If you’re craving the fresh, vibrant flavors of sushi but want a comforting, warm twist, the Baked Salmon Sushi Bowl Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brilliantly combines tender, flaky baked salmon with perfectly seasoned sushi rice, creamy avocado, and a kick of spicy mayo in a bowl that’s both satisfying and visually stunning. It’s an effortless way to enjoy all the taste of sushi without the fuss of rolling, ideal for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing lunch. Plus, it’s loaded with wholesome ingredients that you’ll love showing off on your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to the success of the Baked Salmon Sushi Bowl Recipe. Each component adds a unique texture, flavor, or color, and they all harmonize beautifully for a bowl that’s as delicious as it is simple to prepare.
- 1 pound Salmon Fillet, cooked and flaked: The star protein, tender and flaky for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- 2 cups Sushi Rice, cooked: Sticky and slightly sweet, it forms the perfect base for the bowl.
- 3 tablespoons Rice Vinegar: Adds a subtle tang and helps season the rice authentically.
- 1 tablespoon Sugar: Balances the vinegar with gentle sweetness, enhancing the rice.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making every bite pop.
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy texture when mixed with the salmon.
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha: Brings just the right amount of heat to spice up the mayo.
- 2 Nori Sheets, cut into strips: Adds that distinct seaweed flavor and a bit of crunch.
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce: For drizzling, it delivers salty, umami goodness.
- 2 teaspoons Sesame Seeds, toasted: Toasting intensifies their nutty flavor and adds crunch.
- 2 Green Onions, chopped: Fresh, zingy, and colorful garnish that lifts the dish.
- 1 Avocado (optional), diced: Adds buttery creaminess and gorgeous green color.
How to Make Baked Salmon Sushi Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for warming everything through without drying out the salmon or rice. It’s simple but essential for that golden top finish that adds a lovely texture contrast.
Step 2: Season the Sushi Rice and Prepare the Salmon Mixture
While the oven warms, flavor your cooked sushi rice by mixing in rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. The balance of tang, sweetness, and saltiness makes the rice irresistibly tasty. Next, gently fold the flaky cooked salmon into a creamy blend of mayonnaise and sriracha, creating a luscious, spicy layer that brings that addictive sushi flavor to life.
Step 3: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking, then carefully line it with the nori strips. They’ll melt into the dish while baking, imparting subtle seaweed flavor and giving the bowl a traditional sushi touch that surprises and delights with every bite.
Step 4: Layer the Rice and Salmon
Spread the seasoned sushi rice evenly into the baking dish, creating an inviting base. Then generously layer the spicy salmon mixture over the rice. If you’re using avocado, sprinkle the diced pieces over the top for creamy richness and vibrant color. This layering creates a beautiful textural contrast and flavor harmony when baked.
Step 5: Bake Until Warm and Slightly Golden
Pop the dish into the oven for 15–20 minutes. The rice will warm through, the salmon’s flavors will deepen, and the top will develop a slight golden hue. This step transforms the traditional cold sushi experience into a warm, comforting bowl while keeping all those fresh, tangy notes intact.
Step 6: Add Final Touches
Once out of the oven, drizzle the baked bowl with soy sauce for an extra umami kick. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions across the surface for crunch and freshness. These simple garnishes elevate the flavors and make the dish look impossibly appetizing.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Scoop portions of your baked salmon sushi bowl onto plates or bowls. Serve alongside small nori sheets for scooping if you want a more interactive eating experience, or enjoy it straight from the bowl, savoring every warm, spicy, and creamy bite.
How to Serve Baked Salmon Sushi Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds not only provide color but give the dish a burst of aroma and crunch. For an extra pop, consider adding pickled ginger or a sprinkle of furikake seasoning to keep that authentic sushi spirit alive.
Side Dishes
A light seaweed salad or a crisp cucumber salad pairs beautifully with this baked sushi bowl. They add freshness and textural contrast, balancing the creamy and rich salmon topping perfectly. A bowl of miso soup on the side also rounds out the meal wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the baked salmon sushi bowl in individual mason jars layered with rice and salmon mix for a portable, picnic-friendly lunch. Alternatively, use square mini dishes for an elegant party presentation where guests can scoop their own portions and customize with assorted garnishes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This baked salmon sushi bowl is fantastic for leftovers. Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually meld together, making it even tastier the next day, though the texture of the avocado may soften slightly.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is possible but not ideal because the sushi rice can lose its texture, and fresh toppings like avocado won’t freeze well. If you do freeze it, make sure to freeze without avocado and add fresh avocado only when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the dish loosely with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can turn the rice mushy and affect the delicate texture of the salmon mixture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of cooked salmon?
For this recipe, cooked salmon works best because it flakes easily and blends well with the spicy mayo. If you want to use fresh salmon, be sure to cook it fully before assembling the bowl to ensure safety and the right texture.
Is it necessary to use sushi rice?
Sushi rice is ideal since it sticks together well and absorbs flavors beautifully. If you don’t have sushi rice, use a short-grain rice and season it with the vinegar, sugar, and salt mixture for best results.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
While this recipe focuses on salmon, you can easily swap in baked tofu or roasted mushrooms mixed with the spicy mayo to create a delicious vegetarian or vegan version. Just use vegan mayo to keep it plant-based.
What can I substitute for sriracha?
If you’re not a fan of sriracha or want a milder spice, try using a mild chili sauce or drizzle in some smoked paprika for a different but tasty flavor twist.
How spicy is this Baked Salmon Sushi Bowl Recipe?
The spice level is balanced; the sriracha adds a pleasant heat that doesn’t overpower the dish. You can adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your preference, making it as mild or as fiery as you like.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Salmon Sushi Bowl Recipe is a heartfelt twist on classic sushi that brings warmth, spice, and comfort with every bite. Its ease of preparation combined with delicious, layered flavors makes it a new favorite to keep in your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for friends or treating yourself, this bowl is sure to impress and satisfy. Give it a try, and watch it become a go-to meal in your kitchen!
Print
Baked Salmon Sushi Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese Fusion
Description
Baked Salmon Sushi is a delightful twist on traditional sushi that combines the comforting warmth of baked salmon with the fresh flavors of sushi rice and seaweed. This easy-to-make dish blends flaked baked salmon with creamy sriracha mayonnaise, layered over seasoned sushi rice, baked to perfection, and garnished with sesame seeds, green onions, and soy sauce. Perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Sushi Rice Base
- 2 cups Sushi Rice, cooked
- 3 tablespoons Rice Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Salmon Mixture
- 1 pound Salmon Fillet, cooked and flaked
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha
Additional Ingredients
- 2 Nori Sheets, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
- 2 teaspoons Sesame Seeds, toasted
- 2 Green Onions, chopped
- 1 Avocado (optional), diced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the sushi dish.
- Season the Sushi Rice and Prepare Salmon Mixture: In a bowl, season the cooked sushi rice with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, mixing thoroughly. In another bowl, combine the flaked, cooked salmon with mayonnaise and sriracha to create a creamy, spicy topping.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish and line the bottom with strips of cut nori sheets to add flavor and structure.
- Assemble the Sushi Bake: Evenly spread the seasoned sushi rice in the baking dish. Layer the salmon and mayonnaise mixture on top of the rice. If using, distribute diced avocado pieces evenly over the salmon layer.
- Bake: Place the assembled dish in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes until heated through and the top is lightly golden.
- Add Final Garnishes: Remove from oven and drizzle soy sauce over the top. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions as garnish.
- Serve: Scoop out portions and serve warm, accompanied by small nori sheets or enjoy as a warm sushi bowl.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked sushi rice for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the salmon mixture to control the spice level.
- Avocado is optional but adds creaminess and freshness to the dish.
- Leftover baked salmon sushi can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
