Save It A festive twist on the viral sushi bake, featuring layers of seasoned sushi rice, creamy crab filling, and a medley of colorful roasted holiday vegetables. Perfect for sharing at gatherings!
The first time I made this sushi bake was for a holiday dinner with friends, and it quickly became the star of the table. Everyone loved scooping out generous portions with crispy nori squares and discovering the blend of savory crab, creamy cheese, and sweet roasted squash.
Ingredients
- Sushi Rice: 2 cups sushi rice, 2 ½ cups water, ¼ cup rice vinegar, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt
- Crab Filling: 12 oz (340 g) imitation crab meat or cooked lump crab, shredded, 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened, ¼ cup mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie), 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste), 1 tbsp soy sauce
- Holiday Vegetables: 1 cup roasted butternut squash, diced, 1 cup roasted Brussels sprouts, quartered, ½ red bell pepper, diced, ½ cup edamame, shelled and cooked
- Toppings & Garnishes: 2 tbsp furikake seasoning, 1 sheet nori, cut into squares (or use roasted seaweed snack sheets), 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, Sliced green onions, for garnish, Extra sriracha and mayo, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare Oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook Sushi Rice:
- Rinse sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine rice and water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Season Rice:
- In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Gently fold into the cooked rice.
- Make Crab Filling:
- In a medium bowl, mix shredded crab, cream cheese, mayonnaise, sriracha, and soy sauce until well combined.
- Roast Vegetables:
- Toss butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and red bell pepper with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15–20 minutes, stirring once, until golden and tender.
- Assemble Base:
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. Spread sushi rice evenly on the bottom, pressing gently. Sprinkle furikake seasoning over the rice.
- Add Fillings:
- Evenly spread the crab mixture over the rice. Top with roasted vegetables and edamame.
- Toppings:
- Drizzle with extra mayonnaise and sriracha if desired. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and more furikake.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until hot and slightly golden on top.
- Finish & Serve:
- Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, and garnish with green onions. Serve with nori squares for scooping.
Save It This sushi bake became a new staple at our family gatherings, with everyone eager for seconds and thrilled to have a show-stopping fusion dish that brightened up our winter table.
Required Tools
Saucepan with lid, baking sheet, mixing bowls, 9x13-inch baking dish, knife and cutting board, spatula
Allergen Information
Contains: Fish (crab), soy (soy sauce, edamame), eggs (mayonnaise), dairy (cream cheese), sesame, gluten (if using imitation crab or soy sauce with wheat)
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 345, Total Fat 10 g, Carbohydrates 49 g, Protein 13 g
Save It A sushi bake is an easy showstopper: lively, full of color, and perfect for casual sharing. Make it your own with festive veggies and enjoy holiday flavors all in one scoop.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → Can I substitute the crab filling for a vegetarian option?
Yes, mashed chickpeas or finely chopped hearts of palm can replace the crab for a vegetarian variation while maintaining a similar texture.
- → What vegetables work well for the holiday topping?
Roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, red bell pepper, and edamame provide a colorful and flavorful medley that complements the dish perfectly.
- → How is the sushi rice seasoned in this dish?
The rice is cooked with water, then gently mixed with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt to create a balanced and slightly tangy base.
- → What toppings enhance the final presentation and flavor?
Furikake seasoning, toasted sesame seeds, and nori squares add crunch, umami, and visual appeal to the finished bake.
- → How long should the dish bake before serving?
After assembling, bake the dish for 10–12 minutes until heated through and lightly golden on top.