Baked Salmon Sushi Cups

Craving sushi but don’t want the hassle of rolling it? These Baked Salmon Sushi Cups are here to save the day! With tender baked salmon, seasoned rice, and crispy nori, all baked together in a cute little cup, this dish brings the best of sushi without any of the complicated rolling. It’s the perfect balance of savory, crispy, and fresh – everything you love about sushi in an easy, bite-sized form. Trust me, you’ll be hooked after just one bite.

Why You’ll Love Baked Salmon Sushi Cups

This recipe is the perfect mix of convenience and flavor. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Quick and Easy: No sushi rolling skills required – just assemble and bake
Flavors You Love: All your favorite sushi ingredients come together in one delicious cup
Perfect for Meal Prep: These little cups are great for lunches or parties
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering, these sushi cups are always a hit
Fun Twist: If you love sushi, this is a fun way to enjoy it in a new and exciting format

Ingredients in Baked Salmon Sushi Cups

The ingredients in these sushi cups are simple, yet the combination creates an irresistible dish:

Sushi Rice: The soft, vinegary base that holds everything together – the essential sushi rice
Salmon Fillets: Fresh and tender, these fillets are baked to perfection and provide the main protein
Nori Sheets: The crispy seaweed that wraps the sushi in traditional flavor
Soy Sauce: A dash of soy sauce enhances the salty umami taste
Rice Vinegar: To season the rice and bring out that signature sushi flavor
Sugar: Just a touch of sugar to balance the vinegar in the rice
Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty flavor that ties everything together
Avocado: Creamy avocado slices for added texture and flavor
Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch and a nice contrast to the tender salmon
Green Onions: For a bit of freshness and subtle onion flavor
Sesame Seeds: For garnish and a little extra crunch

Instructions

Making these sushi cups is easier than you think. Here’s the simple process:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the cups bake evenly and get crispy.

Cook the Rice: Cook the sushi rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, mix it with rice vinegar, sugar, and a splash of sesame oil to season it. Stir gently to combine.

Prepare the Salmon: Season the salmon fillets with a bit of soy sauce and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until fully cooked and tender. Once done, flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces.

Assemble the Cups: Take a muffin tin and line each cup with a sheet of nori, pressing it gently to fit. Spoon some of the seasoned sushi rice into each cup, pressing it down to form a base. Top the rice with flaked salmon, then bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the nori is crispy and the cups are golden.

Add Fresh Toppings: Once the cups are done, remove them from the oven. Top each cup with a slice of avocado, cucumber, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve your baked salmon sushi cups warm, with a drizzle of soy sauce or a side of pickled ginger if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 320

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Baked Salmon Sushi Cups

These sushi cups are great on their own, but you can pair them with:

A side of miso soup for a comforting touch
Some edamame or pickled ginger to complete the sushi experience
A simple salad with a sesame dressing for added freshness

Additional Tips

If you want a more intense flavor, you can drizzle a little bit of sriracha mayo or spicy mayo on top of the sushi cups before serving
For a smoky flavor, try adding a bit of smoked salmon instead of fresh salmon
If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can also use small ramekins to bake the cups
These sushi cups are perfect for meal prep – just store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat them for a quick lunch or snack

FAQ’s

1 Can I use brown rice instead of sushi rice?
You can, but sushi rice gives the best texture and flavor for this recipe.

2 Can I make these cups ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them ahead of time and bake just before serving.

3 Can I use tuna instead of salmon?
Absolutely! Tuna would work just as well in these sushi cups.

4 How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to maintain the crispy texture.

5 Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! You can use roasted vegetables, tofu, or tempeh instead of the salmon for a vegetarian option.

6 Do I have to use sesame oil?
Sesame oil adds a unique flavor, but you can substitute it with olive oil if you prefer.

7 How do I make the nori crispy?
The nori will crisp up in the oven while baking with the rice, so just be sure to bake it long enough.

8 Can I use pre-cooked salmon?
Yes, you can use leftover or pre-cooked salmon to save time.

9 How do I keep the rice from being too sticky?
Rinse the sushi rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps prevent it from becoming too sticky.

10 Can I make these sushi cups gluten-free?
Yes, just be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.

Conclusion

These Baked Salmon Sushi Cups are a fun and delicious twist on traditional sushi. With crispy nori, tender salmon, and seasoned sushi rice, you’ll love the unique flavors and textures in each bite. Perfect for a quick dinner, a fun appetizer, or meal prep, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

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