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.
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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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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 (Sushi Casserole)
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.
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