Introduction
Do you love sushi but feel like it’s too tricky to make at home? Good news—you don’t need to roll anything or be a pro chef to enjoy homemade sushi! These Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks are fun, fast, and packed with flavor. They’re like little sushi towers layered with shrimp, rice, avocado, and a spicy sauce that gives them a tasty kick.
This dish is perfect for dinner parties, family nights, or even meal prep. The best part? You can build them in a cup or small bowl, flip them onto a plate, and boom—you’ve got a sushi stack that looks fancy and tastes amazing. Let’s dive into how to make these delicious stacks step by step!
Ingredients – Shrimp Sushi Stacks
Here’s what you’ll need for 4 sushi stacks:
For the Spicy Shrimp:
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
For the Sushi Rice:
- 1 cup short-grain white rice
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Avocado Layer:
- 1 large avocado, mashed
- 1 tablespoon lime or lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Extras and Toppings:
- 1/4 cup cucumber, finely diced
- 1 sheet nori (seaweed), cut into small strips
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- Soy sauce for dipping
- Sriracha or spicy mayo drizzle on top
Step-by-Step Process – Shrimp Sushi Stacks
Follow these simple steps to create your very own sushi stacks at home:
Step 1: Make the Sushi Rice
- Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear.
- Cook the rice with water (1 1/4 cups) in a pot or rice cooker.
- Once cooked, let it sit covered for 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Warm slightly to dissolve.
- Gently stir the vinegar mix into the rice. Let the rice cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Spicy Shrimp
- In a bowl, mix chopped shrimp with mayo, sriracha, and soy sauce.
- Stir until the shrimp is well coated in the spicy sauce. Set aside.
Step 3: Mash the Avocado
- In another bowl, mash the avocado.
- Add lime or lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
Step 4: Get Ready to Stack
You can use a ramekin, small bowl, or a 1/2 cup measuring cup to shape the stacks.
Here’s how to build each stack (from bottom to top):
- Bottom Layer: Spoon in a layer of rice and press it down firmly.
- Middle Layer: Add a layer of mashed avocado. Smooth it out gently.
- Top Layer: Add a generous scoop of spicy shrimp mixture.
Step 5: Flip and Serve
- Place a plate over your bowl or mold.
- Flip it upside down and gently lift the bowl off. You should see a neat stack!
- Top with cucumber, seaweed strips, sesame seeds, or extra sriracha for a final touch.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300–350 kcal |
| Protein | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sodium | 550mg |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best to keep each layer separate until you’re ready to serve. That way, the avocado won’t turn brown and the rice stays fresh.
Q2: What can I use instead of shrimp?
You can use cooked crab, imitation crab, or even cooked tofu for a vegetarian version.
Q3: Is sushi rice necessary?
Sushi rice is stickier and holds its shape well, which is great for stacking. If you don’t have it, you can use short-grain white rice, but avoid long-grain types like basmati.
Q4: How spicy are these stacks?
That depends on how much sriracha you add! Start with less and taste as you go. You can always add more spice later.
Q5: Can kids eat this dish?
Absolutely! Just leave out or reduce the spicy ingredients, and kids can enjoy a milder version.
Final Thoughts
Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks are a clever and easy way to enjoy the bold, fresh flavors of sushi without any rolling or special tools. They’re colorful, tasty, and perfect for impressing guests—or just treating yourself!
What makes this recipe truly great is how flexible it is. You can swap out ingredients, adjust the heat, and even make it vegetarian. Whether you’re a sushi fan or just trying something new, these stacks will quickly become a favorite. So next time you’re craving sushi, skip the takeout and stack it up instead. Happy cooking.
