The Art of Baked Sushi Casserole Perfection

Sushi Rice Mastery

Learning to properly season and handle sushi rice creates the perfect sticky yet fluffy foundation that holds your casserole together while maintaining authentic Japanese flavor and texture.

Flavor Layering

Building complementary layers of seasoned rice, spicy salmon mixture, and melted cheese teaches the art of balancing flavors and textures in a single dish for maximum taste impact.

Temperature Control

Baking at the right temperature ensures the rice stays moist, the salmon warms through, and the cheese melts perfectly without drying out or burning the edges.

Topping Technique

Adding fresh toppings after baking preserves their vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and optimal textures, creating visual appeal and taste contrast with the warm base.

Presentation Artistry

The final drizzle of spicy mayo and strategic placement of garnishes transforms a simple casserole into a restaurant-quality dish that delights both eyes and palate.

Secrets to Sushi Casserole Success

Rice Preparation: Use short-grain or sushi rice for authentic texture and proper stickiness; jasmine or long-grain rice won't provide the same cohesive structure needed for this casserole.

Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the rice base and salmon mixture up to 24 hours in advance, store separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.

Salmon Substitutes: Leftover cooked salmon works beautifully, or use canned salmon, tuna, or even cooked shrimp as protein alternatives based on preference and availability.

Cheese Selection: While mozzarella provides mild creaminess, a Mexican blend adds extra flavor; for traditional taste, omit cheese entirely and increase the salmon layer.

Crispier Top: For a golden, crispy finish, broil the casserole for the final 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Serving Suggestion: Cut into squares and serve with nori sheets on the side so guests can wrap pieces for a hand-held sushi experience.

Ultimate Baked Sushi Casserole with Salmon, Avocado, and Spicy Mayo - Easy Deconstructed California Roll

Name: Ultimate Baked Sushi Casserole with Salmon, Avocado, and Spicy Mayo - Easy Deconstructed California Roll
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Japanese Fusion
Ingredients: For the Sushi Rice Base:; 3 cups uncooked sushi rice or short-grain rice; 3 3/4 cups water; 1/3 cup rice vinegar; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; For the Salmon Layer:; 1 pound cooked salmon, flaked (or canned salmon, drained); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 green onions, finely chopped; For the Toppings:; 1 cup shredded imitation crab or real crab meat; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or Mexican cheese blend; 2 ripe avocados, sliced; 1/4 cup furikake seasoning; 3 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted; 2 green onions, sliced for garnish; For the Spicy Mayo Drizzle:; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2-3 tablespoons sriracha sauce; 1 teaspoon lime juice; For Special Equipment:; 9x13 inch baking dish; Rice cooker or large pot; Mixing bowls

The ultimate baked sushi casserole featuring flaky salmon, creamy avocado, and seasoned sushi rice. This fusion dish combines the savory umami of traditional sushi with the comforting warmth of a baked casserole, creating an unforgettable family-friendly meal that elevates the classic California roll to extraordinary heights perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any time you crave the perfect balance of Japanese flavors and comfort food.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

25 Minutes

Total Time

40 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Sushi Rice Base:

3 cups uncooked sushi rice or short-grain rice

3 3/4 cups water

1/3 cup rice vinegar

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

For the Salmon Layer:

1 pound cooked salmon, flaked (or canned salmon, drained)

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons sriracha sauce

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

2 green onions, finely chopped

For the Toppings:

1 cup shredded imitation crab or real crab meat

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or Mexican cheese blend

2 ripe avocados, sliced

1/4 cup furikake seasoning

3 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted

2 green onions, sliced for garnish

For the Spicy Mayo Drizzle:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2-3 tablespoons sriracha sauce

1 teaspoon lime juice

For Special Equipment:

9x13 inch baking dish

Rice cooker or large pot

Mixing bowls

Instructions

Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then cook according to package directions with 3 3/4 cups water until tender and fluffy, about 20 minutes.

While rice is cooking, heat rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves completely, about 2 minutes.

Transfer hot cooked rice to a large bowl, pour the vinegar mixture over it, and gently fold using a cutting motion to combine without mashing the grains, then let cool to room temperature.

Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.

In a medium bowl, combine flaked salmon, mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions, mixing until evenly combined and creamy.

Press the seasoned sushi rice evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a firm, compact layer that covers the entire base.

Spread the salmon mixture evenly over the rice layer, then sprinkle shredded crab meat on top, followed by an even layer of shredded cheese.

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.

While baking, prepare spicy mayo by whisking together mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.

Remove casserole from oven and let rest for 5 minutes, then top with sliced avocado, furikake, toasted sesame seeds, and sliced green onions.

Drizzle the spicy mayo over the entire casserole in a decorative pattern, cut into squares, and serve warm with additional soy sauce and wasabi on the side if desired.

Ultimate Baked Sushi Casserole with Salmon, Avocado, and Spicy Mayo - Easy Deconstructed California Roll

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Baked Sushi Casserole Perfection

Ultimate Baked Sushi Casserole with Salmon, Avocado, and Spicy Mayo - Easy Deconstructed California Roll

Ingredients

Instructions