This Easy Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stack is a fun and tasty dish! With layers of fresh shrimp, creamy avocado, and spicy mayo, it’s perfect for sushi lovers.
Making this sushi at home feels like a little cooking adventure! I enjoy stacking the ingredients and then digging in. It’s like a sushi party on a plate! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sushi Rice: It’s essential for that perfect sushi texture. If you can’t find sushi rice, short-grain rice is a decent alternative. Just make sure to rinse it well to remove excess starch!
Shrimp: While I love using cooked shrimp, feel free to substitute it with crab or even marinated tofu for a vegetarian option. Just remember to adjust flavors accordingly!
Avocado: Ripe avocados bring creaminess to this dish. If they’re hard to find, you can use mango for a hint of sweetness or even cucumber for a refreshing crunch.
Sriracha: If you want less heat, consider using Kewpie mayo, which is already creamy and has a milder taste. Alternatively, you can skip the spice completely or use a milder hot sauce.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Sushi Rice?
Cooking sushi rice can be tricky, but it’s all about the right technique. The water-to-rice ratio is crucial, and rinsing helps remove excess starch for a better texture.
- First, rinse the sushi rice under cold water. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear to prevent stickiness.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot. Bring the rice and water to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low to simmer. Let it steam for 10 minutes after removing from heat.
This method keeps the rice fluffy and perfectly cooked, so your sushi stacks hold together beautifully! Don’t forget to fold in the vinegar mixture gently to avoid mushing the rice.
Easy Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sushi Base:
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 medium avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
For Topping:
- 1 sheet nori, toasted and crumbled
- 1 tsp black sesame seeds
- 1 tsp toasted white sesame seeds
For Serving:
- Soy sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 10 minutes for the rice to steam. The result is a delicious and fun sushi dish that you can enjoy right away!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Sushi Rice:
Start by rinsing the sushi rice in cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch for that perfect sushi texture. Next, combine the rinsed rice and water in a pot. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Once cooked, remove it from the heat but let it sit covered for an additional 10 minutes to continue steaming. This keeps the rice fluffy!
2. Seasoning the Rice:
In a small bowl, mix together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Once the rice has cooled slightly, transfer it to a larger bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture. This gives the rice a delicious flavor. Let it cool completely to room temperature while you prepare the rest.
3. Preparing the Spicy Mayo:
In another bowl, combine the mayonnaise with the sriracha sauce to create a spicy mayo. Taste it and adjust the spice level to your liking—more sriracha for extra kick or less if you prefer it milder!
4. Tossing the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, gently toss the chopped shrimp with 1 tablespoon of the spicy mayo. Make sure the shrimp is well-coated for maximum flavor!
5. Assembling the Sushi Stacks:
Grab a round mold or ring and place it on a serving plate. Begin by adding a layer of sushi rice at the bottom and press it down gently to form a compact base.
6. Adding Layers:
Next, add a layer of finely chopped cucumber followed by a layer of diced avocado. Press down lightly on each layer to hold them securely in place.
7. Topping with Spicy Shrimp:
Spread the spicy shrimp mixture evenly over the top, creating a deliciously balanced layer.
8. Unmolding the Stack:
Carefully remove the mold to reveal your sushi stack. It should hold its shape beautifully!
9. Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle the top of your sushi stack with crumbled nori and both black and white sesame seeds for that perfect finishing touch.
10. Repeat for More Stacks:
Repeat steps 5 through 9 to create additional stacks as desired. This is a great way to impress your friends or family!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your sushi stacks immediately with soy sauce on the side for dipping. These are not only delicious but also visually stunning!
Enjoy your flavorful and visually stunning Easy Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks! Happy cooking! 🎉
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Seafood in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses cooked shrimp, you can substitute it with crab meat, scallops, or even sushi-grade raw fish. Just ensure that any raw seafood is fresh and safe to eat raw!
How Do I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, consider replacing the shrimp with marinated tofu, tempura vegetables, or avocado as the main filling. You can also add some spicy mayo to your tofu or veggies to keep the flavor punchy!
What if I Don’t Have Sushi Rice?
If sushi rice is unavailable, use short-grain rice as an alternative, but make sure to rinse it well to avoid excess starch. You’ll still want to follow the same cooking and seasoning process for the best results!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the components (sushi rice, spicy mayo, and chopped ingredients) ahead of time! Just store them separately in the fridge. Assemble the stacks right before serving to keep them looking fresh and appealing.
