Table of Contents: Baked Salmon Sushi Cups
Baked Salmon Sushi Cups
INTRODUCTION
If you’ve ever wanted to bring sushi home but skip the rolling, say hello to Baked Salmon Sushi Cups—a game-changer for sushi lovers. These bite-sized cups are savory, creamy, and slightly crispy on the outside, giving all the flavors of a sushi roll in a convenient, oven-baked form. You’ll learn how to choose the right salmon, prep your ingredients like a pro, and bake your way to a party-perfect dish.
Don’t miss our Easy Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Recipe if you’re craving more comforting meals!
What Are Baked Salmon Sushi Cups?
Origins and Evolution of Sushi Cups
Sushi cups are a creative twist on traditional sushi. While Japanese sushi often involves meticulous rolling and raw fish, this variation takes a more casual route. Baked sushi cups originated in fusion kitchens that combined Japanese flavors with Western baking techniques.
Why Baked Salmon Sushi Cups Are Trending in the USA
Easy to make and perfect for parties or family dinners, these cups have gone viral on TikTok and Instagram. You get the umami goodness of sushi without needing fancy skills or ingredients. Plus, they’re oven-baked, which adds a crunchy texture that traditional sushi lacks.
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Baked Salmon Sushi Cups – The Best Easy Recipe for 2025
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cups 1x
Description
These baked salmon sushi cups are an easy, delicious way to enjoy sushi flavors at home, with crispy nori, savory salmon, and creamy kewpie mayo.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups salmon (cubed, about 1 pound of salmon)
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame seed oil
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tbsp kewpie mayo
- 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1.5 cups sushi rice
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 12 nori squares
- Kewpie mayo (for topping)
- Sesame seeds (for topping)
- Green onions (for topping)
- Chili oil crunch (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a muffin tin with non-stick spray.
- Prepare the sushi rice according to the package and set aside.
- Cube the salmon into 1/2 inch bite-sized pieces and place in a bowl.
- Add sea salt, soy sauce, sesame seed oil, minced garlic, chili flakes, and kewpie mayo to the salmon. Mix well and set aside.
- Cut the nori sheets into 12 squares (each sheet makes 4 squares).
- Mix the cooked sushi rice with rice vinegar.
- Assemble the sushi cups by placing a nori square into each muffin tin cavity, add a scoop of rice, then top with marinated salmon.
- Sprinkle panko bread crumbs over the top of each cup.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then remove from tin.
- Top with additional kewpie mayo, sesame seeds, green onions, and chili oil crunch. Enjoy!
Notes
These sushi cups are perfect for parties or easy weeknight dinners. Feel free to swap salmon for crab or tuna!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: baked salmon sushi cups, sushi bake, salmon appetizer, easy sushi recipe
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Ingredients for Baked Salmon Sushi Cups
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these delicious cups, here’s your essential list:
| Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| Sushi rice | Short-grain, sticky when cooked |
| Rice vinegar | For seasoning the rice |
| Sugar & Salt | To balance vinegar |
| Nori sheets | Cut into small squares |
| Salmon | Cooked or sushi-grade |
| Spicy mayo | Mayo + Sriracha |
| Furikake | Japanese seasoning mix |
| Green onions | For garnish |
Substitutions and Dietary Variations
- Vegan? Swap salmon for tofu or jackfruit
- Low-carb? Use cauliflower rice
- Dairy-free? Make spicy mayo with vegan mayo
- Gluten-free? Ensure your sauces are tamari-based
Choosing the Right Salmon for Sushi
What Salmon Do You Use for Sushi Cups?
Go for sushi-grade salmon if you want to include raw pieces. Otherwise, bake or pan-sear fresh Atlantic or Sockeye salmon. High-fat content equals more flavor and moisture.
Safe Options: Fresh vs. Frozen vs. Sushi-Grade
Frozen wild salmon is often safer because it’s flash-frozen to kill parasites. Sushi-grade means it’s safe to eat raw. Always check labels.
Check out our Delicious Coffee Loophole Recipe for an energy boost between meals.
Preparation Techniques Before Baking
Prepping the Rice: Sushi Rice Tips & Seasoning
- Rinse rice 3–4 times to remove starch
- Cook using a 1:1 ratio in a rice cooker or pot
- Season with a mix of 2 tbsp rice vinegar + 1 tbsp sugar + ½ tsp salt
- Let it cool before shaping
Prepping the Salmon: Cutting, Marinating, and Flavoring
Dice salmon into small cubes. For flavor, marinate with:
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp grated ginger
Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb flavors.
How to Assemble the Sushi Cups
Shaping and Molding the Rice Base
Use a muffin tin and line each cup with a square of nori. Press in about 2 tbsp of seasoned rice. Use wet fingers to flatten and mold.
Filling and Layering for Maximum Flavor
Top rice with marinated salmon, then a dollop of spicy mayo. Optional toppings include:
- Avocado chunks
- Shredded crab stick
- Cream cheese
Baking Instructions and Temperature Guide
What Temperature Do You Bake Sushi At?
Bake your cups at 375°F (190°C). This gives a crispy edge and gently cooks the toppings.
How Long to Cook Salmon for Sushi Bake?
Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the salmon is opaque and the edges are lightly browned. Overcooking will dry them out.
Best Toppings and Garnishes
Sauces: Spicy Mayo, Eel Sauce, and More
- Spicy Mayo: Mix mayo and Sriracha
- Eel Sauce: Soy, sugar, mirin, and cornstarch
- Yuzu Sauce: For a citrusy kick
Crunch & Color: Onions, Sesame, Furikake
- Thin-sliced scallions
- White and black sesame seeds
- Furikake for umami and crunch
Looking for inspiration? Try the Easy Arroz con Leche Recipe.
What to Serve With Baked Salmon Sushi Cups
What Goes With Sushi Bake?
- Miso soup
- Edamame with sea salt
- Cucumber salad with sesame dressing
Complementary Sides and Beverages
Pair with:
- Sparkling water or iced green tea
- Pickled ginger to refresh the palate
- Seaweed salad
Storage and Reheating Tips
How to Store Leftovers Without Losing Texture
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Use parchment to avoid sogginess.
Best Reheating Methods Without Drying
Reheat in a toaster oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. Avoid the microwave—it makes them soggy.
FAQs – Baked Salmon Sushi Cups
What temperature do you bake sushi at?
Bake at 375°F to ensure crisp edges and a warm center.
What salmon do you use for sushi?
Use sushi-grade or baked wild-caught salmon for safety and taste.
What goes with sushi bake?
Pair with miso soup, edamame, or pickled veggies.
How long to cook salmon for sushi bake?
Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the salmon is opaque.
CONCLUSION: Baked Salmon Sushi Cups
Baked Salmon Sushi Cups bring sushi home in a fun, easy, and utterly delicious way. Whether you’re cooking for a party, meal prepping, or trying sushi for the first time, this dish will become a repeat favorite.
Don’t miss our Easy Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Recipe if you’re hungry for more baked comfort food.