Shrimp Tempura Sushi Bake

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Rest Time 10 mins
Total Time 1 hr 5 mins
Cooking Method: Baking
Cuisine: Japanese
Courses: Dinner, Lunch
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cooking Temp: 180  C
Servings: 6
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

A rich and comforting shrimp tempura sushi bake that combines crispy tempura shrimp, creamy seafood topping, and seasoned sushi rice baked into a golden, flavorful dish. This easy Japanese-inspired casserole is perfect for sharing, packed with umami, and ideal for family meals or gatherings.

Ingredients
    For the Sushi Rice Base
  • 2 cups sushi rice (short-grain, rinsed)
  • 2.5 cups water
  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1.5 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • For the Shrimp Tempura
  • 250 g shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails optional)
  • 1 cup tempura batter mix
  • ¾ cup cold water
  • Oil for frying
  • For the Creamy Topping
  • 1 cup cooked shrimp tempura (chopped)
  • ½ cup imitation crab (shredded)
  • ¾ cup Japanese mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • For the Toppings
  • 2 tbsp furikake seasoning
  • 2 tbsp chopped green onions
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • Extra Japanese mayonnaise (for drizzling)
  • Optional: nori sheets (for serving)
Instructions
    Prepare the Sushi Rice
  1. 1
    Cook the sushi rice with water using a rice cooker or stovetop until soft and fluffy. While still warm, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until dissolved. Gently fold this seasoning into the rice. Let it cool slightly.
  2. Make the Shrimp Tempura
  3. 2
    Prepare the tempura batter by mixing the batter mix with cold water until slightly lumpy. Heat oil in a pan to medium-high. Dip shrimp into the batter and fry until golden and crispy (about 2–3 minutes). Remove and place on paper towels. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Prepare the Creamy Mixture
  5. 3
    In a bowl, combine chopped tempura shrimp, shredded imitation crab, mayonnaise, cream cheese, sriracha, and soy sauce. Mix until smooth and creamy. This will be your flavorful topping layer.
  6. Assemble the Sushi Bake
  7. 4
    Preheat oven to 180°C. In a baking dish, spread the seasoned sushi rice evenly and press it gently. Sprinkle furikake over the rice. Then spread the creamy shrimp mixture evenly on top.
  8. Bake the Dish
  9. 5
    Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is heated through and slightly golden. The edges may bubble slightly.
  10. Garnish and Serve
  11. 6
    Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Drizzle extra mayonnaise on top, sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm with nori sheets—scoop and wrap for the best experience.
Note

Use cold water for tempura batter to keep it crispy. Do not overmix the batter; lumps are okay. You can substitute shrimp with cooked chicken if needed. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat in the oven. For extra flavor, add a drizzle of eel sauce.

Keywords: easy, baked sushi, seafood, creamy, party-friendly
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/shrimp-tempura-sushi-bake/