The Ultimate Crab Sushi Bake Recipe – Simple and Delicious!

Sushi has long been celebrated as a culinary art form, enchanting food enthusiasts with its delicate textures and harmonious combination of flavors. Nowadays everybody is searching for the perfect sushi bake recipe. From traditional rolls to creative fusion twists, sushi has found its way into the hearts and taste buds of millions around the world. But what if we told you there’s a new culinary sensation that elevates the sushi experience to an entirely different level?

Introducing the mouthwatering delight known as “Sushi Bake” – a delightful medley of sushi’s classic elements, layered and baked to perfection. This unique fusion dish has taken the culinary world by storm, captivating both sushi aficionados and novices alike with its simplicity and explosively delicious taste.

In this article, we delve into the art of crafting the ultimate crab sushi bake recipe, divulging the secrets behind its success and guiding you step-by-step through the process of creating this culinary masterpiece in the comfort of your own kitchen. So, whether you’re a seasoned sushi enthusiast looking to explore a new taste sensation or a curious gastronome eager to discover the magic of sushi in a whole new way, prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that promises to tantalize your senses and leave you craving for more. Let’s unravel the secrets of this delightful symphony of flavors – the incredible sushi bake.

We will be talking a lot about sushi bakes in this article, but directly below you will find the recipe along with the cooking video. There are too many recipe websites that hide the ingredients list and recipe deep in the page to force you to scroll through ads, and we just want our readers to have a good experience. Enjoy!

 

Crab Sushi Bake Recipe

This is the first sushi bake we have ever made, and we think it turned out fantastic. We spent a few days researching different recipes online, and then spent another few days tweaking things to create what we thought is the perfect recipe. There are only so many ways to make a sushi bake, and we think a couple things make this recipe special – the addition of the Yum Yum sauce in place of Japanese Mayo and the drizzling of the Bachan’s Japanese BBQ sauce to finish it. We think these two things gave it an incredible flavor, and if you want you can use a different sauce to finish it with if you have a favorite. You can even just use plain soy sauce or ponzu at the end too and it will still be super delicious.

When it comes to recipes, you can’t be hesitant to make tweaks that you think will work for you. For example, we think most of the sushi bake recipes online use way too much mayo, vinegar  and way too much cream cheese. Only you know what you like best and the dynamics of yours and your family’s palate, so if you feel like adding more of something, less of something, leaving something out, or adding something in is a good idea….then go for it!

Below is an edited video of me making the dish for reference, and below that is the list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions on how to make the best crab sushi bake you will ever have.

 

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Cooking Time: 40 Minutes

Total Time from Start to Finish: 45 Minutes

Serves: 4-6 People (depends on apettite)

 

Ingredients

• 1 Cup of Rice (sushi rice and koshihikari rice are preferrable. Jasmine rice works too)
• 1 Tablespoon of Rice Wine Vinegar
• ½ Tablespoon of White Sugar
• 1 Teaspoon of Sea Salt
• 8 oz of King Crab (or snow crab, imitation crab, canned crab, salmon, cod, etc.)
• 2 Tablespoons of Whipped Cream Cheese
• ¼ cup of Mayonnaise (Japanese or Kewpie Mayo if you can find it)
• 1 Tablespoon of Yum Yum Sauce
• ¼ Cup of Furikake
• ½ Cucumber
• 1 Avocado
• 3 Packages of Seaweed Snacks (You can use Teriyaki flavor added boldness)
• Bachan’s Japanese BBQ Sauce (1 bottle. Or you can use soy sauce, ponzu, oyster sauce, or whatever your favorite Japanese sauce is)
• Toasted Sesame Oil (enough to drizzle over the top of the pieces when plating)

 

Directions

• Make the Rice – follow the instructions on the box for the rice you have, and apply it to 8oz (dry raw rice). We boiled the rice for about 15-20 minutes in water that just covered it. We brought the water to a boil, put in the rice, and covered it while simmering for 20 minutes. Strain the rice afterwards and set aside.
• Cook the Crab – (enough for 8oz of crab meat). We cooked my crab legs on the BBQ because it gives them a nice flavor. It also keeps the mess and smells outside. Get the BBQ nice and hot (400-500 degrees) and grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side with BBQ lid closed. You will see the color change to a bright orange /red and you will smell the sweet crab meat when it’s ready
• Crack the Crab – and take out the meat. Set aside 8oz into a bowl. Turn the oven on at 400 degrees to pre-heat.
• Make the Crab Mixture – Put the following ingredients in a bowl and mix well with a spoon. Toss it more than stir it. Mayonnaise, Yum Yum Sauce, and Cream Cheese. At this point, if you want you can add a little siracha for spice, and/or a touch of sugar if you like it a bit sweeter.
• Build the Bake – Find a casserole dish about 10”x7” surface area (does not need to be exact). Spray with oil (olive or vegetable). Spread the rice evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle with half of the Furikake. Spread the crab mixture evenly over the rice. Sprinkle the rest of the Furikake on top of the crab.
• Cook The Sushi Bake – Put it in the oven at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes or until browned on top and bubbling hot. More like 15 minutes if you use convection mode.
• Prepare the Cucumber and Avocado – While the dish is baking, peel the cucumber and cut into mini matchsticks, or thinly sliced circles (whatever you prefer). Also, cut the avocado into thinly sliced pieces.
• Plate Your Meal – After removing the sushi bake from the oven, place 1 of the seaweed snacks on a plate (I used 2 in the video because we got a weird size by accident). Cut a square piece of sushi bake out of the dish and place it on top of the seaweed. Drizzle some toasted sesame oil on top. Add the cucumbers and avocado on top. Drizzle with the Bachan’s BBQ sauce (or whatever Japanese sauce you chose). You can even sprinkle with more Furikake if you want or just plain sesame seeds. We used siracha to finish so that we can control the spice level of each piece, but you could put it in the crab mixture if you want.

 

How and Where Was the Sushi Bake Invented?

The invention of sushi bake is a relatively recent culinary phenomenon that can be attributed to creative minds in the Philippines. While the exact origin and the name of the person who first came up with the concept may not be universally documented, it is widely believed to have emerged around the mid-2010s.

The concept of sushi bake is thought to be a fusion of Japanese and Filipino flavors, reflecting the diverse culinary influences present in the Philippines due to its rich history and cultural exchanges. Japanese cuisine, particularly sushi, has long been popular in the Philippines, and its presence has inspired local chefs and home cooks to experiment and create unique dishes that cater to Filipino tastes.

The sushi bake’s inception can be seen as a practical and inventive way to enjoy the flavors of sushi without the fuss of rolling individual sushi rolls. The traditional process of making sushi rolls requires skill and practice to achieve the perfect presentation, which can be intimidating for some home cooks. Sushi bake offers an alternative by layering the sushi ingredients in a casserole-style dish and baking them together, making it easier to prepare and serve for larger groups.

The dish typically consists of a base layer of seasoned sushi rice, followed by a savory mixture of cooked fish (commonly using canned or baked fish like salmon or tuna), mayonnaise, and various toppings like seaweed, avocado, mango, and other vegetables. The combination of creamy and umami-rich ingredients creates a delightful explosion of flavors that appeal to a wide range of palates.

As with many modern culinary creations, sushi bake gained popularity through social media and online platforms, where food enthusiasts enthusiastically shared their versions of the recipe. Its easy preparation, visually appealing layers, and delicious taste quickly caught the attention of food bloggers, influencers, and home cooks worldwide, leading to its widespread recognition as a delectable fusion dish.

Today, sushi bake has become a beloved comfort food, not only in the Philippines but also in various countries where people have embraced its mouthwatering flavors and adaptability. It continues to evolve with new variations and ingredient combinations, proving that culinary innovation knows no bounds when it comes to bringing joy to our taste buds.

 

What Kinds of Seafood Can You Use to Make a Sushi Bake?

Sushi bake is a versatile dish that allows for various seafood options to suit different tastes and preferences. While traditional sushi often includes raw fish, sushi bake typically uses cooked seafood to make it safer and more accessible for a wider audience. Here are some popular seafood options that you can use to make a delicious sushi bake:

• Salmon: Cooked or baked salmon is a classic choice for sushi bake. Its tender and flaky texture, along with its rich flavor, pairs exceptionally well with the creamy and savory layers of the dish.
• Tuna: Cooked or canned tuna is another excellent option for sushi bake. Tuna adds a mild and slightly tangy taste that complements the other ingredients.
• Shrimp: Cooked and chopped shrimp can add a delightful sweetness to the sushi bake. It’s a great option for those who prefer milder flavors.
• Crab: Cooked crab meat, often imitation crab or surimi, is a popular choice for sushi bake. Its sweet taste and soft texture create a satisfying contrast with the rice and other toppings.
• Scallops: Cooked and diced scallops can be a luxurious addition to sushi bake. They offer a delicate flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
• Mussels: Cooked and chopped mussels can add a unique twist to the sushi bake, providing a slightly briny and savory taste.
• White Fish: Cooked white fish, such as cod or halibut, can also be used for sushi bake. Its mild flavor allows the other ingredients to shine.

 

It’s essential to ensure that the seafood you choose is fully cooked and safe to eat, as sushi bake is served warm, and raw seafood can pose health risks. Additionally, you can mix and match different seafood options to create your own unique sushi bake recipe, tailoring it to your personal taste preferences. Whether you opt for one type of seafood or a medley of flavors, the result is sure to be a delectable and satisfying dish that will delight your senses.

 

Is There a Difference Between a Sushi Casserole and a Sushi Bake?

“Sushi casserole” and “sushi bake” are terms that are sometimes used interchangeably, but they can refer to slightly different preparations or variations of the same concept. Let’s explore the nuances between the two:

 

Sushi Casserole

The term “sushi casserole” is a broader description and can encompass a range of dishes that are inspired by sushi but presented in a casserole-style format. In a sushi casserole, the traditional sushi ingredients are often mixed together in a baking dish, similar to a casserole, and served as a complete meal. The ingredients typically include sushi rice, cooked seafood or other proteins, various vegetables, and sauces or seasonings.

In a sushi casserole, the ingredients may not be layered in distinct strata like in a sushi bake. Instead, they are usually combined and stirred together before being baked, creating a more cohesive and integrated dish. The result is a flavorful and comforting one-pot meal that captures the essence of sushi flavors in a convenient and approachable manner.

 

Sushi Bake

On the other hand, “sushi bake” specifically refers to a layered dish that follows a distinct assembly process. In a sushi bake, the components are typically arranged in distinct layers within a baking dish. The base layer is often sushi rice seasoned with vinegar, sugar, and salt. On top of the rice, there is a mixture of cooked seafood (commonly fish like salmon or tuna) combined with mayonnaise and other flavorings. Finally, various toppings like seaweed, avocado, mango, and vegetables are added to complete the layers.

Once assembled, the sushi bake is then baked in the oven until the flavors meld together, the toppings become slightly crispy, and the dish is thoroughly heated. The result is a delicious and visually appealing layered casserole that can be easily scooped and served.

While both sushi casseroles and sushi bakes share the same concept of incorporating sushi flavors into a baked dish, the distinction lies in the preparation and presentation. A sushi casserole is more of a mixed and stirred combination, while a sushi bake is carefully assembled in distinct layers.

It’s worth noting that these terms might be used differently in various regions or culinary contexts, and the specific recipes and techniques can vary. Ultimately, the choice of name often depends on the culinary preferences and creativity of the chef or home cook preparing the dish.