Irresistible Spicy Tuna Creamy Crab Sushi Bake Recipe

There’s something inherently comforting about a cozy night in, isn’t there? Flipping through my recipe collection while the sun sets, I often find myself reminiscing about family gatherings filled with laughter, love, and of course, amazing food. One dish that has secured a special place in my heart—and on our dinner table—is the Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab Sushi Bake. This dish not only brings a burst of flavor but also offers an element of fun, inviting everyone to dig right in. Imagine a creamy, cheesy mix mingling with tender, spicy tuna, all served warm from the oven. It’s like a sushi roll, but better—because you get to scoop it up with a spoon!

Loading up a dish like this with all the rich flavors of sushi reminds me of warm summer nights spent at my favorite sushi bar, with friends around me and fresh fish wafting through the air. This recipe takes that essence and puts it in an easy-to-make, comforting bake that my whole family adores. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find it becomes a go-to for casual dinners, family gatherings, and even cozy nights in while streaming your favorite series. Let’s dive into this delightful dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for a weeknight dinner without all the fuss.
• Budget-Friendly: Less expensive than dining out at sushi restaurants!
• Comforting & Delicious: Creamy textures paired with a spicy kick make for a mouthwatering experience.
• Shareable: Great for gatherings, where everyone can dig in together.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this fantastic Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab Sushi Bake:

• For the base:
• 2 cups sushi rice
• 2 ½ cups water
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• For the filling:
• 1 can (5 oz) tuna in water, drained
• 1 cup imitation crab meat, chopped (feel free to use real crab for extra richness!)
• ½ cup mayonnaise (Japanese mayo gives it an extra zing!)
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• For topping:
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon furikake seasoning (optional but recommended for an authentic touch)

Tip: Using fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered garlic, so feel free to sneak in a clove or two if you love that flavor!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to bake your new favorite dish? Let’s get started!

1. Cook the Sushi Rice: Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice and water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the water has absorbed. Off the heat, let it sit covered for another 10 minutes.
2. Season the Rice: In a small bowl, mix together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Gently fold this mixture into the cooked rice, being careful not to mash the grains. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, mix the shredded tuna, chopped crab, mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, green onion, and sesame oil. Stir until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust the sriracha according to your preferred spice level!
4. Mix in the Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the filling mixture and blend until it’s nice and creamy. This is where the magic happens; it makes every bite incredibly smooth!
5. Assemble the Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish (an 8×8 works perfectly!), spread the seasoned sushi rice evenly on the bottom. Next, layer the creamy tuna and crab filling over the rice, spreading it out evenly.
6. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the filling, creating a cheesy blanket. Then, garnish with panko breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of furikake if you’re using it.
7. Bake and Enjoy: Pop your sushi bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s golden and bubbly. When you pull it out, the aroma will be heavenly. Let it cool for a few minutes before scooping!

Don’t forget: Avoid overmixing the filling when adding the cream cheese to keep it fluffy and light. You want those delicious lumps of crab to stand out!

Pro Tips & Variations

Now, here comes the fun part! Mix it up a bit by trying some of these ideas:

• Spice It Up: If you love extra heat, consider adding jalapeños or a splash more sriracha to the filling.
• Herb It Up: Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can give a refreshing twist to the flavor profile.
• Change of Seasoning: Swap the furikake for a sprinkle of chili flakes or garlic powder if you want to switch things up.
• Diet-Friendly: Want a lighter version? Try swapping out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt and using light cream cheese. It won’t compromise on creaminess!

Serving Suggestions

This delicious sushi bake is perfect for sharing. Gather around the table with friends or family, and serve it warm, right from the oven! I love pairing it with a crisp salad drizzled with sesame dressing or even some pickled ginger on the side for that classic sushi flavor. Want to get extra fancy? Why not whip up a side of wasabi and soy sauce for dipping? A chilled glass of sake or a fruity iced tea would be the cherry on top!

Storage Tips

Leftovers? Yes, please! Here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover sushi bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld together, making it even tastier!
• Freeze: If you want to save it for a rainy day, you can freeze the sushi bake! Just place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: To reheat, pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. If frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use cooked fish instead of canned tuna?

Absolutely! If you have leftover grilled salmon or any cooked fish, feel free to substitute it in. It adds a lovely twist!

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before popping it in the oven for even cooking.

Is it gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your mayonnaise is gluten-free as well. Most ingredients should be fine, but always double-check labels.

What do I serve it with?

For a complete meal, you could serve it with a fresh seaweed salad or simple cucumber salad. People also enjoy serving it with some crispy nori sheets for an extra crunchy element.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making this Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab Sushi Bake as much as I do! It’s a dish that brings people together, creating warms smiles and happy bellies. If you try it, let me know how it turned out! Share your stories, variations you used, and any family traditions that come to mind while you dive into this delightful bake. Happy cooking!

Irresistible Spicy Tuna Creamy Crab Sushi Bake Recipe

---

• Author: mery
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Discover the irresistible Spicy Tuna Creamy Crab Sushi Bake recipe A delightful fusion of flavors that elevates your sushi game Perfect for sharing

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups sushi rice

2 ½ cups water

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sugar

½ teaspoon salt

1 can (5 oz) tuna in water, drained

1 cup imitation crab meat, chopped

½ cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon sriracha

1 teaspoon soy sauce

1 green onion, finely chopped

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 cup cream cheese, softened

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs

1 tablespoon furikake seasoning (optional)

---

Instructions

Rinse sushi rice under cold water until clear. Combine rice and water in a pot, boil, then simmer for 18-20 minutes. Let sit for 10 minutes off heat.

Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a bowl; fold into the cooked rice.

In a large bowl, combine tuna, crab, mayo, sriracha, soy sauce, green onion, and sesame oil.

Add cream cheese to the filling and mix until creamy.

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread seasoned rice in a greased baking dish, add filling, and sprinkle with mozzarella, panko, and furikake.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g

Keywords: Sushi Bake, Spicy Tuna, Creamy Crab, Easy Recipes, Comfort Food