🍣 Creamy Crab-Mayo Sushi Bake (Viral Sushi Casserole)

Category: Dinner | Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Japanese-American | Servings: 6–8

This creamy sushi bake is a total crowd-pleaser—layers of fluffy rice, savory crab-mayo mix, melty cheese, and a golden broiled top. Serve it warm, scoop with seaweed (nori), and top with avocado & sriracha mayo for that viral sushi roll flavor in casserole form. Whether it’s your first time making sushi at home or you’re craving a cozy twist on your favorite rolls, this easy sushi bake recipe is perfect for parties, potlucks, or lazy weeknights.

📊 Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving):

(based on 8 servings, varies by ingredients)

Calories: 340
Protein: 12g
Carbs: 28g
Fat: 20g

🧾 Ingredients

🔹 For the Sushi Rice Layer:

2 cups sushi rice (or short-grain white rice)
2½ cups water
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
½ tsp salt

🔹 For the Crab-Mayo Layer:

1½ cups imitation crab (or real crab meat), shredded
½ cup Kewpie mayo (or regular mayo)
1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
2 tbsp cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
1 tsp soy sauce
½ tsp sesame oil

🔹 Topping:

½ cup shredded mozzarella (or a mix with cheddar)
1 tbsp furikake (Japanese rice seasoning)
Optional: sliced green onions, sesame seeds

✅ Pros (Why People Love It):

Viral Appeal: Popular on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube
Beginner-Friendly: No rolling or special tools needed
Great for Sharing: A family-style dish with sushi vibes
Customizable: Swap proteins (e.g., shrimp, tuna, salmon) or make it spicy
Kid-Friendly: Easy to modify for mild flavors

❌ Cons (Considerations):

Not traditional sushi – It’s more of a fusion dish
Can be rich – Cream cheese, mayo, and cheese make it heavy
Not ideal for meal-prepping – Best fresh out of the oven
Needs nori or toppings for texture – Can feel soft without

👨‍🍳 Instructions

🔸 Step 1: Make the Sushi Rice

Rinse the rice until water runs clear. Cook in a rice cooker or pot with 2½ cups water.
In a small bowl, mix vinegar, sugar, and salt. Microwave until sugar dissolves.
Once rice is cooked, gently fold in the vinegar mix. Let cool slightly.

🔸 Step 2: Make the Crab-Mayo Mixture

In a bowl, mix shredded crab with mayo, sriracha, cream cheese (if using), soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Stir until smooth and well combined.

🔸 Step 3: Assemble the Sushi Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a greased 9×13” baking dish, press sushi rice evenly into the bottom.
Sprinkle a layer of furikake over the rice.
Spread the crab-mayo mix evenly on top.
Add a layer of shredded cheese.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, then broil for 2–3 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

🔸 Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or extra furikake.
Scoop with a spoon and serve with roasted seaweed sheets.
Top with avocado slices, cucumber, and sriracha mayo if desired.

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Creamy Crab-Mayo Sushi Bake (Viral Sushi Casserole): Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What exactly is a Sushi Bake? A1: A Sushi Bake, sometimes called Sushi Casserole, is a deconstructed sushi dish baked in a casserole dish. It typically consists of a base layer of seasoned sushi rice, topped with a creamy mixture of seafood (like imitation crab or salmon), often combined with mayonnaise and other seasonings, and then baked until warm and slightly golden. It’s usually served by scooping onto nori (seaweed) sheets.

Q2: Is this sushi bake raw? Is it safe to eat? A2: No, a sushi bake is not raw. The seafood (like imitation crab) is typically cooked before being mixed into the creamy topping, and the entire dish is baked in the oven, ensuring all ingredients are heated through. It’s a safe and delicious alternative to traditional raw sushi.

Q3: Do I have to use imitation crab meat, or can I use real crab? A3: While imitation crab (surimi) is commonly used and gives it a classic “California roll” flavor profile, you can absolutely use real cooked crab meat for an even more luxurious taste. Cooked shrimp, salmon, or even canned tuna (drained well) can also be used as alternatives.

Q4: What kind of rice should I use? A4: For the best results, use short-grain sushi rice. It has the right stickiness and texture that holds together well when baked and provides an authentic sushi experience. Regular long-grain rice won’t have the same consistency.

Q5: What’s the best way to serve Sushi Bake? A5: Sushi bake is traditionally served warm, scooped onto squares of roasted seaweed (nori). You can also serve it with slices of avocado, cucumber, sriracha, extra Japanese mayonnaise, or a sprinkle of furikake (Japanese rice seasoning) for extra flavor and texture.

Q6: Can I make this ahead of time? A6: You can prepare most components ahead of time! You can cook and season the rice, and mix the creamy crab topping a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving for the freshest taste and best texture.

Q7: How do I store leftovers, and can I reheat them? A7: Store any leftover sushi bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. While it can be reheated, the rice may dry out slightly. To reheat, microwave individual portions briefly or warm in the oven at a low temperature until heated through. Adding a tiny sprinkle of water over the rice before reheating can help retain moisture.

Q8: Can I make this spicier? A8: Absolutely! To increase the heat, you can: * Add more Sriracha to the crab-mayo mixture. * Drizzle extra Sriracha over the top before or after baking. * Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes into the topping.

Q9: What if I don’t have all the specific Japanese ingredients like furikake or tobiko? A9: Don’t worry! While furikake and tobiko (fish roe) add authentic flavor and pop, the sushi bake will still be delicious without them. Focus on the core ingredients like sushi rice, imitation crab, and Japanese mayonnaise. You can substitute with sesame seeds, finely chopped green onions, or even a sprinkle of regular seasoning if needed.

Easy Sushi Bake – Creamy, Cheesy & Perfect for Sharing!