Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of sushi in a warm, comforting casserole with this Spicy Crab Sushi Bake. It’s a simple, shareable dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- Sushi Rice
- Rice Vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt
- Imitation Crab Meat (Surimi)
- Japanese Mayonnaise (Kewpie)
- Sriracha
- Cream Cheese
- Nori Sheets
- Thinly Sliced Avocado (optional)
- Sliced Cucumber (optional)
- Toasted Sesame Seeds (black and white, optional)
- Thinly Sliced Green Onions (optional)
- Furikake (optional)
- Cooked and Shredded Shrimp (optional substitution)
- Cooked and Shredded Chicken (optional substitution)
- Lean Ground Beef (optional substitution)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sushi Rice: Cook your sushi rice according to the package instructions. While it's still warm, transfer it to a large bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar and salt dissolve. Pour this seasoning mixture over the warm rice and gently fold it in with a rice paddle or spoon. Cover the bowl and let the rice cool slightly while you prepare the topping.
- Make the Spicy Crab Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the imitation crab meat (shredded finely), Japanese mayonnaise, Sriracha (start with a tablespoon and add more to your liking), and softened cream cheese. Mix everything together until it's smooth and creamy. Adjust the Sriracha or any other seasonings as needed.
- Assemble the Sushi Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly press the seasoned sushi rice into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a firm, even layer. If using furikake or sesame seeds, sprinkle a generous amount over the rice layer now.
- Add the Topping: Spoon the spicy crab mixture over the rice layer, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface. Drizzle a little more Sriracha or a swirl of spicy mayo over the crab layer if desired.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown, bubbly, and slightly caramelized around the edges. Optionally, broil for the last 2-3 minutes for an extra crispy top.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, let the sushi bake cool for about 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh avocado slices, thin cucumber strips, toasted sesame seeds, and chopped green onions. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve immediately with toasted nori sheets on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: Ensure your sushi rice is cooked to perfection and let it cool to warm before pressing into the dish. Adjust the Sriracha to your spice preference, and consider adding thinly sliced vegetables for extra crunch.