WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Are you craving sushi but short on time? This Quick and Easy Sushi Bake recipe is your answer! With just a few simple ingredients, like sushi rice, imitation crab meat, and creamy toppings, you’ll whip up a dish that’s both flavorful and fun. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this easy recipe makes sushi night a breeze. Let’s dive into the tasty details!

Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This sushi bake is straightforward and requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners.
- Great for Sharing: With its square serving style, this dish is ideal for gatherings and parties, allowing everyone to enjoy a taste of sushi.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients, such as adding more spice or different seafood, to suit your personal taste.
- Comfort Food Twist: This recipe combines the flavors of traditional sushi in a warm, baked format that is comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients for Quick and Easy Sushi Bake
To make a tasty sushi bake, you need key ingredients. Here’s what you will need:
– 2 cups sushi rice
– 2 1/2 cups water
– 1 pound imitation crab meat, shredded
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
These ingredients create a creamy and savory base for your dish. The sushi rice gives it the right texture, while the imitation crab meat adds that classic seafood flavor.
Seasoning and Garnishing Ingredients
Next, you need to add some flavor and flair. These ingredients are essential:
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– Sesame seeds for garnish
– Nori strips for topping
The rice vinegar, sugar, and salt work together to season the rice perfectly. The sesame seeds and nori strips add crunch and color on top.
Optional Ingredients and Variations
Want to spice things up? You can add a few optional ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon sriracha for heat
– Alternative seafood options like shrimp or salmon
Sriracha gives it a kick if you like it spicy. You can also swap the crab for other seafood based on your taste. This keeps the recipe fun and fresh!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key. It makes sure your sushi bake cooks evenly.
Rinsing and cooking sushi rice: Rinse 2 cups of sushi rice under cold water. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice with 2 1/2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. After that, turn off the heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 more minutes. This steaming makes the rice fluffy and perfect.
Mixing and Assembling
Seasoning the rice: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 3 tablespoons sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Whisk until the sugar dissolves. Gently fold this mixture into the cooked rice. Be careful not to mash the grains. Set the seasoned rice aside to cool slightly.
Combining the crab mixture: In a large bowl, mix 1 pound of shredded imitation crab meat, 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of sriracha (adjust based on your spice preference), and 1/4 cup of chopped green onions. Stir until well blended and creamy.
Baking and Final Touches
Assembling in the baking dish: Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a little oil. Spread the seasoned sushi rice evenly across the bottom. Then, layer the crab mixture over the rice, smoothing it out evenly.
Baking time and temperature: Place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and make sure it is hot throughout. Enjoy the warm, savory smell as it bakes!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Sushi Bake
Ensuring rice texture and flavor
To get the best sushi rice, rinse it well. You want to remove all the excess starch. This makes the rice less sticky and gives it a nice texture. After rinsing, cook it with just the right amount of water. Use 2 1/2 cups of water for 2 cups of rice. When it’s done, let it sit for 10 minutes. This helps the rice steam and become fluffy. Mix in the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt gently. This adds flavor and gives the rice a nice shine.
Achieving the perfect crab mixture consistency
For the crab mixture, make sure your cream cheese is soft. This helps it blend well with the crab and mayo. Mix them together until smooth. Add the sriracha and chopped green onions next. This adds flavor and a bit of heat. The mixture should be creamy but not too runny. If it feels too thick, add a little more mayo. This way, it spreads easily over the rice.
Serving Suggestions
Creative plating ideas
When it comes to serving, have fun with the plating! Cut the sushi bake into squares for easy serving. Place them on a nice platter. You can garnish with extra nori strips and sesame seeds on top. This adds color and makes it look fancy. Serve with small bowls of soy sauce on the side. This way, everyone can dip as they like.
Recommended side dishes
For sides, consider simple salads or pickled veggies. They add a nice crunch and balance the meal. A cucumber salad drizzled with rice vinegar works great. You can also serve edamame for a fun snack. Both options are light and refreshing.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Best practices for storage
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. This keeps the sushi bake fresh. It can last in the fridge for about three days. Just make sure to let it cool before sealing.
How to reheat without losing texture
To reheat, the oven is best. Preheat it to 350°F. Place the sushi bake in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This helps keep the top crispy while warming the inside. If you use a microwave, be careful. Heat in short bursts to avoid making it soggy.
Pro Tips
- Perfect Rice Texture: Rinse the sushi rice thoroughly until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, ensuring the rice is sticky yet fluffy after cooking.
- Adjusting Spice Level: Modify the amount of sriracha in the crab mixture according to your personal heat preference, or substitute it with a milder sauce if needed.
- Even Baking: To achieve a golden brown top, consider broiling the sushi bake for a few minutes at the end of the baking process, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Creative Serving: Serve with additional toppings like avocado slices, pickled ginger, or wasabi for a fun and interactive sushi experience.

Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can switch out the crab meat for other proteins. Shrimp or cooked salmon works great. You can also use cooked chicken for a twist. If you want a vegetarian option, try using tofu or avocado. These swaps allow you to make the dish suit your taste.
Flavor Enhancements
Different sauces can change the flavor of your sushi bake. Try using eel sauce for a sweet and savory touch. A sprinkle of chili flakes adds a kick if you like spice. You can also mix in veggies, like bell peppers or cucumbers. These add color and crunch to the dish.
Unique Serving Styles
You can personalize how you serve your sushi bake. Try making sushi bake roll-ups. Just spread the mixture on a nori sheet and roll it up. You can also use muffin tins to create sushi bake cups. This makes for easy serving and fun bites. Each bite can be a new flavor experience!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your sushi bake fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps to keep the flavors intact. You can use glass or plastic containers. Make sure the lid seals tightly. The leftovers will stay good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a good option.
Freezing Sushi Bake
Freezing your sushi bake is easy. First, let it cool completely. Then, cut it into portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place these wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. Your sushi bake can last for about 2 months in the freezer.
When you want to eat it, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. You can also thaw it quickly in the microwave.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, you have two choices: oven or microwave.
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sushi bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Microwave: If you use the microwave, place a piece on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second bursts until warm.
Both methods work well, but the oven keeps the texture better. Enjoy your sushi bake just like it was fresh!
FAQs
How long does it take to make a Quick and Easy Sushi Bake?
Making a Quick and Easy Sushi Bake takes about 45 minutes in total. Here’s how the time breaks down:
– Prep Time: 20 minutes to prepare all ingredients and get the rice ready.
– Cooking Time: 25 minutes to bake the dish until golden brown.
Can I use fresh crab instead of imitation crab?
Yes, you can use fresh crab! Fresh crab offers a better texture and taste. It adds a more authentic seafood flavor. Just make sure to shred it fine to mix well with the other ingredients. The cream cheese and mayonnaise will help combine everything nicely.
Is this sushi bake suitable for freezing?
Yes, this sushi bake is great for freezing. Here are some tips:
– Freezing: After baking, let it cool completely. Cut it into squares before freezing. This makes it easier to reheat later.
– Reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, bake in the oven until warm. This keeps the texture nice and fresh. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep it crispy!
In this blog post, I broke down how to make a quick and easy sushi bake. We discussed the essential ingredients, like sushi rice and imitation crab. I covered step-by-step instructions, from preparing the rice to baking the dish. Tips on perfecting your bake and creative serving ideas ensure tasty results. Don’t forget about storage and reheating tips to enjoy leftovers. Whether you’re new to sushi or a fan, this dish offers fun variations to try. Enjoy crafting your own unique sushi bake masterpiec
Sushi Bake Delight
A fun twist on traditional sushi, baked to perfection with creamy crab and seasoned rice.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 2.5 cups water
- 0.25 cups rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound imitation crab meat, shredded
- 0.5 cups cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 0.25 cups mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 0.25 cups chopped green onions
- 1 sheet nori, cut into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
- 1 serving soy sauce for serving
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it reaches the right temperature while you prepare the dish.
Prepare the Sushi Rice: Rinse the sushi rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water becomes clear. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice and 2 1/2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat, cover with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed. Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes to allow the rice to steam.
Season the Rice: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar dissolves completely. Gently fold this mixture into the cooked sushi rice, being careful to keep the grains intact. Set the seasoned rice aside to cool slightly.
Make the Crab Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded imitation crab meat, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sriracha, and chopped green onions. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well incorporated and you achieve a creamy consistency.
Assemble the Bake: Grease a baking dish roughly 9x9 inches in size with a non-stick spray or a drizzle of oil. Spread the seasoned sushi rice evenly across the bottom of the dish to create a base. Next, layer the crab mixture over the rice, smoothing it out evenly to cover the rice completely.
Bake: Place the assembled dish into your preheated oven. Bake the sushi mixture for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and piping hot.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the top with nori strips and a generous dusting of sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal. Allow the sushi bake to cool slightly for a few minutes before slicing it into squares.
Enjoy: Serve the sushi bake warm, accompanied by soy sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy this delightful dish as a fun twist on traditional sushi!
Adjust sriracha to your preferred spice level.
Keyword bake, crab, easy, sushi
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?