Ingredients
Sushi Rice
- 2 cups dry Calrose Sushi Rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar (Marukan)
Seafood Mixture
- 16 oz imitation crab, chopped into small pieces
- 10 cooked tempura shrimp, chopped (premade from Costco)
- 1/2 cup Japanese mayonnaise
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 Tbsp sriracha
Toppings and Garnishes
- 3 Tbsp furikake (plus 1-2 Tbsp extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup spicy mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Unagi sauce
- Optional: chopped cucumber and green onion for garnish
Instructions
- Clean the Sushi Rice: Place the dry Calrose sushi rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold water for about 1 minute. Stir the rice gently with a spoon as you rinse to remove excess starch; this helps achieve the perfect sushi rice texture.
- Cook the Rice: Transfer the rinsed rice into a rice cooker, add 2 cups of water, and start the cooking cycle. Once cooked, transfer the rice to a rimmed baking sheet. Pour 1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar evenly over the rice and gently fold it in using a rice paddle or spatula, taking care not to mash the grains. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Crab Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped imitation crab, chopped tempura shrimp, Japanese mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, and 1 tablespoon of sriracha. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated and creamy.
- Assemble the Sushi Bake: Evenly spread and compress the cooled sushi rice in the rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of furikake evenly over the rice to add flavor and texture.
- Top with Crab Mixture: Spread the prepared spicy crab mixture evenly over the furikake-covered rice layer, ensuring a smooth and uniform layer.
- Broil the Sushi Bake: Place the assembled sushi bake under the broiler for 4 minutes. This will lightly toast the topping, warming the seafood mixture and enhancing the flavors.
- Add Final Toppings and Serve: Remove the sushi bake from the oven and drizzle with spicy mayonnaise and unagi sauce. Garnish with additional furikake and, if desired, chopped cucumber and green onions to add freshness and crunch before serving.
Notes
- If you don’t have a rice cooker, sushi rice can be cooked on the stovetop following package instructions.
- Use a gentle folding technique when mixing rice vinegar into the rice to prevent the grains from breaking.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the crab mixture to control spice level according to taste.
- Broiling time may vary based on your oven; keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- This dish is best served warm and enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese Fusion