Sushi Bake with Salmon Avocado (Printable)

Layered seasoned rice, salmon, avocado, and nori combine in a warm dish topped with sesame and spring onions.

# What You'll Need:

→ Rice Layer

01 - 2 cups sushi rice
02 - 2 ½ cups water
03 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
04 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
05 - 1 teaspoon salt

→ Salmon Layer

06 - 14 ounces skinless salmon fillet
07 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
08 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
09 - ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Creamy Layer

10 - 3.5 ounces cream cheese, softened
11 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie)
12 - 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional)
13 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice

→ Toppings

14 - 2 avocados, sliced
15 - 3 sheets roasted nori, cut into small squares
16 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
17 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced

→ For Serving

18 - Soy sauce (for dipping)
19 - Pickled ginger (optional)
20 - Wasabi (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Rinse sushi rice under cold water until clear. Combine with water in saucepan; bring to boil. Cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 10 minutes.
02 - Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Stir into cooked rice and fluff gently with a fork. Spread evenly into a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
03 - Set oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking.
04 - Place salmon on parchment-lined tray. Brush with soy sauce and sesame oil; sprinkle with black pepper. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until cooked through. Flake with a fork once cooled slightly.
05 - Combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, sriracha, and lemon juice in a bowl until smooth. Fold flaked salmon into the mixture evenly.
06 - Spread salmon mixture evenly over rice layer in baking dish.
07 - Bake assembled dish for 10 minutes until warmed through and slightly golden on top.
08 - Top with sliced avocado, nori squares, toasted sesame seeds, and sliced spring onions.
09 - Slice and serve warm with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • All the sushi flavors you crave without mastering the roll technique.
  • Comes together in under an hour and feels fancy enough to serve to guests.
  • Warm, creamy, and deeply satisfying in a way cold sushi sometimes isn't.
02 -
  • Don't add the avocado before baking or it'll turn dark and mushy; it's meant to be creamy but fresh on top.
  • If your salmon sticks to the pan while baking, parchment paper is your friend and saves cleanup and heartbreak.
03 -
  • Toast your sesame seeds yourself in a dry pan for 2 minutes if you have whole seeds; the difference in flavor is worth the extra step.
  • Make the rice vinegar mixture while the rice is still cooking so it absorbs the seasoning faster and more completely.
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