These Easy Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks are fun and full of flavor! With fresh shrimp, creamy avocado, and a hint of spice, they’re sure to make your taste buds dance.
I love making these stacks for dinner because they look so fancy but are really simple. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a little sushi action at home? Roll up your sleeves and get stacking! 🍣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sushi Rice: This short-grain rice is key for sticky sushi. If you can’t find sushi rice, you might try arborio rice from risotto, but it won’t have the same flavor. Rinsing it helps achieve the right texture.
Sriracha Sauce: This adds a great kick! If you want milder spice, reduce the amount or swap it with mayo mixed with a bit of paprika. For extra heat, try chili garlic sauce instead.
Cooked Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is amazing, but frozen works well too—just remember to thaw it first! You can also use crab, tofu, or even grilled chicken if you want a twist.
Avocado: Perfect for creaminess. If avocados aren’t ripe, you can replace them with a light spread of cream cheese or even a thin layer of sesame dressing for extra flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Sushi Rice is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking sushi rice just right makes a big difference in your stacks. Follow these simple steps:
- Start by rinsing the rice until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, preventing sogginess.
- Use a rice cooker or pot; the water-to-rice ratio is key—1.25 cups of water for each cup of rice.
- After cooking, keep the rice covered for about 10 minutes to steam further.
- Gently fold in the rice vinegar mixture with a spatula. Be careful not to mash the rice; you want it fluffy!
Easy Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 sheet nori, cut into small strips
- 1 tbsp black sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds
- Optional: chopped green onions or chives for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 30-35 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 15-20 minutes on prep and cooking, and then it’s best if you let your sushi stacks rest for a few moments before serving. Quick, fun, and absolutely delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Sushi Rice:
Start by rinsing the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and keeps the rice from being too sticky. Next, combine the rice and water in a rice cooker or pot. Cook according to the package instructions. Once done, let it rest for about 10 minutes with the lid on.
2. Preparing the Sushi Vinegar:
While the rice cooks, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves. After your rice is ready, transfer it to a large bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature.
3. Making the Spicy Sauce:
In a separate small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Sriracha, soy sauce, and sesame oil to make the spicy sauce. Taste it and adjust the spiciness if needed—add more Sriracha for extra kick!
4. Mixing the Shrimp:
Toss the chopped cooked shrimp with about half of the spicy sauce until well-coated. This will create a flavorful layer in your sushi stacks!
5. Assembling the Sushi Stacks:
Using a serving ring mold (or a small food ring), start layering your ingredients. Pour in a layer of sushi rice and gently press down to compact it. Next, add a layer of diced cucumber and avocado, pressing lightly again.
6. Finishing Touch:
Top it off with the spicy shrimp mixture, pressing it gently to steady the stack. Carefully lift off the ring mold to reveal your beautiful sushi stack!
7. Garnishing:
Finally, garnish the top with nori strips, black and white sesame seeds, and if you’d like, sprinkle some chopped green onions or chives for a pop of color.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Easy Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks immediately with extra spicy sauce or soy sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy every delightful bite!
Happy cooking and enjoy your sushi adventure! 🍣
FAQ for Easy Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can place the shrimp in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about 20-30 minutes or leave it in the fridge overnight for best results.
How Can I Make These Sushi Stacks Vegetarian?
No problem! Replace the shrimp with diced tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option. You can also add more veggies such as bell peppers, radishes, or additional cucumber for flavor and crunch!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The rice may soften overnight, so it’s best to consume these stacks fresh. If stored, you can enjoy it cold or warmed gently in the microwave.
Can I Make These Sushi Stacks in Advance?
While the sushi rice can be prepared a few hours in advance, it’s best to assemble the sushi stacks just before serving. This helps to keep the ingredients fresh and maintain their texture!
