Easy Spicy Tuna Sushi Bake (Using Canned Tuna!) Recipe
This Easy Spicy Tuna Sushi Bake is a delicious and convenient twist on traditional sushi, using canned tuna for a quick yet satisfying meal. Layers of seasoned sushi rice, a creamy spicy tuna mixture, ripe avocado, and a drizzle of fiery sauce come together, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for sushi lovers craving a flavorful homemade dish without the fuss of rolling sushi.
- Author: lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (broiling) plus 20 minutes (rice cooking)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking/Broiling
- Cuisine: Japanese Fusion
- Diet: Halal
Rice Layer
- 1.5 cups uncooked short-grain rice (or 4 cups cooked, approximately 800 g)
- 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 (3 x 5.29 oz / 150 g cans; can substitute canned tuna in water or canned salmon)
- 4–5 tbsp Japanese mayo (or regular mayo)
- 1–2 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 1/4 tsp salt
Toppings and Garnishes
- 4 medium ripe avocados
- 2–3 tbsp Japanese mayo (or regular mayo)
- 2–3 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 1 tsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil for greasing baking dish)
- 10 sheets nori (cut in half to make 20 sheets)
- 1 tbsp furikake (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 green onion (finely chopped for garnishing)
- Prepare the 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 the Rice: Cook short-grain rice according to package instructions, either using a rice cooker or stovetop method. Once cooked, keep the rice hot for seasoning.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to broil at 500 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking the sushi bake.
- Season the Rice: Transfer the hot cooked rice to a large bowl. Add salt, sugar, and rice vinegar, and mix thoroughly using a rice paddle or spatula. Then, spread the seasoned rice evenly in the prepared baking dish and firmly press it down to create a compact layer.
- Add Sesame and Furikake: Sprinkle sesame seeds and furikake evenly over the rice to add texture and umami flavor.
- Make the Spicy Tuna Mixture: Open canned tuna and drain excess liquid using a fine sieve and fork. Place the drained tuna in a medium bowl, then mix in Japanese mayo, sriracha sauce, and salt until well combined. Spread this spicy tuna mixture evenly over the rice layer.
- Prepare Avocado Layer: Peel and thinly slice the avocados. Arrange avocado slices evenly over the spicy tuna layer for a creamy, rich contrast.
- Drizzle Sauce: Generously drizzle additional Japanese mayo and sriracha sauce over the avocado to add creaminess and heat.
- Bake: Place the baking dish under the broiler for about 10 minutes, until the sauce bubbles and turns golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle the finely chopped green onions on top. Use a wet knife to slice the sushi bake into 20 pieces. Scoop a portion onto each half sheet of nori and enjoy your sushi bake!
Notes
- For rice cooking, rinse the short-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch for best results.
- You can use canned tuna in water or canned salmon as alternatives for a different flavor.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to your preferred spice level.
- Use a wet knife to slice the sushi bake to prevent sticking and keep the layers intact.
- Furikake is optional but adds an authentic Japanese flavor with seaweed and sesame.
- The sushi bake keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (1/20 of recipe)
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: spicy tuna sushi bake, canned tuna recipe, sushi bake, easy sushi, Japanese fusion, spicy tuna, baked sushi