If you’re craving a dish that’s vibrant, bursting with flavor, and beautifully layered, then you absolutely need to try this Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks Recipe. It takes the beloved sushi elements you adore—tender shrimp, creamy avocado, perfectly seasoned sushi rice—and transforms them into a stunning, easy-to-assemble stack that’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for your taste buds. Each bite delivers a delightful contrast of spicy, tangy, and fresh that makes this recipe a true crowd-pleaser whether you’re serving it for a casual lunch or an impressive dinner party.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this delicious Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks Recipe, you just need a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients that work together to provide the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each component is essential—from the tangy sushi rice to the creamy avocado and that spicy shrimp mixture that brings it all alive.
- 1 cup sushi rice: The foundation with a sticky, tender texture that holds the stack together perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang to the rice, giving it that classic sushi flavor.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Balances the vinegar with a hint of sweetness for depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/2 pound cooked shrimp, chopped: Protein-packed and juicy, this is the star of the seafood layer.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Provides creaminess to the spicy shrimp mix, making it delectably smooth.
- 1–2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste): Brings heat and a kick that wakes up every bite.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Adds umami richness that perfectly complements the shrimp.
- 1 avocado, diced: Creamy and buttery, it cools down the spice and adds smooth texture.
- 1/2 cucumber, finely diced: Gives a crisp, refreshing crunch to lighten the dish.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Adds a nutty flavor and a delightful sprinkle of texture.
- 2 sheets nori, cut into small squares (optional): Layering these adds an authentic sushi seaweed note and a little chew.
- Soy sauce, for serving: To dip or drizzle for an added salty punch.
- Sriracha or spicy mayo, for topping: Optional but encouraged for extra spiciness and flair.
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish): Bright, fresh, and colorful for that finishing touch.
How to Make Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice
First things first: cook your sushi rice according to the package directions until tender and sticky. While the rice is still warm, mix in the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt so the flavors meld beautifully. Then, set the rice aside to cool completely. This seasoned rice is the backbone of your Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks Recipe, providing that authentic sushi taste and texture you want in every layer.
Step 2: Make the Spicy Shrimp Mixture
While the rice cools, combine the chopped cooked shrimp with mayonnaise, sriracha, and soy sauce in a bowl. Stir until the shrimp is evenly coated in this creamy, spicy sauce. Adjust the sriracha to your desired heat level—it’s totally okay to start milder and add more later. This step is where all the punchy, savory flavors develop.
Step 3: Dice the Fresh Veggies
Next, prepare the fresh, crunchy layers. Dice your avocado into smooth cubes and finely chop the cucumber for that refreshing crisp. These veggies will not only add layers of color but also balance the richness and spice in the stacks, giving you alternating textures that keep every bite interesting.
Step 4: Assemble the Sushi Stacks
For the assembly, press a layer of the seasoned sushi rice firmly into a small ramekin or mold to create a compact base. If you’re using the nori squares, add a layer next for that extra taste and texture. Then, add a layer of diced cucumber, followed by avocado, and finally spoon the spicy shrimp mixture on top. Gently press each layer as you go to create a neat, uniform stack.
Step 5: Plate and Garnish Your Stacks
Invert each ramekin onto a serving plate carefully so your stack stands tall and proud. Sprinkle the sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for a nutty crunch and fresh bite. If you love a bit more heat, drizzle additional sriracha or spicy mayo over your stacks. Now your Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks Recipe is ready to wow!
How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your sushi stacks elevates the look and the flavor. I love sprinkling toasted sesame seeds for a subtle nuttiness, adding thinly sliced green onions for color and crunch, and topping with a drizzle of spicy mayo to make the dish even more indulgent. Pickled ginger or a sprinkle of furikake can also be charming add-ons that amp up the authenticity and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Serve your Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks Recipe alongside light, refreshing sides to keep the meal balanced. A simple seaweed salad, miso soup, or edamame pods make excellent companions. Crisp cucumber salad or a citrusy slaw can also brighten the plate and complement the sushi stacks beautifully without overwhelming their delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try plating these stacks on a sleek sushi board or in individual glass cups for a modern twist. You can also layer them in clear jars for casual picnics or make mini versions using smaller molds for bite-sized appetizers. Playing with height and color contrast on the plate will make your Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks Recipe the star of any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of this Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Because of the fresh avocado and seafood, it’s best enjoyed soon after making it to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe as the fresh ingredients, especially avocado and sushi rice, tend to lose their texture and freshness after thawing. For optimal quality, enjoy this recipe fresh.
Reheating
Since this dish is best served cold or at room temperature, reheating is usually unnecessary and doesn’t enhance the flavors. If you prefer the rice warm, gently heat only the rice portion separately and then assemble the stacks fresh to keep all other ingredients fresh and vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use raw shrimp for this Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks Recipe?
To ensure safety and the best texture, it’s best to use cooked shrimp for this recipe. Raw shrimp requires proper handling and cooking and won’t blend as well with the creamy mayonnaise and sriracha mix.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the shrimp for diced tofu or seasoned mushrooms to keep the layers fresh and flavorful while making it vegetarian-friendly without losing the vibrant sushi stack appeal.
How spicy is this Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks Recipe?
The spiciness mainly comes from sriracha in the shrimp mixture and optional spicy mayo topping. You can easily adjust the heat to your preference by varying the amount of sriracha used or skipping it entirely if you prefer mild flavors.
Can I prepare the components in advance?
Yes! You can cook and season the sushi rice the day before and make the spicy shrimp mixture ahead as well. Dice the avocado and cucumber just before assembly to maintain freshness and prevent browning, so your stacks look and taste their best.
What can I use instead of nori sheets?
If you don’t have nori sheets on hand or want to avoid seaweed, you can skip them entirely or substitute with thin slices of cucumber or even rice paper for an interesting textural twist in your Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks Recipe truly shines as a fresh, fun, and flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make but feels special every time. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or treating yourself, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again for that perfect harmony of spice, creaminess, and crunch. Give it a go—you’re going to love serving up something so deliciously unique and vibrant!
Print
Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delight in these vibrant Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks, an easy-to-make sushi-inspired dish that layers seasoned sushi rice with creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and spicy shrimp mixed with sriracha mayo. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or light meal, these stacks combine fresh flavors and striking presentation without the need for rolling or special sushi skills.
Ingredients
Sushi Rice
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Shrimp Mixture
- 1/2 pound cooked shrimp, chopped
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1–2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
Vegetables & Garnish
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cucumber, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 sheets nori, cut into small squares (optional, for layering)
- Soy sauce, for serving
- Sriracha or spicy mayo, for topping
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Sushi Rice: Prepare the sushi rice according to the package instructions. While the rice is still warm, gently fold in the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until fully combined. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature to ensure it holds together when layering.
- Prepare the Shrimp Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped cooked shrimp with mayonnaise, sriracha (start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to desired spice level), and soy sauce. Mix thoroughly until all shrimp pieces are evenly coated with the spicy mayo sauce.
- Assemble the Sushi Stacks: Using a ramekin or small mold, begin by pressing an even layer of the seasoned sushi rice into the bottom. Next, add a layer of finely diced cucumber, followed by a layer of diced avocado. Top this with a generous layer of the spicy shrimp mixture. If using, place a small square of nori between layers or on top for added texture and flavor. Carefully invert the mold onto a serving plate to reveal the stack.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the sushi stacks with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added crunch and color. Serve immediately with extra soy sauce on the side and optional sriracha or spicy mayo drizzled on top.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked shrimp with cooked crab meat or tofu for a different protein option.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- For best results, use short-grain sushi rice to achieve the ideal sticky texture.
- The optional nori squares add an authentic touch but can be omitted if desired.
- Assemble the stacks just before serving to maintain the freshness and texture.
