Baked Sushi Casserole with Spicy Crab and Shrimp

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-24 · Updated 2026-04-24

A comforting casserole that layers vinegared sushi rice with a creamy, spicy crab and shrimp topping baked to golden perfection. This Japanese recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs cooked sushi rice, unseasoned rice vinegar, granulated sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups cooked sushi rice
• 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sambal oelek
• 8 ounces imitation crab meat
• 8 ounces cooked shrimp, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons scallions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Baking dishes worth owning for casseroles like this → Best Bakeware for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups cooked sushi rice with 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt. Gently fold until the rice is evenly seasoned and glossy.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 1 1/2 tablespoons sambal oelek until smooth and spicy. Add 8 ounces imitation crab meat and 8 ounces finely chopped cooked shrimp, folding gently to combine.
3. Step 3: Spray a 9x9-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray. Spread the seasoned sushi rice evenly in the dish, pressing lightly to form a compact layer.
4. Step 4: Evenly spread the crab and shrimp mixture over the rice layer. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons thinly sliced scallions and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
5. Step 5: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges start to brown.
6. Step 6: Remove from oven, sprinkle 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds on top for a nutty aroma and serve warm, scooping portions like a casserole.