Sushi Bake (Viral TikTok Recipe)

If you’ve been anywhere near social media, chances are you’ve seen the viral Sushi Bake making waves across TikTok. And let me tell you—this trend is worth every bite. Imagine all the flavors of your favorite sushi roll layered into a warm, creamy, savory casserole. It’s got spicy imitation crab, fluffy sushi rice, tangy vinegar, and that signature drizzle of sriracha and Kewpie mayo on top. All you need is a spoon and some crispy nori to scoop up that cheesy, umami-packed goodness.

Behind the Recipe

This viral favorite first caught my eye when I saw someone spooning a melty sushi bake onto a square of seaweed like it was the best thing they’d ever eaten. One scroll turned into ten more, and I knew I had to try it. Turns out, this recipe isn’t just internet hype. It combines everything comforting—rice, seafood, creamy cheese—with the fun, salty pop of furikake and that iconic spicy mayo combo. One bite in, and I was officially hooked.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Sushi Bake may have blown up thanks to TikTok, but its roots go deeper. It gained popularity in the Filipino-American community as a creative and budget-friendly way to enjoy sushi flavors at home. Instead of rolling, you bake the ingredients into layers and scoop them with nori. The dish brings together Japanese ingredients like sushi rice and furikake with modern flavors like cream cheese and sriracha. It’s part comfort food, part sushi roll, all delicious.

Why You’ll Love Sushi Bake (Viral TikTok Recipe)

This isn’t just another trend. It’s a cozy, flavorful, and downright fun recipe that’s easy to love.

Versatile: Make it spicy or mild, use different proteins, or layer it with extras like avocado.

Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable imitation crab and pantry staples to deliver sushi-style flavor without the cost.

Quick and Easy: No rolling required—just mix, layer, and bake.

Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or swap ingredients for what you have on hand.

Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or cozy nights with friends.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance and bake when you’re ready to serve.

Great for Leftovers: Reheats well for a delicious next-day lunch or dinner.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

A few small tricks can make a big difference when it comes to flavor and texture:

• Let the sushi rice cool slightly before layering to keep the texture fluffy, not mushy.
• Use softened cream cheese so it blends smoothly with the crab mixture.
• Add extra furikake between layers for that signature umami crunch.
• Don’t overbake—the top should be golden but still moist.
• Garnish just before serving for the freshest presentation.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Simple kitchen tools are all you need to pull this one together:

Baking dish (8×8 or 9×13): Depending on how thick you want the layers.
Mixing bowls: For prepping the rice and crab mixture.
Rubber spatula or spoon: Helps spread ingredients smoothly.
Rice paddle or fork: To fluff and season the rice.
Squeeze bottles (optional): For drizzling sriracha and mayo in a pretty pattern.

Ingredients in Sushi Bake (Viral TikTok Recipe)

Each layer in this dish brings flavor and texture to the table. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Imitation crab: 1 pound, flaked or chopped, gives that classic California roll flavor.
2. Cream cheese: 4 ounces, softened for creaminess in the topping layer.
3. Kewpie mayo: 1/2 cup plus extra for topping, adds rich, tangy smoothness.
4. Sriracha: 2 tablespoons plus extra for topping, brings heat and balance.
5. Cooked sushi rice: 4 cups, the hearty base of the dish.
6. Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon, to season and brighten the rice.
7. Furikake seasoning: 3 tablespoons divided, adds umami, sesame, and seaweed flavors.
8. Green onions: 2 sliced, for a fresh bite and color pop.
9. Nori sheets: For serving, adds crunch and wraps everything up beautifully.

Ingredient Substitutions

Missing something? No problem. Try these easy swaps:

Imitation crab: Use real crab, canned tuna, or cooked shrimp.
Kewpie mayo: Substitute with regular mayo plus a splash of rice vinegar or sugar.
Sriracha: Try gochujang, chili garlic sauce, or your favorite hot sauce.
Furikake: Mix sesame seeds with crumbled seaweed and a pinch of salt.
Sushi rice: Use short-grain rice or even jasmine in a pinch.

Ingredient Spotlight

Furikake: A Japanese rice seasoning made of seaweed, sesame seeds, salt, and sometimes dried fish or bonito flakes. It adds savory crunch and deep flavor.

Kewpie Mayo: A Japanese-style mayonnaise that’s richer and tangier than regular mayo. Made with egg yolks and rice vinegar, it’s ultra-smooth and perfect for sushi-style dishes.

Instructions for Making Sushi Bake (Viral TikTok Recipe)

Once you’ve cooked the rice, the rest is a breeze. Let’s layer and bake this viral classic.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×13 baking dish depending on your desired thickness.

2. Combine Ingredients:
In a bowl, mix flaked imitation crab with softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup Kewpie mayo, and 2 tablespoons sriracha. Stir until creamy and well combined.

3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
In a separate bowl, combine sushi rice with rice vinegar and 1 tablespoon furikake. Gently mix to season the rice without mashing it.

4. Assemble the Dish:
Spread the seasoned rice evenly into the bottom of your baking dish. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon furikake over the rice. Spoon the crab mixture over the top and spread gently. Sprinkle remaining furikake and top with a drizzle of Kewpie mayo and sriracha.

5. Cook to Perfection:
Bake for 15–20 minutes until hot and slightly golden on top. For extra color, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching closely.

6. Finishing Touches:
Remove from the oven and garnish with sliced green onions.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
Scoop warm portions onto sheets of nori and eat taco-style or roll them up for a fun sushi-style bite.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This sushi bake hits all the right notes—warm, fluffy rice with a vinegar zing, creamy and spicy crab topping, and that salty, crunchy burst of furikake. The contrast between the soft layers and crisp nori gives you a sushi-like experience in every spoonful.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Want to take it even further? Here’s how:

• Lightly toast your nori sheets for extra crunch.
• Add thin avocado slices on top before serving for creaminess.
• Mix in a little soy sauce or sesame oil with the crab for added depth.

What to Avoid

Keep these in mind for the best results:

• Don’t skip softening the cream cheese—it won’t blend well if cold.
• Avoid overmixing the rice. It should stay fluffy, not sticky.
• Don’t broil too long—keep a close eye to avoid burning the top.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

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

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Sushi bake can be prepped ahead and stored in the fridge (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Bake fresh when ready to serve. Leftovers keep well for 2–3 days in an airtight container and can be reheated in the microwave or oven. Not ideal for freezing due to the cream cheese base.

How to Serve Sushi Bake (Viral TikTok Recipe)

Serve warm scoops of sushi bake with full or half sheets of nori. You can let everyone build their own bites, adding avocado, cucumber, or extra sauce on top. Great with a side of pickled ginger or a crisp cucumber salad.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftovers? Try these tasty ideas:

• Use inside a seaweed wrap with cucumber and avocado for a sushi burrito.
• Make sushi bake rice balls by shaping and coating in sesame seeds.
• Serve on top of a green salad with soy sauce vinaigrette.
• Stuff into a sandwich bun for a spicy sushi melt.

Additional Tips

Let the bake sit for 5 minutes before serving so layers settle.
Use kitchen scissors to cut nori into perfect bite-sized sheets.
Keep a small bowl of water nearby to prevent sticky fingers while serving.

Make It a Showstopper

Drizzle extra sauces in a crisscross pattern for a fancy finish.
Serve with chopsticks and a tray of toppings for DIY fun.
Garnish with avocado roses or sesame seeds for presentation points.

Variations to Try

• California Roll Style: Add diced cucumber and avocado into the crab mixture.
• Spicy Tuna Bake: Swap imitation crab for canned tuna and increase the sriracha.
• Creamy Salmon Bake: Use cooked or smoked salmon instead of crab.
• Vegetarian Version: Use mashed chickpeas and shredded carrots in place of seafood.
• Extra Crispy Top: Add panko crumbs mixed with melted butter before baking.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use real crab instead of imitation?

Yes, real crab or even cooked shrimp works perfectly.

2. Is this dish served hot or cold?

Best served warm, right after baking.

3. Can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream cheese and mayo substitutes.

4. What kind of rice should I use?

Short-grain sushi rice is ideal, but jasmine rice also works in a pinch.

5. Do I need to toast the nori?

You can, but it’s optional. Toasting adds extra crunch.

6. Can I freeze sushi bake?

Not recommended due to the creamy ingredients.

7. Can I use regular mayo?

Yes, but add a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of sugar to mimic Kewpie’s flavor.

8. How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

9. What’s a good side dish?

Cucumber salad, miso soup, or pickled ginger work great.

10. Can I add avocado?

Definitely! Add fresh slices on top after baking.

Conclusion

Whether you’re here because of TikTok or you’re just sushi-obsessed, this Sushi Bake is about to become your new favorite dish. It’s creamy, spicy, comforting, and totally customizable. One bite and you’ll understand why it’s all over your feed. Trust me, it’s worth every scoop.

Print