Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake

This teriyaki salmon sushi bake transforms your favorite sushi restaurant flavors into a delicious, shareable casserole that's perfect for an intimate dinner. The caramelized teriyaki salmon sits atop a bed of sticky rice, creating a decadent dish that brings Japanese-inspired flavors right to your home table.

I created this recipe after craving sushi during lockdown when our favorite Japanese restaurant was closed. The combination of flavors reminded us so much of our favorite rolls that it became our Friday night tradition.

Ingredients

• Salmon: Fresh Coho salmon provides the perfect balance of rich flavor and tender texture. Look for vibrant color and firm flesh at your fish counter.
• Teriyaki Sauce: Creates that signature sweet and savory Japanese flavor profile. Choose a high quality brand or make your own for best results.
• Brown Sugar: Helps create that beautiful caramelization during broiling. Dark brown sugar has more molasses for deeper flavor.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors while balancing the sweetness. The larger flakes dissolve more slowly for even distribution.
• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle aromatic depth without overpowering the delicate salmon. Always check for freshness as it loses potency over time.
• Sushi Rice: Forms the foundation of our bake with its sticky texture and subtle sweetness. Rinse thoroughly before cooking for best texture.
• Avocado: Adds creamy richness and cool contrast to the warm salmon. Choose one that yields slightly to gentle pressure.
• Spicy Mayo: Brings a pleasant heat and richness that ties everything together. Use quality mayonnaise for the best flavor base.
• Furikake: This Japanese seasoning blend adds umami flavor and beautiful presentation. Look for versions with nori and sesame seeds.
• Crispy Fried Onion Bits: Provide wonderful textural contrast and savory notes. Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
• Scallions: Add fresh, bright notes and beautiful color contrast. Use the tender green parts for milder flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Salmon:

Remove the skin completely from your salmon fillet using a sharp knife. Cut the salmon into one inch cubes, ensuring they're all similar in size to promote even cooking. This step is crucial as the smaller pieces allow for better flavor absorption and quicker cooking.

Create The Teriyaki Marinade:

In a medium bowl, combine your cubed salmon pieces with teriyaki sauce and kosher salt. Gently toss to ensure each piece is well coated. Allow the salmon to marinate briefly while you prepare the rice base. The teriyaki sauce will begin to penetrate the fish, infusing it with sweet and savory notes.

Form The Rice Base:

Add your freshly cooked sushi rice to a small baking dish. Using slightly damp hands or the back of a spoon, press the rice firmly to create a smooth, even surface. This dense base will support your toppings and mimic the structure of a traditional sushi roll.

Add The Salmon Layer:

Arrange the marinated salmon pieces evenly across the rice surface, ensuring good distribution. Sprinkle the garlic powder and brown sugar evenly over the salmon. These ingredients will help create a beautiful caramelized exterior during broiling.

Broil To Perfection:

Position your oven rack near the top and preheat your broiler. Place the baking dish under the broiler for approximately 6 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. The salmon should begin to caramelize on top while remaining tender and juicy. The brown sugar will create a beautiful glaze.

Add Fresh Toppings:

Remove the dish from the oven and immediately add your fresh toppings. Arrange the cubed avocado evenly across the top, drizzle with spicy mayo, and sprinkle with furikake, crispy fried onions, and diced scallions. These fresh elements contrast beautifully with the warm salmon and rice.

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The furikake seasoning is truly the secret ingredient in this recipe. I discovered it years ago at a Japanese market and now keep it stocked in my pantry at all times. The combination of seaweed, sesame seeds, and umami flavors elevates this dish to restaurant quality status.

Make It Ahead

This sushi bake can be partially prepped ahead of time to make dinner even faster. Cook your sushi rice up to a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. You can also mix the teriyaki marinade and prepare the spicy mayo in advance. When ready to eat, simply bring the rice to room temperature, assemble, and broil for a quick meal without compromising on flavor or texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this sushi bake family style right in the baking dish with small bowls of additional spicy mayo, soy sauce, and pickled ginger on the side. For a complete meal, pair with a simple miso soup and cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar. Many people enjoy scooping portions with sheets of nori for a hand roll experience, or simply use a spoon to get every delicious layer in each bite.

Ingredient Substitutions

If salmon is unavailable, try this recipe with sushi grade tuna, cooked shrimp, or even imitation crab for a California roll inspired version. Vegetarians can substitute the salmon with marinated and broiled tofu or mushrooms. No furikake? Create your own simple version with crumbled nori sheets, toasted sesame seeds, and a pinch of salt. Regular white rice can work in place of sushi rice in a pinch, though the texture will be less authentic.

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This dish will surely become your go-to for impressing loved ones, combining ease and elegance in every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What can I substitute for teriyaki sauce?

If you don't have teriyaki sauce, you can substitute with soy sauce mixed with a bit of honey or brown sugar. Japanese BBQ sauce (yakiniku) works well too, as mentioned in the ingredients. You could also use a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and a touch of ginger for a similar flavor profile.

→ How do I make proper sushi rice?

For proper sushi rice, rinse short-grain Japanese rice until water runs clear, then cook according to package instructions. While still warm, gently fold in a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Fan the rice while mixing to create a glossy texture. Allow to cool slightly before using in this dish.

→ Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes, you can substitute salmon with other fish like tuna, sea bass, or even cooked shrimp. Just ensure any fish you use is sushi-grade if you prefer it less cooked in the center. You could also use imitation crab meat or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

→ What is furikake and where can I find it?

Furikake is a Japanese seasoning typically made with dried seaweed, sesame seeds, dried fish, sugar, and salt. You can find it in the Asian food section of many grocery stores, at Asian specialty markets, or online. If unavailable, a simple substitute would be a mixture of sesame seeds, crushed nori (seaweed), and a pinch of salt.

→ How do I make spicy mayo at home?

To make spicy mayo at home, simply mix 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise with 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha sauce (adjust to your preferred level of spiciness). For extra flavor, add a few drops of sesame oil and a squeeze of lime juice. Mix well until completely combined and smooth.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare components ahead of time. Cook the rice and marinate the salmon up to 24 hours in advance. When ready to serve, assemble and broil. However, for best taste and texture, add the avocado, spicy mayo, and crispy toppings just before serving, as these elements are best fresh.