When I first discovered the idea of a sushi bake, I was immediately intrigued. Growing up, I always loved sushi, but rolling individual pieces at home always felt tedious and time-consuming. The sushi bake changed everything—it captures all the flavors of traditional sushi in a simplified, oven-friendly casserole form. From the moment I tried it, I knew this recipe would become a household favorite. It’s warm, comforting, and fun to serve, making it perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or even meal prep for the week.
You will love this recipe because it combines the freshness of sushi ingredients with the convenience of a baked dish. The creamy texture of the seasoned seafood mixture paired with fluffy rice and a lightly toasted topping creates a harmony of flavors that is irresistible. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami notes, and it’s simple enough to make even on busy days.
One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its versatility. You can customize the protein to suit your preferences—whether you want to use shrimp, crab, or even chicken. You can also add extra vegetables or adjust the seasoning to your taste, making it truly adaptable for any occasion. It’s also an excellent recipe for picky eaters because you can serve it deconstructed, letting everyone create their own sushi-style bites.
This dish is also very affordable. With just a few key ingredients—rice, seafood, mayonnaise, soy sauce, and a handful of vegetables—you can create a dish that feels gourmet without breaking the budget. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy the taste of sushi at home without paying restaurant prices.
Ingredients for Easy Sushi Bake:
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2 cups sushi rice
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2 ½ cups water
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1 tsp salt
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3 tbsp rice vinegar
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2 tbsp sugar
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1 lb cooked seafood mix (e.g., imitation crab, shrimp, or fish)
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½ cup mayonnaise
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tsp sesame oil
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
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4 sheets nori (seaweed), cut into strips
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2 green onions, sliced
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1 tbsp sesame seeds
How to Prepare Easy Sushi Bake
Preparing this Easy Sushi Bake is straightforward, and it delivers impressive results every time. By following the steps carefully, you will have a delicious, flavorful dish that is both comforting and visually appealing.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
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Cook the sushi rice: Begin by rinsing 2 cups of sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and ensures the rice cooks fluffy. Add the rice to a pot with 2 ½ cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
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Season the rice: While the rice rests, mix 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar with 2 tablespoons of sugar until dissolved. Gently fold this mixture into the cooked rice, making sure the grains remain separate. This gives the rice a subtle tangy-sweet flavor, which is key to authentic sushi taste.
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Prepare the seafood mixture: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb of cooked seafood mix, ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon onion powder. Mix thoroughly until the seafood is evenly coated with the seasoning.
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Assemble the sushi bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the seasoned rice evenly at the bottom of the dish, pressing it down gently with a spatula. Layer the seafood mixture on top of the rice, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top if desired, which will create a golden crust during baking.
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Bake the sushi: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and bubbly. This step enhances the flavors and creates a comforting warmth that makes the dish irresistible.
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Garnish and serve: Remove the sushi bake from the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle sliced green onions, 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds, and cut nori strips over the top. Serve in squares or rectangles with extra nori sheets on the side for scooping.
Quick and Easy Tips
This recipe is quick and easy because all the ingredients are simple, and most steps can be prepared in advance. You can cook the rice and seafood mixture ahead of time, then assemble and bake when ready. This makes it ideal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Customizable Options
The recipe is highly adaptable. Swap the seafood for chicken, turkey bacon, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust seasonings, add vegetables like cucumber or avocado, or experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste.
Popular with Many People
The sushi bake is a crowd-pleaser, combining familiar sushi flavors with a comforting baked presentation. Kids and adults alike enjoy scooping up portions with nori strips, making it perfect for family dinners or parties. Its versatility ensures everyone can enjoy it according to their preferences.
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Easy Sushi Bake
Easy Sushi Bake is a warm, comforting twist on traditional sushi. This baked version combines seasoned rice with a flavorful seafood mixture, topped with cheese and garnished with nori strips and sesame seeds. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or casual gatherings, it’s simple to prepare, versatile, and budget-friendly.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 2 ½ cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 lb cooked seafood mix (e.g., imitation crab, shrimp, or fish)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- 4 sheets nori (seaweed), cut into strips
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Rinse and cook rice: Rinse sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a pot, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Season rice: Mix rice vinegar and sugar until dissolved. Fold gently into the cooked rice without crushing the grains.
- Prepare seafood mixture: In a medium bowl, combine cooked seafood, mayonnaise, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until evenly coated.
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Assemble bake: Spread seasoned rice evenly in the dish. Layer seafood mixture on top and smooth out. Sprinkle shredded cheese if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle green onions, sesame seeds, and nori strips over the baked dish. Serve in squares or rectangles, using extra nori for scooping.
Notes
Cheese is optional but adds a golden crust.
For a vegetarian version, replace seafood with tofu or vegetables.
Can be prepared ahead of time by cooking rice and seafood mixture separately.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 20
FAQs – Easy Sushi Bake
Q: Can I make this sushi bake ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the rice and seafood mixture a few hours in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake just before serving to maintain freshness and flavor.
Q: Can I use different proteins instead of seafood?
A: Absolutely. This recipe works well with chicken, turkey bacon, or even tofu for a vegetarian alternative. Simply cook your chosen protein and season it similarly to the seafood mixture.
Q: Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to replace regular soy sauce, and ensure any additional ingredients, like imitation crab, are gluten-free.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze sushi bake?
A: While it’s possible, freezing may affect the texture of the rice and seafood mixture. For best results, prepare, bake, and enjoy fresh.
Q: Can I adjust the spice level?
A: Yes. Add sriracha, chili flakes, or wasabi mayo to the seafood mixture or as a topping to suit your taste preferences.
Q: Can I serve this without cheese?
A: Absolutely. Cheese is optional and only adds a golden crust and extra richness. The sushi bake is flavorful and delicious even without it.