Name: Sushi Bake Recipe Imitation Crab (Sushi Casserole) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Japanese Fusion
Ingredients: 4 cups cooked sushi rice; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 teaspoons sugar; 1 teaspoon salt (a pinch); 2 cups imitation crab, chopped; 1/2 cup Kewpie mayonnaise; Sriracha sauce to taste (optional); 1/4 cup furikake seasoning; 4 nori seaweed sheets; Green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish); Avocado slices (optional, for garnish); Roasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish); Fresh cucumber slices (optional, for garnish)

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If you have been craving the delightful flavors of sushi but want an easier, comforting twist, this Sushi Bake Recipe Imitation Crab (Sushi Casserole) is exactly what you need. Imagine all the classic sushi elements layered beautifully in a warm casserole that’s perfect for sharing with friends or family. It combines fluffy seasoned sushi rice, savory imitation crab mixed with a creamy kick of mayonnaise, and a sprinkle of furikake seasoning for that irresistible umami touch. This dish brings together all the familiar tastes of your favorite sushi rolls in an effortless bake, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Sushi Bake Recipe Imitation Crab (Sushi Casserole) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started is a breeze with simple ingredients that are easy to find, yet each plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in this sushi casserole.

4 cups cooked sushi rice: The base that provides a sticky and tender foundation for the casserole.
2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds subtle tanginess that brings out the authentic sushi rice flavor.
2 teaspoons sugar: Balances the acidity of the vinegar with a touch of sweetness.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
2 cups imitation crab (chopped): The star protein offering a sweet, seafood taste that’s both affordable and delicious.
1/4 cup furikake seasoning: A Japanese seasoning mix that adds a savory crunch and a burst of umami.
1/2 cup Kewpie mayonnaise: Creamy and slightly tangy, it binds the crab and adds richness.
4 nori seaweed sheets: For scooping and adding that classic sea flavor with each bite.
Green onions (optional): Provide a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Avocado slices (optional): Creamy and buttery, they balance the savory layers perfectly.
Roasted sesame seeds (optional): Add a nutty crunch topping to finish the dish.
Fresh cucumber slices (optional): Offer a refreshing crisp side that complements the richness.

How to Make Sushi Bake Recipe Imitation Crab (Sushi Casserole)

Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice

Start by rinsing the sushi rice in cold water until it runs clear—this is a key step to get that perfect sticky texture without excess starchiness. Cook the rice according to your rice cooker’s instructions, then while still warm, soften it further by folding in the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Letting the rice cool a little will help it firm up slightly, making it easy to layer later.

Step 2: Mix the Imitation Crab

In a bowl, gently combine the chopped imitation crab with Kewpie mayonnaise. If you love a bit of heat, feel free to add some Sriracha sauce to taste for a spicy kick. This creamy mixture is what elevates your sushi bake, marrying that rich, savory flavor with just the right texture to melt into the rice layers beautifully.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 450°F. Lightly oil the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking. Then spread an even layer of the seasoned sushi rice as your foundation. Sprinkle half of the furikake seasoning over the rice to infuse it with umami and texture. Next, spread the imitation crab and mayo mixture evenly over the furikake, and finish by sprinkling the remaining furikake on top. This layering not only looks beautiful but guarantees Indonesian every bite is bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Sushi Casserole

Pop the layered dish into your preheated oven and bake for around 15 minutes. You want the top to gain a lovely light golden crust while the casserole warms through thoroughly, melding all those delicious flavors together perfectly. This part adds a slight toasted note that makes the sushi bake even more irresistible.

Step 5: Final Touches Before Serving

Once baked, remove your sushi bake from the oven. Garnish with diced green onions and lovely creamy avocado slices for freshness and color. Sprinkle a handful of roasted sesame seeds for added crunch and a nutty flair. Cut into portions and serve with nori sheets for scooping or simply enjoy it as a warm, hearty dish all on its own.

How to Serve Sushi Bake Recipe Imitation Crab (Sushi Casserole)

Garnishes

Enhancement is key when serving this sushi casserole. Freshly chopped green onions provide a vibrant hint of freshness, while silky avocado slices bring a creamy contrast that complements the savory crab mixture. Don’t forget to add a generous sprinkle of roasted sesame seeds on top—they add a delightful nutty crunch that elevates every bite.

Side Dishes

This sushi bake pairs wonderfully with crisp cucumber slices or a light seaweed salad to lighten the richness. You could also serve it alongside pickled ginger and wasabi for that authentic sushi vibe. A simple miso soup or edamame beans can complete your meal, adding warmth and extra protein.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving this casserole in small individual ramekins turns it into a charming appetizer or party treat, while layering it in a clear dish showcases its beautiful strata for guests to admire. For casual family dinners, set out the nori sheets, sides, and toppings buffet-style so everyone can assemble their own perfect bite filled with all their favorite flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover sushi bake stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the garnishes separate if possible to preserve their texture and brightness. When ready to eat, simply reheat gently or enjoy cold depending on your preference.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it may affect the texture of the sushi rice and mayonnaise mixture. If you want to freeze, portion the dish into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating carefully to retain the best flavor.

Reheating

Reheat your sushi bake in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F) for 10 to 15 minutes, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave portions briefly, but be cautious not to overcook as the rice can become hard. Fresh garnishes are best added after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use real crab meat instead of imitation crab?

Absolutely! Real crab adds a wonderful depth of flavor, making the dish feel extra special. Just keep in mind that real crab can be more delicate, so fold it gently to avoid breaking the meat too much in your mixture.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this sushi bake?

Yes, you can swap the imitation crab for a mix of seasoned tofu, avocado, and mushrooms sautéed with soy sauce and sesame oil. This combination brings umami flavors and texture that complement the sushi rice nicely.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Definitely! Adding Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the crab mixture is an easy way to spice things up. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking for extra heat.

What type of rice is best for this recipe?

Sushi rice or any short-grain rice works best because of its sticky nature that binds the casserole together. Avoid long-grain rice, as it won’t hold the layers properly.

How do I prevent the sushi bake from being too mushy?

Rinsing the rice thoroughly before cooking and allowing it to cool slightly helps achieve the right texture. Also, don’t overdo the mayonnaise when mixing with the crab to keep the layers from becoming too wet.

Final Thoughts

This Sushi Bake Recipe Imitation Crab (Sushi Casserole) is one of those comforting creations that feels both familiar and exciting. It’s perfect for sharing, easy to customize, and delivers sushi flavors without the complicated rolling. Give it a try for your next get-together or a cozy night in—it’s bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen repertoire!

Sushi Bake Recipe Imitation Crab (Sushi Casserole) Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 13 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

Sushi Bake with imitation crab is a comforting casserole inspired by traditional sushi flavors. This easy-to-make dish layers seasoned sushi rice with a creamy imitation crab and mayonnaise mixture, topped with furikake seasoning and baked to golden perfection. Garnished with fresh avocado, green onions, and sesame seeds, it’s a delicious, shareable meal that captures sushi’s essence without rolling or raw fish.

Instructions

Prepare the rice: Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Cook the rice in a rice cooker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. While still warm, transfer to a large bowl and gently fold in sugar, rice vinegar, and salt. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature.
Mix the crab filling: In a bowl, combine the chopped imitation crab with Kewpie mayonnaise. Add Sriracha sauce according to your preferred spiciness level (optional). Stir gently to blend the ingredients evenly without breaking up the crab too much.
Assemble layers: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil. Spread the cooled sushi rice evenly in the dish as the bottom layer. Sprinkle half of the furikake seasoning over the rice. Evenly spread the crab mixture atop the furikake layer. Finally, sprinkle the remaining furikake on top to finish the layers.
Bake the sushi casserole: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the top is slightly golden and the filling is heated through.
Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped green onions, avocado slices, roasted sesame seeds, and fresh cucumber slices, if desired. Serve portions by scooping onto plates and enjoy with nori seaweed sheets to wrap portions or eat as is.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add more Sriracha or serve with extra on the side.
Use freshly cooked and slightly cooled rice for the best texture; avoid refrigerated rice as it may harden the bake.
Kewpie mayonnaise is recommended for authentic flavor but can be substituted with regular mayonnaise mixed with a small amount of rice vinegar.
Furikake seasoning adds unique umami flavor; omit if unavailable or replace with toasted sesame seeds and seaweed flakes.
To keep the dish gluten free, ensure the furikake and imitation crab used are gluten free certified.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Japanese Fusion