Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab Sushi Bake

Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab Sushi Bake is a warm, comforting twist on traditional sushi rolls—baked in a casserole-style dish for easy serving. Featuring layers of seasoned rice, spicy tuna, creamy crab, and melted toppings, this dish captures all the bold, umami-rich flavors of your favorite sushi without the need for rolling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sushi bake is everything you love about sushi, deconstructed and simplified into a family-style meal. It’s rich, savory, spicy, and irresistibly creamy with just the right amount of heat. It’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or an easy weeknight dinner. Best of all, it can be prepped ahead and reheated, and it’s super customizable based on your taste and ingredients on hand.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Sushi rice
• Rice vinegar
• Sugar
• Salt
• Canned tuna in water (drained)
• Imitation crab or lump crab meat
• Kewpie mayonnaise
• Sriracha
• Cream cheese (softened)
• Soy sauce
• Furikake seasoning
• Green onions (for garnish)
• Nori sheets or seaweed snacks (for serving)

directions

1. Cook the sushi rice according to package instructions. While warm, mix with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Spread evenly into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
2. In a bowl, mix canned tuna with Kewpie mayo, sriracha, and soy sauce to create the spicy tuna layer.
3. In another bowl, combine crab meat with softened cream cheese and a bit of mayo to make the creamy crab mixture.
4. Layer the spicy tuna mixture over the rice, followed by the creamy crab.
5. Sprinkle generously with furikake seasoning.
6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through and lightly golden on top.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions and extra sriracha or mayo drizzle if desired.
8. Serve warm with nori sheets for scooping.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Add avocado: Mix diced avocado into the crab layer or serve it sliced on top after baking.
• Make it spicier: Add extra sriracha or a touch of wasabi to the tuna mixture.
• Try salmon: Substitute spicy tuna with cooked or raw salmon for a different twist.
• Make it keto-friendly: Swap sushi rice for cauliflower rice and adjust baking time accordingly.
• Top it off: Add shredded cheese or a drizzle of eel sauce for an extra savory layer.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave in short bursts. Sushi bake is best enjoyed warm. Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy ingredients, which may separate after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

Yes, but make sure it’s sushi-grade and finely chopped. Canned tuna is just more convenient for baking.

What kind of crab should I use?

Imitation crab is traditional and affordable, but you can use real lump crab meat if you prefer.

Is Kewpie mayo necessary?

Kewpie mayo adds a richer flavor, but you can use regular mayo if that’s what you have.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it in advance and refrigerate. Just bake when ready to serve.

Is this dish served hot or cold?

It’s served warm, unlike traditional sushi. The baking process enhances the flavors and creaminess.

What is furikake and where can I find it?

Furikake is a Japanese seasoning blend typically made with seaweed, sesame seeds, and dried fish. It’s available in most Asian grocery stores or online.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese and check that your mayo is dairy-free as well.

Can I use brown rice instead of sushi rice?

Yes, just be aware it may alter the texture and flavor slightly. Short-grain brown rice is the best substitute.

What can I serve with sushi bake?

Serve with miso soup, edamame, or a side salad for a complete meal.

How do I eat sushi bake?

Scoop a portion onto a sheet of nori or seaweed snack and eat like a mini taco or hand roll.

Conclusion

Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab Sushi Bake is a crave-worthy, crowd-pleasing dish that brings sushi night into your kitchen with ease. Warm, creamy, and packed with bold flavors, it’s the perfect fusion of comfort food and your favorite sushi rolls. Whether you’re hosting friends or just looking for a fun dinner idea, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

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