Easy Spicy Tuna Sushi Bake Recipe
This Easy Spicy Tuna Sushi Bake is a delightful, no-fuss Japanese-inspired casserole that layers seasoned short-grain rice with a creamy, spicy tuna mixture and ripe avocado. Finished under the broiler for a bubbly, golden top and served on crispy nori sheets, it’s a perfect dish for sushi lovers looking for convenience without sacrificing flavor.
- Author: Cleo
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese
Rice Layer
- 1.5 cups uncooked short-grain rice (or 4 cups / 800 g cooked short-grain rice)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar or white vinegar)
- 2 tsp white granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
Spicy Tuna Mixture
- 15.87 oz canned tuna in oil (or canned tuna in water or canned salmon), 3 x 5.29 oz (150 g) cans
- 4–5 tbsp Japanese mayo (or regular mayo)
- 1–2 tbsp sriracha
- 1/4 tsp salt
Toppings & Garnishes
- 10 sheets nori (cut in half to make 20 sheets)
- 1 tbsp furikake (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
- 4 medium avocados (ripe)
- 2–3 tbsp Japanese mayo (or regular mayo) for drizzling
- 2–3 tbsp sriracha for drizzling
- 1 tsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil, for greasing the baking dish)
- 1 green onion (finely chopped for garnishing)
- Prepare baking dish: Evenly grease a 9 x 9-inch baking dish with vegetable oil or any neutral oil using a paper towel to prevent sticking.
- Cook rice: Cook the short-grain rice according to package instructions either using a rice cooker or on the stovetop until tender and sticky.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to broil at 500 degrees F to get it ready for finishing the sushi bake.
- Season rice: Transfer the hot cooked rice to a large bowl, then season with salt, sugar, and rice vinegar. Mix well using a rice paddle or spatula, then evenly spread and firmly pack the rice into the prepared baking dish.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle sesame seeds and furikake evenly over the rice layer for added flavor and texture.
- Make spicy tuna mixture: Drain canned tuna using a fine sieve pressing gently with a fork to remove excess liquid. Transfer the tuna to a medium bowl and mix in Japanese mayo, sriracha sauce, and salt until well combined. Spread the spicy tuna mixture evenly over the rice layer in the baking dish.
- Add avocado slices: Peel and thinly slice the ripe avocados, then layer them evenly over the spicy tuna mixture.
- Drizzle sauces: Generously drizzle additional Japanese mayo and sriracha sauce over the avocado layer to enhance creaminess and spice.
- Broil: Place the baking dish under the preheated broiler for 10 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle finely chopped green onions over the top, slice into 20 pieces using a wet knife, and serve each portion scooped onto a small sheet of nori. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- If you don’t have a rice cooker, cook short-grain rice on the stovetop by rinsing it thoroughly, then simmering 1.5 cups rice with 2 cups water on low heat covered until water is absorbed and rice is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Furikake and sesame seeds add authentic umami flavor but are optional.
- Adjust sriracha quantities according to your preferred spice level.
- The spicy tuna mixture can be made with canned salmon as an alternative.
- Use a wet knife to slice to prevent sticking and preserve clean slices.
Keywords: spicy tuna sushi bake, sushi casserole, Japanese recipe, easy sushi bake, baked sushi, spicy tuna, sushi rice casserole