Name: Easy Salmon Sushi Bake with Creamy Spicy Mayo Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Japanese Fusion
Ingredients: 4 cups cooked short grain rice (about 1.5 cups uncooked); 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 1½ tsp sugar; 1 tsp sea salt; 1 lb salmon (boneless); 1 tbsp avocado oil (or your favorite cooking oil); Salt and pepper (to taste); 1/3 cup Japanese mayo (plus more for drizzling); 1/2 cup cream cheese; 2 tbsp sriracha sauce (plus more for drizzling); 1/4 cup furikake (or toasted seaweed, torn into small pieces); 2 green onions (sliced); Sesame seeds; Toasted nori, avocado, cucumber slices, and/or kimchi (for serving)

There is something truly magical about gathering around a warm, comforting dish that feels both fancy and approachable, and this Easy Salmon Sushi Bake with Creamy Spicy Mayo Recipe delivers just that. Imagine tender baked salmon combined with luscious cream cheese and a spicy mayo kick, all layered atop perfectly seasoned sushi rice and finished with a sprinkle of furikake and green onions. It’s sushi night without the fuss of rolling, yet every bite bursts with authentic, irresistible flavors. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a cozy dinner, this recipe hits all the right notes for an unforgettable meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of various clear glass bowls and containers arranged on a white marbled surface. A large rectangular clear container filled with white rice is on the upper left. Near it is a small clear bowl with a white soft block, maybe tofu, and to the right, a wooden bowl filled with a light brown powder. In the center, there is a dark green whole avocado and a narrow glass jar with a black label filled with beige powder, placed horizontally. Below, a small white square dish holds a bright red sauce, and to its left, a small clear bowl has dark green seaweed pieces. Below the seaweed, a stack of dark green dried seaweed sheets lies flat. At the bottom right, a large clear glass bowl holds a bright orange rectangular fish fillet. To the right, a white bowl holds two green spring onions with white ends. There are also other small clear bowls with light-colored powders and mixtures spread around. A squeeze bottle with a red cap is placed near the bottom center. The setup looks neat, with clean and simple presentation on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward and essential, each bringing its own magic to the dish’s taste, texture, and vibrant appearance. From the creamy richness of the mayo and cream cheese to the bright tang of rice vinegar, every element plays a key role in building this delicious casserole.

Cooked short grain rice (4 cups): The sushi rice base is sticky and tender, perfect for holding everything together beautifully.
Rice vinegar (1/4 cup): Adds subtle acidity to balance the flavors and give the rice that classic sushi tang.
Sugar (1½ tsp): Helps round out the vinegar’s sharpness for a harmonious taste.
Sea salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors in the rice and salmon.
Salmon (1 lb, boneless): The star protein, firm yet flaky when baked, offering a rich, satisfying bite.
Avocado oil (1 tbsp): Perfect for roasting the salmon without overpowering its natural flavors.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Simple seasoning to elevate the salmon.
Japanese mayo (1/3 cup plus more for drizzling): Creamy and slightly tangy, it adds an indulgent, silky touch.
Cream cheese (1/2 cup): Blends into the mayo for that luscious texture and mild creaminess.
Sriracha sauce (2 tbsp plus more for drizzling): Brings the perfect spicy kick that melds beautifully with the creamy elements.
Furikake (1/4 cup): A fragrant Japanese seasoning mix that delivers umami, sesame, and seaweed flavor bursts.
Green onions (2, sliced): Fresh and crisp, they add color and a subtle bite on top.
Sesame seeds: Toasted for an extra crunch and nutty aroma.
Toasted nori, avocado, cucumber slices, and/or kimchi: Optional accompaniments that add layers of texture and freshness when serving.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Easy Salmon Sushi Bake with Creamy Spicy Mayo Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice

Start by cooking your short grain rice according to package instructions. Once it’s fluffy and tender, stir in rice vinegar, sugar, and sea salt to give it that distinctive sushi rice flavor. If you’re using leftover rice, warm it first so it mixes smoothly and becomes pleasantly soft. This step is key because the rice forms the sturdy, flavorful foundation of the entire bake.

Step 2: Bake the Salmon

Coat your salmon fillets with avocado oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast them skin-side down in a 425-degree Fahrenheit oven for 15 minutes, or until they flake easily with a fork. Baking gently cooks the salmon to juicy perfection without drying it out, making it easy to mix with the creamy topping later.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Spicy Mayo

Discard the salmon skin and flake the cooked salmon into a bowl. Add Japanese mayo, cream cheese, and sriracha sauce—then stir until everything is beautifully combined. This luscious mixture is the heart of the dish, delivering that irresistible creamy and spicy flavor punch we all crave.

Step 4: Assemble the Sushi Bake

Spread the prepared sushi rice evenly in a 9×13 baking dish, then sprinkle generously with furikake seasoning. Spread the salmon mixture evenly on top, covering the rice completely. This layering ensures every bite hits that perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Step 5: Final Bake and Toppings

Bake the assembled dish in your preheated oven for 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld and the topping to get lightly golden. Once out of the oven, drizzle more Japanese mayo and sriracha sauce on top. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds to add freshness and crunch that completes the dish beautifully.

How to Serve Easy Salmon Sushi Bake with Creamy Spicy Mayo Recipe

The image shows a large rectangular dish filled with a baked mixture that looks creamy and textured, mostly orange with red and small black specks throughout. On top, there are thin, even white sauce lines drizzled diagonally across the entire surface. In the lower part of the image, a woman's hand is slightly blurred as if in motion, smoothing or touching the mixture. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The garnishes elevate this baked sushi casserole from wonderful to next-level. Fresh green onions add a peppery snap, while sesame seeds offer a subtle crunch. Toasted nori sheets are a classic choice for wrapping, lending a fragrant seaweed taste that echoes traditional sushi. For extra creaminess and fresh contrast, avocado slices and crisp cucumber are fantastic options. If you want to add a little tangy punch, kimchi brings a lively probiotic zing that pairs beautifully with the creamy spicy salmon.

Side Dishes

Pair your sushi bake with light, refreshing sides to balance the richness. A crisp seaweed salad, simple cucumber sunomono, or miso soup bring delicate notes and textural contrast. Pickled ginger also makes a perfect palate cleanser between bites, enhancing the sushi experience at home.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve the sushi bake directly from the pan for an effortless family-style dinner or spoon portions into small bowls as individual servings. For a fun twist, offer toasted nori sheets alongside so everyone can build their own sushi “wraps.” Add a side of dipping sauces like soy sauce or ponzu for extra layers of flavor and interactive dining excitement.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salmon sushi bake keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the rice from drying out. When ready to enjoy, the flavors only deepen after resting, making leftovers just as delicious as fresh.

Freezing

While it’s best served fresh or refrigerated, you can freeze the bake wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind the texture of sushi rice may soften slightly after freezing, but the flavor will still shine through beautifully.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes until warmed through. This method helps keep the salmon moist and the rice tender. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the rice tough or soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen salmon works great but make sure it’s fully thawed before baking. Alternatively, you can use an air fryer method for cooking frozen salmon quickly and evenly, ensuring it flakes perfectly for mixing.

Is there a substitute for Japanese mayo?

If you don’t have Japanese mayo, you can use regular mayo mixed with a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the tangy flavor. However, Japanese mayo like Kewpie has a creamier texture and a subtle sweetness that really elevates this dish.

Can I add other seafood besides salmon?

Absolutely! While salmon is traditional and delicious here, cooked shrimp, crab, or even canned tuna can add a fun twist. Just be sure to adjust seasoning and cooking times accordingly to maintain the best texture and flavor.

How spicy is the creamy spicy mayo?

The sriracha adds a pleasant warmth without overwhelming heat, but feel free to adjust the amount to your personal spice preference. Add more for a kick, or reduce if you prefer just a hint of spice.

What is furikake and can I omit it?

Furikake is a Japanese seasoning blend featuring sesame seeds, seaweed, salt, and sometimes dried fish flakes. It adds a wonderful umami depth and texture. If unavailable, toasted seaweed or even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can work as a substitute, but furikake really completes the authentic flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a comforting yet exciting way to enjoy sushi flavors at home, the Easy Salmon Sushi Bake with Creamy Spicy Mayo Recipe is absolutely worth every minute of your time. It’s the kind of dish that invites smiles and seconds around the table, combining creamy, spicy, and fresh elements in a delightful family favorite. Give it a try—you just might find your new go-to recipe for sushi nights and casual get-togethers!

Easy Salmon Sushi Bake with Creamy Spicy Mayo Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need