Sushi Bake with Salmon Avocado (Printable version)

Baked layers of savory salmon, creamy avocado, and seasoned rice with nori and sesame seeds.

# Ingredient list:

→ Rice Layer

01 - 2 cups sushi rice
02 - 2 ½ cups water
03 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
04 - 1 tablespoon sugar
05 - 1 teaspoon salt

→ Salmon Layer

06 - 14 oz skinless salmon fillet
07 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
08 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
09 - ½ teaspoon black pepper

→ Creamy Layer

10 - 3.5 oz cream cheese, softened
11 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie)
12 - 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional)
13 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice

→ Toppings

14 - 2 avocados, sliced
15 - 3 sheets roasted nori, cut into small squares
16 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
17 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced

→ For Serving

18 - soy sauce for dipping
19 - pickled ginger (optional)
20 - wasabi (optional)

# Step-by-step guide:

01 - Rinse sushi rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine with water in a saucepan, bring to boil, cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 10 minutes.
02 - Whisk rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Stir mixture into cooked rice, fluffing gently with a fork. Spread rice evenly in a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
03 - Set oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking.
04 - Place salmon fillet on parchment-lined tray. Brush with soy sauce and sesame oil, sprinkle with black pepper, then bake for 12–15 minutes until cooked through. Flake salmon with a fork.
05 - Combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, sriracha, and lemon juice until smooth. Fold in flaked salmon until evenly incorporated.
06 - Spread salmon mixture evenly over rice layer in the baking dish.
07 - Bake for 10 minutes until warmed through and tops are slightly golden.
08 - Top casserole with sliced avocado, nori squares, toasted sesame seeds, and spring onions. Slice and serve warm with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi on the side.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • No rolling skills required—just layers and a baking dish, which means less stress and more confidence.
  • The warm, creamy salmon mixture with cool avocado on top creates this perfect temperature contrast that feels indulgent but isn't fussy.
  • It looks impressive enough to serve guests but tastes like the most comfortable dinner you could make on a Tuesday night.
02 -
  • The salmon must be completely cooked before you flake and fold it into the cream cheese mixture—undercooked salmon is one of those mistakes you only make once.
  • Don't add avocado until right before serving; it oxidizes and browns within minutes if you prep it too early.
  • The second bake is short on purpose—you're warming, not cooking further; anything longer than 10 minutes risks drying out the salmon layer.
03 -
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2 minutes if you have time—the difference in flavor is worth the extra step.
  • Use a sharp knife dipped in water to slice the casserole cleanly; it prevents the rice from clumping and looks neater on the plate.
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