If you have a craving for something comforting, flavorful, and just a little bit indulgent, this Salmon Sushi Bake with Cream Cheese and Furikake Recipe is about to become your new favorite dish. Combining creamy textures, savory salmon, and that unmistakable crunch and umami punch of furikake seasoning, this layered sushi casserole delivers all the best sushi vibes without the tricky rolling. Perfect for sharing with friends or family, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make yet feels like a special occasion on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several white bowls and clear glass dishes arranged on a white marbled surface. There is a white bowl filled with fluffy white rice on the left, next to a halved avocado with a green inside and large seed. Above the avocado is a small white bowl with chopped green onions. Above that is a small glass bowl with creamy white sauce. To the right of the rice bowl are two pieces of cooked orange salmon fillets on a white plate. Above the salmon is a glass bowl filled with chopped cucumber pieces. To the right of the cucumber is a small glass cup holding a mix of black and white sesame seeds. Below the salmon are several small bowls containing different sauces and seasonings, including a bowl with black pepper, another with white creamy sauce, a bowl with dark soy sauce, and a small white bowl with red sauce. The overall setting is neat and clean, with ingredients ready for a meal. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in this Salmon Sushi Bake with Cream Cheese and Furikake Recipe. From perfectly cooked sushi rice to creamy mayo and spicy sriracha, every element contributes to the dish’s irresistible appeal.

Salmon filets: Fresh, flaky salmon is the star, providing richness and protein.
Tamari or soy sauce: Adds a salty depth and enhances the natural flavor of the salmon.
Salt, pepper, garlic powder: Basic seasonings that bring out the best in the fish without overpowering it.
Cream cheese (softened): Brings creamy tanginess that balances the spiciness and umami.
Furikake seasoning: A magical sprinkle of seaweed, sesame, and spices that add crunch and a savory burst.
Light mayo: Adds moisture and smoothness to the creamy sauce.
Sriracha: Offers a gentle heat to brighten up the flavors.
Cooked sushi rice: The foundation — sticky, slightly seasoned, and perfectly textured.
Rice vinegar, salt, sugar: Essential for seasoning the sushi rice with that authentic tang and subtle sweetness.
Avocado (sliced): Creamy and fresh, it adds richness and color on top.
Cucumber (diced): Brings a refreshing crunch that balances the creaminess.
Green onions (diced): A mild, aromatic bite to lift the whole dish.
Nori seaweed: Adds that familiar sea flavor and texture when serving.
Sesame seeds: For a nutty crunch and extra visual appeal.

How to Make Salmon Sushi Bake with Cream Cheese and Furikake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by setting your oven to 400 degrees F. Preheating ensures your salmon cooks evenly and the sushi bake crisps up nicely on the top later.

Step 2: Prepare and Season the Salmon

Place the salmon filets skin-side down on a baking sheet or pan. Drizzle them with tamari or soy sauce, and sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder evenly over the fish. These simple seasonings allow the salmon’s natural flavor to shine with a tasty umami kick.

Step 3: Bake the Salmon Until Flaky

Bake the salmon for about 18 minutes. Once it’s flaky and opaque, remove it from the oven. This gentle baking keeps the salmon moist while making it easy to flake into chunks for mixing later.

Step 4: Mix the Cream Cheese Sauce

While the salmon bakes, whisk together the softened cream cheese, light mayo, furikake seasoning, and sriracha in a large bowl. This creamy sauce is the heart of your dish, balancing spicy, savory, and tangy flavors into one delicious topping.

Step 5: Combine the Salmon with the Sauce

Cut the baked salmon into large chunks, carefully removing and discarding the skin. Gently fold the salmon into the cream cheese mixture, making sure every bite gets a good blend of fish and creamy goodness.

Step 6: Season the Cooked Sushi Rice

In a separate bowl, mix your cooked sushi rice with rice vinegar, a pinch of salt, and sugar for that perfect sushi rice flavor—lightly tangy with a slight sweetness and sticky texture.

Step 7: Assemble Your Sushi Bake

Press the seasoned sushi rice firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch baking dish, creating an even layer. Then generously spread the creamy salmon mixture on top of the rice, pressing it down lightly to compact the layers.

Step 8: Bake and Broil for a Crispy Finish

Bake the assembled dish at 400 degrees F for 12 minutes to meld the flavors and warm through. Then switch your oven to broil for 2-3 minutes to give the top a golden, slightly crispy finish that adds an irresistible texture contrast.

Step 9: Add Fresh Toppings

Once your sushi bake is out of the oven, top with sliced avocado, diced cucumber, chopped green onion, sesame seeds, and torn pieces of nori seaweed. These fresh additions make each bite lively and colorful.

How to Serve Salmon Sushi Bake with Cream Cheese and Furikake Recipe

The dish shows three main layers on a white plate over a white marbled surface: a base layer of dark green seaweed sheet, a middle layer of white rice with a slightly sticky texture, and a top layer of orange spicy fish mixed with some sauce. On top of it, there are bright green slices of avocado and small chunks of green onion scattered around. White sesame seeds are sprinkled over the dish and around the plate, adding light contrast. The sauce creates shiny red streaks on the fish and avocado. The plate is simple and clean, focusing on the colorful ingredients photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like avocado, cucumber, green onions, and sesame seeds not only enhances the presentation but also balances richness with freshness and crunch. The torn nori pieces add an authentic sushi touch and a delightful chewiness.

Side Dishes

This salmon sushi bake pairs beautifully with simple side salads dressed in a light sesame vinaigrette or steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt. These sides keep the meal light and well-rounded without competing with the main dish’s bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Salmon Sushi Bake with Cream Cheese and Furikake Recipe in mini ramekins for a fun individual presentation or scoop portions onto crisp lettuce leaves for sushi-inspired wraps. You can also offer sheets of nori on the side so everyone can make their own sushi bake bites at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover sushi bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This allows you to enjoy the flavors later without losing texture or freshness.

Freezing

While you generally want to enjoy this dish fresh for the best texture, you can freeze the baked portion (without fresh toppings) for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh avocado and cucumber when serving.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a low oven or microwave until warmed through. A quick broil at the end restores some of the crispy top texture that makes this dish so delicious.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese if I don’t have it softened?

Yes, but it will blend more smoothly if softened first. You can microwave cream cheese for 10-15 seconds to soften it quickly without melting.

What can I substitute for furikake seasoning?

If furikake isn’t available, try mixing toasted sesame seeds, seaweed flakes, and a pinch of salt for a similar flavor profile that adds crunch and umami.

Is it necessary to use sushi rice for this recipe?

Sushi rice is ideal because of its sticky texture and seasoning, which hold the layers together nicely. If you can’t find sushi rice, short-grain rice cooked with a bit of rice vinegar will work as well.

How spicy is the sriracha in this bake?

The amount used gives a gentle heat that enhances flavor without overwhelming it. You can easily adjust the quantity based on your heat preference.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

To make a vegetarian version, swap the salmon for grilled or roasted vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant and use vegan cream cheese and mayo alternatives. The furikake and seasonings will still provide great flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Salmon Sushi Bake with Cream Cheese and Furikake Recipe is such a fun way to enjoy sushi flavors in a cozy, shareable dish. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, it’s bound to bring smiles and satisfied appetites. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll want to make it again and again.