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    Home » Recipes

    Jun 29, 2020 · Modified: Apr 16, 2023 by Carita · This post may contain affiliate links · 37 Comments

    The Best Crab Sushi Bake

    Crab Sushi Bake is a no-bake casserole packed with traditional sushi ingredients (sticky rice, fresh cucumber, crab, and avocado) and garnished with your favorite sushi toppings. This reconstructed sushi roll is a fun, easy meal that's perfect for any night of the week!

    If you like this recipe, try my Spicy Crab Sushi Bake next. You'll also love my Dragon Roll Sushi Bowls, Philly Roll Sushi Bowl, and Garlic Noodle Soup with Spicy Pork too!

    plated crab sushi bake with chopsticks on the side, and soy sauce and the casserole dish in the background
    Crab Sushi Bake

    Crab sushi bake is creamy layers of sweet crab meat with savory, umami flavors. This is perfect for a casual family dinner, picnic, or potluck. Each bite is better than the last so this dish is definitely a crowd-pleaser.

    This no-bake sushi bake is also so easy to make. The key components are prepared first, then you assemble the casserole and let it set in the fridge before serving.

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Crab Sushi Bake Recipe
    • What is a Crab Sushi Bake?
    • Ingredients
    • The Best Rice for Sushi Bake
    • How to Make Crab Sushi Bake
    • Tips and Tricks for the Best Crab Sushi Bake
    • Substitutions for this Recipe
    • How to Store Leftover Crab Sushi Bake
    • How long does Crab Sushi Bake last?
    • FAQ
    • Crab Sushi Bake

    Why You'll Love This Crab Sushi Bake Recipe

    • Great for Potlucks! This is an affordable way to serve seafood to a crowd. Scoop and serve so everyone gets a taste of something truly decadent.
    • Easy Prep! This no-bake sushi bake does not require an oven. Add your prepared ingredients in layers and refrigerate so the flavors have time to meld. It's that simple.
    • Super Versatile! This real crab sushi bake is totally customizable from the protein to the flavor and the toppings. Take this recipe as a helpful suggestion and make it your own.

    What is a Crab Sushi Bake?

    Sushi bake is a deconstructed version of traditional sushi. The recipe is prepared in a baking dish and most times baked like a casserole. For this reason, sushi bake can consist of all your favorite sushi additions like fresh crab, salmon, shrimp, spicy mayo, avocado, crunchy onion, and more. The possibilities for additions and toppings are endless!

    While sushi bake is fairly new, it has become extremely popular across social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. There are many variations of sushi bake recipes, but this recipe is centered around fresh crab.

    Ingredients

    Here's what you'll need to make the best crab sushi bake. Keep in mind this is just a blueprint. Use what you have access to.

    SUSHI RICE

    • Sushi Rice. Short-grain rice is best for this recipe.
    • Water. To cook the rice in.
    • Rice Wine Vinegar. The mild sweet-sour flavor adds complexity to the overall flavor of the sushi.
    • Sugar. For depth of flavor, add a touch of sweetness.
    • Salt. This balances the other flavors.
    • Oil. This improves texture and adds moisture. (I use grapeseed oil.)

    CRAB MIXTURE

    • Dungeness Crab. This is my protein of choice because it's succulent and tender.
    • Mayo. Use regular mayo or Japanese mayo. If using Japanese mayo, try kewpie mayo, a mayonnaise made with egg yolks for a richer taste.
    • Lemon Juice. This brightens the overall taste with a pop of citrus flavor.
    • Old Bay. The sweet, spicy flavor of this classic seasoning makes the crab meat mixture absolutely irresistible.

    AVOCADO MIXTURE

    • Avocado. Use ripe avocados for a creamy texture.
    • Season All. Use this or salt and black pepper.
    • Lemon or Lime Juice. Some citrus flavor enhances the avocado taste.

    ADDITIONAL FILLINGS

    • Cucumber
    • Jalapeno (optional)
    • Nori Sheets or Seaweed Papers

    SPICY MAYO

    • Mayo
    • Sriracha
    • Sesame Oil
    • Garlic Paste (or fresh minced garlic)

    TOPPINGS

    • Sriracha (optional)
    • Spicy Mayo
    • Toasted Sesame Seeds 
    • Fried Onions (optional)
    • Green Onion 
    • Wasabi
    • Pickled Ginger

    The Best Rice for Sushi Bake

    Sushi rice is the best rice for sushi bake because it enhances the flavor and gives the dish the true sushi flavor and texture you expect. You can find it in your local grocery store, Target or an Asian market.

    Sushi rice is a short-grain rice. It is prepared with additional ingredients to give it a sticky texture. Medium to long-grain rice is not able to withstand the added ingredients as well as short-grain rice.

    Here's an image of the sushi rice I cook with and with all of my Asian inspired meals. I absolutely love Calrose Rice and you can find my favorite brand by clicking here. This rice requires only to be soaked once and not rinsed several times before cooking.

    If you're in a pinch, regular rice will work too but sushi rice will give you the best results.

    calrose rice for no bake sushi bake
    Calrose (Sushi) Rice

    How to Make Crab Sushi Bake

    Begin by preparing the sushi rice. Follow the package instructions on your bag of rice. While the rice is cooking, let's complete a few more steps.

    After the rice has cooked. In a small bowl, combine vinegar, sugar, salt, and oil and stir until combined. Add liquid mixture to rice and stir until thoroughly combined. Allow rice to cool before assembly.

    The Best Crab Sushi Bake Video

    HOW TO PREPARE SPICY MAYO

    If you are preparing the spicy mayo homemade, now is a good time to prepare it. Allowing the sauce to marinate makes for great flavor. You can certainly purchase store bought too.

    Start by adding mayo, sriracha, sesame oil and garlic to a bowl and whisk until thoroughly combined. Adjust spiciness and flavor to your liking and refrigerate until ready for use.

    ADDITIONAL CRAB SUSHI BAKE INSTRUCTIONS

    Next, in a medium sized bowl, add crab, mayo, Cajun seasoning and lemon juice. Stir gently until combined and set aside until assembly.

    Next, peel the cucumber and small dice. Small dice jalapeno and deseed to decrease spice level (optional). Roughly chop green onion and set all prepped ingredients aside.

    Now, peel and deseed the avocado and add lemon juice and season all. Smash avocado until smooth and set this aside too. Tip! Add the seed of the avocado to prepared avocado smash mixture, this will help with the mixture not browning as fast!

    CRAB SUSHI BAKE ASSEMBLY

    With your pre-greased baking dish, add half of the cooked sushi rice to the bottom of the baking dish and press rice firmly until smooth and even. By using a flat utensil such as a spatula, you'll get the best results ensuring the rice is evenly flat.

    Next, add one sheet of nori and add crab mixture on top of nori spreading evenly throughout dish. Then, add diced cucumber and jalapeno and spread evenly over dish.

    Add avocado mixture and spread evenly over cucumber and jalapeno mixture. Lastly, top with second piece of nori and add remaining sushi rice on top of nori.

    HOW TO GARNISH THE BEST CRAB SUSHI BAKE

    Lastly, place clear wrap on top of finished casserole and press down firmly to compress casseroles ingredients.

    plated crab sushi bake with chopsticks on the side, and soy sauce and the casserole dish in the background
    Crab Sushi Bake

    Tips and Tricks for the Best Crab Sushi Bake

    • Use short-grain rice. You can find sushi-grade rice at your local grocery store in the international/Asian aisle.
    • Depending on package instructions you'll need to rinse or soak the rice for best results.
    • The vinegar, sugar and additional ingredients really give great, authentic flavor so don't omit!
    • When adding additional ingredients to make sushi rice, do so after rice is immediately cooked. (My first attempt didn't go as well for not following this trick)
    • Use an appropriate pot to cook your rice if you don't own a rice cooker.
    • The rice will need time to cool before assembling the casserole. (I was too anxious on the first attempt and burned my fingers, ouch!)
    • Place crab sushi bake in the refrigerator for at least fifteen minutes to let ingredients and flavors mesh.
    • Remove from the refrigerator after fifteen minutes and top with favorite toppings such as sriracha, spicy mayo, green onion, fried onions, toasted sesame seeds and enjoy!
    • This particular recipe is not baked but prepared like a dish and served casserole style. You can certainly bake it but I didn't want to disturb the integrity of the crab.

    Substitutions for this Recipe

    Protein-Substitute crab for shrimp, scallops, imitation crab or go meatless!

    Nori- Can't find nori sheets? Simply omit the layering of nori sheets and use flavored seaweed sheets to place the completed casserole on top of.

    Additions- Add fresh fruit like mango. Or double up on protein and add crab and shrimp. Fun toppings like fried onions and fun sauces like unagi sauce would be delicious!

    How to Store Leftover Crab Sushi Bake

    While I'm certain you will have minimal leftovers because this dish is absolutely delicious, you can store crab sushi bake. Simply transfer the leftover casserole into an airtight container and store in the fridge.

    This step will work best using a spatula while transferring the recipe into the storage dish. Be careful with keeping the integrity of the casserole intact by using the spatula for best assistance.

    How long does Crab Sushi Bake last?

    Again, this recipe will not last long and I'm certain your loved ones or guests will absolutely devour this recipe. But, once stored this dish can last in the refrigerator for up to about three days.

    I always use my old school rule of thumb that if it smells funny. It's probably not the safest to consume!

    a close up view of a scoop of crab sushi bake
    Crab Sushi Bake

    FAQ

    What goes good with sushi bake?

    Serve sushi bake with flavored seaweed sheets for handrolls. It would also be delicious with a seaweed salad or an Asian-style salad with ginger dressing.

    What is sushi bake made of?

    The essential ingredients for sushi bake are: short grain rice, Nori sheets, your preferred protein (typically crab, salmon, or shrimp), rice vinegar, mayo, and sugar.

    Is the crab in sushi cooked?

    Crab is cooked before it is added to sushi.

    I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS CRAB SUSHI BAKE RECIPE!

    If you try this recipe, I'd love to see it! Share it with me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

    Crab Sushi Baked scooped onto a small plate with chopsticks.

    Crab Sushi Bake

    Crab Sushi Bake is a no-bake casserole packed with traditional sushi ingredients (sticky rice, fresh cucumber, crab, and avocado) and garnished with your favorite sushi toppings. This reconstructed sushi roll is a fun, easy meal that's perfect for any night of the week!
    5 from 20 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Resting Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Japanese

    Ingredients
      

    Sushi Rice

    • 2 cups Sushi Rice
    • 2.5 cups Water
    • ¼ cup Rice Wine Vinegar
    • 2 tablespoon Sugar
    • 2 teaspoon Salt
    • 1 teaspoon Oil

    Crab Mixture

    • 1.5-2 cups Dungeness Crab optional (protein of choice)
    • 2 tablespoon Mayo
    • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
    • 1-1.5 teaspoon Old Bay

    Avocado Mixture

    • 1 Avocado
    • 1.5 teaspoon Season All
    • 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice

    Additional Fillings

    • 1 Cucumber
    • 1 Jalapeno optional
    • 2 sheets Nori

    Spicy Mayo

    • 3 tablespoon Mayo
    • 1.5 tablespoon Sriracha
    • 1.5 teaspoon Sesame Oil
    • 1 tsp Garlic Paste fresh minced garlic

    Toppings

    • 1 tablespoon Sriracha optional
    • 1 tablespoon Spicy Mayo
    • 1 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Seeds optional
    • ¼ cup Fried Onions optional
    • 1 tablespoon Green Onion optional
    • 1 teaspoon Wasabi
    • 1 tsp Pickled Onion

    Instructions
     

    Sushi Rice

    • Depending on the type of rice you use. Cook according to package instructions. Here's how I prepared my short grain sushi rice.
    • In a large pot, add sushi and water and stir. Let sit for 15 minutes, do not rinse and turn to medium/high heat bringing to a slow boil.
    • Once rice begins to boil, turn heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is thoroughly cooked through and water has evaporated.
    • Immediately after rice is cooked. In a small bowl, combine, rice vinegar, oil, sugar and salt and stir until combined.
    • Add vinegar mixture to warm, cooked rice and still until sauce is well distributed.
    • Set aside (or even refrigerate) to let rice cool.

    Crab Mixture

    • In a bowl, place crab, mayo, lemon juice, cajun seasoning and stir until well combined.
    • Set aside until assembly.

    Spicy Mayo

    • In a small bowl, combine mayo, sriracha, sesame oil, garlic and stir until smooth and well combined.

    Avocado Mixture

    • In a bowl, place avocado, season all and lemon juice in a bowl.
    • Mash avocado and combine additional ingredients until smooth.

    Additional Ingredients

    • Peel and small dice cucumber.
    • Small dice jalapeno and de-seed (leave seeds if spice is preferred).
    • Depending on casserole dish size, cut nori to fit width of dish and set aside until assembly.

    Sushi Bake Assembly

    • In a casserole dish, take one teaspoon of oil and grease the lining on the baking dish.
    • Add in half of the cooked rice and press rice around the perimeter of the dish until filled and even in layer.
    • Add one sheet of nori to cover the entire layer of rice.
    • Add crab mixture and evenly distribute on top of nori.
    • Top crab mixture with diced cucumber and jalapeno.
    • Add avocado mixture and spread evenly over cucumber and jalapeno mixture.
    • Add final sheet of nori over avocado mixture.
    • Top with remaining cooked sushi rice, spreading evenly over nori until entire casserole is covered with rice.
    • With a sheet of clear wrap, place over finished casserole and press down firmly to set the sushi bake into a tight mold.
    • Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving.
    • Top with favorite sushi toppings. I used; sriracha, spicy mayo, green onion, fried onions and toasted sesame seeds.
    • Enjoy!
    Keyword crab sushi bake, crab sushi bake ingredients, crab sushi bake recipe, crab sushi bake recipes, crab sushi bake tiktok, easy crab sushi bake, how to make crab sushi bake, no bake sushi bake, no oven sushi bake, Sushi, Sushi Bake, sushi bake recipes, sushi bake without cream cheese, Sushi Dinner

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Marta says

      July 01, 2020 at 7:41 pm

      5 stars
      SISSSSSSSS!!! Why haven't I thought of this before?!?! This was the best way to eat sushi- EVER! Thanks for another great recipe.

      Reply
      • Carita says

        July 04, 2020 at 5:45 pm

        Ha ha! Thanks Marta. You probably hadn't thought of it yet because you aren't as greedy as me. My family loves devouring sushi this way now. Thanks for trying it out! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Renia says

      July 01, 2020 at 11:07 pm

      5 stars
      Crab and sushi are my two favorite things!!

      Reply
      • Carita says

        July 04, 2020 at 5:45 pm

        Mine too! Can't go wrong without it!:)

        Reply
    3. Geo says

      July 02, 2020 at 2:42 am

      5 stars
      My first time hearing of a “sushi bake” and I know I’ll love it!

      Reply
      • Carita says

        July 04, 2020 at 5:46 pm

        Yass! I'm not going back either. Especially when making homemade. It's the best way to eat it!:)

        Reply
    4. Chenée says

      July 02, 2020 at 3:38 pm

      5 stars
      This crab sushi bake is GENIUS! I love sushi -- especially crab rolls so i knew I had to try it. It's delicious and I will definitely be making it again soon!

      Reply
      • Carita says

        July 04, 2020 at 5:47 pm

        Awesome! I love sushi too. Such bold flavors and having it casserole style is so much fun!

        Reply
    5. Nij says

      July 02, 2020 at 9:46 pm

      5 stars
      I substituted the crab and mayo for vegan options and the family loved it. Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe.

      Reply
      • Carita says

        July 04, 2020 at 5:49 pm

        Awesome you were able to make substitutions! I'm glad you checked the recipe out, thanks!:)

        Reply
    6. Mila Clarke Buckley says

      July 04, 2020 at 4:57 pm

      5 stars
      I love sushi, and I thought this would be great to try. It was so delicious and I loved all of the textures and flavors together

      Reply
      • Carita says

        July 04, 2020 at 5:52 pm

        I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe, it's so much fun to make and devour! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Desirée Daniels says

      July 04, 2020 at 8:42 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is GENIUS!!! Botan is my absolute favorite rice! My family has been using it for yearssss!

      Reply
      • Carita says

        July 06, 2020 at 2:30 pm

        Thank you so much! And Botan is my new favorite brand of rice too! I'm new to using it but am loving it so far! 🙂

        Reply
    8. Katrina Adams says

      July 05, 2020 at 4:50 pm

      5 stars
      I learned something new about sushi!! Looks delicious!!

      Reply
      • Carita says

        July 06, 2020 at 2:26 pm

        I'm so glad to hear it and thank you so very much! 🙂

        Reply
    9. Capri says

      July 05, 2020 at 6:11 pm

      5 stars
      WOW!! I loved every bite of this! Thank you so much for the great tips! I am glad I didn't omit the vinegar and sugar, the rice was the best! Thanks for the great recipe! I will definitely be making this again!

      Reply
      • Carita says

        July 06, 2020 at 2:28 pm

        This is great news! And yes, the rice vinegar and sugar provides such great flavor. I'm so glad you tried it out! 🙂

        Reply
    10. Chef Mireille says

      July 05, 2020 at 7:38 pm

      5 stars
      WOW this caught my eye as soon as I saw it and I knew I had to try it. It was so good it is definitely going to be added into the weekly repertoire.

      Reply
      • Carita says

        July 06, 2020 at 2:28 pm

        This is great news! I am keeping this one in rotation too! 🙂

        Reply
    11. Jazz says

      July 06, 2020 at 8:07 pm

      5 stars
      This is gorgeous and SO inventive. As someone who doesn't really care for raw sushi, I'm excited to get my fix this way--it's delicious!

      Reply
    12. Eden says

      July 07, 2020 at 12:45 am

      5 stars
      Girl this is easy to make sushi in abundance! AKA the best thing ever!!! Don't have to worry about rolling things perfectly or anything, it was super simple. So delish!

      Reply
      • Carita says

        July 13, 2020 at 2:31 pm

        My thoughts exactly! Kicking the rolls to the curb for a bit and diving into a legit casserole dish! Who would've known! Lol

        Reply
    13. Armelle Dee says

      July 07, 2020 at 1:31 am

      5 stars
      I am so thrilled with this sushi dish. It is such a clever way to enjoy sushi to the fullest. My daughter and I just pinned this as she is sushi addict. We can't wait to try this

      Reply
    14. Kaluhi says

      July 07, 2020 at 1:02 pm

      5 stars
      I literally aggressively drooled while reading through! Lovely recipe! Lovely pictures!

      Reply
    15. Erika says

      July 08, 2020 at 3:23 am

      5 stars
      The flavors are on point, but my favorite thing?? I didn't have to figure out how to roll sushi! LOLOLOL thank you for this!

      Reply
    16. Val says

      July 13, 2020 at 2:21 pm

      This is so creative. Love this idea!!

      Reply
    17. Wilma Mathis says

      March 01, 2022 at 10:13 pm

      Oooweee, I would like to bake this crab recipe to serve to my girlfriends!! They all love crabmeat and like easy to enjoy food! This looks delicious!! I think I might need to practice before I serve it to my SisterBuddies! Thanks for this recipe. I was looking for an idea that would require me to stand over the stove!!😋😉🤤♥️

      Reply
    18. Nick M. says

      March 01, 2022 at 10:18 pm

      5 stars
      Recipe was great! Sooo much flavor! Great job with this one! Definitely will be adding this one to my weekly rotation.

      Reply
    19. Amber E says

      March 01, 2022 at 10:21 pm

      5 stars
      Sushi is ALWAYS a good idea! Especially when it doesn’t require rolling!

      Reply
    20. Aja says

      March 01, 2022 at 10:29 pm

      5 stars
      This dish was so yummy and easy to make!! My family ate every bite. Looking forward to trying more of your recipes.

      Reply
      • Carita says

        March 02, 2022 at 5:02 pm

        I'm so happy to hear you and your family enjoyed it. 🙂

        Reply
    21. Jana says

      March 01, 2022 at 11:11 pm

      5 stars
      I absolutely LOVE everything about this recipe! I haven’t always liked sushi but once I was introduced to it-it’s def a FAVORITE! I’m legit hooked! I will definitely try this recipe out! Your presentations are always THE BEST!

      Reply
      • Carita says

        March 02, 2022 at 5:01 pm

        So glad you liked this recipe! I too was introduced to sushi later in life and haven't looked back!

        Reply
    22. Karla Jenae says

      March 01, 2022 at 11:49 pm

      Yes, yes, yes!!! I am definitely going to try this recipe out for my next gathering. I'm always looking for creative, yet easy-to- make recipes to entertain. Sushi also happens to be one of my favorite foods to endulge in. This one is at the top of my list of must try recipes!!! It looks delicious and I'm positive it tastes as good as it looks 😋

      Reply
      • Carita says

        March 02, 2022 at 5:01 pm

        Awesome! Come back and give a review when you try it, would love to hear how if you like it! 🙂

        Reply
    23. Ashley says

      March 03, 2022 at 10:25 pm

      5 stars
      This seems easy and straightforward! I can’t wait to try. 🙂

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Carita a true southern girl at heart. My love for cooking started as a child watching my grandmothers cook with such ease in the kitchen. Creating delicious meals doesn't always require hours in the kitchen. I have taken all that I've learned and work to develop simplified versions of staple recipes for you to share with family and friends!

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