Dinner

Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab Sushi Bake Recipe

ByJeannette Jaeger October 26, 2025October 26, 2025

Introduction

This Spicy Tuna & Creamy Crab Sushi Bake is a delightful twist on traditional sushi, combining rich, creamy seafood with a crispy, broiled topping. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing at any gathering or enjoying as a comforting meal at home.

A woman's hand with teal nail polish holds a small sandwich with three visible layers: two dark green crispy seaweed sheets sandwiching a creamy, chunky orange and white mixture that looks like a crab or seafood salad. In the background, there's a white dish full of the same creamy orange and white salad, slightly grilled or baked on top with a browned texture. Nearby, a white bowl contains extra dark green crispy seaweed sheets. The entire scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ lb imitation crab
¼ cup Japanese mayo
1 tbsp ponzu sauce
2 tbsp cream cheese
2 tbsp masago
2 cans tuna soaked in oil
3 tbsp Japanese mayo
1 tbsp Korean chili paste
1 tsp black pepper
Rice (for sushi rice)
Sushi seasoning
Furikake (optional, for topping)
Crispy seaweed (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the sushi rice by mixing cooked rice with sushi seasoning until evenly combined.
Step 2: In a dish, spread a layer of the sushi rice evenly on the bottom.
Step 3: Sprinkle a layer of masago over the rice, then add a layer of furikake on top.
Step 4: For the creamy crab mixture, combine imitation crab, ¼ cup Japanese mayo, ponzu sauce, 2 tbsp cream cheese, and 2 tbsp masago in a bowl and mix well.
Step 5: For the spicy tuna mixture, drain tuna from oil and mix with 3 tbsp Japanese mayo, Korean chili paste, 1 tbsp cream cheese, and black pepper until smooth.
Step 6: Spread half of the creamy crab mixture on one side of the rice, and half of the spicy tuna mixture on the other side.
Step 7: Drizzle additional Japanese mayo over both mixtures and sprinkle furikake on top.
Step 8: Place the dish under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
Step 9: Serve warm with crispy seaweed on the side for scooping.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh tuna and crab if available for a more authentic flavor.
Add sliced avocado on top after broiling for a creamy contrast.
Adjust the amount of Korean chili paste to control the spice level.
Try substituting ponzu sauce with soy sauce for a different tang.
Serve with pickled ginger and wasabi for a traditional sushi experience.

Storage

Store any leftover sushi bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven to preserve crispiness or in the microwave, though the top may soften. It’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A clear glass rectangular dish filled with a two-layered cheesy baked dish, where the front layer is creamy orange with bits of white and sprinkled with small black and white seeds and herbs, creating a textured, slightly rough surface; the back layer is a darker brown-orange topped with a drizzle of white sauce and the same sprinkle of seeds and herbs, giving it a more baked and crusty look. In the blurred background, there is a white plate with dark green leafy chips on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh crab and tuna instead of imitation and canned?

Yes, fresh crab meat and sashimi-grade tuna can be used for a more authentic and flavorful sushi bake. Just make sure the seafood is fresh and properly prepared before mixing.

How spicy is the spicy tuna mixture?

The spicy tuna is mildly to moderately spicy, depending on how much Korean chili paste you use. You can adjust the quantity to suit your heat preference.