I learned the best way to make sushi with a friend from Japan, and this layered sushi bake is a delightful and easy way to enjoy sushi flavors without the need for rolling. This recipe combines sushi rice, fresh salmon, cream cheese, and vegetables in a layered format, making it perfect for serving at gatherings or enjoying as a main dish.
Ingredients
- 240 ml sushi rice
- 2 cups water
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 Nori sheets, chopped into thin strips
- 200 g diced salmon
- 300 g cream cheese, divided
- 1 Japanese cucumber, chopped into small cubes
- 1/2 avocado, chopped into cubes
- Sesame seeds, to taste
Instructions
Preparing the Sushi Rice
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, add a 240 ml cup of sushi rice and 2 cups of water. Cover the saucepan and let it cook for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Vinegar Mixture: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
- Mix the Vinegar with Rice: Once the rice is cooked through, transfer the vinegar mixture to the saucepan with the rice. Cover again and let it cook for another 5 minutes.
- Cool the Rice: Transfer the cooked rice to a medium bowl. Add the chopped Nori sheets and mix until well incorporated. Set aside to cool slightly.
Assembling the Layered Sushi Bake
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Line a medium baking dish with a plastic bag. This will help in unmolding the sushi bake later.
- First Layer – Salmon and Cream Cheese: Add 200 g of diced salmon to the bottom of the dish. Spread 150 g of cream cheese evenly over the salmon layer.
- Second Layer – Cucumber and Rice: Add the chopped Japanese cucumber on top of the cream cheese layer. Then, spread half of the prepared rice evenly over the cucumber.
- Third Layer – Cream Cheese and Salmon: Spread another 150 g of cream cheese over the rice layer. Add another 200 g of diced salmon on top of the cream cheese.
- Fourth Layer – Avocado and Rice: Add the chopped avocado cubes on top of the salmon. Spread the remaining half of the rice evenly over the avocado.
- Chill and Set: Fold the edges of the plastic bag over the dish to cover the sushi bake. Press gently to compact the layers. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the layers to set.
Finishing Touches
- Unmold the Sushi Bake: After chilling, carefully unmold the sushi bake onto a chopping board by lifting the plastic bag.
- Sprinkle Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of the sushi bake to taste.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the sushi bake into smaller slices for serving.
Tips and Variations
- Seafood Variations: Substitute the salmon with other seafood like tuna, crab, or shrimp.
- Vegetarian Option: Use tofu or additional vegetables like bell peppers and carrots instead of seafood.
- Spicy Kick: Add a layer of spicy mayo (mayonnaise mixed with sriracha) for a spicy twist.
- Extra Crunch: Add tempura flakes or panko breadcrumbs to one of the layers for extra crunch.
Nutritional Information
This layered sushi bake offers a balance of protein from the salmon, healthy fats from the avocado, and carbohydrates from the rice, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Serving: This dish is best served cold or at room temperature. Avoid reheating as it may alter the texture of the rice and salmon.
This Layered Sushi Bake is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings the flavors of sushi into a convenient and shareable format. Perfect for gatherings or a fun dinner, it is sure to impress your friends and family. Share this delightful recipe and enjoy the compliments as everyone savors this unique take on sushi. Enjoy your Layered Sushi Bake, and see you in the next recipe!
This recipe transforms simple sushi ingredients into a gourmet layered dish with minimal effort. Enjoy the fresh flavors and comforting texture of this Layered Sushi Bake, a treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Happy cooking!
