Easy Creamy Salmon Sushi Bake TikTok Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy sushi flavors at home, this TikTok Salmon Sushi Bake is the recipe you need! It’s a warm and comforting twist on traditional sushi, layered with seasoned rice, creamy salmon and crab filling, and baked to perfection in a casserole dish. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just want a cozy weeknight dinner, this viral sushi bake is always a hit.

Why You’ll Love TikTok Salmon Sushi Bake

• It has all the sushi flavors without the fuss – You don’t need any rolling mats or special skills, just layer everything in a baking dish and pop it in the oven. It’s sushi made simple and stress-free. Perfect for beginners or anyone craving sushi at home.

• Warm, creamy, and comforting – The combination of seasoned rice, flaky salmon, imitation crab, and spicy mayo creates a rich, satisfying bite. Baking it brings out all the creamy flavors, and the golden top adds just the right texture. It’s like sushi and comfort food combined!

• Perfect for sharing – Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a dinner with friends, this dish serves a crowd with ease. Just scoop and serve with seaweed snacks, everyone builds their own bite! It’s interactive, fun, and always a conversation starter.

• Totally customizable – You can switch out the salmon for tuna or shrimp, adjust the spice level, or even make it vegetarian with tofu or avocado. This recipe is flexible and works with whatever you have on hand. Make it your own every time!

• TikTok viral for a reason – This isn’t just a trend, it’s seriously tasty. Once you try it, you’ll understand why so many people are hooked. It’s a recipe you’ll keep coming back to again and again.

Ingredients For TikTok Salmon Sushi Bake

• Sushi rice – The base of the dish that gives it that authentic sushi texture and flavor.

• Rice vinegar – Adds a tangy, slightly sweet taste that seasons the rice perfectly.

• White sugar – Balances out the vinegar and gives the rice a subtle sweetness.

• Salt – Enhances the flavor of the seasoned rice.

• Imitation crab – A budget-friendly and tasty option that pairs great with the salmon.

• Cooked salmon – Flaky and tender, it adds rich, savory flavor to the bake.

• Cream cheese – Makes the seafood mixture extra creamy and delicious.

• Sriracha mayo – Adds a spicy kick and creamy texture; brings the whole dish together.

• Furikake – A flavorful Japanese rice seasoning that adds umami, crunch, and color.

• Seaweed snacks – Perfect for scooping and wrapping your sushi bake into bites.

• Sesame seeds (optional) – Add a little crunch and nutty flavor on top.

• Green onions – Fresh and crisp garnish that adds color and brightness.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make TikTok Salmon Sushi Bake

• Measuring cups and spoons – To measure your rice, seasonings, and sauces accurately.

• Rice cooker or pot – For cooking your sushi rice until perfectly fluffy.

• Microwave-safe bowl – Used to quickly dissolve the sugar and salt in vinegar.

• Mixing bowls – For combining the shredded salmon, crab, and creamy ingredients.

• Fork – Handy for shredding the cooked salmon and imitation crab.

• Baking dish (9×9 or 9×13) – The dish you’ll layer and bake everything in.

• Spatula or spoon – For spreading and smoothing the layers.

• Oven or air fryer – To cook the salmon and bake the casserole to golden perfection.

How To Make TikTok Salmon Sushi Bake

• Cook your sushi rice until tender, then season it with a quick mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.

• Air fry or oven-bake your salmon until it’s cooked through and flaky.

• In a large bowl, shred the salmon and imitation crab with a fork.

• Add softened cream cheese and spicy mayo, then mix everything together until creamy and smooth.

• Lightly grease a baking dish and press the seasoned rice evenly into the bottom.

• Sprinkle furikake over the rice for extra flavor and crunch.

• Spread the creamy seafood mixture on top and smooth it out with a spatula.

• Bake until heated through and slightly golden, then garnish with more spicy mayo, furikake, sesame seeds, and green onions. Serve with seaweed snacks for scooping!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve it warm with Costco seaweed snacks by scooping a spoonful of the sushi bake and wrapping it in a piece of seaweed like a mini sushi taco for a fun, hands-on experience.

• Add fresh toppings on the side, such as sliced fresh avocado, cucumber spears, or pickled ginger, to give extra texture and flavor contrast.

• Make it part of a sushi night spread by pairing it with miso soup, steamed edamame, or a refreshing marinated cucumber salad for a complete meal.

• Turn it into bite-sized appetizers by scooping the sushi bake into muffin cups lined with seaweed to create perfect party portions.

• Drizzle extra sauces like homemade spicy mayo, eel sauce, or a touch of soy sauce on top before serving to take the flavor to the next level.

Tips For Success

• Start with good-quality sushi rice, as it’s the foundation of the dish. Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch, this keeps the texture fluffy and not sticky or mushy. When the rice is done, be gentle as you mix in the vinegar, sugar, and salt. You want each grain coated without smashing the rice.
• If you’re cooking the salmon yourself, both air frying and baking work great. Air frying gives the salmon a slightly crisp edge, while baking keeps it tender and moist. Just be sure it’s fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork. Shred it while it’s still warm, it mixes more smoothly with the cream cheese that way.
• Use softened cream cheese for a smooth and creamy filling. If it’s too cold, it won’t blend well and can leave chunks. You can leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing or microwave it for a few seconds to soften it up. Blend the cream cheese with the salmon, crab, and spicy mayo until everything is fully incorporated and creamy.
• Furikake is a key ingredient for flavor, it adds umami, crunch, and a touch of seaweed flavor that mimics traditional sushi. If you can, use a furikake mix with sesame seeds and dried seaweed for extra texture. Sprinkle a generous amount on top of the rice before adding the seafood layer to get flavor in every bite.
• Don’t overbake the sushi casserole. You’re just warming it through and giving the top a light golden color. Ten to fifteen minutes is perfect. If it starts to bubble or brown too much, it may dry out the seafood mixture.
• For serving, cut or scoop the sushi bake while it’s still warm, but not piping hot. It firms up slightly as it cools, making it easier to portion. Serve it with seaweed snacks so people can scoop, wrap, and eat easily, just like deconstructed sushi rolls!
• Lastly, have fun with toppings! Drizzle extra sriracha mayo, sprinkle more furikake, or toss on some sliced green onions for a colorful and flavorful finish. The more toppings, the more flavor and texture you get in every bite.

Variations And Substitutions

• If you’re not a fan of salmon, try using cooked tuna or shrimp instead. Canned tuna works in a pinch, especially when mixed with the creamy ingredients. Cooked shrimp can be chopped and mixed just like the salmon and crab. These substitutions still give you that delicious seafood flavor without needing fresh salmon.
• To make it vegetarian, skip the salmon and imitation crab and use mashed tofu or chopped avocado. You could also try shredded carrots, cucumbers, or even cooked mushrooms for a meaty texture. Add a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil to the filling for extra depth of flavor. Vegetarian furikake is also available if you want to keep it plant-based.
• For a spicier version, increase the amount of Sriracha or add a drizzle of chili oil to the top after baking. You can also add chopped jalapeños or a spoonful of gochujang (Korean chili paste) into the creamy filling for a different kind of heat. For a mild version, reduce or skip the Sriracha completely and use regular mayo instead.
• Not into cream cheese? Try using Japanese Kewpie mayo alone or blend it with a little Greek yogurt for a lighter texture. You can also mix in mashed avocado to keep it creamy without using dairy. Just make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• For the rice, sushi rice is ideal, but you can also use jasmine rice or short-grain white rice in a pinch. If you’re watching carbs, try it with cauliflower rice. Just sauté it first to cook out extra moisture before layering it in the dish.
• Feel free to get creative with toppings, too! Add sliced avocado, cucumber ribbons, pickled radish, or even mango for a sweet contrast. Garnishing with sesame seeds, green onions, or crushed nori adds flavor and texture. And don’t forget the sauces, eel sauce, spicy mayo, or a drizzle of soy sauce can all enhance the final dish.
• This sushi bake is all about making it your own. Play around with different combos until you find your favorite. Whether you’re sticking to the original or putting your own twist on it, the result is always delicious.

Storage and Reheating

• To store, let the sushi bake cool to room temperature before covering the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best not to leave seaweed snacks with it, as they can get soggy, keep those separate and add fresh when serving.
• To reheat, simply scoop a portion onto a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 30–60 seconds, or until heated through. You can also reheat the whole baking dish in the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes until warm. Cover it with foil to keep it from drying out.
• Avoid freezing this dish, as the texture of the rice and creamy filling doesn’t hold up well after thawing. For the best results, enjoy it fresh or within a couple of days from the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can fully assemble the sushi bake up to a day in advance. Just cover the dish tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, bake it as directed. This makes it perfect for meal prep or prepping for a party.

Do I have to use sushi rice?

Sushi rice is ideal because of its sticky texture and mild flavor, but you can use other short-grain or medium-grain rice varieties if needed. Jasmine rice works in a pinch, but avoid long-grain rice like basmati, as it won’t hold together well in the casserole.

Can I make it less spicy?

Absolutely! Just reduce or omit the Sriracha. You can use regular mayo instead or add a touch of honey or ketchup to balance out the flavor if you still want a sauce. You’re in control of the spice level.

Is this dish served hot or cold?

Sushi bake is best served warm. It’s baked in the oven until heated through, and then topped with sauces and garnishes before serving. You can enjoy leftovers cold if you prefer, but it’s most flavorful when warm.

Can I use canned salmon or tuna?

Yes, canned fish works well as a budget-friendly alternative. Just drain it thoroughly and flake it before mixing with the cream cheese and mayo. It blends nicely with the imitation crab and still gives you that delicious sushi-inspired flavor.

What is furikake and do I need it?

Furikake is a Japanese rice seasoning blend made with sesame seeds, seaweed, and sometimes dried fish or spices. It adds lots of flavor and texture, and it’s a key part of what makes sushi bake taste like sushi. If you don’t have it, you can sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and crushed seaweed on top as a substitute.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes! You can skip the cream cheese and just use mayo or a dairy-free alternative like mashed avocado or a plant-based cream cheese. Just keep in mind the texture may be slightly different, but still delicious.

Is this a traditional Japanese dish?

No, sushi bake is not traditional, it’s a modern, fusion-style dish that gained popularity online, especially through TikTok. It’s inspired by the flavors of sushi but served in a warm, baked form. It’s fun, casual, and super easy to make at home.

How do I serve it with seaweed?

The best way is to scoop a spoonful of the warm sushi bake and wrap it in a small sheet of seaweed snack. It’s like making your own sushi hand roll at the table. This is also a fun way to serve guests, just lay out a platter of seaweed snacks and let everyone build their own.

Can I double the recipe for a larger group?

Yes, this recipe scales up beautifully! Just double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. You may need to add a few more minutes to the bake time to ensure it’s heated all the way through. It’s a fantastic dish for potlucks, parties, and family dinners.

Other Easy Salmon Recipes

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Salmon Patties on the Grill – Grilled to perfection, these flavorful salmon burgers are a healthy and satisfying option for your next BBQ.

Crispy Salmon Fillet – This pan-seared salmon has a golden, crispy skin and tender, flaky center for the perfect restaurant-style dinner at home.

Roasted Sockeye Salmon – Bold and rich in flavor, this oven-roasted sockeye salmon is a simple yet impressive main dish.

Salmon Egg Casserole with Spinach – Packed with protein and flavor, this baked salmon and spinach egg casserole is perfect for a low-carb breakfast or brunch.

Roasted Salmon Skewers – These oven-baked salmon kabobs are tender, flavorful, and easy to make for a quick and healthy dinner.

More Appetizer Recipes

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