Have you ever craved the rich, buttery flavor of sushi but wished it came in a cozy, shareable dish? The Best Salmon Sushi Bake takes all the beloved flavors of a salmon roll and transforms them into a warm, satisfying casserole that’s perfect for gatherings or a comforting dinner at home.
Imagine layers of perfectly seasoned sushi rice, creamy spicy mayo, and velvety slices of fresh salmon, all baked to perfection and topped with crunchy sesame seeds and green onions. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings together the fun of sushi with the ease of a casserole.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To make this Salmon Sushi Bake, you’ll need a few key tools to ensure smooth preparation and perfect results. A sharp chef’s knife is essential for slicing the salmon cleanly without tearing the delicate flesh. A rice cooker or pot helps cook sushi rice to the right sticky, fluffy texture. A baking dish, preferably ceramic or glass, allows even heating for the layered bake.
You’ll also want a small bowl for mixing the spicy mayo and a silicone spatula for spreading the layers evenly. Don’t skip the measuring cups and spoons—they help maintain the precise balance of seasoning that makes sushi rice shine.
Ingredients for the Best Salmon Sushi Bake
- Sushi Rice: This short-grain rice is the foundation, giving that classic sticky and slightly vinegared base every sushi-inspired dish needs.
- Rice Vinegar: Brings brightness and balance to the rice, enhancing flavor without overpowering.
- Fresh Salmon: The star ingredient, offering buttery texture and rich umami when gently baked.
- Mayonnaise: Used to create the creamy spicy mayo topping that ties everything together.
- Sriracha: Adds a gentle kick to the mayo, giving the bake its signature spicy edge.
- Soy Sauce: Provides saltiness and depth, blending beautifully with the other umami flavors.
- Green Onions: For a pop of freshness and color on top.
- Sesame Seeds: Adds crunch and a subtle nutty note to finish the dish.
- Nori Sheets (optional): To serve alongside or crumble on top for extra oceanic flavor.


How To Make the Best Salmon Sushi Bake
Step 1: Prepare the Rice Base
Cook the sushi rice according to package instructions or in a rice cooker. While warm, gently mix in rice vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and salt to season.
Step 2: Make the Spicy Mayo
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and sriracha to taste. Adjust the spice level depending on your preference.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
Spread the seasoned rice evenly in your baking dish. Top with slices or chunks of fresh salmon. Drizzle the spicy mayo over the top, making sure to cover the salmon generously.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, just until the salmon is slightly cooked and the mayo turns golden and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Optionally, serve with nori sheets on the side or crumbled over the top for extra flavor.
Serving and Storing This Salmon Sushi Bake
Serve the Salmon Sushi Bake warm, straight from the oven, garnished with extra green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. For a sushi-like experience, scoop portions onto nori sheets or serve with pickled ginger and soy sauce on the side. It’s perfect for sharing at dinner parties, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.
Leftovers? No problem! Store any remaining bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in the oven or microwave until just heated through—this helps maintain the creamy texture without drying out the salmon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How spicy is the Salmon Sushi Bake?
The spiciness is adjustable! Simply add more or less sriracha to the mayo depending on your heat preference.
Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned salmon for a budget-friendly version, but fresh salmon offers the best texture and flavor.
What other toppings work well?
Try adding avocado slices, tobiko (fish roe), or a drizzle of unagi sauce for extra indulgence.
Can I make it ahead?
You can assemble it a few hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Bake it fresh when ready to serve.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free soy sauce, it can be made gluten-free.
Want More Seafood Bake Ideas?
If you love this Salmon Sushi Bake, you might also enjoy my Easy Seafood Casserole, a creamy and indulgent bake with shrimp and scallops. Craving something zesty? Check out the Louisiana Seafood Gumbo for a spicy, flavor-packed dinner.
For lighter options, my Mediterranean Salmon Patties offer a fresh take on salmon, and the Honey Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is a weeknight favorite with minimal prep. Don’t miss the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna, a layered, pasta-packed seafood dream!
Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out
Save this recipe to your seafood boards on Pinterest for next time. Just click the Pin button!
If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you add avocado or extra toppings? Leave a comment below or share your creation. You can also find more of my daily recipes and behind-the-scenes on my Pinterest page: LadyPlate on Pinterest.


Best Salmon Sushi Bake
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
The Best Salmon Sushi Bake turns your favorite sushi flavors into a warm, cozy casserole. Layers of sticky sushi rice, creamy spicy mayo, and buttery baked salmon make it a perfect dish for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
2 cups sushi rice
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 pound fresh salmon, diced
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Optional: nori sheets for serving
Instructions
1. Cook sushi rice according to package or in rice cooker. Mix with rice vinegar, pinch of sugar, and salt while warm.
2. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and sriracha to create spicy mayo.
3. Spread rice evenly in a baking dish. Layer diced salmon on top. Drizzle generously with spicy mayo.
4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until salmon is just cooked and mayo is golden.
5. Top with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm with nori sheets if desired.
Notes
Use fresh salmon for the best flavor, but canned salmon works in a pinch.
To make gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce.
Add toppings like avocado or tobiko for extra color and taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Seafood Casserole
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Japanese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: salmon sushi bake, sushi casserole, spicy salmon bake
