Introduction
Transform ordinary weeknight ingredients into an extraordinary, crowd-pleasing meal with this Viral Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake! This recipe cuts through the fuss of individual sushi rolls, delivering all the flavor and fun in a fraction of the time. Perfect for busy weeknights, this bake is as impressive as it is easy. Get ready to impress your family and friends with minimal effort!
Why This Works
This recipe is a game-changer because it delivers all the vibrant taste of sushi in a simplified, bake-it-and-serve format. It’s incredibly forgiving, meaning you don’t need to be a sushi expert to achieve restaurant-quality results. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead option, perfect for prepping ahead of time for a hassle-free dinner party – or even lunch!
Key Ingredients
🍣 1 lb sushi-grade salmon fillet, cut into bite-sized pieces
🍚 2 cups sushi rice, cooked according to package directions
🥑 ½ cup avocado, thinly sliced
🥒 ½ cup cucumber, thinly sliced
🥕 ½ cup shredded carrots
🥢 2 tablespoons soy sauce
🌶️ 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more, to taste)
mayonnaise
sesame seeds
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, gently combine the cooked sushi rice, soy sauce, and sriracha. Mix well, ensuring the rice is evenly coated.
3️⃣ Spread the rice mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
4️⃣ Arrange the salmon pieces on top of the rice, distributing them evenly.
5️⃣ Layer the avocado, cucumber, and carrots over the salmon. A pretty arrangement is nice, but it’s totally fine to toss them on!
6️⃣ Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
7️⃣ Drizzle mayonnaise over the baked sushi bake. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds.
8️⃣ Let cool slightly before serving.
Handy Tips
- Use pre-cooked sushi rice to save even more time.
- Don’t overcook the salmon! It should be cooked through but still moist and flaky.
- Taste and adjust the sriracha to your spice preference.
Heat Control
Baking at 375°F (190°C) ensures the salmon cooks evenly without drying out. Lowering the temperature will increase cook time, and higher temperatures risk burning the rice or overcooking the salmon.
Crunch Factor
The combination of the slightly sticky rice, the creamy avocado, the crisp cucumber, and the tender salmon create a delightful textural contrast. Adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds an extra layer of satisfying crunch!
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a shortcut, use pre-cut vegetables.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice at the end for extra brightness.
- Make it a complete meal by serving with a side of edamame or miso soup.
Storage Tips
Store leftover sushi bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This sushi bake is perfect for potlucks or casual gatherings! Pack it in a disposable aluminum baking dish or a pretty reusable container, tied with a ribbon and a cute card.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Mayo Twist: Use a spicy mayonnaise instead of regular mayonnaise for an extra kick.
🌟 Cream Cheese Delight: Add a layer of cream cheese between the rice and the salmon for added richness.
🌟 Mango Tango: Incorporate diced mango for a sweet and savory twist.
🌟 Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top before baking for extra flavor and crunch.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Rice: If the rice is too dry, add a tablespoon or two of water or rice vinegar before baking.
- Overcooked Salmon: Reduce baking time by a few minutes next time.
- Undercooked Salmon: Check the internal temperature of the salmon; it should reach 145°F (63°C).
FAQ
- Can I use pre-cooked sushi rice? Absolutely! This is a great time-saving option.
- What kind of salmon should I use? Always use sushi-grade salmon for food safety reasons.
- Can I add other vegetables? Feel free to add other vegetables, like bell peppers or snow peas!
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the bake ahead of time and bake it just before serving, or even bake it completely ahead of time and reheat when needed.
- What if I don’t have sriracha? You can use other hot sauces or chili flakes to your liking.
Conclusion
This Viral Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake is a true weeknight winner! It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Share this recipe with your friends and family – and don’t forget to rate it on RateMyRecipes.com! Enjoy!
30-Minute Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake: Weeknight Winner
A quick and delicious sushi bake that combines the flavors of spicy salmon and sushi rice, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 pound salmon fillet, skinless
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 sheet nori, cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180u00b0C.
- Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then combine with water in a rice cooker and cook according to manufacturer's instructions.
- While the rice is cooking, season the salmon fillet with soy sauce, sriracha, mayonnaise, and sesame oil, then bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
- Once the salmon is cooked, flake it into pieces and mix it with the remaining sauce from the baking dish.
- In a large baking dish, layer the cooked sushi rice evenly on the bottom.
- Spread the flaked salmon mixture over the rice.
- Top with sliced avocado, green onions, and sprinkle sesame seeds and nori strips on top.
- Bake in the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy on the top.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add a splash of rice vinegar to the cooked sushi rice.
- You can substitute the salmon with cooked shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.