Description
Sushi Bake is a delicious and comforting deconstructed sushi dish featuring perfectly cooked sushi rice layered with a creamy, spicy crab mixture, baked to golden perfection. It offers all the flavors of traditional sushi with a simple preparation suitable for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a cozy meal at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 2 ½ cups water
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Crab Topping
- 1 pound imitation crab meat, shredded
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 sheet nori, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Rinse the rice: Rinse the sushi rice in cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch for perfect texture.
- Cook the rice: Place the rinsed rice in a medium saucepan with 2 ½ cups of water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the rice: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the water is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Steam the rice: Remove from heat and let the rice sit covered for 10 minutes to steam fully.
- Prepare vinegar seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved.
- Season the rice: Transfer the cooked rice to a large bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture; then let the rice cool to room temperature.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
- Prepare crab mixture: In a medium bowl, shred imitation crab meat. Add mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, sesame oil, and softened cream cheese, then stir until creamy and combined.
- Add nori: Crumble the sheet of nori into small pieces and fold into the crab mixture for added flavor and texture.
- Assemble: Spread the cooled sushi rice evenly in the bottom of a baking dish, pressing down gently to compact.
- Top with crab mixture: Evenly spread the crab and cream cheese mixture over the rice layer.
- Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for nuttiness and texture.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cooling and garnish: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh finish.
- Serve: Serve the sushi bake in portions using a spoon. Enjoy the combination of warm, creamy, and savory flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute imitation crab with real crab meat if preferred for authentic flavor.
- Adjust sriracha sauce amount to control spiciness to your taste.
- Allowing the rice to cool ensures the crab mixture spreads evenly without melting the cream cheese too soon.
- The sushi bake is best served warm but can be stored in the fridge and reheated gently.
- Optional: Serve with soy sauce or pickled ginger for added sushi-style accompaniments.
