Name: Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab Sushi Bake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Japanese Fusion
Ingredients: ½ lb Imitation Crab; ¼ cup Japanese Mayo; 1 tbsp Ponzu Sauce; 2 tbsp Cream Cheese; 2 tbsp Masago; 2 cans Tuna (soaked in oil, drained); 3 tbsp Japanese Mayo; 1 tbsp Korean Chili Paste; 1 tbsp Cream Cheese; 1 tsp Black Pepper; 2 cups Cooked Japanese Short-Grain Rice; 3 tbsp Sushi Seasoning (rice vinegar, sugar, salt mix); Masago (additional to layer on rice); Furikake seasoning (to taste); Additional Japanese Mayo (for drizzling); Crispy Seaweed (for serving)

Jump to Recipe·4 from 80 reviews

If you have ever craved the irresistible flavors of sushi but want a cozy, comforting twist, this Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab Sushi Bake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine layers of seasoned sushi rice topped with luscious creamy crab and fiery spicy tuna, all baked to golden bubbly perfection. It combines the freshness of your favorite sushi ingredients with the warmth and ease of a casserole, making every bite a luscious blend of spice, creaminess, and umami that’s just downright addictive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a shiny metal bowl filled with a thick, creamy mixture that is light brown and slightly chunky. A metal spoon is lifting some of the mixture out of the bowl, showing its textured and smooth surface. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with soft lighting enhancing the creamy texture and warm color of the mixture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are delightfully simple yet essential, each bringing a crucial element to the texture, flavor, or color of the dish. With just a handful of staples, you can create something truly special that looks and tastes like a sushi masterpiece straight from your own oven.

½ lb Imitation Crab: Affordable and tender, this forms the creamy crab base.
¼ cup Japanese Mayo: Rich and slightly tangy, perfect for creamy texture.
1 tbsp Ponzu Sauce: Adds a subtle citrusy umami kick to brighten flavors.
2 tbsp Cream Cheese: Silky smoothness that binds and enriches the crab and tuna layers.
2 tbsp Masago: Bright orange fish roe that adds a great pop of color and a mild oceanic crunch.
2 cans Tuna soaked in oil: Flaky and flavorful, the star of the spicy tuna mix.
3 tbsp Japanese Mayo: For creaminess and to mellow the heat in the spicy tuna.
1 tbsp Korean Chili Paste: The heat hero that gives the spicy tuna its signature kick.
1 tsp Black Pepper: A subtle punch to elevate the spicy tuna.
Rice: Short-grain sushi rice that holds everything together with perfect chewiness.
Sushi Seasoning: A vital seasoning mix for authentic sushi rice flavor.
Furikake: A Japanese rice seasoning sprinkled for extra taste and texture.
Crispy Seaweed: The ideal accompaniment to scoop up the baked sushi flavors.

How to Make Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab Sushi Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice

Start by cooking your rice to fluffy perfection, then gently fold in the sushi seasoning. This step is key because the rice acts like the flavorful foundation that will carry the richness of the crab and the spice of the tuna throughout the dish.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Crab Mixture

In a bowl, mix imitation crab with Japanese mayo, ponzu sauce, cream cheese, and masago until everything is combined evenly. This blend results in a luxuriously creamy texture with a subtle tang and ocean freshness that dances on your palate.

Step 3: Prepare the Spicy Tuna Mixture

Drain the oil from the canned tuna, then mix it with Japanese mayo, Korean chili paste, cream cheese, and black pepper. This spicy tuna mixture balances heat and creaminess perfectly, giving your sushi bake that signature bold flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Sushi Bake

Spread your seasoned sushi rice evenly on the bottom of your baking dish. Sprinkle a generous layer of masago followed by a dusting of furikake to build layers of taste and texture. On one side of the dish, spread half of the creamy crab mixture, and on the other side, spread the spicy tuna mixture. Drizzle with a little more Japanese mayo and sprinkle additional furikake on top for that final flavor boost.

Step 5: Bake Until Crispy

Place the dish under the broiler and watch as the top turns golden and bubbly, about 3-5 minutes. This brief broiling creates a crispy, caramelized layer that adds a delightful contrast to the creamy, soft sushi layers beneath.

How to Serve Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab Sushi Bake Recipe

A clear glass dish filled with two main layers of food side by side, the left layer is textured with a creamy orange mix that looks soft and mixed with shredded ingredients, topped with black and white sesame seeds and green leafy flakes. The right layer has a darker reddish brown color, with a slightly crispy surface and streaks of a light creamy drizzle on top, also sprinkled with black and white sesame seeds. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with dark green leafy food on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnish your sushi bake with thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor and a fresh, vibrant look. These small touches elevate your presentation and brighten the rich, creamy textures.

Side Dishes

Serve with crispy seaweed sheets to scoop up each bite or alongside a simple cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar for a refreshing balance. Pickled ginger and soy sauce can also help round out the meal and cleanse the palate between rich bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving your Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab Sushi Bake Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets to create personal portions that impress guests. You can also layer it in clear glass dishes to show off the beautiful stacked layers for a stunning visual effect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover sushi bake covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, avoid letting it sit uncovered, which can dry out the rice and toppings.

Freezing

This sushi bake doesn’t freeze as well because the creamy layers and rice lose texture upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy it fresh, but if you must freeze, wrap it securely and reheat gently to minimize texture loss.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven or under the broiler for a few minutes to revive the crispy top. Microwave reheating works but may yield a softer texture, so oven reheating is preferred for that freshly baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned in the Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab Sushi Bake Recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh tuna can be diced and mixed with the chili paste and mayo for an extra fresh flavor. Just be sure to use sushi-grade tuna and handle it properly.

Is imitation crab necessary, or can I use real crab meat?

Real crab meat makes this dish extra special and flavorful, but imitation crab is a budget-friendly option that works wonderfully. Whichever you choose, the key is in the seasoning and creamy mix.

Can this dish be made vegetarian?

You can substitute the crab and tuna with seasoned hearts of palm or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist, using the same creamy and spicy sauce to maintain flavor balance.

What type of rice is best for making the sushi rice layer?

Short-grain sushi rice is best because it’s sticky enough to hold the layers together but still light and fluffy, providing the ideal base for the bake.

How spicy is the spicy tuna layer?

The heat level is moderate thanks to the Korean chili paste. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste—from mild to spicy—without losing the creamy balance of the dish.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab Sushi Bake Recipe is truly a game changer for sushi lovers who want comfort food with a sushi soul. It’s simple to make, uses accessible ingredients, and delivers layers of flavor and texture that will have you coming back for seconds. Trust me, once you try this, it becomes your go-to dish for both casual nights in and impressing friends. Dive in and enjoy every delicious bite!