Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe: A New Twist on Sushi

Introduction

Sushi has long been a beloved dish worldwide, but not everyone feels comfortable rolling their sushi at home. Enter the Salmon Sushi Bake—a warm, comforting, and incredibly delicious take on sushi that anyone can make! This recipe is perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or when you're craving sushi with a twist.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the preparation, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients:

• 2 cups sushi rice
• 3 cups water
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 lb salmon fillet
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 cup Japanese mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sriracha sauce (optional for spice lovers)
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 2 tablespoons furikake (Japanese rice seasoning)
• 1 sheet of nori, cut into strips
• 2 green onions, sliced thin
• 1 cucumber, sliced into thin rounds
• Pickled ginger and wasabi for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice

• Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
• Cook the rice using a rice cooker or stovetop with 3 cups of water.
• Once cooked, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Pour this mixture over the rice and gently fold it in until well combined. Let the rice cool slightly.

Step 2: Cook the Salmon

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Place the salmon fillet on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Drizzle the salmon with soy sauce and sesame oil.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the salmon is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork.
• Remove the salmon from the oven and let it cool slightly before flaking it into pieces with a fork.

Step 3: Assemble the Sushi Bake

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked salmon, Japanese mayonnaise, and sriracha sauce (if using).
• In a baking dish, spread the prepared sushi rice evenly on the bottom.
• Layer the salmon mixture on top of the rice.
• Sprinkle furikake generously over the salmon mixture.
• Bake the assembled dish for 15-20 minutes or until the top is slightly golden and bubbly.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

• Remove the sushi bake from the oven and let it cool slightly.
• Garnish with sliced avocado, cucumber rounds, green onions, and nori strips.
• Serve with pickled ginger and wasabi on the side.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh salmon: The quality of the salmon will greatly impact the flavor of your sushi bake. Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon fillets.
• Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of sriracha or add a sprinkle of chili flakes to