When TikTok turns its attention to food, you know something delicious is about to happen — and the viral tiktok sushi bake is no exception. This baked sushi casserole takes the flavors of your favorite sushi roll and layers them into a warm, creamy, and satisfying dish you can serve straight from the oven.
Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or a cozy night in, sushi bake offers all the umami-rich goodness of sushi without the fuss of rolling. Here’s how to recreate it in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For 6–8 servings, gather:
For the Sushi Rice Layer
- 2 cups uncooked sushi rice
- 2 ½ cups water
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
For the Seafood Filling
- 1 cup imitation crab meat (kani), shredded
- 200g cooked salmon or tuna, flaked
- ½ cup mayonnaise (Japanese Kewpie mayo recommended)
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
Toppings & Garnishes
- Nori sheets (seaweed), cut into rectangles for scooping
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2–3 stalks green onions, finely sliced
- Extra sriracha or unagi (eel) sauce for drizzling
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Sushi Rice
- Rinse the sushi rice in cold water until the water runs clear.
- Combine rice and water in a rice cooker or pot and cook according to package instructions.
- While rice cooks, heat rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan until sugar dissolves.
- Fold the vinegar mixture into the cooked rice while it’s still warm, mixing gently.
Step 2: Make the Seafood Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine crab meat, cooked salmon, mayonnaise, cream cheese, sriracha, and soy sauce.
- Mix until creamy and well-blended. Adjust seasoning with extra soy sauce or sriracha if desired.
Step 3: Assemble the Viral TikTok Sushi Bake
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the sushi rice evenly as the bottom layer.
- Top with the seafood mixture, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
Step 4: Bake & Garnish
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Drizzle with extra sriracha or unagi sauce for extra flavor.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve hot with nori sheets on the side.
- To eat, scoop a portion of the sushi bake onto a piece of nori and fold it like a mini taco.
Pro Tips for the Viral TikTok Sushi Bake
- Use Kewpie mayo: It’s creamier and slightly sweeter than regular mayo, making it perfect for sushi bake.
- Try furikake: Sprinkle furikake seasoning over the rice for extra flavor and crunch.
- Seafood swaps: Use shrimp, scallops, or even a vegetarian filling like tofu and avocado.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole in advance and bake just before serving.
Fun Variations
- Spicy Tuna Sushi Bake – Use only fresh or canned tuna with extra sriracha and chili oil.
- California Roll Style – Stick to crab meat, cucumber, and avocado for a classic flavor.
- Ebi Mayo Bake – Use shrimp instead of crab and salmon, and coat them in creamy mayo sauce before baking.
Why the Viral TikTok Sushi Bake
The sushi bake first gained popularity in the Philippines, where creative home cooks reimagined sushi into a family-style baked dish. TikTok helped it go global — the warm, cheesy, savory layers are perfect for short, satisfying cooking videos. It’s the ideal recipe for sharing with friends both online and at the dinner table.
Related Reads
- Try our Viral Mini Pancake Cereal for another fun TikTok recipe.
- Pair your sushi bake with a refreshing Iced Matcha Latte for a complete meal.
- Learn more about sushi seasoning and techniques from Just One Cookbook.
Final Thoughts
The viral TikTok sushi bake is a comforting, flavorful twist on traditional sushi that’s easier to make and share. With endless customization options, it’s a trend worth trying — and one you’ll probably keep making long after TikTok moves on to the next big thing.
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