Easy Baked Salmon Sushi Cups (Viral Recipe) Recipe

If you’ve been dreaming of restaurant-quality sushi at home but shudder at the thought of rolling and slicing, these Easy Baked Salmon Sushi Cups (Viral Recipe) are absolutely going to change your kitchen game. Picture pillowy sushi rice, umami-packed, tender salmon, and crispy nori, all tucked into adorable, hand-held bites—ready in under 30 minutes! Whether you’re making them for a crowd or just yourself, the fun, flavor, and simplicity of this recipe have made it a true sensation online—and for good reason.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of humble kitchen staples are all you need for Easy Baked Salmon Sushi Cups (Viral Recipe). Each ingredient serves an important purpose, from perfecting the texture to dialing up the flavor and that irresistible sushi glow.

• Salmon, cubed (1 lb): Opt for fresh, sushi-grade salmon if possible—its richness is the star in every bite.
• Light soy sauce (1 tbsp): Brings saltiness and deep umami, balancing the creamy mayo and spicy sriracha.
• Kewpie Mayo (1 tbsp): This Japanese mayo adds silky, eggy richness and a subtle tang that’s perfect for sushi.
• Sriracha (1 tbsp): Delivers that gentle heat and color—adjust for more or less spice!
• Sesame oil (1 tsp): Just a dash for a comforting, nutty aroma that complements the fish.
• Sushi rice, uncooked (1 ½ cups): Look for short-grain rice—the sticky texture is key for holding together those perfect cups.
• Rice vinegar (1 tbsp): Brightens the rice and adds that signature sushi flavor.
• White sugar (2 tsp): Balances the vinegar’s acidity, bringing out subtle sweetness in the rice.
• Nori sheets (3 large): Seaweed sheets bring a classic briny flavor and make adorable edible cups; they’re super easy to work with!
• Furikake, for garnish: This Japanese seasoning mix adds pops of savory umami, crunch, and visual flair.
• Green onion, for garnish: A sprinkle of fresh green keeps everything vibrant and adds a little bite.
• Cooking spray: A quick spray in your muffin tin guarantees easy removal and no sticking headaches.

How to Make Easy Baked Salmon Sushi Cups (Viral Recipe)

Step 1: Cook the Sushi Rice

Start by cooking your sushi rice according to the package instructions. The right rice texture is everything—think sticky, tender, and slightly glossy. Once it’s cooked to perfection, it becomes the cozy base that holds your sushi cups together so beautifully.

Step 2: Season the Rice

In a microwave-safe bowl, mix rice vinegar and sugar, then microwave for about 30 seconds or until the sugar dissolves. Pour this tangy-sweet mixture over your hot rice and fold it in gently. This step transforms ordinary rice into authentic sushi rice—the foundation of flavor in every cup!

Step 3: Prep the Salmon Mixture

Preheat your oven to 400℉. In a separate bowl, combine the cubed salmon with light soy sauce, Kewpie mayo, sriracha, and sesame oil. Stir until every morsel of salmon is coated—this mixture is creamy, savory, and tantalizingly aromatic thanks to that drizzle of sesame oil.

Step 4: Prepare the Nori Sheets

Take your large nori sheets and cut them into four squares or rectangles each, creating nori pieces big enough to line your muffin tins. The nori adds a salty, ocean-y crunch and transforms these into hand-held delights!

Step 5: Assemble the Sushi Cups

Give your muffin tin a quick spray of cooking oil so nothing sticks. Place a nori square in each muffin cavity, and add a spoonful of seasoned rice to the center, pressing it down gently so the nori forms a little cup. Top with your creamy salmon mixture. Repeat until you’re all set!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake at 400℉ for about 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the salmon is cooked through and turns beautifully golden at the edges, and the aroma becomes utterly irresistible.

Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy!

Let the sushi cups cool for a few minutes (if you can wait!). Then, drizzle with extra sriracha or spicy mayo, and shower with furikake and green onions. That final sprinkle packs crunch, color, and an extra pop of flavor—then, dive in and enjoy!

How to Serve Easy Baked Salmon Sushi Cups (Viral Recipe)

Garnishes

Top your Easy Baked Salmon Sushi Cups (Viral Recipe) with a flourish of furikake, a squeeze of extra spicy mayo or sriracha, and finely sliced green onions. For an even bigger flavor kick, toasted sesame seeds, slices of avocado, or even a touch of pickled ginger look and taste absolutely fantastic.

Side Dishes

Serve these sushi cups with classic sides for a full sushi night experience: try a fresh cucumber salad, miso soup, or even edamame for a light and healthy balance. They are also perfect with a simple seaweed salad or a chilled glass of sake or green tea.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring out a platter of sushi cups for a vibrant party appetizer, arrange them on a wooden board with extra garnishes for a sushi “bar” vibe, or pack them into a lunchbox for on-the-go sushi magic. They even make a fun fusion with a drizzle of unagi sauce or a sprinkle of chili crisp!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to two days. The texture is best within the first day, but they’re still delicious after a quick chill.

Freezing

While the nori can soften a bit after freezing, you can freeze the baked sushi cups (before garnishing) for up to a month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your Easy Baked Salmon Sushi Cups (Viral Recipe) back to life, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350℉ oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until heated through. The nori may soften, but the flavors will stay vibrant and delicious!

FAQs

Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?

Yes! While fresh salmon gives the best texture and flavor, canned salmon works wonderfully for a quick and budget-friendly swap—just drain well and flake before mixing.

Are Easy Baked Salmon Sushi Cups (Viral Recipe) gluten free?

If you use gluten-free soy sauce and double-check your furikake ingredients, this recipe can easily be made gluten free. Always read labels, especially on nori and seasonings.

Can I make these with a different protein?

Absolutely—try cooked shrimp, canned tuna, or even tofu cubes for a vegetarian spin. Spicy chicken or imitation crab also works for delicious fusion variations.

What if I don’t have a muffin tin?

No problem! You can use ramekins, silicone baking cups, or even hand-shape the nori and rice on a parchment-lined baking sheet for freeform sushi “boats.”

Can I prepare Easy Baked Salmon Sushi Cups (Viral Recipe) in advance for a party?

Definitely! You can assemble the cups (without baking) several hours in advance and keep covered in the fridge. When party time rolls around, just pop them in the oven, garnish, and serve warm and fresh.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to treat yourself (and your favorite people) to these Easy Baked Salmon Sushi Cups (Viral Recipe)! No rolling, no fuss, just flavor-packed, delicious bites that prove sushi night can be easy and fun at home. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation!

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