By Jessica B. •
7 min read
If you love sushi but want an easier way to enjoy it, you’ll love this Japanese sushi bake. This dish takes all the tasty flavors of sushi and turns them into a warm, comforting casserole. It’s a fun twist on traditional sushi rolls, making it perfect for gatherings with friends or family.
Ingredients & Substitutes
Here are the ingredients I use to make my delicious Japanese sushi bake. I also include some substitutes you can use if you can’t find something.
For the Sushi Rice:
- 2 cups sushi rice: This sticky rice helps hold everything together. If you can’t find sushi rice, you can use short-grain rice instead.
- 2 ½ cups water: This is for cooking the rice.
For the Sushi Filling:
- 1 pound imitation crab meat: This gives a wonderful seafood flavor. You can use cooked shrimp or even canned tuna as a substitute.
- 1 cup cream cheese: This adds creaminess to the dish. You can replace it with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: This keeps things moist and rich. If you want a healthier choice, avocado or tofu-based mayo works well.
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce: This adds a nice kick. Adjust to taste or use a milder hot sauce if desired.
- 2 green onions: Chopped for a fresh taste. You can swap these with shallots or chives.
- ½ cup chopped seaweed snacks: These provide a unique flavor. Nori sheets cut into small pieces can also be used.
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheese: I prefer mozzarella for its meltiness. Cheddar or a blend of cheeses will work too.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: These add a nutty flavor. If you don’t have sesame seeds, you can skip them or use toasted panko for crunch.
- Soy sauce: Great for dipping. If you want a gluten-free option, use tamari sauce.
- Pickled ginger: Adds a nice tang. You can substitute it with fresh ginger slices if needed.
As you gather these ingredients, remember that you can mix and match based on your taste and what you have available.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
I begin by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C). - Cook the Sushi Rice
I rinse 2 cups of sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Then I cook the rice according to the package instructions. I let it cool for about 10 minutes once done. - Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, I combine the cooled sushi rice with 8 ounces of cream cheese, 1 cup of chopped imitation crab meat, and ¼ cup of mayonnaise. I stir everything gently until it is well mixed. - Add Seasoning
I season the mixture by adding 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. I mix it well to ensure every bite is flavorful. - Prepare a Baking Dish
Next, I prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or oil. - Spread the Mixture
I pour the sushi mixture into the baking dish and spread it evenly using a spatula. - Add Toppings
I like to top my sushi bake with ½ cup of shredded nori (seaweed) and ½ cup of sliced green onions. I sprinkle a little more sesame seeds on top for extra crunch. - Bake the Dish
I place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. - Serve
Once it is ready, I take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it into squares. I serve it hot, and I enjoy it with extra soy sauce or wasabi on the side.
FAQ
What is Japanese sushi bake?
Japanese sushi bake is a warm and cheesy casserole that combines the delicious flavors of sushi. It is made with sushi rice, imitation crab meat, cream cheese, and various toppings. This dish is a fun and easy way to enjoy sushi flavors without rolling sushi.
Can I make sushi bake vegetarian?
Yes, you can make sushi bake vegetarian. You can use vegetables like cucumber, avocado, and bell peppers instead of imitation crab. You can also add mushrooms or tofu for extra flavor and protein.
How do I store leftovers?
I store leftover sushi bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to three days. When you want to eat it again, I suggest reheating it in the oven until warm.
Can I freeze sushi bake?
Yes, you can freeze sushi bake. I recommend freezing it after baking. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it in the oven.
What toppings can I use?
You can use various toppings for your sushi bake. Some popular choices include shredded nori, chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and spicy mayo. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite combinations.
How can I make sushi bake spicier?
To make sushi bake spicier, I can add Sriracha sauce or chili flakes to the mixture before baking. I can also serve it with extra spicy mayo on the side.
Can I use a different type of fish instead of imitation crab?
Yes, I can use cooked shrimp, canned tuna, or smoked salmon instead of imitation crab. Using fresh fish is a great way to change the flavor of the dish.
How long does it take to make sushi bake?
Making sushi bake takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake. In under an hour, I can have a delicious dish ready to share.
Delicious Japanese Sushi Bake Recipe: Easy and Customizable for Any Gathering
Ingredients
- 2 cups sushi rice (or short-grain rice)
- 3 cups water
- 8 oz imitation crab meat (or cooked shrimp or canned tuna)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 sheet nori (shredded)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
Optional toppings:
- Spicy mayo (mix mayonnaise with sriracha)
- Additional shredded nori
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Rice: Rinse the sushi rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rice and water in a pot. Cover and cook on medium heat until the water absorbs, about 15 minutes. Let it sit off the heat for another 10 minutes.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled rice, softened cream cheese, imitation crab meat, and mayonnaise. Mix well. Add soy sauce and sesame seeds, and stir until everything is well combined.
- Spread in Dish: Grease a baking dish. Spoon the rice mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle shredded nori and sliced green onions over the top. If you like, add more sesame seeds or spicy mayo.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Nutrition
I hope you’re as excited to try making a Japanese sushi bake as I am. This dish not only brings a unique twist to traditional sushi but also makes for a fun and interactive meal with friends and family.
Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and toppings to suit your taste. Whether you’re a sushi lover or just looking for a new recipe to share, the sushi bake is sure to impress. I’d love to hear about your experiences and any creative variations you come up with.
Let’s keep the conversation going! Share your thoughts in the comments below or tag me in your sushi bake creations on social media. Happy cooking!
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