Imagine taking a bite of warm, fluffy sushi rice topped with succulent, caramelized teriyaki-glazed salmon. The rich umami of the fish pairs perfectly with the spicy mayo, crunchy fried onions, and creamy avocado, creating an explosion of flavor and texture in every bite. The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce enhances the dish with a glossy, sticky finish, making it irresistibly delicious.
This Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake is the ultimate weeknight meal for sushi lovers who want a hassle-free experience. No rolling, no mess—just layer, bake, and enjoy! Serve it as a cozy meal for two or double the recipe for a gathering with friends. It’s a modern twist on traditional sushi that’s bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen!
Full Recipe:
- ¾ lb Salmon (Coho Salmon recommended)
- 3 tbsp Teriyaki Sauce or Japanese BBQ Sauce
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- ¼ tsp Kosher Salt
- ¼ tsp Garlic Powder
- 3 cups Cooked Sushi Rice
- 1 small Avocado, cubed
- 3 tbsp Spicy Mayo
- 1 tbsp Furikake
- 2 tbsp Crispy Fried Onion Bits
- 2 tbsp Scallions, finely diced
Directions:
- Preheat your broiler.
- Carefully remove the skin from the salmon and cut it into 1-inch pieces.
- In a medium bowl, combine the salmon pieces, teriyaki sauce, and salt. Stir to coat evenly and set aside.
- In a small baking dish, add the cooked sushi rice and pat it down to form a flat layer.
- Evenly spread the teriyaki salmon mixture on top of the rice. Sprinkle with garlic powder and brown sugar.
- Place the baking dish on the top rack of the oven and broil for 6 minutes, or until the salmon caramelizes.
- Remove from the oven and top with avocado, a drizzle of spicy mayo, furikake, crispy fried onions, and scallions.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 minutes | Total Time: 16 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake: A Fusion of Japanese and Comfort Food
Sushi bakes have taken the culinary world by storm, blending the essence of sushi with the ease and comfort of a baked casserole. The Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake is a delightful twist on this viral trend, combining the rich umami flavors of teriyaki-glazed salmon with the creamy, spicy, and crunchy elements that make sushi so beloved. Perfect for sushi lovers who want a simpler, no-roll method, this dish is a must-try for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
The Origin of Sushi Bakes
Sushi bakes originated as a creative alternative to traditional sushi rolls, making it easier for home cooks to enjoy sushi flavors without the hassle of rolling nori and precisely slicing fish. This dish gained popularity on social media, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where home chefs showcased their delicious takes on sushi bakes.
Unlike traditional sushi, which requires precise techniques, sushi bakes allow for a more relaxed, family-style serving. The ingredients are layered in a baking dish, baked to perfection, and then scooped onto nori sheets or eaten straight from the dish. The result is a warm, flavorful dish that retains the essence of sushi while being much easier to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: No sushi rolling required—just layer, bake, and serve!
- Rich in Flavor: Sweet, savory, and umami-packed with teriyaki-glazed salmon, spicy mayo, and crispy toppings.
- Customizable: Swap out ingredients to suit your taste—use different proteins, add more toppings, or adjust the spice level.
- Perfect for Sharing: This dish is great for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
- Nutritious and Filling: Loaded with protein, healthy fats, and carbs, making it a satisfying meal.
The Star Ingredient: Teriyaki Salmon
Salmon is one of the most popular fish used in Japanese cuisine, known for its rich, buttery texture and high omega-3 content. In this sushi bake, the salmon is cut into bite-sized pieces and coated with a luscious teriyaki glaze before being broiled to caramelized perfection.
The teriyaki sauce, a staple in Japanese cooking, adds a perfect balance of sweetness and umami, enhancing the natural flavors of the salmon. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a slightly crispy, caramelized exterior.
Key Components of the Sushi Bake
While the teriyaki salmon is the centerpiece, several other ingredients contribute to the dish’s depth of flavor and textural contrast:
- Sushi Rice: Sticky, vinegared rice forms the base, providing the classic sushi flavor.
- Spicy Mayo: A creamy, slightly spicy drizzle that enhances the richness of the salmon.
- Avocado: Adds a buttery texture and mild sweetness to balance the flavors.
- Furikake: A Japanese seasoning blend of seaweed, sesame seeds, and dried fish flakes, adding an extra layer of umami.
- Crispy Fried Onion Bits: Instead of the traditional panko, crispy onions provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy and soft elements of the dish.
- Scallions: Fresh and slightly pungent, they add brightness to the final dish.
How to Serve Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake
One of the best things about sushi bakes is their versatility. They can be served in various ways to suit different preferences:
- With Nori Sheets: The classic way to enjoy sushi bake is by scooping it onto small pieces of roasted nori, creating bite-sized sushi wraps.
- As a Rice Bowl: Skip the nori and simply serve a scoop of the sushi bake in a bowl for an easy, comforting meal.
- With Cucumber Slices: For a low-carb option, use cucumber slices as a refreshing base for scooping up the sushi bake.
- Topped with Extra Toppings: Customize with extra furikake, pickled ginger, sriracha, or even tobiko for added texture and flavor.
Ways to Customize the Recipe
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some ideas to switch things up:
- Swap the Protein: Not a fan of salmon? Try shrimp, crab, tuna, tofu, or even grilled chicken for a unique twist.
- Make it Spicier: Add extra sriracha to the spicy mayo or mix in chili flakes for more heat.
- Add More Crunch: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of fried onions for a different kind of crispiness.
- Try a Different Sauce: While teriyaki sauce is a classic choice, a miso glaze or a soy-ginger marinade can bring a new depth of flavor.
- Include More Veggies: Mix in thinly sliced cucumbers, carrots, or even mango for extra freshness and sweetness.
Pairing Suggestions
To make this dish a complete meal, pair it with some complementary sides and beverages:
- Asian Avocado & Cucumber Salad: A refreshing, tangy side dish that balances the richness of the sushi bake.
- Miso Soup: A warm, comforting soup that enhances the Japanese flavors of the meal.
- Edamame with Sea Salt: A simple yet nutritious appetizer to start your meal.
- Green Tea or Sake: Green tea provides a cleansing effect, while sake pairs beautifully with the umami flavors of the dish.
Why This Dish is Perfect for Any Occasion
This Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake is ideal for various occasions:
- Date Night: Impress your significant other with a homemade sushi-inspired meal.
- Family Dinner: A fun, interactive meal that kids and adults will love.
- Potluck or Party Dish: Easy to prepare in large batches and perfect for sharing.
- Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and reheat for quick lunches throughout the week.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the sushi bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, though the texture may not be as crispy.
Avoid freezing sushi bake, as the texture of the rice and toppings may not hold up well after thawing.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Recipe for Sushi Lovers
If you love sushi but want a more approachable, no-fuss way to enjoy it, this Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake is the perfect dish for you. It delivers all the signature flavors of sushi—sweet, savory, creamy, and umami-packed—in a warm, comforting, and shareable format.
With its easy preparation, customizable ingredients, and crowd-pleasing flavors, this dish is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner at home or bringing it to a gathering, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked on this irresistible fusion of sushi and comfort food!