Sushi Bake Layers Salmon Avocado (Print View)

A baked casserole layered with seasoned rice, salmon, avocado, and nori, served warm with soy sauce.

# What You'll Need:

→ Rice Layer

01 - 2 cups sushi rice
02 - 2 ½ cups water
03 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
04 - 1 tablespoon sugar
05 - 1 teaspoon salt

→ Salmon Layer

06 - 14 oz skinless salmon fillet
07 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
08 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
09 - ½ teaspoon black pepper

→ Creamy Layer

10 - 3.5 oz cream cheese, softened
11 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie)
12 - 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional)
13 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice

→ Toppings

14 - 2 avocados, sliced
15 - 3 sheets roasted nori, cut into small squares
16 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
17 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced

→ For Serving

18 - Soy sauce (for dipping)
19 - Pickled ginger (optional)
20 - Wasabi (optional)

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Rinse sushi rice under cold water until clear. Combine with water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
02 - Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Stir into cooked rice and fluff with a fork. Evenly spread rice into a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
03 - Preheat oven to 400°F.
04 - Place salmon fillet on parchment-lined tray. Brush with soy sauce, sesame oil, and sprinkle with black pepper. Bake 12–15 minutes until cooked through. Flake salmon with a fork.
05 - Mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, sriracha, and lemon juice until smooth. Fold in flaked salmon evenly.
06 - Spread salmon mixture evenly over the rice in the baking dish.
07 - Bake for 10 minutes until warmed through and edges are slightly golden.
08 - Top with sliced avocado, nori squares, toasted sesame seeds, and spring onions. Slice and serve warm with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It tastes like restaurant sushi but comes together in under an hour with zero rolling experience required.
  • The warm creamy salmon layer against cool avocado creates a texture contrast that somehow works beautifully.
  • You can feed six people from one baking dish, which makes it perfect for impressing people without spending all evening in the kitchen.
02 -
  • Don't add the avocado before baking—it will turn brown and mushy from the heat, and the whole thing looks sad when you cut into it.
  • If your cream cheese is cold, it won't fold smoothly into the salmon; let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes first.
  • The rice needs to be fairly cooled before you add the salmon layer, or the cream cheese will separate and become oily.
03 -
  • Buy sushi rice specifically, not regular rice—the difference in texture is what makes this dish hold together instead of falling apart.
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry skillet right before serving; they'll smell incredible and taste so much better than pre-toasted seeds.
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