Sushi Bake Sushi Bowl Recipe: A Deconstructed Sushi Experience

Introduction

If you love sushi but want an easier way to enjoy its delicious flavors without rolling individual sushi pieces, then a Sushi Bake Sushi Bowl is the perfect dish for you! This recipe transforms classic sushi flavors into a warm, baked, and deconstructed dish, making it a fun and convenient way to enjoy sushi at home.

Whether you’re craving a tuna and salmon sushi bake, an ahi tuna sushi bake, or a sushi bake without crab, this recipe can be customized to fit your favorite seafood choices. Additionally, if you’re looking for a Hawaii sushi bake inspired by poke bowls, this dish is an excellent choice.

This guide will cover step-by-step instructions, customization options, and even how to make the best sushi bake recipe with crab, salmon, or tuna. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious dish!

What is a Sushi Bake?

A sushi bake is essentially a casserole-style sushi dish made by layering seasoned rice, seafood, and a creamy sauce, then baking it to create a warm, slightly crispy, and flavorful meal. Instead of rolling sushi, this method allows you to scoop and enjoy the flavors of sushi in a bowl.

For this recipe, we’ll create a Sushi Bake Sushi Bowl, combining the best sushi bake ingredients in a bowl rather than baking them in a dish. This makes for a quick, fresh, and customizable meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ No Rolling Required – A hassle-free way to enjoy sushi flavors.
✔ Customizable – Works for tuna, salmon, crab, or even vegetarian options.
✔ Great for Sharing – Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep.
✔ Healthy & Nutritious – High in protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients.
✔ Hawaii Sushi Bake Inspired – A mix between a poke bowl and sushi bake.

Ingredients for Sushi Bake Sushi Bowl

For the Rice Base

2 cups sushi rice (short-grain rice)
2 ½ cups water
¼ cup rice vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt

For the Seafood Topping (Choose One or a Combination)

1 cup flaked salmon (baked or raw, depending on preference)
1 cup ahi tuna (diced, for a fresh option)
1 cup imitation crab or real lump crab meat
1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped

For the Sushi Bake Sauce

½ cup Japanese mayo (Kewpie brand recommended)
1 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil

Toppings & Garnishes

½ cup cucumber, diced
½ cup avocado, diced
2 tbsp green onions, chopped
1 tbsp sesame seeds (black or white)
½ sheet nori, cut into small strips
½ cup masago or tobiko (fish roe, optional for added texture)
1 tbsp furikake (Japanese rice seasoning, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook and Season the Sushi Rice

Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
In a rice cooker or stovetop, combine 2 cups of rice and 2 ½ cups of water, then cook until soft.
In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Microwave for 15 seconds and stir until dissolved.
Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture. Let it cool.

🔹 Tip: Spread rice on a baking sheet to cool faster while maintaining texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Seafood (Choose One or a Combination)

Option 1: Classic Tuna and Salmon Sushi Bake (Cooked Version)

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix the flaked salmon and/or tuna with sushi bake sauce (Japanese mayo, sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil).
Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until warmed through.

Option 2: Ahi Tuna Sushi Bake (Raw, Poke-Style Option)

Dice fresh ahi tuna into small cubes.
Toss with a little soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions for a poke-style topping.

Option 3: Sushi Bake with Salmon and Crab

Shred imitation crab or real crab meat.
Mix with flaked salmon and sushi bake sauce, then bake for 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

Step 3: Assemble the Sushi Bake Bowl

In each serving bowl, add a layer of seasoned sushi rice.
Top with your choice of seafood (baked salmon, ahi tuna, or sushi bake with crab).
Sprinkle diced cucumber, avocado, and green onions over the seafood.
Drizzle extra sushi bake sauce on top for added creaminess.
Garnish with sesame seeds, furikake, nori strips, and masago (if using).

Best Sushi Bake Recipe Customizations

1. Sushi Bake Without Crab

Use only salmon, tuna, or shrimp for a crab-free version.
For extra umami, mix in grilled eel or scallops.

2. Spicy Sushi Bake Sushi Bowl

Add extra sriracha or chili oil to the sushi bake sauce.
Sprinkle with spicy furikake for an added kick.

3. Vegetarian Sushi Bake Bowl

Replace seafood with tofu, roasted sweet potatoes, or shiitake mushrooms.
Use a vegan mayo substitute in the sauce.

4. Hawaiian Sushi Bake Bowl (Poke-Inspired)

Use fresh diced ahi tuna or salmon instead of baked seafood.
Add pineapple chunks and macadamia nuts for a Hawaiian twist.

How to Store Leftovers

🥶 Storage:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Keep raw seafood separate from the rice for freshness.

🔥 Reheating:

For baked sushi, reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
For poke-style bowls, eat cold and fresh.

Pairing Ideas for Sushi Bake Bowls

🍵 Miso Soup – Complements the umami flavors.
🥗 Seaweed Salad – Adds crunch and freshness.
🥂 Green Tea or Sake – Traditional sushi drink pairings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make This Recipe Without an Oven?

Yes! Skip baking and make a fresh sushi bowl with raw fish or pre-cooked seafood.

2. Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of Sushi Rice?

Yes, but the texture will be different. Brown rice is chewier and less sticky.

3. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes! Assemble everything except the seafood and sauce, then add them fresh before serving.

4. What’s the Best Fish to Use?

For baking: Salmon, imitation crab, cooked shrimp.
For fresh bowls: Ahi tuna, raw salmon, scallops.

5. Can I Freeze This?

No, sushi rice does not freeze well, and raw seafood should be eaten fresh.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Sushi Bake Sushi Bowl

This Sushi Bake Sushi Bowl Recipe is a fun and easy way to enjoy sushi flavors without the hassle of rolling. Whether you prefer a tuna and salmon sushi bake, a sushi bake without crab, or an ahi tuna sushi bake, this recipe is customizable and perfect for any sushi lover.

🍣 Try this recipe today and bring the sushi experience to your home! 🎌✨