The Base Layer: Rice and Seasonings

The foundation of sushi bake is perfectly seasoned short-grain sushi rice. It should be sticky enough to hold together while offering that signature tangy-sweet sushi flavor.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 cups sushi rice, cooked
• 3 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• (Optional) 1 tsp sesame oil or mirin for extra depth

Protein Options for Your Sushi Bake

The beauty of sushi bake is that you can use a variety of proteins!

Popular Choices:

• Crab sticks (imitation or real) 🦀 – Budget-friendly, classic choice.
• Salmon 🐟 – Fresh or canned, both work great.
• Tuna – Spicy tuna adds a delicious kick.
• Shrimp 🍤 – Cooked, chopped shrimp for a sweet, meaty bite.

Vegetarian & Creative Options:

• Tofu 🍃 – Marinated or baked for a plant-based twist.
• Avocado 🥑 – Creamy and rich!
• Mushrooms 🍄 – Roasted shiitake or portobello for an umami boost.
• Bell Peppers & Zucchini – Roasted veggies for extra flavor and texture.

Toppings That Elevate the Flavor

Sushi bake isn’t complete without bold toppings that add crunch, creaminess, and spice!

Flavor Boosters:

• Sliced avocado 🥑 – Buttery and smooth.
• Cream cheese 🧀 – Adds a rich, velvety touch.
• Cucumber strips 🥒 – Fresh crunch to balance out the creamy filling.
• Tobiko (fish roe) 🐟 – Tiny bursts of salty goodness.

Sauces & Finishing Touches:

• Spicy Mayo (Kewpie mayo + Sriracha) 🌶️ – Drizzle it for a creamy heat.
• Unagi Sauce (Eel sauce) 🍶 – A sweet, umami-rich soy-based glaze.
• Sesame Seeds & Nori Flakes – Adds texture and color.