Easy Baked Sushi Recipe: A Delicious Twist on Classic Sushi

Baked sushi has become a popular twist on the traditional sushi dish, offering the same delightful flavors in a warm and comforting form. Combining savory, creamy toppings with perfectly cooked sushi rice, baked sushi is a deconstructed version that is easier to prepare, especially for those who might be intimidated by traditional sushi rolling techniques. This recipe is great for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy meal at home. Below, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to prepare baked sushi, provide a complete list of ingredients, and share the nutritional value of this irresistible dish.

Ingredients for Baked Sushi Recipe

To get started with baked sushi, you’ll need a combination of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need for a simple yet delicious baked sushi recipe:

For the Sushi Rice:

• 2 cups of sushi rice (or short-grain rice)
• 2 1/2 cups of water
• 1/4 cup of rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of salt

For the Filling:

• 1/2 pound (225g) of imitation crab meat (or fresh crab, cooked)
• 1/2 pound (225g) of shrimp (cooked and peeled)
• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise (Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise is recommended)
• 2 tablespoons of cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
• 1 tablespoon of sriracha (for spice, optional)
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons of furikake seasoning (a Japanese rice seasoning blend with seaweed, sesame seeds, and dried fish)
• 1/4 cup of cucumber (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup of avocado (diced)

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
• 1 sheet of nori (seaweed), shredded or crumbled

For Serving:

• Nori sheets (cut into squares for serving)
• Soy sauce (for dipping)
• Pickled ginger and wasabi (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Baked Sushi

Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice

Sushi rice is the foundation of any good sushi dish, and it plays a key role in baked sushi too. Follow these steps to cook perfect sushi rice:

1. Rinse the rice: Place the 2 cups of sushi rice in a bowl and rinse it under cold water. Repeat this process 3–4 times until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps the rice cook evenly.

2. Cook the rice: After rinsing, transfer the rice to a rice cooker with 2 1/2 cups of water. If you don’t have a rice cooker, you can cook the rice on the stovetop. Bring the water and rice to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes. Once done, allow the rice to rest for 10 minutes.

3. Season the rice: In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Heat the mixture briefly in the microwave until the sugar dissolves, then pour it over the cooked rice. Gently fold the rice to combine the seasoning with the rice, being careful not to mash the grains. Let the rice cool slightly before using it in the next steps.

Step 2: Make the Sushi Filling

The filling for baked sushi is rich and creamy, combining seafood and savory sauces. Here’s how to prepare the filling:

1. Prepare the seafood: If you’re using imitation crab meat, flake it into bite-sized pieces. If using fresh crab, ensure it’s fully cooked and shredded. Next, chop the cooked shrimp into small pieces.

2. Mix the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, shrimp, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of cream cheese, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of sriracha (if you want a spicy kick). Mix everything thoroughly until well combined and creamy.

3. Add the vegetables: Gently fold in the diced avocado and chopped cucumber. These add freshness and texture to the filling, complementing the rich seafood mixture.

4. Season with furikake: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of furikake seasoning into the filling mixture, and stir until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Assemble the Baked Sushi

Now that the rice and filling are ready, it’s time to layer everything together in a baking dish.

1. Prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Layer the sushi rice: Spread the prepared sushi rice evenly across the bottom of the baking dish, pressing it down gently to form a compact layer.

3. Top with the seafood filling: Spread the seafood mixture over the layer of rice, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.

4. Add the cheese (optional): For an extra creamy and indulgent touch, sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the seafood filling. This step is optional but adds a delicious melty texture.

Step 4: Bake the Sushi

Baking the sushi is the final step to bring all the flavors together.

1. Bake the dish: Place the assembled sushi dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling. The cheese should be melted, and the sushi filling warmed through.

2. Remove from the oven: Once the sushi is baked to perfection, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Baked sushi is typically served with small squares of nori (seaweed) for wrapping, allowing you to scoop the sushi and wrap it in the nori for a bite-sized treat.

1. Cut the nori sheets: Cut full-sized nori sheets into smaller squares. You can also crumble a few sheets of nori to sprinkle over the top of the baked sushi for added texture.

2. Serve with accompaniments: Offer soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi on the side for dipping and added flavor.

3. Assemble each bite: To eat, use a spoon to scoop a small portion of the baked sushi, place it on a square of nori, wrap it up, and enjoy.

Nutritional Value of Baked Sushi

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional content of baked sushi per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 360 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Sugars: 4g

Nutritional Benefits:

• Protein: The seafood used in baked sushi, such as shrimp and crab, provides a healthy source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and tissue repair.
• Healthy Fats: Avocado adds healthy fats to the dish, which are beneficial for heart health and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
• Vitamins and Minerals: The combination of vegetables and seafood delivers essential vitamins (like vitamin C from the cucumber and avocado) and minerals (such as iodine from the seaweed).
• Low in Carbs: Compared to traditional sushi rolls, baked sushi tends to have fewer refined carbohydrates and higher fiber content, especially when using vegetables like cucumber and avocado.

Tips for Perfect Baked Sushi

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly affect the final flavor. Opt for fresh seafood, and high-quality sushi rice for the best results.
2. Customize the Filling: You can switch up the filling by adding different types of seafood, like salmon or tuna, or even a vegan option with tofu or plant-based crab alternatives.
3. Make it Spicy: For those who enjoy spicy flavors, increase the amount of sriracha in the filling or add a drizzle of spicy mayo over the top before serving.
4. Try Toppings: Along with shredded cheese, you can top your baked sushi with sesame seeds, more furikake, or even crispy tempura bits for added crunch.