Easy Baked Salmon Sushi Cups (Viral Recipe)

If you’re searching for the perfect bite-sized, flavor-packed snack to impress at your next gathering—or just treat yourself—look no further than these Easy Baked Salmon Sushi Cups (Viral Recipe). Imagine everything you love about sushi: tender salmon, creamy mayo, tangy rice, and that subtle crunch of nori, all bundled into a portable, irresistible cup. This recipe captures the magic of restaurant-quality sushi, but it’s so easy to assemble in your own kitchen. Plus, it’s adaptable for parties, meal prep, or a cozy dinner at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Easy Baked Salmon Sushi Cups (Viral Recipe) such a must-try is how every ingredient pulls its weight. Each element boosts flavor, contrast, and color, while also being super accessible at most grocery stores. Here’s what you need for sushi perfection at home:

• Salmon (1 lb, cubed): For that melt-in-your-mouth sushi experience, opt for fresh, high-quality salmon.
• Light Soy Sauce (1 tbsp): This adds a savory depth without overpowering the salmon’s flavor.
• Kewpie Mayo (1 tbsp): Rich, creamy Japanese mayo is the secret to velvety texture, but regular mayo works in a pinch.
• Sriracha (1 tbsp): Brings just the right amount of heat and vibrant color to the salmon mix.
• Sesame Oil (1 tsp): A drizzle of this toasty oil gives the filling that crave-worthy, nutty aroma.
• Uncooked Sushi Rice (1½ cups): The quintessential sticky base to hold everything together.
• Rice Vinegar (1 tbsp): Adds a tangy, bright note to season the rice just like at your favorite sushi bar.
• White Sugar (2 tsp): Balances out the sharpness of the vinegar for that classic sushi rice taste.
• Nori Sheets (3 large): Provides that unmistakable sushi flair and keeps every cup easy to pick up.
• Furikake, for garnish: This Japanese seasoning blend adds savory crunch, a sprinkle of umami, and color.
• Green Onion, for garnish: Thin slices on top brighten up every bite with a touch of freshness.
• Cooking Spray: For greasing the muffin tin, ensuring those perfect cups release effortlessly.

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. It’s important not to rush this step—the rice forms the foundation of each cup, providing both that signature sticky texture and a comforting, slightly sweet backdrop for the salmon. Once done, fluff the rice gently while it’s still warm.

Step 2: Season the Rice

While the rice steams, combine rice vinegar and white sugar in a microwave-safe bowl. Zap it for about 30 seconds, or until the sugar dissolves into the vinegar. Pour this tangy-sweet mixture over your cooked sushi rice, then gently mix to coat each grain. Let the rice cool slightly as you prep the salmon—this will help the cups keep their shape later on!

Step 3: Prep Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F. This high heat ensures that the Easy Baked Salmon Sushi Cups (Viral Recipe) get a nice golden finish on top and that the salmon cooks through while staying supremely juicy.

Step 4: Make the Salmon Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine your cubed salmon, light soy sauce, Kewpie mayo, sriracha, and sesame oil. Give it a quick but thorough mix—just enough so that every piece of salmon is enrobed in that luscious, spicy, creamy marinade. The aroma at this step is out of this world!

Step 5: Cut the Nori Sheets

Take your nori sheets and use scissors to cut each one into four rectangles or squares, sized generously enough to fit into your muffin tin inserts. These little sheets will act as a nest for both rice and salmon—think of them as the edible wrapper that holds everything together.

Step 6: Assemble the Sushi Cups

Lightly spray your muffin tin with cooking spray, so unmolding later is a breeze. Place each nori square into the muffin cups, arranging them so they overlap a bit to line each insert. Spoon a scoop of sushi rice onto the center of each nori piece, pressing it gently down so it fills out the base. Top with a generous spoonful of your marinated salmon mixture, piling it right on top of the rice.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide your muffin tin into the hot oven and bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes, or until the salmon is beautifully cooked and the tops are just turning golden brown. The smell wafting from your oven will send everyone in your house flocking to the kitchen!

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

After removing the sushi cups from the oven, let them cool in the tin for a few minutes. Then, carefully lift them out (an offset spatula works wonders here), drizzle each cup with more sriracha or spicy mayo, and shower with furikake and sliced green onions. Serve immediately and watch these disappear in record time!

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

Garnishes

The finishing touches are where you can really personalize Easy Baked Salmon Sushi Cups (Viral Recipe). More spicy mayo, a squiggle of extra sriracha, or even a sprinkle of black and white sesame seeds all add color and punch. Try a quick dusting of furikake for an authentic savory crunch, and don’t skip the green onion—its pop of freshness ties each lively bite together.

Side Dishes

Pair your sushi cups with a crisp seaweed salad, a bowl of miso soup, or some bright pickled ginger to round out the meal. If you want something a bit heartier, add steamed edamame or a simple cucumber sunomono salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich salmon cups.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, arrange the sushi cups on a long platter or tiered tray with tiny dipping bowls of soy sauce and wasabi on the side. You can also tuck a few microgreens or thin avocado slices onto each cup for a gourmet touch. For fun at-home sushi nights, offer a build-your-own bar with extra garnishes and sauces so everyone can customize their Easy Baked Salmon Sushi Cups (Viral Recipe) however they like!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover sushi cups, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them up, so they don’t get soggy. The nori may soften slightly, but the flavors will stay vibrant and delicious.

Freezing

While it’s possible to freeze Easy Baked Salmon Sushi Cups (Viral Recipe), keep in mind that both the rice and nori change texture after thawing. For best results, wrap each cup in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Enjoy within a month for the best flavor, but they’re always most impressive fresh from the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and place the sushi cups on a baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch, but it can make the nori chewy—so oven reheating is the way to go for the best results.

FAQs

Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?

You can swap in canned salmon if that’s what you have, but fresh or thawed sushi-grade salmon gives a far better texture and taste. If using canned, make sure it’s drained well, and the cups will still be delicious—just a bit different in feel.

Is there a substitute for Kewpie mayo?

If you don’t have Kewpie mayo, regular mayonnaise plus a tiny squeeze of rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar gets you close to the iconic creamy, tangy flavor of Japanese-style mayo.

How can I make these gluten-free?

To keep your Easy Baked Salmon Sushi Cups (Viral Recipe) gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and double-check that your furikake and other sauces contain no hidden gluten.

Can I make the cups ahead of time?

You can prepare the rice and salmon mixture a day in advance and assemble just before baking. For best results, bake right before serving so the nori stays crisp and the flavors are at their freshest.

What other toppings work well?

Get creative! Avocado slices, tobiko (fish roe), pickled ginger, or a sprinkle of chili flakes all work beautifully. Let everyone top their own sushi cups for a build-your-own sushi night at home.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Easy Baked Salmon Sushi Cups (Viral Recipe), I know you’ll be sharing the secret with friends and family in no time. They’re quick to whip up, endlessly customizable, and simply bursting with the flavors of your favorite sushi roll in one easy, hand-held bite. Give them a go and enjoy every irresistible, golden, savory morsel!

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