Baked Salmon Sushi Bowl Recipe

If there’s one recipe that never fails to satisfy a sushi craving without the fuss of rolling, it’s this Baked Salmon Sushi Bowl. Imagine buttery salmon with a punchy soy glaze, nestled on fluffy rice and crowned with creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, spicy mayo, and a shower of furikake. It’s a quick, easy, utterly addictive way to capture everything you love about sushi, right in your own kitchen—no sushi mat required!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Baked Salmon Sushi Bowl comes from a handful of simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, adding either bold flavor, velvety texture, or irresistible crunch and color that brings the whole bowl together.

• Salmon filets: Fresh, skin-on salmon is ideal for maximum flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper: A simple seasoning duo that lets the natural flavor of the salmon shine.
• Soy sauce (or Tamari for gluten-free): Provides a salty umami depth that soaks into the salmon and ties the bowl together.
• Chili garlic sauce (or Sriracha): Adds spice and a hint of tang, both in the marinade and spicy mayo.
• Avocado oil (or olive oil): Helps give the salmon a golden, crispy sear before it bakes in the oven.
• Mayo: The creamy base for your spicy mayo drizzle—Japanese Kewpie works wonderfully if you have it!
• Rice: Any rice you love is fair game. Sushi, jasmine, or even brown rice will soak up all those delicious toppings.
• Avocados: Their creamy coolness balances the warmth and spice throughout the Baked Salmon Sushi Bowl.
• English cucumber: Sliced for freshness and crunch, a classic sushi pairing.
• Furikake seasoning: This Japanese blend of seaweed, sesame seeds, and salt takes the bowl from great to “can’t-stop-eating.”
• Extra soy sauce (or Tamari): Perfect for drizzling at the end for that traditional sushi finish.

How to Make Baked Salmon Sushi Bowl

Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Salmon

Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F—this ensures a beautifully cooked, juicy salmon with a touch of crisp at the edges. Pat your salmon dry so the marinade will cling and sink in. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce and chili garlic sauce. Lightly salt and pepper each filet, then generously brush with your bold, savory marinade. This few-minute step is what gives the Baked Salmon Sushi Bowl its signature depth of flavor.

Step 2: Sear and Bake

Set a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and swirl in your oil. Gently lay the salmon skin-side up and sear 2-4 minutes, just until you see a gorgeous, golden crust. Flip, then turn off the heat and slide the whole skillet straight into the hot oven. In 10-14 minutes, your salmon will be succulent and perfectly cooked—140 degrees F in the center is your green light.

Step 3: Whip Up Spicy Mayo

While the salmon’s sizzling, whisk together mayo and as much chili garlic sauce as you want (start with a little, add more if you love heat). This sauce is the creamy, tangy magic that brings everything together, and you’ll want to put it on everything that goes into your Baked Salmon Sushi Bowl.

Step 4: Build Your Bowls

Divide your hot, fluffy rice between four bowls. Add thick, tender pieces of baked salmon, arrange slices of creamy avocado and crunchy cucumber, then drizzle with spicy mayo and a healthy sprinkle of furikake. Let everyone add extra soy sauce if they like—because when it comes to flavor, more is more!

How to Serve Baked Salmon Sushi Bowl

Garnishes

The finishing touches make all the difference in a homemade Baked Salmon Sushi Bowl. Sprinkle with extra furikake, sesame seeds, or thinly sliced green onions. A few sheets of nori, torn or shredded, add ocean flavor and a bit of theatrical flair.

Side Dishes

This sushi bowl is definitely the main event, but pairing it with a side of miso soup, edamame, or a crisp Asian-style slaw creates a well-rounded, satisfying meal. Even pickled ginger on the side offers that pop of zing you expect from a sushi bar experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, let everyone assemble their own Baked Salmon Sushi Bowl—with toppings and sauces spread out buffet style, it becomes a sushi party. Or, serve everything layered in glass jars for a beautiful, portable lunch that’ll make your coworkers jealous.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store everything in airtight containers, keeping the rice separate from the toppings to preserve their freshness. The spicy mayo can go in a small jar with a lid in the fridge for easy drizzling later.

Freezing

While the rice and salmon can both be frozen (tightly wrapped or in individual containers), fresh toppings like avocado and cucumber don’t freeze well. For the perfect make-ahead lunch, freeze portions of plain rice and salmon, then add fresh toppings right before serving your next Baked Salmon Sushi Bowl.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave the rice and salmon until just warmed through, then assemble with your cold toppings. For best results, add the spicy mayo and furikake after everything else is heated, bringing your Baked Salmon Sushi Bowl right back to life.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fish?

Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with trout, arctic char, or even a mild white fish. Just keep an eye on the cooking time for thinner or smaller fillets.

Is the Baked Salmon Sushi Bowl gluten-free?

Yes, it can be! Simply swap the regular soy sauce for Tamari, and double-check that your furikake seasoning and chili sauces are gluten-free.

What can I use instead of furikake?

If you can’t find furikake, a mix of toasted sesame seeds and crumbled seaweed snacks is an easy, delicious substitute.

Can I make this with leftover cooked salmon?

Definitely! Just flake the leftover salmon and warm it gently. The sauce and toppings will give it fresh flavor in your Baked Salmon Sushi Bowl.

How spicy is this recipe?

You’re in control! Start with a little chili garlic sauce, then taste and add more until it’s the perfect heat level for you.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Salmon Sushi Bowl is truly a game-changer when you’re craving something satisfying, healthy, and full of Japanese flavor—without the need for rolling or fancy equipment. Give it a try and you’ll see just how easy (and fun) real-deal sushi night at home can be!

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