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Oven-Baked Salmon Sushi Bites

By Sofia Marten

Published on

Oven-Baked Salmon Sushi Bites

Discover a delightful way to enjoy sushi flavors with these incredibly simple Oven-Baked Salmon Sushi Bites. These little treasures offer a tender, flaky salmon filling nestled in crisp nori cups, all baked to golden perfection. They are a fantastic way to bring a touch of gourmet to your table without the fuss of traditional sushi making. These savory little packages hit all the right notes.

Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want an impressive appetizer that’s surprisingly easy, these bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They store well for a short time, making them ideal for prepping ahead for parties or a quick, satisfying snack. You’ll love how quickly they come together.

Why I Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons why Oven-Baked Salmon Sushi Bites are a staple in my kitchen. For starters, they are wonderfully quick.

  • Quick & Easy: These bites are ready fast. You can make them in under 30 minutes. They are perfect for busy schedules.
  • Flavorful: The taste is amazing. It’s a blend of savory salmon. You get creamy sriracha too. The nori adds a nice crispness.
  • Impressive: They look so elegant. Your guests will think you spent hours. The presentation is beautiful.
  • Versatile: You can serve them in many ways. They work as an appetizer. They are also a great snack. A light meal is also possible.
  • No Raw Fish: Enjoy sushi flavors easily. Baking makes them totally safe. It’s a satisfying baking experience.

Oven-Baked Salmon Sushi Bites Ingredients

The magic of these Oven-Baked Salmon Sushi Bites truly shines through. It is a simple yet impactful combo. Fresh ingredients come together. They create a delightful bite. It’s familiar yet exciting. Every part is key. It builds that craveable sushi flavor profile. We all love that taste so much.

  • Nori Sheets: These are crispy wrappers. They have a hint of the ocean. They hold all the deliciousness together. They provide signature sushi taste. They also give that crucial texture.
  • Cooked Sushi Rice: This is a fluffy base. It’s slightly sticky too. It grounds all the wonderful flavors. It offers a satisfying chew.
  • Skinless Salmon Fillet: This is the star ingredient. It offers tender, flaky protein. It bakes beautifully. It absorbs savory seasonings wonderfully.
  • Scallions: These add a fresh bite. They taste mildly oniony. They brighten the overall flavor.
  • Neutral Oil: This helps salmon cook evenly. It also prevents sticking. It helps ensure tender results every time.
  • Mayonnaise & Sriracha: This makes a creamy sauce. It’s also a little spicy. It coats the salmon beautifully. It adds richness and heat.
  • Kosher Salt: This enhances all flavors. It balances the richness nicely.
  • Sesame Seeds & Avocado (Optional): These are for a final flourish. They add nutty crunch. They also add lovely creamy texture.

Substitutions and Tips

For a spicier kick, feel free to add more sriracha. A dash of chili flakes works too. If you don’t have scallions, chives are great. They offer a similar delicate onion flavor. For creamier, richer sauce, try Kewpie mayonnaise. These bites are best. Rice should be slightly cooled before assembly. Remember, exact quantities are in the recipe card below this post.

How to Make Oven-Baked Salmon Sushi Bites

This sushi recipe hack is a game-changer. It makes enjoying those beloved sushi flavors so easy. Plus, it uses your oven! Baking salmon makes it so approachable.

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin

First, get your oven nice and hot. Arrange a rack in the upper third of your oven. Preheat it to 400°F. This heat helps everything cook evenly. It also makes the nori crisp. Next, grab a standard 12-cup muffin tin. Lightly coat it with cooking spray. This crucial step stops your baked sushi from sticking. It ensures they pop right out.

Step 2: Assemble the Nori Cups

Now, let’s build our little cups. Take your nori sheets. Cut each one into three equal squares. You want twelve pieces, each around 3 inches by 3 inches. Spoon about a tablespoon of your cooked sushi rice onto the center of each nori square. Gently place the nori, rice-side up, into the muffin tin cups. Use a spoon. Press the rice into an even layer. This forms the base for our baked sushi bites.

Step 3: Prepare the Salmon Filling

Time to mix the star filling! Get a medium bowl. Add your cut salmon pieces. Toss them with the sliced scallions. Add the neutral oil. Then, mix in 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise and 2 teaspoons of sriracha. Sprinkle in the kosher salt. Gently toss everything. The salmon and scallions should be well coated. This creamy combination is the heart of our Oven-Baked Salmon Sushi Bites.

Step 4: Fill and Bake the Bites

Let’s get these into the oven! Carefully divide the salmon mixture. Spoon about a quarter cup into each muffin cup. Place the seasoned salmon on top of the rice base. Put the muffin tin into the preheated oven. Bake for about 11 minutes. You want the salmon cooked through. It should just begin to flake. Watch it closely so it doesn’t overcook.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Almost done! Remove the muffin tin from the oven. If you like extra flavor, add a bit more mayo and sriracha. Dollop these on top of each bite. This gives a creamy, spicy finish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Add thin avocado slices if you have them. This adds color and richness. Serve these Oven-Baked Salmon Sushi Bites hot. They are wonderfully flavorful right away.

How to Store Oven-Baked Salmon Sushi Bites

These Oven-Baked Salmon Sushi Bites taste best fresh. If you have extras, store them airtight. Put them in the fridge for up to two days. Gently reheat them in a low oven. A toaster oven works well too. This helps keep their crispness. They are also yummy served cold. Don’t freeze them, though. The nori gets really soggy. I learned that the hard way!

Tips for Success

  • Use slightly cooled sushi rice. This makes it easier to handle.
  • Don’t overcook the salmon. It finishes cooking out of the oven.
  • Cut nori sheets evenly. This makes uniform bites.
  • Adjust sriracha for spice preference. Make them as mild or hot as you like.
  • Grease the muffin tin well. This stops your baked sushi from sticking.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To whip up these delightful Oven-Baked Salmon Sushi Bites, you won’t need a long list of fancy gadgets. Here are the essentials:

  • A standard 12-cup muffin tin is your best friend here. It helps shape the bites beautifully.
  • A sharp knife and cutting board are necessary for prepping the salmon and scallions.
  • Measuring spoons and cups ensure you get the seasonings just right.
  • A medium mixing bowl is perfect for tossing the salmon mixture.
  • A spatula or spoon is handy for mixing and carefully spooning the filling into the nori cups.

Serving Suggestions

These Oven-Baked Salmon Sushi Bites are delightful on their own. However, serving them with a few extras elevates the experience. Consider these ideas:

  • Serve with a side of soy sauce or tamari for dipping.
  • Offer pickled ginger and wasabi alongside.
  • Pair with a light green salad for a complete meal.
  • Enjoy with a chilled sake or green tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Oven-Baked Salmon Sushi Bites ahead of time?

These bites are truly best fresh. However, you can prep the salmon mixture ahead. Cook the rice a day before too. Store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake these salmon appetizers just before serving. This keeps their texture perfect.

What if I don’t have a muffin tin?

No muffin tin? No problem! Try forming the nori cups on a baking sheet. You may need to shape the rice and salmon mixture gently. A mini-muffin tin also works. It makes smaller, appetizer-sized versions. This baked sushi hack is flexible.

Can I substitute the salmon?

Yes, you can substitute other fish. Cod or shrimp work well. Just ensure they’re cut small. Adjust baking time as needed. Different fish cook at different rates. The goal is cooked-through protein. These oven-baked bites welcome variations.

How do I make them less spicy?

To make them less spicy, use less sriracha. You can also omit it. Adding more mayonnaise helps mellow the heat. A tiny bit of honey balances spice too. Adjust to your taste. Enjoy your custom baked sushi bites!

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Oven-Baked Salmon Sushi Bites

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  • Author: Sofia Marten
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 11 minutes
  • Total Time: 26 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bites
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Oven-Baked Salmon Sushi Bites offer a convenient and delicious way to enjoy sushi flavors without the raw fish. Baked salmon is combined with creamy sriracha mayonnaise and served in nori cups, making them perfect for appetizers or a light meal.


Ingredients

  • Cooking spray
  • 3 sheets nori, cut into 12 (3″-by-3″) pieces
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked sushi rice
  • 1 lb. skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1/2″ pieces
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1 Tbsp. neutral oil, such as grapeseed or canola
  • 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise
  • 2 tsp. sriracha
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
  • Thinly sliced avocado, for garnish (optional)


Instructions

  1. Arrange a rack in upper third of oven; preheat to 400°F.
  2. Lightly coat a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
  3. Scoop 1 heaping Tbsp. sushi rice into the center of each piece of nori.
  4. Transfer nori to prepared tin rice side up.
  5. Using a spoon, gently pack rice into an even layer in bottom of cup.
  6. In a large bowl, toss salmon, scallions, oil, 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise, 2 tsp. sriracha, and 1/4 tsp. salt until combined.
  7. Divide salmon mixture among muffin cups (about 1/4 cup each), spooning on top of rice.
  8. Bake until salmon is almost cooked through, about 11 minutes.
  9. Remove from oven.
  10. Dollop remaining mayonnaise and sriracha on top, if desired, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and top with avocado slices, if using.
  11. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Ensure the salmon is cooked through but not dry.
  • Adjust the amount of sriracha to your spice preference.
  • These bites are best served immediately after baking.

Categorized in:

Appetizers
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