As I rummaged through my pantry one chilly evening, a craving hit me—sushi, but with a cozy twist. Enter the Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake, a warm and inviting dish that transforms delicate salmon glazed in sweet teriyaki sauce into a restful, home-cooked delight. This recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser for an intimate dinner for two but also preps in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect solution for busy nights when fast food just won’t do. Layering together sticky sushi rice, creamy avocado, and a zesty drizzle of spicy mayo, this dish embraces all the flavors of your favorite sushi while offering the comfort of a warm casserole. Ready to indulge your sushi desires in a new way? Let’s dive into the details! Why is this recipe a must-try? Cozy Comfort: This Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake wraps warm, home-cooked comfort around your sushi cravings. Quick Prep Time: With a total cooking time of under 30 minutes, it’s a hassle-free option for busy weeknights! Adaptable Ingredients: Whether you’re gluten-free or craving a veggie version, this recipe is easily customized to fit your needs. Impressive Flavor: The sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce combined with creamy avocado creates a delightful explosion of taste and texture. Perfect for Two: Designed to serve two, it’s ideal for a romantic dinner or a fun night in with a friend. Looking for more delicious and quick vegetarian options? Check out these recipes for Baked Parmesan Zucchini or a comforting serving of Baked Ziti Cheesy that everyone will adore! Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake Ingredients Dive into the delicious details of your Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake with these essential ingredients! For the Salmon Mixture • Salmon – The star of the dish, providing rich flavor; opt for sockeye or Atlantic salmon for variety. • Teriyaki Sauce – Adds a delightful sweetness and tang to the salmon; feel free to use Japanese BBQ sauce as a substitute. • Brown Sugar – Enhances the caramelization of the salmon for that perfect glaze; omit for a less sweet profile. • Kosher Salt – Essential for bringing out the flavors; you can swap it with table salt if you don’t have kosher on hand. • Garlic Powder – Infuses a savory depth into the dish; fresh minced garlic can elevate the flavor even more. For the Base • Cooked Sushi Rice – The foundation of this cozy bake; short-grain or jasmine rice works beautifully as substitutes. For the Toppings • Avocado – Brings creaminess and freshness to each bite; can be omitted for a simpler flavor if desired. • Spicy Mayo – Adds a kick of heat; create an easy version by mixing mayonnaise with sriracha. • Furikake – A Japanese seasoning blend that boosts the umami flavor; crushed nori or sesame seeds are excellent alternatives. • Crispy Fried Onion Bits – Offers a delightful crunch; you can use panko breadcrumbs instead for a similar texture. • Scallions – A fresh garnish that brightens the dish; chives can be used for a milder alternative. Let’s create something cozy and delicious with these ingredients! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake Step 1: Prep the Salmon Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, use a sharp knife to carefully remove the skin from the salmon and cube it into bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the salmon with teriyaki sauce and kosher salt, allowing them to meld together for about 10 minutes. This will ensure the salmon is flavorful in your Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake. Step 2: Build the Bake In a greased baking dish, press down a layer of cooked sushi rice evenly across the bottom. This sticky base should hold together well and provide the perfect canvas for your Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake. Next, spoon the marinated salmon mixture over the rice, ensuring an even distribution. To enhance the flavor, sprinkle garlic powder and brown sugar over the top, giving it a delicious sweet-savory kick. Step 3: Broil Now, place the baking dish in your preheated oven and set the broiler to high. Broil the dish for approximately 6 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning. You’ll know it’s ready when the salmon has a beautiful caramelized finish and is cooked through—look for a lightly browned edge for that delightful texture. Step 4: Add Toppings Once your Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake is done broiling, carefully remove it from the oven, and let it cool for a minute. Top it with creamy avocado slices, a drizzle of spicy mayo, and a generous sprinkle of furikake for added umami. To finish, add crispy fried onion bits and chopped scallions for a burst of flavor and crunch. Step 5: Serve Immediately It’s time to dig in! For the best taste and texture, serve your Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake hot from the oven. Enjoy the fusion of flavors as you scoop out portions, appreciating the savory salmon paired with the creamy toppings. This comforting dish is best enjoyed fresh and warm, making it a heartwarming meal for you and a loved one. How to Store and Freeze Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day; this will maintain the freshness of your Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake while preventing any odors from affecting the dish. Freezer: If you need to freeze, let the dish cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15–20 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful. Leftover Tips: For the best taste, consider reheating just the salmon and rice layers before adding fresh avocado and toppings upon serving. What to Serve with Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake Embrace a delightful evening by pairing dishes that complement the rich flavors and comforting warmth of this sushi bake. Steamed Broccoli: Adds vibrant color and a fresh crunch, perfectly balancing the richness of the salmon. Miso Soup: A warm, savory broth that enhances Japanese flavors and prepares the palate for your sushi bake. Pickled Ginger: A tangy, refreshing palate cleanser that brightens each bite and adds authenticity to your meal experience. Edamame Beans: These lightly salted green gems introduce a satisfying texture and a healthy bite to your dining table. For a dreamy finish, consider a Green Tea Ice Cream: Its subtle sweetness and creamy texture offer a refreshing end to your meal that’s both delightful and soothing. You’ll be amazed at how a few simple sides can elevate your dining experience with the Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake! Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake Variations Feel free to let your creativity shine while making this delectable dish! Seafood Swap: Substitute salmon with cooked shrimp or crab for a delicious twist on flavors. The tender shrimp or sweet crab will bring a whole new experience to your cozy bake. Veggie Boost: Add edamame or diced bell peppers for a healthy crunch and color. These elements not only elevate the nutrition but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your dish. Dairy-Free Delight: Skip the spicy mayo for a completely dairy-free version, or use creamy avocado as a velvety alternative. This keeps the dish just as luscious without the extra dairy content. Gluten-Free Option: Replace the teriyaki sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos to suit gluten-sensitive diners. This modification ensures everyone can enjoy this scrumptious meal together. Heat Level: Spice things up by adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili paste into your salmon mixture. A splash of heat can invigorate the flavors and tantalize your taste buds. Zesty Flavor Boost: Incorporate fresh lime juice and zest over the top before serving for a burst of brightness. The citrus notes will cut through the richness, elevating the dish to a whole new level. Crunchy Texture: Instead of crispy fried onions, try topping with crushed wasabi peas for an unexpected crunch and a hint of wasabi kick. They add that perfect textural contrast to your creamy components! Sushi Roll Inspiration: Layer in sliced cucumber or pickled ginger to give homage to traditional sushi flavors. This addition truly captures the essence of sushi in every bite. Looking for more inspiration? Try creating a delightful dessert like Strawberry Shortcake Sushi to complete your meal! Make Ahead Options These Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake is a fantastic option for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the salmon mixture and sushi rice up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cube the salmon and mix it with teriyaki sauce and kosher salt, then refrigerate in an airtight container. Cook the sushi rice according to your recipe, let it cool, and store in a separate container. When you’re ready to enjoy, press the rice into the baking dish, add the marinated salmon, and then broil as directed for just the right caramelized finish. This approach ensures that your Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake remains just as delicious while making your cooking process more efficient! Expert Tips for Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake • Preheat Properly: Ensure your broiler is fully preheated for an even, caramelized finish on your salmon. • Watch the Time: Monitor closely while broiling; salmon can overcook quickly. Aim for that perfect golden edge. • Sticky Rice is Key: Make sure your sushi rice is adequately sticky to hold its shape, providing a solid base for the bake. • Garnish at the End: Add toppings like avocado and scallions right before serving to maintain their freshness and crispness. • Store Wisely: Keep leftovers in an airtight container; reheat gently to preserve moisture and avoid dryness. Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best salmon for this recipe? Absolutely! Look for fresh salmon filets, ideally sockeye or Atlantic salmon, as they provide rich flavor and tenderness. When selecting, check for a vibrant color, firm texture, and a clean, ocean-like smell. Avoid salmon with dark spots or a strong fishy odor, as these could indicate spoilage. How should I store leftovers of the Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake? To keep your Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. It’s best to reheat them gently at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes to maintain moisture without drying out the dish. Can I freeze the Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake? Absolutely! After the dish has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15–20 minutes. What can I do if my sushi rice isn’t sticky enough? Very much! If your sushi rice isn’t sticky, it may not have been cooked correctly. Make sure to rinse the rice until the water runs clear before cooking, as this removes excess starch. When cooking, use a ratio of 1 cup sushi rice to 1.2 cups water and let it steam covered after boiling for about 10-15 minutes. If reheating or preparing more, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar and sugar to help it stick together. Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of? Definitely! If you need to accommodate allergies or dietary restrictions, this recipe is quite adaptable. For gluten-free options, substitute the teriyaki sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos. If someone is sensitive to seafood, you could easily swap out the salmon for cooked shrimp or with diced veggies like bell peppers or edamame for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to check the labels on all sauces and toppings! Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, indeed! For easy preparation, you can make the salmon mixture and sushi rice ahead of time. Simply store them separately in the refrigerator, and when you’re ready to serve, press the rice into the baking dish, add the salmon, and broil right before serving. This way, you’ll have a hot, cozy meal ready in minutes! Savory Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake You Can Make in 30 Minutes This Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake combines rich salmon with sweet teriyaki sauce and creamy toppings, offering a cozy dinner option in under 30 minutes. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 2 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: JapaneseCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Salmon Mixture1 pound Salmon sockeye or Atlantic salmon recommended1/4 cup Teriyaki Sauce can substitute with Japanese BBQ sauce1 tablespoon Brown Sugar omit for less sweetness1 teaspoon Kosher Salt can use table salt1 teaspoon Garlic Powder fresh minced garlic optionalFor the Base2 cups Cooked Sushi Rice short-grain or jasmine rice worksFor the Toppings1 medium Avocado can be omitted1/4 cup Spicy Mayo mix mayonnaise with sriracha2 tablespoons Furikake crushed nori or sesame seeds as alternatives1/4 cup Crispy Fried Onion Bits panko breadcrumbs can be used2 tablespoons Scallions chives as a milder option Equipment Mixing bowlbaking dishKnifeOven Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the skin from the salmon and cube it into bite-sized pieces. Combine salmon with teriyaki sauce and salt, and let it meld for 10 minutes.In a greased baking dish, layer cooked sushi rice evenly. Spoon the salmon mixture over the rice, then sprinkle garlic powder and brown sugar on top.Broil the baking dish for approximately 6 minutes until the salmon is caramelized and cooked through.Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Top with avocado slices, spicy mayo, and furikake, then add crispy onion bits and scallions.Serve hot from the oven to enjoy the best taste and texture. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 25gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg NotesFor the best taste, serve immediately after preparation. Feel free to adjust toppings based on preferences. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!