This Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake recipe is a fun and easy twist on traditional sushi, inspired by the viral TikTok sushi bake trend. It’s perfectly portioned for two people, featuring teriyaki-glazed salmon, sticky rice, spicy mayo, and crispy toppings for an irresistible bite. Whether you’re craving sushi flavors or a comforting meal, this dish is sure to become a favorite!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• ¾ lb salmon (Coho salmon recommended)

• 3 tbsp teriyaki sauce or Japanese BBQ sauce

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• ¼ tsp kosher salt

• ¼ tsp garlic powder

• 3 cups cooked sushi rice (sticky rice)

• 1 small avocado (cubed)

• 3 tbsp spicy mayo (or yum yum sauce)

• 1 tbsp furikake (optional)

• 2 tbsp crispy fried onion bits

• 2 tbsp scallions (finely diced)

Directions

1. Prep the Salmon: Remove the skin from the salmon and cut it into 1-inch pieces. In a medium bowl, combine the salmon with teriyaki sauce and salt. Stir well and set aside.

2. Build the Bake: In a small baking dish, spread the cooked sticky rice evenly, pressing it down to form a flat surface. Top the rice with the teriyaki salmon mixture and sprinkle evenly with garlic powder and brown sugar.

3. Broil the Salmon: Turn on your oven broiler and place the dish near the top rack. Broil for 6 minutes, or until the salmon begins to caramelize.

4. Add Toppings: Remove the dish from the oven and add cubed avocado, a drizzle of spicy mayo, furikake, crispy fried shallots, and scallions on top.

5. Serve: Serve immediately, enjoying this crispy, creamy, and savory sushi bake!

Nutrients (Per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 350 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 30g

• Protein: 25g

• Fat: 20g

• Sodium: 700mg

The Appeal of the Sushi Bake Trend

The sushi bake trend has gained popularity for its simplicity and delicious results. Unlike traditional sushi, which requires careful rolling and sometimes tricky ingredients like seaweed sheets, sushi bakes allow you to enjoy all the familiar flavors of sushi in an easy-to-assemble baked form. It’s a great way to enjoy sushi without the need for special equipment or advanced skills. The sushi bake is essentially a casserole-style dish, where layers of seasoned rice, fish, and toppings are baked together to create a savory, creamy, and crispy meal.

This Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake, in particular, takes the best elements of sushi and combines them into a quick, accessible dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal. The combination of tender salmon, sticky rice, and savory toppings brings together the familiar flavors of sushi, while the baking process adds a comforting twist that makes this dish feel like a cozy meal you can enjoy at home.

The Teriyaki-Glazed Salmon: A Flavorful Star

The key to this dish’s deliciousness lies in the teriyaki-glazed salmon. Salmon is a versatile fish that pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki sauce. The salmon is coated in a mixture of teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, kosher salt, and garlic powder, which not only infuses it with flavor but also helps it caramelize as it broils in the oven. The result is perfectly cooked salmon with a slightly crispy, sweet, and savory exterior that complements the sticky rice perfectly.

Salmon is an excellent choice for this dish because it’s rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids and provides a satisfying, tender texture. The fish is naturally flavorful, and the teriyaki glaze enhances its taste while adding a bit of sweetness and depth. The combination of the savory teriyaki sauce and the natural richness of the salmon creates a mouthwatering filling that’s the star of the sushi bake.

Sticky Rice: The Perfect Base

Sticky rice, also known as sushi rice, is an essential component of any sushi dish. Its slightly sweet, vinegary flavor and sticky texture help it hold together and provide the perfect base for the teriyaki salmon and other toppings. In the sushi bake, the rice is spread evenly in the baking dish, where it forms a firm, cohesive base for the salmon and toppings. The sticky rice’s texture is important because it helps bind the ingredients together, creating a satisfying bite that mimics the mouthfeel of traditional sushi.

To achieve the best texture for the sticky rice, it’s important to use sushi rice or short-grain rice, as these types of rice have the right amount of starch to create that sticky, slightly chewy texture. The rice is seasoned with a touch of salt and vinegar to enhance its flavor, making it the perfect complement to the rich, savory salmon.

Toppings: Creamy Avocado, Spicy Mayo, and Crispy Garnishes

What truly sets this Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake apart is the array of delicious toppings that add flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Once the dish has been broiled to perfection, it’s topped with cubed avocado, spicy mayo, furikake, crispy fried shallots, and fresh scallions.

Avocado adds a creamy, cool contrast to the warm, savory ingredients, providing a silky texture and a mild, buttery flavor. It’s a perfect balance to the rich, umami-filled salmon and the tangy, slightly vinegary rice. The addition of spicy mayo (or yum yum sauce) provides a creamy, spicy kick that complements the salmon and enhances the overall flavor profile. The creamy mayo helps to bind the dish together, while the spice gives it an exciting bite.

Furikake, a Japanese seasoning blend made of toasted sesame seeds, nori (seaweed), and other flavorings, brings an extra layer of umami and crunch to the dish. It’s a traditional sushi topping that adds depth and complexity to the flavor. The crispy fried shallots contribute a delightful crunch, providing a contrast to the soft and creamy ingredients. Finally, freshly diced scallions offer a burst of freshness and a touch of sharpness that ties all the flavors together.

The Broiling Process: Golden and Caramelized Perfection

One of the key elements in making this Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake so special is the broiling process. By using the broiler, you achieve a golden, slightly caramelized top layer of salmon and rice. The heat from the broiler ensures that the salmon gets crispy and the sugar in the teriyaki sauce caramelizes, giving it a deliciously sweet and savory glaze. The broiler also helps to warm the toppings and allows the spicy mayo and avocado to meld together with the rest of the dish.

Broiling is an ideal method for this sushi bake because it creates the perfect balance of texture: crispy on top while maintaining the tender, juicy interior. It’s important to keep an eye on the dish while broiling to ensure that the salmon doesn’t overcook and that the toppings get just the right amount of heat.

A Balanced Meal in a Single Dish

This Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake is a well-rounded meal that provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The salmon offers a rich source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health and overall well-being. The sticky rice provides a satisfying base of carbohydrates, while the avocado adds healthy fats that contribute to a creamy texture and nutritional value.

Additionally, the dish is easy to customize to suit your dietary preferences. If you prefer a lighter version, you can adjust the amount of rice or opt for a lower-fat mayo alternative. You can also experiment with other toppings like pickled ginger, sesame seeds, or even a drizzle of eel sauce to create a unique flavor profile. This sushi bake is versatile enough to be adapted to various tastes and dietary needs.

Perfect for Date Night or a Casual Meal

This Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake is perfect for a cozy date night or a casual dinner at home. It’s a fun dish to share with a loved one, as it’s perfectly portioned for two people. The combination of the savory salmon, creamy avocado, and crispy toppings creates a satisfying and indulgent meal that feels special yet easy to prepare.

Because it’s baked in a single dish, cleanup is minimal, making it an ideal choice for a low-maintenance but delicious meal. Whether you’re looking for a unique way to enjoy sushi at home or want to try something new for dinner, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.

Conclusion

The Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake is a fun, easy, and flavorful twist on traditional sushi. With its combination of teriyaki-glazed salmon, sticky rice, creamy avocado, and crispy toppings, this dish brings together all the best elements of sushi in a simple, bakeable form. Whether you’re new to sushi or a longtime fan, this recipe is sure to impress with its balance of savory, creamy, and crispy textures. Perfectly portioned for two, it’s a satisfying and comforting meal that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Try this dish for your next meal and enjoy the irresistible flavors of sushi with less fuss and more flavor!