Save The first time I smelled salmon and cream cheese baking together, I was at a potluck where someone brought this golden, bubbly casserole dish. Everyone gathered around it with nori sheets in hand, scooping straight from the pan. I asked for the recipe on the spot. It turned out to be a brilliant shortcut to sushi cravings without the rolling or the fuss. Now it's my go-to when I want something impressive but easy enough to pull off on a weeknight.
I made this for my sister's birthday dinner last spring, and she loved how interactive it was. We set out bowls of avocado, cucumber, and pickled ginger, and everyone built their own little nori wraps at the table. The cheese was still bubbling, the sesame seeds smelled toasty, and the whole thing disappeared in minutes. She still texts me asking when I'll make it again.
Ingredients
- Skinless salmon fillet: I bake or pan-sear mine until just cooked, then flake it with a fork—overcooked salmon gets dry, so keep it tender.
- Imitation crab sticks: These add sweetness and texture, but you can skip them or swap in real crab if you have it.
- Sushi rice: The short-grain kind is essential for that sticky, cohesive base—long-grain rice will not hold together the same way.
- Rice vinegar, sugar, and salt: This trio is what makes sushi rice taste like sushi rice, sweet and tangy with a hint of salt.
- Cream cheese: Let it soften on the counter for at least 30 minutes so it blends smoothly into the sauce.
- Kewpie mayonnaise: The Japanese kind is richer and slightly sweeter than regular mayo, and it makes a noticeable difference.
- Sriracha: Start with less if you are heat-sensitive—you can always drizzle more on top after baking.
- Soy sauce: Just a tablespoon adds umami depth without making the sauce too salty.
- Mozzarella cheese: It melts beautifully and gets golden on top, giving you that irresistible cheesy crust.
- Toasted sesame seeds: I toast mine in a dry pan for a minute until fragrant—it brings out a nutty aroma.
- Scallions and nori: Fresh green onion and crispy seaweed finish it off with color and that classic sushi flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. This gives you time to get everything ready without rushing.
- Cook the Rice:
- Rinse the sushi rice until the water runs clear, then simmer it covered for 15 minutes and let it steam off the heat for 10 more. This double rest makes it perfectly sticky.
- Season the Rice:
- Mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl, then fold it gently into the warm rice. Spread the seasoned rice evenly in your prepared dish, pressing it down lightly with the back of a spoon.
- Make the Creamy Filling:
- Combine the flaked salmon, shredded crab, softened cream cheese, mayo, Sriracha, and soy sauce in a bowl. Stir until everything is creamy and well blended—it should look like a thick, spicy dip.
- Assemble and Top:
- Spread the seafood mixture evenly over the rice, then sprinkle the mozzarella on top in an even layer. The cheese will melt and bubble into a golden crust.
- Bake Until Golden:
- Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. The edges will get a little crispy, which is the best part.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, sliced scallions, and nori strips over the top. Serve it warm with extra nori sheets for scooping, plus any extras like avocado or pickled ginger on the side.
Save One evening, I brought this to a friend's game night, and someone said it tasted like a sushi restaurant met a cozy casserole. We all laughed, but that is exactly what makes it special. It is comforting and familiar, but it still feels a little fancy and fun. Everyone wanted seconds, and I went home with an empty dish and a bunch of recipe requests in my texts.
Make It Your Own
You can swap the salmon for cooked shrimp, canned tuna, or even a mix of both. I have also added a handful of chopped cucumber or avocado right into the creamy layer for extra freshness. If you want more heat, add a drizzle of unagi sauce or extra Sriracha on top before baking. Some people like to mix in a little furikake seasoning with the rice for even more umami flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container. I reheat individual portions in the microwave for about a minute, or you can warm the whole dish covered in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes. The rice will firm up a bit when cold, but it softens again when heated. The cheese may not be as bubbly the second time, but the flavor is still great.
Serving Suggestions
I like to set out small bowls of sliced avocado, cucumber ribbons, pickled ginger, and extra soy sauce so everyone can customize their bites. You can also serve it with a simple seaweed salad or miso soup on the side. For a party, cut it into squares and serve on small plates with chopsticks or forks. It is also perfect with a cold Japanese lager or iced green tea.
- Use nori snack packs for easy scooping if you do not want to cut a full sheet.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice over the top right before serving for a bright pop.
- Try sprinkling a little everything bagel seasoning on top for a fun twist.
Save This dish always brings people together, whether it is a quiet dinner or a full table of friends. It is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug and a little celebration at the same time.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute the salmon for other seafood?
Yes, cooked shrimp or canned tuna can be used instead of salmon for a different flavor and texture.
- → How do I prepare the sushi rice for this dish?
Rinse the sushi rice until water runs clear, then cook with water and steam. Mix in vinegar, sugar, and salt before layering.
- → What gives the creamy texture in the seafood layer?
The combination of cream cheese, mayonnaise, and soy-based sauce creates a smooth, rich consistency.
- → Can I make this dish spicier or milder?
Adjust the amount of Sriracha or chili sauce in the creamy mixture to control the heat level.
- → Are there any suggested garnishes for serving?
Toasted sesame seeds, sliced scallions, nori strips, and optionally avocado or pickled ginger enhance flavor and presentation.
- → What is the best way to bake this dish?
Bake it in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.