### Sushi Bake Recipe

This delicious Sushi Bake combines the flavors of traditional sushi with the ease of a baked dish. Featuring seasoned sushi rice topped with a creamy salmon mixture, fresh avocado, and cucumber, it’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.

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#### Full Ingredients
– **Sushi Rice:**
– 2 cups sushi rice
– 2 ½ cups water
– ¼ cup rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt

– **Salmon Topping:**
– 1 pound fresh salmon fillet, skin removed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie for authenticity)
– 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust to taste)

– **Garnishes:**
– 1 avocado, sliced
– 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
– 2 green onions, chopped
– 1 sheet nori (seaweed), cut into strips
– Sesame seeds for garnish
– Pickled ginger and wasabi for serving (optional)

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### Full Instructions

#### Preparing the Sushi Rice
1. **Rinse the Rice:** Rinse the sushi rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
2. **Soak the Rice:** In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 2 ½ cups of water. Let it soak for about 30 minutes.
3. **Cook the Rice:** Bring the rice to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes.
4. **Rest the Rice:** Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 10 minutes.
5. **Season the Rice:** In a small bowl, mix together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Gently fold this mixture into the cooked rice.
6. **Cool the Rice:** Spread the seasoned rice onto a large baking sheet or shallow dish to cool.

#### Preparing the Salmon Topping
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Prepare Salmon:** In a medium bowl, place the fresh salmon fillet. Drizzle with olive oil and soy sauce, then flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces.
3. **Mix Topping:** Add the mayonnaise and sriracha to the flaked salmon and mix until well combined. Adjust sriracha to taste.
4. **Set Aside:** Set the salmon mixture aside.

#### Assembling the Sushi Bake
1. **Prepare Baking Dish:** In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the cooled sushi rice evenly across the bottom.
2. **Add Salmon:** Spoon the salmon mixture over the rice, spreading it out evenly.
3. **Sprinkle Topping:** Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of the salmon mixture.
4. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

#### Finishing Touches
1. **Prepare Garnishes:** While the sushi bake is in the oven, slice the avocado and cucumber into thin strips for garnish.

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### Notes
– For a spicier kick, feel free to add more sriracha to the salmon mixture.
– Kewpie mayonnaise is recommended for its unique flavor, but regular mayonnaise can be used as a substitute.
– Serve with pickled ginger and wasabi for an authentic sushi experience.

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### Prep Time
– 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes resting time for rice)

### Cook Time
– 25 minutes

### Total Time
– 1 hour (including prep and cook time)

### Yield
– Serves 4-6 people

Enjoy your delicious Sushi Bake!