next, sprinkle 3 tablespoons of furikake all over the rice for added flavor.
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Layer the crab mixture over the sushi rice, spreading it out evenly to create a delicious top layer.
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Broil the assembled sushi bake in the oven on high for about 4 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on top—a perfect golden finish!
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Drizzle spicy mayonnaise and unagi sauce over the sushi bake, garnishing as desired with additional furikake for that final touch of flavor.
Optional: Serve with extra spicy mayo on the side for those who like it hot.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing this Easy Sushi Bake ahead of time is a fantastic way to save precious hours during busy weeknights! You can cook the sushi rice and combine the toppings (imitation crab, tempura shrimp, mayonnaise, cream cheese, and sriracha) up to 24 hours in advance, then store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. To maintain the delightful textures, it’s best to layer the rice and topping right before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply spread the topping over the rice, broil for about 4 minutes, and drizzle with spicy mayo and unagi sauce. This way, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort, all while keeping those delicious flavors intact!
How to Store and Freeze Easy Sushi Bake
Fridge: Store leftover Easy Sushi Bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain optimal flavor and freshness.
Freezer: Wrap the sushi bake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: For the best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This will help restore some of that crispy texture on top!
Room Temperature: Avoid leaving the sushi bake out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety and maintain delicious flavors.
Easy Sushi Bake Variations
Get ready to sprinkle your creativity into this beloved dish!
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Spicy Tuna: Substitute the imitation crab with chopped spicy tuna to add an extra kick and vibrant flavor.
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Veggie Delight: Replace seafood with a mix of diced cucumbers, carrots, and avocado for a refreshing vegetarian option.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of conventional sauces to make this dish gluten-friendly.
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Creamy Avocado: Fold in mashed avocado with the crab topping for a richer, creamier experience that thrills the palate.
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Heat Lover’s Dream: Add diced jalapeños to the crab mixture for a zesty, fiery twist that warms the soul.
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Savory Mushroom: Incorporate sautéed shiitake or button mushrooms for an earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
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Cheesy Twist: Mix in shredded cheese or top with mozzarella before broiling for a gooey, melty finish that everyone will love.
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Extra Furikake: Layer additional furikake atop the finished bake for an even richer umami experience, adding that delightful texture and tasty crunch.
What to Serve with Easy Sushi Bake?
Bring your meal to life with delightful pairings that enhance the experience of this easy, comforting dish.
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Avocado Salad: The creamy texture of avocado salad cuts through the richness of the sushi bake and adds a refreshing touch.
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Crispy Edamame: Lightly salted and crispy, edamame makes for a delightful appetizer that complements the umami flavors of sushi.
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Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup serves as a perfect starter, bringing depth and warmth that pairs beautifully with sushi.
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Pickled Ginger: Providing a tangy crunch, pickled ginger is a classic accompaniment that helps cleanse the palate between bites of the sushi bake.
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Sesame Noodles: These nutty, slightly sweet noodles add a contrasting texture and flavor, making your meal more fulfilling.
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Japanese Beer or Sake: A crisp light beer or a glass of chilled sake enhances the sushi experience, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.
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Green Tea: The earthy tones of green tea balance the flavors of the sushi bake, providing a refreshing and healthful drink option.
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Mochi Ice Cream: For dessert, a scoop of mochi ice cream offers a sweet and chewy finale that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Expert Tips for Easy Sushi Bake
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Perfect Rice Texture: Rinsing is key: Always rinse the sushi rice to remove excess starch, ensuring a fluffy and sticky texture that holds together beautifully.
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Layering Tips: Even Distribution: Spread the rice and crab mixture evenly in the baking sheet for consistent flavor in every bite of your Easy Sushi Bake.
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Watch the Broil: Keep an Eye: Broiling can go quickly; watch closely for those few minutes to achieve that golden crispy top without burning.
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Customize Your Flavors: Add Personal Touch: Feel free to experiment with other seafood or veggies. Incorporating unique ingredients can take your Easy Sushi Bake to the next level.
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Spicy Mayo Surprise: Extra Side: For added heat, serve with extra spicy mayo on the side. This allows guests to customize their servings for a flavorful kick!
Easy Sushi Bake Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best sushi rice for this recipe?
Absolutely! For this Easy Sushi Bake, I recommend using Calrose sushi rice, which becomes perfectly sticky during cooking, ideal for sushi dishes. Look for rice that is shiny, white, and free from dark spots. Ensuring it’s fresh can greatly influence the final texture of your bake.
What’s the best way to store leftover Easy Sushi Bake?
The best way to store your Easy Sushi Bake is in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps retain its flavors and freshness. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it for up to 2 months; just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
Can I freeze Easy Sushi Bake? If so, how?
Certainly! To freeze your Easy Sushi Bake, first allow it to cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can store it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes for best results.
How should I reheat the Easy Sushi Bake?
For optimal reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the sushi bake on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to prevent excessive browning, and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps restore some of that crispy top layer you love!
Can I use other types of seafood or vegetables in this recipe?
Very much! Feel free to get creative with your Easy Sushi Bake. You can substitute the imitation crab and tempura shrimp with other seafood like cooked shrimp, salmon, or even vegetables like avocado or cucumber for a vegetarian twist. The more the merrier when it comes to flavor combinations!
Are there any allergies I should be aware of?
Definitely! When preparing this dish, be mindful of allergies to seafood or eggs, as some ingredients like imitation crab and Japanese mayonnaise may contain allergens. Always check labels and consider using allergen-free substitutes to accommodate your guests’ needs.
Easy Sushi Bake: A Fun Twist on Homemade Sushi Night
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse the dry Calrose sushi rice under cold water for about one minute to thoroughly remove excess starch.
- Cook the rinsed rice in a rice cooker with 2 cups of water. Once cooked, transfer it to a rimmed baking sheet and gently fold in 1/4 cup of seasoned rice vinegar, allowing it to cool slightly.
- Combine in a bowl the chopped imitation crab, tempura shrimp, Japanese mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, and sriracha. Mix until well blended; this will form a creamy, flavorful topping.
- Spread and compress the cooled sushi rice evenly across the baking sheet, ensuring an even base for the toppings. Next, sprinkle 3 tablespoons of furikake all over the rice for added flavor.
- Layer the crab mixture over the sushi rice, spreading it out evenly to create a delicious top layer.
- Broil the assembled sushi bake in the oven on high for about 4 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on top—a perfect golden finish!
- Drizzle spicy mayonnaise and unagi sauce over the sushi bake, garnishing as desired with additional furikake for that final touch of flavor.