Name: Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab Sushi Bake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Japanese Fusion
Ingredients: ½ lb imitation crab; ¼ cup Japanese mayo; 1 tbsp ponzu sauce; 2 tbsp cream cheese; 2 tbsp masago; 2 cans tuna (packed in oil), drained; 3 tbsp Japanese mayo; 1 tbsp Korean chili paste; 1 tbsp cream cheese; 1 tsp black pepper; 3 cups cooked rice (preferably short grain sushi rice); ¼ cup sushi seasoning (or equal parts rice vinegar and sugar with a pinch of salt); Masago for layering (additional 1-2 tbsp); Furikake seasoning (to taste, about 2 tbsp); Japanese mayo for drizzling (optional, about 2 tbsp); Crispy seaweed sheets, for serving

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving a dish that perfectly blends the rich flavors of the sea with a creamy, spicy kick, the Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab Sushi Bake is exactly what you need. This luscious casserole layers tender sushi rice with zesty spicy tuna and smooth, luscious creamy crab, creating an irresistible combination that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Imagine all your favorite sushi flavors transformed into a warm, bubbly bake that’s easy to make and even easier to love—a real crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for dinner or entertaining guests.

Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab Sushi Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

To craft this delicious Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab Sushi Bake, you’ll want to gather simple, quality ingredients that each play a special role—from the creamy textures to the bold, spicy flavors and the subtle tang of sushi rice. Every ingredient contributes to the harmonious balance that makes this dish stand out.

Imitation Crab (½ lb): Offers a sweet, delicate seafood base that becomes creamy with the right mix-ins.
Japanese Mayonnaise (¼ cup + 3 tbsp): Adds a rich, slightly tangy creaminess that ties the crab and tuna layers together.
Ponzu Sauce (1 tbsp): Brings a citrusy umami punch that elevates the creamy crab mixture.
Cream Cheese (2 tbsp + 1 tbsp): Creates a velvety smooth texture in both the crab and tuna layers.
Masago (2 tbsp): These tiny flying fish roe offer a burst of salty flavor and fun texture.
Canned Tuna (2 cans, soaked in oil): The main ingredient for the spicy tuna layer, rich and flavorful.
Korean Chili Paste (1 tbsp): Adds a spicy, slightly sweet heat that makes the tuna layer sing.
Black Pepper (1 tsp): Gives a mild spice to balance the richness.
Sushi Rice: The essential base, seasoned perfectly for that authentic sushi flavor.
Rice Vinegar, Sugar, Salt (for sushi seasoning): If you don’t have pre-made sushi seasoning, this trio works beautifully to season your rice.
Furikake and crispy seaweed (optional but recommended): These toppings add extra layers of flavor, texture, and that classic sushi vibe.

How to Make Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab Sushi Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice

Start by cooking your sushi rice until tender, then mix it with your sushi seasoning—or if you don’t have any, simply combine equal parts rice vinegar and sugar with a pinch of salt and gently fold it into the hot rice. This step infuses the rice with that perfect tangy sweetness and sticky texture that’s fundamental to sushi dishes.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Crab Mixture

In a bowl, gently combine imitation crab with Japanese mayo, ponzu sauce, cream cheese, and masago. The cream cheese gives it a luscious richness while the ponzu adds brightness. This mixture should be creamy but still hold some texture from the crab and masago.

Step 3: Prepare the Spicy Tuna

Drain the canned tuna and flake it into a bowl. Mix it together with Japanese mayo, Korean chili paste, cream cheese, and black pepper. The cream cheese tempers the heat from the chili paste and creates a smooth, spicy spread that is both comforting and exciting on the palate.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

In your chosen baking dish, layer the sushi rice evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle a generous layer of masago over the rice, followed by a light dusting of furikake for extra umami and crunch. On one side of the dish, spread the creamy crab mixture, and on the other side, layer the spicy tuna. Drizzle extra Japanese mayo on top and sprinkle more furikake to enhance flavor and texture.

Step 5: Broil Until Golden

Place the assembled dish under your oven’s broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, just until the top becomes bubbly and slightly crispy. This caramelization adds a mouthwatering texture contrast that makes the Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab Sushi Bake so irresistible.

How to Serve Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab Sushi Bake

Garnishes

To really make this dish shine, serve with crispy seaweed sheets or nori strips. These add a wonderful crunch and enhance the sushi flavor profile while helping you scoop up every creamy bite. A sprinkle of chopped scallions or a drizzle of additional ponzu can add freshness and a bit of zing on top.

Side Dishes

This sushi bake pairs beautifully with light and refreshing sides. Think a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar or a bowl of miso soup to keep things balanced. Pickled ginger and wasabi on the side elevate the experience, linking it even closer to classic sushi enjoyment.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the bake in individual ramekins for personal portions or use it as a filling inside crispy wonton cups. You can also turn it into a sushi bowl by layering all ingredients separately and letting everyone mix and match their own bites. No matter how you serve it, the Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab Sushi Bake shines bright and flavorful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because of the creamy and rich ingredients, it’s best enjoyed fresh but can still be tasty when reheated gently.

Freezing

This dish isn’t ideal for freezing due to the delicate texture of the creamy crab and spicy tuna layers, which may break down and become watery after thawing. For best quality, opt for fresh consumption.

Reheating

To reheat your sushi bake, warm it in the oven at low temperature until heated through, or gently microwave it in short intervals to avoid overheating. You can rebroil it briefly for that crispy top again, just keep a close eye to prevent burning.

FAQs

Can I use real crab instead of imitation crab?

Absolutely! Real crab meat will add an even more luxurious texture and flavor to the creamy crab layer. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture so your bake doesn’t get soggy.

Is it okay to use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?

Fresh tuna can be used but usually is best for raw preparations like poke or sashimi. If using fresh, you might want to lightly sear it and adjust the seasoning and mixing accordingly to maintain texture in the spicy tuna layer.

What if I don’t have Korean chili paste?

If you’re out of gochujang or Korean chili paste, you can substitute with sriracha or another chili sauce you like, but keep in mind the flavor profile will shift slightly. Adjust the amount to taste for heat preference.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

While this recipe is seafood-forward, you could swap out the tuna and crab for marinated tofu or seasoned mushrooms and add more masago substitutes or tobiko alternatives to keep that “fish roe” texture, but it wouldn’t be quite the same as the Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab Sushi Bake signature flavors.

How can I make the sushi rice sticky and flavorful without sushi seasoning?

Simply mix warm cooked rice with a blend of rice vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt until well combined and slightly sticky. This simple seasoning brings out that distinctive sushi rice taste and stickiness essential for your sushi bake base.

Final Thoughts

I can’t encourage you enough to give this Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab Sushi Bake a try—it’s one of those dishes that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and leaves everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re a sushi lover or new to the flavors, this comforting, flavorful bake is a game-changer that brings warmth and excitement to any meal. Dive in and enjoy every creamy, spicy, delightful bite!

Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab Sushi Bake Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 9 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

This Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab Sushi Bake is a deliciously layered casserole inspired by traditional sushi flavors, combining spicy tuna, creamy crab, and perfectly seasoned sushi rice. A fusion dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for sushi lovers looking for a comforting, shareable meal with crispy broiled topping.

Instructions

Prepare the sushi rice: Cook the rice according to package instructions. While still warm, gently fold in sushi seasoning or a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until well combined. Allow the rice to cool slightly.
Make the creamy crab mixture: In a bowl, combine imitation crab, Japanese mayo, ponzu sauce, cream cheese, and masago. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Make the spicy tuna mixture: Drain tuna cans and place the tuna in a bowl. Add Japanese mayo, Korean chili paste, cream cheese, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is cohesive and creamy.
Assemble the sushi bake: Spread the seasoned sushi rice evenly at the bottom of a baking dish. Sprinkle a layer of masago over the rice, followed by a layer of furikake seasoning.
Layer seafood mixtures: On one half of the rice, spread the creamy crab mixture evenly. On the opposite half, spread the spicy tuna mixture evenly.
Add finishing touches: Drizzle additional Japanese mayo evenly over both seafood layers. Sprinkle more furikake seasoning on top for added flavor.
Broil the sushi bake: Place the assembled dish in the oven under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown with slight crispiness.
Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with crispy seaweed sheets on the side for scooping and wrapping bites of sushi bake.

Notes

You can substitute imitation crab with real crab meat for a premium version.
Adjust the amount of Korean chili paste to control the spiciness of the tuna layer.
Use short grain sushi rice for best texture and flavor.
Furikake seasoning adds umami and crunch but can be omitted if unavailable.
This sushi bake is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated and gently reheated.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (broiling)
Category: Main Course
Method: Broiling
Cuisine: Japanese Fusion