Sassy Chopsticks

  • Flavorful Asian-inspired Recipes
  • Recipes
  • Pantry
  • How-To
  • About
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Pantry
  • How-To
  • About
  • Subscribe

subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Pantry
  • How-To
  • About
  • Subscribe

×
  • Colorful stir-fried kung pao chicken with vegetables in a glossy sauce, served on a plate with chopsticks on the side.
    Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken: Easy Copycat Recipe
  • Cantaloupe slices on a cutting board.
    How to Cut a Cantaloupe: Simple Step-by-Step Guide
  • Baking soda in a clear glass with a silver spoon resting inside, ready for use in cooking or baking.
    Top 6 Baking Soda Substitutes for Easy Baking
  • Berries and pound cake skewers on a cutting board.
    Easy Red, White, and Blue Kabobs for July 4th Fun
  • A bowl of fresh blueberries.
    How to Freeze Blueberries to Keep Them Fresh
  • Flavorful Korean chicken wings sprinkled with sesame seeds and green onions.
    Easy Slow Cooker Korean Chicken Wings Recipe
  • Baked cabbage with bacon 11.
    Baked Cabbage with Bacon: Simple and Delicious
  • 2 glasses of flavored water.
    Stay Hydrated with These Flavored Water Ideas
  • Mixed sesame seeds in bowls.
    Sesame Seeds: Best Ways to Cook and Store Them
  • A vibrant bowl of purple yam soup with a wood spoon.
    Purple Yam Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
  • A colorful assortment of rice varieties displayed in bowls.
    Types of Rice: How to Choose the Right One for Any Dish
  • A plate of onigiri tuna, garnished with rice seasoning on the top.
    Tuna Onigiri Recipe – A Quick and Tasty Japanese Snack
Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

Sushi Bake Recipe Imitation Crab (Sushi Casserole)

Published: Sep 1, 2023 by Yuan

1613 shares
  • Facebook66
  • Flipboard
  • X
Jump to Recipe

Making a sushi bake with imitation crab is a delicious and relatively easy dish to prepare. This easy sushi bake recipe is a fusion of traditional sushi flavors baked into a casserole-style dish.

sushi bake recipe imitation crab 7
Jump To
  • What is sushi bake, and why it is so popular
  • Main ingredients
  • Step-by-step instructions 
  • Pro tips to make the perfect sushi bake
  • Sushi bake recipe imitation crab variations
  • Store and reheat
  • Final thoughts
  • Sushi Bake Recipe Imitation Crab (Sushi Casserole)
  • YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

What is sushi bake, and why it is so popular

Sushi bake is a popular and relatively recent culinary creation that combines the flavors and elements of traditional sushi with the convenience of a casserole-style dish. It's typically made by layering seasoned sushi rice, a creamy seafood mixture (often using imitation crab or real crab meat), and various toppings, then baking it until heated through. Once baked, it's usually served with nori sheets for wrapping, similar to how sushi rolls are enjoyed.

sushi bake recipe imitation crab 4

Sushi bake gained popularity through social media platforms, where visually striking dishes often catch on quickly as food trends. Sushi bake is perfect for gatherings and parties because it can be made in larger quantities and served as a casserole, making it family-friendly to feed a group. 

Overall, sushi bake is popular because it provides a convenient and accessible way for people to enjoy the flavors of sushi without the need for sushi rolling skills.

Main ingredients

Cooked sushi rice: Sushi rice is typically made from short-grain rice. This type of rice variety has a high starch content, which is essential for the sticky texture required in sushi.

ingredients

Rice vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt: These seasonings give sushi rice a tangy and slightly sweet flavor!

Imitation crab (chopped): Imitation crab is a cost-effective alternative to real crab meat, and it has a mild, sweet flavor and a texture that somewhat resembles the flakiness of real crab meat. You can use flake-style imitation crab or crab sticks.

Furikake seasoning: Furikake is often used as a topping for steamed or plain white rice, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture to the rice. It's a convenient way to elevate the taste of a simple rice dish. Additionally, furikake can be used as a seasoning for other foods, such as noodles and salads, and even as a garnish for dishes like tofu. You can get it from most Asian supermarkets.

Kewpie mayonnaise: Kewpie is a Japanese brand of mayonnaise. This is different from the regular mayonnaise. They have different flavors. Kewpie mayo is known for its creamier texture and slightly sweeter, richer flavor than regular mayo.

Nori seaweed sheets: for serving sushi bake.

Green onions, avocado slices, fresh cucumber slices, roasted sesame seeds: for garnish, optional.

Step-by-step instructions 

Rinse the sushi rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rinsed rice and water in a rice cooker and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions. While the rice is still warm, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add and blend in sugar, rice vinegar, and salt. Set the rice aside and let it cool.

crab with mayo and chili sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped imitation crab, mayonnaise, and Sriracha sauce (you can leave without if you don't want the sushi bake spicy).

imitation crab mixed with sauces

Adjust the Sriracha to your preferred level of spiciness. Gently mix well.

steps 1234

Preheat your oven to 450°F. Brush a thin layer of oil on the baking pan. Spread an even layer of the prepared sushi rice in a baking dish (usually 9x13 inches). Then, spread half of the furikake seasoning as the second layer. Spread the imitation crab mixture evenly on top of the furikake seasoning as the third layer. Last, sprinkle the remaining furikake seasoning on the top as finishing. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the top is slightly golden and the dish is heated through.

sushi bake recipe imitation crab 3

Once baked, remove the sushi bake from the oven. Garnish with chopped green onions and diced avocado. Then sprinkle roasted sesame seeds over the top. You can scoop out portions onto your plates using nori sheets or enjoy it as is. Enjoy your homemade sushi bake with imitation crab.

Pro tips to make the perfect sushi bake

To make a perfect sushi bake recipe, consider these pro tips to elevate the dish and ensure it turns out delicious:

  • Taste the imitation crab mixture before spreading it over the rice. Adjust the mayo, cream cheese, and Sriracha to achieve your desired flavor balance. 
  • Spread the layers evenly to ensure each bite has a balanced combination of rice, imitation crab, and other toppings.
  • You want the top to be slightly golden, but avoid overcooking, as it can make the dish dry.
  • Offer traditional sushi accompaniments like soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi for those who want to add extra flavor to their portions.
  • After removing it from the oven, allow the sushi bake to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to cut and serve.
sushi bake recipe imitation crab 6

By following these pro tips, you'll be well on your way to making a perfect sushi bake with imitation crab bursting with flavor.

Sushi bake recipe imitation crab variations

You can customize this sushi bake with additional ingredients like tobiko (raw fish roe), thinly sliced seaweed, or your favorite toppings. Sushi bake is a versatile dish that can be customized in many ways to suit your taste preferences. Here are some popular sushi bake variations:

  • Spicy Sushi Bake: Add extra heat by adding spicy mayo, hot sauce, and diced jalapeños into the crab mixture. 
  • Vegetarian Sushi Bake: Skip the seafood and opt for a vegetarian version. Use ingredients like diced tofu or cooked sweet potato as the main filling. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or radishes.
  • California Roll Sushi Bake: Add some cucumber strips and turn your sushi bake into the popular California roll bake. Use a drizzle of eel sauce on the top for some extra flavor.
  • Shrimp Sushi Bake: Swap the crab for cooked and chopped shrimp to create a shrimp sushi bake.
  • Smoked Salmon Sushi Bake: Use smoked salmon instead of crab for a rich, smoky flavor. Combine it with cream cheese for a classic combination.
  • Vegan Sushi Bake: Create a vegan sushi bake using plant-based cream cheese, vegan mayo, and ingredients like marinated tofu, avocado, and roasted vegetables. Make sure to use vegan-friendly nori sheets for serving.

Feel free to mix and match your favorite sushi ingredients to create your sushi bake variations!

Store and reheat

Storing and reheating sushi bake with imitation crab is essential to maintain its quality and safety. Here's how you can do it:

sushi bake recipe imitation crab 5a

Storage: Store any leftover sushi bake in an airtight container. Place the airtight container in the refrigerator as soon as possible. Sushi bake contains ingredients like imitation crab and mayo, which can spoil if left at room temperature for too long. Sushi bake can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. However, it's best when consumed within 24 hours for optimal freshness. If you have a large batch, consider dividing it into smaller portions before storing it to make reheating more manageable.

Reheating: Sushi bake is typically served warm, so reheating is necessary to enjoy it again. You can reheat the sushi bake dish at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. You can also reheat the sushi bake by microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Once reheated, serve the sushi bake immediately for the best taste and texture. Be cautious when reheating to avoid overcooking, which can cause the dish to dry out. It's better to reheat gently and check the temperature periodically.

Final thoughts

Sushi Bake recipe imitation crab is a fusion of traditional sushi flavors and a casserole dish.  It offers endless possibilities for customization, from spicy variations to vegetable/vegan options. The popularity of sushi bake continues to grow, and you can make it in no time! So, gather your ingredients, get creative in the kitchen, and make your Japanese classic for your family and friends next time. Let me know how yours turned out. Enjoy your homemade sushi bake.

sushi bake recipe imitation crab 7

Sushi Bake Recipe Imitation Crab (Sushi Casserole)

This sushi bake recipe with imitation crab is a fusion of traditional sushi flavors baked into a casserole-style dish.
5 from 12 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 508kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 cups cooked sushi rice
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • a pinch of salt 1 teaspoon
  • 2 cups imitation crab chopped
  • ¼ cup furikake seasoning
  • ½ cup Kewpie mayonnaise
  • 4 nori seaweed sheets
  • green onions optional, for garnish
  • avocado slices optional, for garnish
  • roasted sesame seeds optional, for garnish
  • fresh cucumber slices optional, for garnish

Instructions

  • Rinse the sushi rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rinsed rice and water in a rice cooker and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions. While the rice is still warm, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add and blend in sugar, rice vinegar, and salt. Set the rice aside and let it cool.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped imitation crab, mayonnaise, and Sriracha sauce (you can leave without if you don't want the sushi bake spicy). Adjust the Sriracha to your preferred level of spiciness. Gently mix well.
  • Preheat your oven to 450°F. Brush a thin layer of oil on the baking pan. Spread an even layer of the prepared sushi rice in a baking dish (usually 9x13 inches). Then, spread half of the furikake seasoning as the second layer. Spread the imitation crab mixture evenly on top of the furikake seasoning as the third layer. Last, sprinkle the remaining furikake seasoning on the top as finishing.
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the top is slightly golden and the dish is heated through.
  • Once baked, remove the sushi bake from the oven. Garnish with chopped green onions and diced avocado. Then sprinkle roasted sesame seeds over the top. You can scoop out portions onto your plates using nori sheets or enjoy it as is. Enjoy your homemade sushi bake with imitation crab.

Nutrition

Calories: 508kcal | Carbohydrates: 84.7g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 11.7g | Saturated Fat: 1.8g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 527mg | Potassium: 135mg | Fiber: 2.4g | Sugar: 4.1g | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 4mg
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below, and tag me @sassychopsticks9 or tag #sassychopsticks9 on Instagram!

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

  • A colorful dish featuring chicken and rice, with chopsticks ready for a tasty meal.
    Soy Sauce Braised Chicken Drumsticks: Flavorful One-Pot
  • A collection of baking tools and utensils neatly arranged on a table.
    Bake Like a Pro: Must-Have Baking Pans for Every Baker
  • Lemon slices and peel arranged on a wooden cutting board.
    12 Lemon Juice Substitutes to Brighten Your Recipes
  • Watermelon slices arranged on a rustic wooden cutting board.
    How to Pick a Watermelon: Easy Tips for Sweet Fruit

Comments

  1. Gloria says

    October 30, 2023 at 3:15 pm

    5 stars
    We love sushi. I am printing this off right now. What a great idea to make sushi in casserole form. Can't wait to give this a try.

    Reply
  2. Cathleen says

    October 31, 2023 at 10:04 am

    5 stars
    This is genius!! I have been craving sushi but I don't have that thing to help me roll it. This is perfect! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe, pinned to make this weekend 🙂

    Reply
  3. Marta says

    October 31, 2023 at 1:31 pm

    5 stars
    I'm usually not a fan of imitation sushi, but with the rest of the ingredients in this sushi bake, balanced out the flavors for me and I really enjoyed it!

    Reply
  4. Kathryn says

    November 03, 2023 at 5:00 pm

    5 stars
    This sushi bake is AMAZING! Such a delicious spin on our favorite sushi roll and it has all the same flavors. Way easier to make than actual sushi, thank you!

    Reply
  5. Tammy says

    November 04, 2023 at 1:08 pm

    5 stars
    This is a fabulous idea and it looks sooo good! Ahh my family would also love this..I cannot wait to make 😀 Saving for later!

    Reply
  6. Carrie Robinson says

    November 04, 2023 at 7:56 pm

    5 stars
    This would be perfect to make when I have a sushi craving and can't go out to my favorite sushi restaurant! 🙂 What a great dinner idea.

    Reply
  7. Lauren Michael Harris says

    November 05, 2023 at 8:56 am

    5 stars
    Surprised my sushi-loving husband with this for dinner last night and we LOVED it! It's a different presentation for us but the taste is great!

    Reply
  8. Katie Crenshaw says

    November 05, 2023 at 6:34 pm

    5 stars
    Made this for a party appetizer. It was a huge hit. Everyone loved it. It was DELICIOUS!

    Reply
  9. Sean says

    November 05, 2023 at 7:42 pm

    5 stars
    This was like a warm California roll. I have a friend that loves recipes like this and we are going to make it next week.

    Reply
  10. Hayley Dhanecha says

    November 06, 2023 at 1:55 am

    5 stars
    We love Sushi but never tried sushi bake. Looks so good, can't wait to try this out very soon. Thanks for this unique recipe.

    Reply
  11. Christina Navarro says

    December 29, 2024 at 12:23 pm

    5 stars
    Yum! Thanks for the recipe…. My daughters loved it!
    They are Hispasian, so im always trying to keep their culture/food alive along with Mexican traditions.

    Reply
5 from 12 votes (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




me

Hey there! Welcome to SassyChopsticks.com!

I'm Yuan, a writer, world traveler, web developer, and photographer based in the U.S. My journey has taken me across multiple countries, from Malaysia to England, before I settled in Tennessee, where I've called home for nearly two decades.

More about me →

Popular

  • A colorful plate of fresh vietnamese salad featuring vibrant carrots, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy papaya.
    Vegan Vietnamese Papaya Salad Recipe: Crisp & Tangy

  • A pieces of salmon with a slice of lemon on a cutting board.
    The Truth About Wild Salmon: What You Need to Know

  • Hot honey in a jar on a white plate.
    What Is Hot Honey? A Sweet and Spicy Must-Try Condiment

  • A few shrimps on a black plate.
    Types of Shrimp: A Guide to Popular Varieties

Trending recipes

  • rolls
    Chinese Egg Rolls

  • stir fry Taiwanese spinach
    Stir Fry Taiwanese Spinach with Garlic

  • Creamy coconut shrimp buffet style
    Creamy Coconut Shrimp Buffet Style- Quick and Easy

  • Chinese sponge cake
    Chinese Sponge Cake Recipe (Chiffon Cake)

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Newsletter

Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.