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A creamy Deconstructed Salmon Sushi Bake in a casserole dish, topped with furikake, sriracha mayo, and fresh green onions.

Game Changing Deconstructed Salmon Sushi Bake

Experience all the creamy, savory flavors of a perfect salmon roll without the delicate art of rolling. This easy casserole features a warm, seasoned sushi rice base and a ridiculously creamy, spicy salmon topping, baked until golden and bubbly. It's a fun, interactive, and shareable meal perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 27 minutes
Total Time 47 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Japanese-inspired
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb salmon fillet, skinless
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt, for salmon
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups uncooked short-grain sushi rice
  • 2 cups water, for cooking rice
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt, for rice seasoning
  • 3/4 cup Kewpie mayonnaise
  • 1-2 tbsp Sriracha, to taste
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp masago or tobiko flying fish roe
  • 1/4 cup Furikake seasoning, divided
  • Roasted seaweed snacks nori
  • 1 avocado, sliced, for serving
  • 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced, for serving
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced, for serving

Equipment

  • Oven
  • 8x8 Inch Baking Dish
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Rice cooker or medium saucepan with lid
  • Large non-metallic bowl
  • Medium bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Rice paddle or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Forks

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the salmon fillet on the sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until cooked through and easily flaked. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. While the salmon bakes, rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice with water according to package directions or in a rice cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, and 1 tsp of salt until dissolved (you can warm it for 15 seconds in the microwave to help). Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large non-metallic bowl, pour the vinegar mixture over it, and gently fold to combine. Let it cool slightly.
  3. Once the salmon is cool enough to handle, use two forks to flake it into bite-sized pieces in a medium bowl. Add the Kewpie mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, and optional masago/tobiko. Gently mix until the salmon is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Press the seasoned sushi rice into an even layer in an 8x8 inch baking dish. Sprinkle a generous, even layer of furikake over the rice. Carefully spread the creamy salmon mixture over the top, reaching the edges. Sprinkle the remaining furikake over the salmon.
  5. Bake in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 10-12 minutes, until heated through and lightly golden on top. For a browner top, you can broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
  6. Serve warm, scooping portions onto roasted seaweed snacks. Garnish with sliced avocado, cucumber, and scallions.

Notes

Expert Tips & Variations:
- **Season Rice While Hot:** For best flavor absorption, mix the vinegar seasoning into the rice while it is still hot.
- **Don't Overcook Salmon:** The salmon is cooked twice, so slightly undercooking it initially will keep it moist in the final bake.
- **Kewpie is Key:** Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise provides a superior rich and creamy flavor that truly elevates the dish. If unavailable, use regular full-fat mayo with a tiny splash of rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar.
- **Protein Swaps:** You can substitute the salmon with cooked shrimp, imitation crab meat, or spicy tuna.
- **Philadelphia Roll Twist:** For extra creaminess, spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese over the rice before adding the salmon topping.
- **Storage:** Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.