Description
Culinary creativity reaches new heights with this sushi cake, blending Japanese flavors into a showstopping centerpiece. Layers of seasoned rice, fresh fish, and delicate garnishes create a mesmerizing dish that delights senses and celebrates traditional sushi artistry. Guests will marvel at your innovative approach to this beloved cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups sushi rice (cooked and cooled)
- 8 ounces (226 grams) imitation crab (shredded)
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- 1/2 cucumber (thinly sliced or diced)
Condiments and Sauces:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup yum yum sauce
- Sriracha (optional)
Garnish and Crunch:
- 1/2 cup French fried onions
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Pickled ginger (optional)
- Nori (seaweed) strips (optional)
Instructions
- Transform sushi rice into a fluffy, slightly sticky base by following package instructions, ensuring it reaches optimal texture and temperature through complete cooling.
- Create a creamy crab mixture by meticulously shredding imitation crab and blending thoroughly with mayonnaise until uniformly incorporated.
- Construct the foundation of the dish by carefully distributing the cooled rice across the entire surface of a large baking vessel, pressing gently to create an even layer.
- Apply the prepared crab and mayonnaise blend as a smooth, consistent layer atop the rice foundation, covering the entire surface with precision.
- Enhance the visual and flavor profile by artfully arranging sliced avocado and diced cucumber across the crab mixture, ensuring balanced coverage.
- Introduce textural contrast by generously sprinkling crispy French fried onions over the vegetable layer, creating a delightful crunchy topping.
- Elevate the dish’s flavor complexity by drizzling yum yum sauce in an elegant, strategic pattern across the entire surface.
- Present the creation by either cutting into cake-like wedges or scooping casserole-style, offering flexibility in serving methods and enjoying at either chilled or ambient temperatures.
Notes
- Choose short-grain sushi rice for the best sticky texture and authentic flavor.
- Allow rice to cool completely to prevent mushiness and maintain distinct grains.
- Layer ingredients carefully to create beautiful, even visual presentation.
- Chill the dish for 30 minutes before serving to help layers set and enhance flavor melding.
- Swap imitation crab with fresh crab meat or cooked shredded chicken for protein variation.
- Replace mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier alternative.
- Use gluten-free French fried onions if preparing for gluten-sensitive guests.
- Add toasted sesame seeds or furikake for extra umami and crunch.
- Make vegetarian by substituting crab with marinated tofu or roasted vegetables.
- Prepare components ahead of time for quick assembly during busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: None
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg