If you have been craving a delightful fusion of savory, sweet, and creamy flavors all in one bite, then the Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake for Two Recipe is going to become your new go-to dish. Inspired by the viral sushi bake trend, this recipe brilliantly layers tender Coho salmon glazed in luscious teriyaki sauce over perfectly cooked sushi rice, topped with creamy avocado and a spicy mayo drizzle that ties everything together like a dream. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or treating yourself solo, this comforting yet elegant dish brings the best of Japanese-inspired flavors with an American twist in a fun, easy-to-make bake that’s perfect for sharing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients will set you up for sushi bake success. Each component plays a crucial role, balancing flavors and adding texture—from the rich salmon that’s beautifully glazed, to the fluffy sushi rice that forms the base, and the crispy toppings that bring irresistible crunch and color to the dish.
- ¾ lb Salmon (Coho preferred): Offers a tender, flavorful centerpiece with the perfect amount of omega-3 richness.
- 3 tablespoons Teriyaki Sauce: Brings a sweet and savory glaze reminiscent of Japanese BBQ for that signature taste.
- 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar: Adds caramelized sweetness to enhance the teriyaki glaze.
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt: Enhances natural flavors without overwhelming the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder: Infuses a subtle depth of flavor into the salmon topping.
- 3 cups Cooked Sushi Rice: The sticky, vinegared rice base that holds everything together beautifully.
- 1 small Avocado, cubed: Adds a creamy, buttery counterpoint to the tangy and sweet elements.
- 3 tablespoons Spicy Mayo (or yum yum sauce): Provides a kick of heat and creaminess that pulls all the flavors into a perfect harmony.
- 1 tablespoon Furikake: A Japanese seasoning blend that adds umami-packed bursts of flavor and visual appeal.
- 2 tablespoons Crispy Fried Onion Bits: For irresistible crunch and a touch of smoky sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons Scallions, finely diced: Fresh green notes that brighten the dish and add a mild sharpness.
How to Make Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake for Two Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Salmon
Start by carefully removing the skin from your salmon and cutting it into 1-inch pieces. This size makes it easier to distribute evenly in the bake and ensures every bite gets a good bit of the fish. Transfer the cubed salmon into a medium bowl and toss gently with the teriyaki sauce and kosher salt. Letting it marinate briefly helps the fish soak up all those delicious sweet and salty notes.
Step 2: Layer the Rice Base
Next, take your small baking dish and add the cooked sushi rice. Pat it down firmly to create a flat, even layer that will hold its shape as you build the sushi bake. This is your foundation, providing that classic sticky texture that sushi lovers will immediately recognize and adore.
Step 3: Add the Salmon and Seasonings
Spoon the marinated teriyaki salmon evenly over the rice. To finish this layer, sprinkle garlic powder and brown sugar evenly across the top. These ingredients work together to give you that beautiful caramelized crust once baked, bringing a slightly crispy sweetness that contrasts with the moist fish beneath.
Step 4: Broil to Perfection
Turn on your oven broiler and place the baking dish near the top rack. Broil for about 6 minutes or until you notice the topping beginning to caramelize and bubble. Keep a close eye to avoid burning—this step transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering golden layer with irresistible aroma.
Step 5: Final Toppings and Serving
Remove the dish carefully from the oven. Quickly add cubes of fresh avocado, a generous drizzle of spicy mayo (or yum yum sauce), sprinkle of furikake, crispy fried onion bits, and diced scallions. These finishing touches add creaminess, spice, crunch, and bursts of umami flavor that complete this sushi bake masterpiece.
How to Serve Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake for Two Recipe
Garnishes
When serving, feel free to get creative with garnishes that brighten and elevate your Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake for Two Recipe. A few extra scallions, toasted sesame seeds, or a small pile of pickled ginger on the side can add fresh and tangy notes that refresh your palate between bites.
Side Dishes
This sushi bake pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp seaweed salad or lightly dressed cucumber salad to add cool, crunchy contrast. For those who want a heartier meal, a bowl of miso soup or steamed edamame beans fits perfectly alongside without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
You can transform this dish into an interactive experience by serving it with seaweed sheets or nori crackers as scoops, turning it into sushi bake hand rolls. Another fun idea is to offer small bowls so diners can customize their portions with extra spicy mayo or avocado on top—making your Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake for Two Recipe not just delicious, but engaging and social.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake for Two Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoyed within 2 days. This ensures the flavors remain vibrant, and the rice doesn’t dry out. Keep any creamy toppings separate if possible to preserve texture.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to avoid freezing this sushi bake because the rice and avocado textures tend to suffer after thawing. If you must freeze, remove any fresh toppings first and consume within 1 month for best taste. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the sushi bake in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely to retain moisture, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, use an oven set at 300°F to gently warm it up while preserving crispness on top. Add fresh avocado and spicy mayo after reheating to refresh the dish.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish instead of salmon?
Absolutely! While Coho salmon offers great flavor and richness, you can substitute with other firm, flaky fish like tuna or even cooked shrimp to customize your sushi bake.
What if I don’t have furikake? Any substitutes?
If furikake is unavailable, a simple sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds combined with a pinch of sea salt and dried seaweed flakes makes a great alternative that still adds umami and crunch.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
For a plant-based twist, try replacing the salmon with marinated tofu or roasted shiitake mushrooms and swap the teriyaki sauce for a vegan version. Just keep in mind the textures will be different but still delicious!
How spicy is the spicy mayo, and can I adjust it?
The spicy mayo adds a mild to medium heat depending on how much you drizzle on. Feel free to tone it down by mixing mayo with just a touch of Sriracha or swap it out altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Definitely! This Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake for Two Recipe is straightforward and forgiving. The layering and broiling steps are simple, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to impress without fuss.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake for Two Recipe enough—it’s such a satisfying and fun dish to make and share. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or celebrating a special moment, this recipe delivers layers of flavor and comforting textures with minimal effort. Grab your ingredients, invite someone special, or just treat yourself; you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake for Two Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Japanese
Description
This Teriyaki Salmon Sushi Bake is a delicious and easy-to-make recipe inspired by the viral TikTok sushi bake trend. Perfect for two people, it features tender Coho salmon marinated in teriyaki sauce, layered over sticky sushi rice, broiled to caramelized perfection, and topped with creamy avocado, spicy mayo, furikake, crispy onion bits, and scallions. A fusion of American and Japanese flavors that delivers comfort and umami in every bite.
Ingredients
Salmon Mixture
- ¾ lb Coho Salmon, skin removed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons Teriyaki Sauce or Japanese BBQ Sauce
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar
Rice Base
- 3 cups Cooked Sushi Rice
Toppings
- 1 small Avocado, cubed
- 3 tablespoons Spicy Mayo or Yum Yum Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Furikake seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Crispy Fried Onion Bits
- 2 tablespoons Scallions, finely diced
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Carefully remove the skin from the salmon and cut the fish into 1-inch pieces for even cooking and layering.
- Marinate the Salmon: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cubed salmon, teriyaki sauce, and kosher salt. Toss gently to coat and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare the Rice Base: In a small baking dish, add the cooked sushi rice and pat it down firmly to create an even, flat surface which will hold the toppings well during baking.
- Layer the Salmon: Top the rice evenly with the marinated teriyaki salmon. Sprinkle the garlic powder and brown sugar evenly over the salmon to enhance caramelization and flavor.
- Broil the Sushi Bake: Preheat your oven’s broiler and place the baking dish on the top rack. Broil for about 6 minutes until the salmon starts to caramelize and develop a slightly golden crust.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and immediately add the cubed avocado, drizzle the spicy mayo on top, then sprinkle with furikake, crispy fried onion bits, and finely diced scallions. Serve the sushi bake hot for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Use sushi rice for the ideal sticky texture that holds the bake together.
- Be careful while broiling to avoid burning the brown sugar topping; watch it closely after 5 minutes.
- You can substitute spicy mayo with yum yum sauce for a milder flavor option.
- Furikake adds a nice umami crunch; if unavailable, toasted sesame seeds can be used as an alternative.
- Best served immediately to enjoy the contrast between warm salmon rice and fresh avocado toppings.