I recently tried making a Spicy Tuna and Creamy Crab Sushi Bake Recipe at home, and let me tell you—it was an absolute hit! I love how this dish brings the flavors of sushi into a warm, cheesy, oven-baked form. It’s comforting, indulgent, and perfect for sharing with family or friends.

The creamy crab pairs beautifully with the spicy tuna, creating layers of flavor that just melt in your mouth. I can’t wait to show you how simple it is to make this crowd-pleasing dish in your own kitchen. You can also enjoy similar baked flavors in recipes like Baked Southwestern Egg Rolls Recipe or Brown Sugar Banana French Toast Casserole Recipe.

Ingredients

Here’s everything I used to make this sushi bake. I’ve added a few tips from my experience to help you get the best results:

2 cups sushi rice, cooked and seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt – I always use freshly cooked rice to keep it sticky and flavorful.
1/2 pound imitation crab or real crab, shredded – Real crab is sweeter, but imitation crab works well too.
1/2 cup mayonnaise – I prefer using Japanese Kewpie mayo for a creamier texture.
1 teaspoon sriracha – Adjust based on how spicy you like it.
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil – Adds a subtle nutty flavor.
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped – Fresh green onions give a nice crunch.
1/2 pound sushi-grade tuna, diced – Make sure it’s fresh for the best taste.
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Freshly grated melts better than pre-shredded.
1 sheet nori, torn into small pieces – Optional, but it adds an authentic sushi flavor.
1 tablespoon soy sauce – Enhances the umami taste.
1 teaspoon sugar – Balances the heat and saltiness.

Note: Serves 4–6 people generously.

Variations

You can tweak this recipe depending on your preferences or dietary needs:

For a dairy-free version, replace mozzarella with vegan cheese or omit it entirely.
Swap sriracha for chili garlic sauce or hot sauce for a different heat profile.
Use cooked shrimp or crab cakes if you prefer cooked seafood.
Add avocado or cucumber slices on top for freshness.
For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice instead of sushi rice.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

Baking dish (8×8 inches works great) – For layering the sushi bake.
Mixing bowls – To combine the tuna, crab, and sauces.
Rice cooker or pot – For perfectly cooked sushi rice.
Knife and cutting board – For dicing tuna and chopping green onions.
Oven – To bake and melt the cheesy topping.

How to Make Spicy Tuna and Creamy Crab Sushi Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice

I start by cooking sushi rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, I season it with a mix of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt while it’s still warm. This ensures every bite is flavorful and sticky enough to hold the bake together.

Step 2: Mix the Spicy Tuna

In a bowl, I gently toss the diced tuna with sriracha and sesame oil. I make sure each piece is coated without breaking it apart. This keeps the texture intact while infusing it with that signature spicy flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Crab

I combine the shredded crab with mayonnaise, green onions, soy sauce, and a pinch of sugar. I like making it just creamy enough to layer on the rice without it becoming runny.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

I spread the seasoned rice evenly in the baking dish. On top, I layer the creamy crab mixture, then sprinkle the spicy tuna. Finally, I add shredded mozzarella cheese and torn nori for a hint of crunch and flavor.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the sushi for about 10–15 minutes. The cheese should be melted and lightly golden. I love the aroma while it bakes—it smells just like my favorite sushi restaurant.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, I let it rest for a few minutes. Then I slice it into squares or scoop it with spoons for serving. Each bite is creamy, spicy, and comforting.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

From my experience, a few tweaks make this sushi bake even better:

I always use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for smooth melting.
I make the rice a little stickier than usual to hold the layers better.
I sometimes broil for an extra minute for a golden top without overcooking the fish.
I chill the tuna briefly before mixing to maintain its firm texture.

How to Serve Spicy Tuna and Creamy Crab Sushi Bake

Presentation matters, and I like to serve this dish with a few finishing touches:

Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds.
Drizzle a little extra sriracha or spicy mayo on top.
Serve with pickled ginger or soy sauce on the side for a sushi vibe.
Use a small spatula for scooping; it keeps each portion intact.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough estimate per serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: 350–400 kcal – Perfect as a hearty main or indulgent appetizer.
Protein: 20g – From tuna and crab, giving you a satisfying protein boost.
Carbohydrates: 40g – Mainly from sushi rice, providing energy.
Fat: 15g – From mayonnaise and cheese, which makes it rich and creamy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing in the Refrigerator

I store leftover sushi bake in an airtight container for up to 2 days. It’s easy to reheat in the oven or microwave, though the top may lose a bit of crispiness.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen before baking for up to a month. I recommend thawing it overnight in the fridge before baking to ensure even cooking.

Reheating

I reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to restore the cheesy, melty texture. Microwave works too but slightly softens the top layer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why I keep making this sushi bake:

It’s incredibly easy to prepare at home, even if you’re not a sushi pro.
The flavors are customizable; I can adjust spice, sweetness, or creaminess easily.
It’s versatile—perfect as a main dish, party appetizer, or potluck favorite.
You can use fresh or imitation crab, making it budget-friendly and accessible.
The creamy, cheesy, spicy combination is addictive and satisfying every time.

This spicy tuna and creamy crab sushi bake combines the best of sushi flavors with the comfort of a baked dish. From layering the rice to melting the cheese perfectly, every step is satisfying and surprisingly easy. Once you try it, I promise it’ll become one of your go-to recipes for weeknights or special gatherings.

Ash Tyrrell