If you love sushi but want to try something new, this Sushi Bake with Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab is the perfect fusion dish! It combines all the delicious flavors of sushi but in an easy-to-make casserole form. This recipe takes the classic spicy tuna roll and the creamy richness of crab, topping it all with a flavorful mayo-based sauce, and bakes everything to perfection for a crispy, savory delight.
Sushi bake is a fun and creative way to enjoy sushi without the hassle of rolling individual pieces. Instead, you prepare the ingredients and bake them together in one dish, creating a warm, comforting meal that’s just as flavorful as the traditional sushi rolls. With layers of spicy tuna, creamy crab, and a crispy rice crust, this sushi bake will have everyone at the table reaching for more.
Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this dish is also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences, adding more spice or even swapping the tuna for another protein. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, a main course, or as part of a sushi feast, this Sushi Bake with Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
Making a Sushi Bake with Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab is a fun and exciting way to enjoy sushi flavors in a more approachable format. Unlike traditional sushi, where each roll requires careful assembly, this casserole-style sushi bake is easy to prepare and doesn’t require any rolling skills. The result is a hearty, shareable dish that everyone will love.
One of the reasons you’ll enjoy making this recipe is because of the incredible combination of textures. The crispy rice crust provides a perfect base for the creamy, savory filling made of spicy tuna and creamy crab. The tuna adds a subtle heat, while the crab brings a rich creaminess, balanced by the mayonnaise-based sauce. This balance of flavors and textures is what makes the sushi bake so irresistible.
Additionally, sushi bake is incredibly customizable. You can easily switch up the ingredients, adjusting the level of spiciness by adding more sriracha or using different fish like salmon or shrimp. The creaminess can be intensified with extra cream cheese or avocado for a richer texture. It’s an adaptable recipe that can be tweaked to suit different dietary preferences or spice tolerances, ensuring it’s something everyone can enjoy.
Making a sushi bake also means you can serve this dish in one large pan, which is perfect for group gatherings or family dinners. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sushi rice, cooked
- 1 ½ cups spicy tuna (tuna, sriracha, mayo, sesame oil)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup imitation crab meat or real crab, shredded
- 1 tablespoon mayo (Japanese mayo works best)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (optional, for more heat)
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Nori sheets (to serve on the side)
- Cucumber (optional, for serving)
Equipment Used
A 9×9-inch or similar-sized baking dish is ideal for assembling and baking the sushi ingredients.
You’ll need at least two mixing bowls—one for the spicy tuna and one for the creamy crab mixture.
To measure ingredients like soy sauce, sriracha, and sesame oil, use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
A spatula is perfect for spreading the tuna and crab mixtures evenly over the rice.
A rice cooker or pot is essential for cooking the sushi rice to perfection
Preheat your oven to bake the sushi bake, ensuring the top is golden and bubbly
A sharp knife will be needed to chop ingredients like green onions and sesame seeds for garnish.
Directions & Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Cook your sushi rice according to package instructions. Once done, spread the rice evenly at the bottom of a baking dish (a 9×9-inch or similar-sized dish works well). Press the rice gently to pack it in.
- Prepare the Spicy Tuna: In a bowl, mix tuna, sriracha sauce, mayonnaise, and a dash of sesame oil. Stir until everything is well combined and the tuna is evenly coated in the spicy sauce.
- Prepare the Creamy Crab: In a separate bowl, mix the shredded crab, cream cheese, mayo, soy sauce, and a little sesame oil. Blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Sushi Bake: Spread the spicy tuna mixture evenly on top of the rice in the baking dish. Then, layer the creamy crab mixture on top of the tuna. Gently spread it out to cover the entire surface.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the sushi bake is out of the oven, garnish it with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve with nori sheets or sliced cucumber on the side for a refreshing touch.
- Enjoy: Scoop out portions of the sushi bake and enjoy! You can serve it with extra soy sauce or spicy mayo if desired.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Sushi Bake with Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab provides a flavorful and satisfying meal. Here’s a breakdown of approximate nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 5g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Potassium: 250mg
- Calcium: 4%
- Iron: 6%
Keep in mind that the nutritional content may vary depending on the type of crab, mayo, and other ingredients used.
Variations
- Vegetarian Sushi Bake: Use mango, avocado, and cucumber in place of the tuna and crab for a refreshing, plant-based version.
- Salmon Sushi Bake: Swap the spicy tuna for spicy salmon for a different fish flavor.
- Extra Heat: Add more sriracha or jalapeños to the tuna mixture for a spicier kick.
- Avocado Addition: Stir avocado into the creamy crab mixture for extra richness and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use real crab instead of imitation crab?
Yes! Real crab meat will make the dish even more flavorful and indulgent. Just be sure to shred it into small pieces before mixing with the other ingredients.
Can I make this sushi bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sushi bake up to a day ahead. Simply assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, just bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
Can I freeze the sushi bake?
While it’s best served fresh, you can freeze the sushi bake before baking it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed.
Pro Tips By Emma
- Crispy Rice: To get a crispy rice crust, lightly press the rice down before adding the toppings. This will create a sturdy base for the spicy tuna and creamy crab.
- Balancing Flavors: Adjust the sriracha and soy sauce to your preference to get the perfect level of heat and savory depth.
- Serve with Fresh Sides: Pair the sushi bake with a light side of pickled vegetables, edamame, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Sushi Bake with Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab with sides of crispy tempura, miso soup, or fresh sashimi for a full sushi experience. You can also pair it with a refreshing Japanese iced tea or a light beer for an added treat.
Sushi Bake with Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab : Easy & Delicious
Equipment
- A 9x9-inch or similar-sized baking dish is ideal for assembling and baking the sushi ingredients.
- You’ll need at least two mixing bowls—one for the spicy tuna and one for the creamy crab mixture.
- To measure ingredients like soy sauce, sriracha, and sesame oil, use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
- A spatula is perfect for spreading the tuna and crab mixtures evenly over the rice.
- A rice cooker or pot is essential for cooking the sushi rice to perfection
- Preheat your oven to bake the sushi bake, ensuring the top is golden and bubbly
- A sharp knife will be needed to chop ingredients like green onions and sesame seeds for garnish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sushi rice cooked
- 1 ½ cups spicy tuna tuna, sriracha, mayo, sesame oil
- 1 cup cream cheese softened
- 1 cup imitation crab meat or real crab shredded
- 1 tablespoon mayo Japanese mayo works best
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce optional, for more heat
- 2 tablespoons green onions chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds optional, for garnish
- Nori sheets to serve on the side
- Cucumber optional, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Cook your sushi rice according to package instructions. Once done, spread the rice evenly at the bottom of a baking dish (a 9x9-inch or similar-sized dish works well). Press the rice gently to pack it in.
- Prepare the Spicy Tuna: In a bowl, mix tuna, sriracha sauce, mayonnaise, and a dash of sesame oil. Stir until everything is well combined and the tuna is evenly coated in the spicy sauce.
- Prepare the Creamy Crab: In a separate bowl, mix the shredded crab, cream cheese, mayo, soy sauce, and a little sesame oil. Blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Sushi Bake: Spread the spicy tuna mixture evenly on top of the rice in the baking dish. Then, layer the creamy crab mixture on top of the tuna. Gently spread it out to cover the entire surface.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the sushi bake is out of the oven, garnish it with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve with nori sheets or sliced cucumber on the side for a refreshing touch.
- Enjoy: Scoop out portions of the sushi bake and enjoy! You can serve it with extra soy sauce or spicy mayo if desired.
Notes
Add a layer of avocado for extra creaminess and richness.
Top with extra sriracha or spicy mayo for more heat and flavor.
Toast the rice slightly for a crispier base.
Garnish with chopped cilantro or sesame seeds for added texture and freshness.