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This Tuna Sushi Bake for One is the perfect single-serve meal, combining creamy, spicy tuna with rice in a baked casserole form. It’s a fusion dish that takes the flavors of sushi and transforms them into a warm, comforting dish that’s both quick and easy to make. Whether you’re craving sushi or just need a fast, satisfying meal, this tuna sushi bake is sure to hit the spot!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 (4 oz) can tuna, drained
1 ½ tbsp Japanese mayo (Kewpie or similar)
½ tbsp sriracha
1 oz cream cheese
1 cup cooked white rice (sushi rice preferred)
Furikake (Japanese rice seasoning)
Drizzle of Japanese mayo
Drizzle of sriracha
Drizzle of eel sauce
1 green onion, sliced

For serving:

Roasted seaweed
Sliced avocado
Sliced cucumber
Eel sauce
Spicy mayo

Directions

Prepare the tuna mixture: In a bowl, mix together the tuna, Japanese mayo, sriracha, and cream cheese until well combined.
Layer the ingredients: In a small oven-safe dish, layer the cooked rice, a sprinkle of furikake, and the tuna mixture. Drizzle with additional Japanese mayo, sriracha, and eel sauce.
Bake: Bake at 400°F (or air fry) for 5 minutes until the top is golden and toasty.
Top and serve: Garnish with sliced green onions. Serve with roasted seaweed, avocado, cucumber, and extra eel sauce or spicy mayo if desired.

Nutrients

Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g

Why a Tuna Sushi Bake?

The concept of a Tuna Sushi Bake is a wonderful adaptation of traditional sushi, transforming the dish into a baked casserole that’s not only more accessible but also more filling. Sushi is beloved for its fresh, light, and sometimes raw ingredients, but not everyone has the time, skills, or ingredients to prepare sushi rolls at home. This tuna sushi bake simplifies the process by using canned tuna, a great pantry staple, and combining it with sushi rice and creamy mayo for that familiar sushi flavor, but with the added comfort of a baked dish.

By baking the ingredients together, you get a warm, toasty topping while the tuna mixture remains creamy and flavorful. The texture of the rice changes slightly as it bakes, becoming slightly firmer and more cohesive, which makes each bite satisfying and comforting. Unlike sushi rolls, which can sometimes fall apart, the baked format keeps everything together, creating a cohesive dish that’s easy to serve and enjoy.

Creamy, Spicy Tuna Filling

The heart of this Tuna Sushi Bake is the creamy, spicy tuna filling. Canned tuna serves as the base of the dish, providing a quick and cost-effective protein source. While plain tuna might be a bit dry, mixing it with Japanese mayo (such as Kewpie mayo) and sriracha gives it a rich, creamy texture and a zesty, spicy kick. The Japanese mayo adds a subtle sweetness and umami that’s different from Western-style mayonnaise, making it a key ingredient in achieving that authentic sushi flavor.

Cream cheese is added to the mixture to further enhance the creaminess and to give the tuna mixture a velvety texture. The cream cheese also balances out the heat from the sriracha, making the filling rich without being overpowering. The combination of these ingredients creates a creamy, spicy filling that pairs perfectly with the sushi rice and adds depth of flavor to the dish.

The Sushi Rice Base

The sushi rice base is another crucial element of this dish. Sushi rice is known for its sticky texture, which makes it ideal for holding together the various layers of the casserole. It also absorbs the flavors of the tuna mixture and sauces, adding a satisfying texture and enhancing the overall dish. Using freshly cooked sushi rice ensures that it retains its slightly firm texture while still being soft and sticky enough to hold the tuna mixture in place.

For those who prefer, you can substitute sushi rice with any short-grain rice or even brown rice for a healthier option, though the flavor and texture may slightly differ. The rice not only serves as the base but also complements the tuna, adding volume and making the dish more filling. A light sprinkling of furikake seasoning adds another layer of flavor to the rice, bringing in hints of seaweed, sesame, and a touch of saltiness that enriches the entire dish.

Toppings and Garnishes

Once the Tuna Sushi Bake has been baked and is ready to serve, it’s topped with fresh ingredients and sauces to enhance both the flavor and presentation. A drizzle of Japanese mayo adds a creamy finish, while a touch of sriracha offers a little extra heat. Eel sauce, known for its sweet and savory flavor, is another essential component that brings a perfect balance of sweetness and umami to the dish, complementing the richness of the tuna filling.

Sliced green onions are sprinkled on top for a fresh, crisp contrast that brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color. The combination of the creamy, spicy tuna filling, the savory rice, and the sweet and umami-rich sauces creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that is distinctly sushi-inspired but much easier to enjoy.

For serving, roasted seaweed, avocado, and cucumber make excellent accompaniments, offering freshness, crunch, and creaminess. The seaweed can be used to scoop up the tuna bake, giving the dish a sushi roll-like experience without the need for rolling. Avocado adds a rich, creamy element that pairs perfectly with the spiciness of the tuna, while cucumber provides a refreshing crunch. These accompaniments round out the meal and ensure that every bite is balanced and satisfying.

Customization and Variations

One of the best things about the Tuna Sushi Bake for One is how easily it can be customized to suit your personal taste or dietary needs. While the base of the dish remains the same, you can easily swap ingredients to make it your own. For example, if you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can reduce or eliminate the sriracha and still enjoy a flavorful, creamy tuna filling.

You can also experiment with different types of fish or protein. If you prefer salmon or crab, you can swap out the canned tuna for these options, giving the dish a different flavor while maintaining the sushi-inspired theme. For a vegetarian version, try substituting the tuna with a plant-based alternative or adding vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, or avocado to create a different filling.

The toppings and garnishes can also be tailored to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can drizzle more eel sauce over the top, or if you love extra heat, you can add more sriracha or even a few chili flakes. This flexibility makes the Tuna Sushi Bake for One a highly versatile dish that can easily be adjusted to fit your preferences or dietary restrictions.

A Quick, Satisfying Meal

One of the major benefits of the Tuna Sushi Bake for One is how quick and easy it is to prepare. It’s a fantastic option for busy individuals who want a satisfying meal in a short amount of time. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can have a delicious and filling meal in about 20-30 minutes. Whether you’re craving sushi, want something comforting and warm, or just need a quick meal, this tuna sushi bake is the perfect solution.

Additionally, this dish works well for meal prep. You can easily double the recipe and make enough for multiple servings, storing leftovers in the fridge for a quick meal the next day. The tuna sushi bake reheats well, so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Conclusion: A Perfect Single-Serve Dish

In conclusion, Tuna Sushi Bake for One is a perfect dish for anyone craving the flavors of sushi in a warm, comforting, and easy-to-make format. This single-serve meal combines creamy, spicy tuna with sushi rice and savory sauces, all baked to perfection and topped with fresh garnishes. It’s a delicious, satisfying, and healthy meal that can be prepared in no time, making it an ideal choice for busy days or when you want something a little different. With its versatility, quick prep time, and fusion of flavors, the Tuna Sushi Bake for One is a must-try dish that’s sure to hit the spot every time.