Baked Salmon Sushi Cups
Get ready to meet your new obsession: Baked Salmon Sushi Cups! These little bundles of joy are the perfect marriage of everything you love about sushi and the cozy, satisfying magic of a baked dish. Trust me, once you pop one of these in your mouth, you’ll be hooked they’re savory, creamy, a little crispy on the edges, and just bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a sushi lover or just someone who loves a good, hearty snack, these sushi cups are about to become your go-to favorite. Let’s dive into all the deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love Baked Salmon Sushi Cups
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a full meal when you just can’t get enough.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients and stretches a small amount of salmon into something truly special.
Quick and Easy: No sushi-rolling skills required if you can scoop and bake, you’ve got this.
Customizable: Switch up the protein, add your favorite toppings, or adjust the spice level to match your mood.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Baked Salmon Sushi Cups
Here’s the magic of these sushi cups they’re made with a handful of ingredients that pack a serious flavor punch. Let’s break it down:
Cooked Sushi Rice: Sticky, seasoned rice forms the perfect base and soaks up all that delicious sauce.
Nori Sheets: These crisp, savory seaweed squares are the signature flavor and structure of each cup.
Salmon: Tender, flaky salmon is the star baked to perfection and packed with flavor.
Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness to the salmon mixture.
Sriracha: A little heat to keep things interesting, balanced perfectly with the creamy mayo.
Soy Sauce: Brings that salty umami goodness we all crave in a good sushi bite.
Green Onions: Fresh and crisp, adding a pop of flavor and color.
Sesame Seeds: A toasty, nutty finish that makes every bite pop.
Optional Toppings: Avocado slices, cucumber, pickled ginger, or a drizzle of spicy mayo for extra flair.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). You want it nice and hot to get that irresistible golden edge.
Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, flake the cooked salmon and mix it with mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, and green onions. Stir until well combined and creamy.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Lightly grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners to make removing the sushi cups a breeze.
Assemble the Dish: Cut nori sheets into squares and press them gently into the muffin cups to form little “nests.” Add a scoop of seasoned rice into each nori cup, gently pressing down to form a base. Top with a generous spoonful of the salmon mixture.
Cook to Perfection: Bake for about 10–12 minutes, just until the edges of the nori start to crisp up and the tops are golden and bubbly.
Finishing Touches: Let the sushi cups cool for a few minutes in the pan so they can set up nicely and be easier to remove.
Serve and Enjoy: Pop them out, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve with your favorite toppings like avocado, cucumber, or a little extra drizzle of spicy mayo.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12 sushi cups
Calories per serving: 120
(put them as notes)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
How to Serve Baked Salmon Sushi Cups
These Baked Salmon Sushi Cups are seriously versatile and can shine on any table. Serve them up as a fun appetizer for a party, enjoy a few for a satisfying lunch, or even turn them into a playful dinner option alongside a simple miso soup or a fresh cucumber salad. They’re also amazing packed in a lunchbox for a special treat!
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Use short-grain sushi rice for the stickiest, most authentic texture.
Lightly wet your fingers when handling the rice to prevent sticking.
Don’t overfill the cups a little goes a long way for perfect bites.
Feel free to swap the salmon for crab, shrimp, or even tofu for a twist.
Add a sprinkle of furikake seasoning for extra flavor if you have it.
Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the nori sheets cleanly.
Keep an eye on the oven you want the nori crisp, not burnt.
Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of sriracha.
Use ripe avocado for the creamiest, dreamiest topping.
Double the batch because they disappear fast trust me on this one!
FAQ’s
- Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?
Yes! Canned salmon works beautifully and makes the recipe even faster.
- What type of rice should I use?
Short-grain sushi rice is best for that perfect sticky texture, but jasmine rice can work in a pinch.
- Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep them ahead and bake just before serving for the best texture.
- How do I keep the nori from getting soggy?
Serve immediately after baking and don’t overfill with wet ingredients to keep the nori crisp.
- Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- How spicy are these?
The spice level is mild but you can adjust the sriracha to make it as spicy or as mild as you like.
- Can I use another type of fish?
Totally! Crab, cooked shrimp, or even a vegetarian version with tofu are all delicious.
- How do I store leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently in the oven.
- Do I need to cook the salmon first?
Yes, the salmon should be cooked before mixing it into the filling.
- Can I freeze Baked Salmon Sushi Cups?
It’s best to enjoy them fresh, but you can freeze them. Just know the texture of the nori might soften when reheated.
Conclusion
And there you have it, the ultimate Baked Salmon Sushi Cups that are sure to steal your heart (and taste buds)! They’re quick, easy, and absolutely bursting with flavor basically everything you could want in a bite-sized snack. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, these little cups of goodness are pure joy in every bite. So roll up your sleeves, grab your muffin tin, and let’s make magic happen you’re going to be obsessed!
Print
Baked Salmon Sushi Cups
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sushi cups 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
- Diet: Halal
Description
Baked Salmon Sushi Cups are a fun, bite-sized twist on traditional sushi, featuring creamy salmon filling in crispy seaweed cups for an easy and delicious appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 12 small nori sheets or nori squares
- 1 cup cooked salmon, flaked
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 avocado, diced
- Green onions, sliced, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin.
- In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Microwave for 30 seconds and stir to dissolve. Drizzle over warm sushi rice and mix gently.
- Press a small amount of rice into the bottom of each muffin tin well, shaping it into a cup.
- Place a nori square over each rice cup, pressing it gently into the sides.
- In a bowl, combine flaked salmon, mayonnaise, sriracha, and soy sauce.
- Spoon the salmon mixture into each nori cup on top of the rice.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until edges are crispy and filling is heated through.
- Top with diced avocado, green onions, and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Use canned salmon for a quicker version.
- Add cucumber or mango for extra freshness.
- Adjust the sriracha to make it more or less spicy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sushi cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: baked salmon sushi cups, sushi bites, salmon appetizers, easy sushi recipes