Salmon Sushi Bake: A Deliciously Easy Recipe

Sushi bake has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason! It's a fun, customizable, and surprisingly easy way to enjoy all the flavors of sushi without the painstaking rolling. This recipe focuses on a delicious salmon sushi bake, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this visually appealing and incredibly tasty dish!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe is flexible, allowing you to adjust quantities based on your needs and preferences.

For the Sushi Rice:

• 2 cups sushi rice
• 2 ¼ cups water
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Salmon:

• 1 pound salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon ginger, grated

For the Toppings:

• 1 avocado, thinly sliced
• ½ cup cucumber, thinly sliced
• ½ cup imitation crab meat, shredded (optional, but highly recommended!)
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• 1 sheet nori seaweed, cut into strips
• Sesame seeds (white and/or black)
• Sriracha mayo (optional, but adds a fantastic kick!) – Mix mayonnaise with sriracha to your preferred level of spiciness.

Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide to Sushi Bake Perfection

Preparing the Sushi Rice:

1. Rinse the rice: Rinse the sushi rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch.
2. Cook the rice: Combine the rinsed rice and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
3. Season the rice: In a separate bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar dissolves. Gently fold this mixture into the cooked rice while it's still warm. Let it cool completely.

Preparing the Salmon:

1. Marinate the salmon: In a bowl, combine the salmon pieces, soy sauce, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Gently toss to coat and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (longer is better!).

Assembling the Sushi Bake:

1. Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
3. Layer the ingredients: Spread the cooled sushi rice evenly in the baking dish. Arrange the marinated salmon pieces over the rice. Top with the avocado slices, cucumber, imitation crab meat (if using), and shredded carrots.
4. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the edges of the rice are slightly golden brown.
5. Garnish and serve: Garnish with nori strips, sesame seeds, and sriracha mayo (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations for Your Salmon Sushi Bake

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the salmon marinade for extra heat.
• Get creative with toppings: Feel free to experiment with other toppings, such as masago (fish roe), pickled ginger, or edamame.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the salmon marinade and chop the vegetables ahead of time to save time on the day you bake.
• Leftovers: Store leftover sushi bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

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