These Easy Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks are a fun twist on sushi! With layers of rice, spicy shrimp, and creamy avocado, they are perfect for a tasty meal at home.
Making these stacks is not only simple but feels like a mini sushi party! I love serving them with some soy sauce for dipping. So tasty and colorful, everyone will be impressed!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sushi Rice: This short-grain rice is essential for the right texture. If you can’t find sushi rice, arborio rice is a good substitute, though the texture might differ slightly.
Shrimp: I use cooked shrimp for convenience, but raw shrimp is also great. Just make sure to cook them until they are pink and firm. You can substitute with crab meat or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Mayonnaise: Japanese mayonnaise like Kewpie has a richer taste. However, regular mayonnaise will work fine too. You can even use a dairy-free mayo if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Sriracha: For heat, Sriracha is perfect, but feel free to use your favorite hot sauce! If you’re not into spice, you can leave it out or substitute it with a bit of sesame oil instead.
How Do I Make the Perfect Sushi Stack?
Creating these sushi stacks can be a bit tricky, but with some simple steps, you’ll nail it!
- Layering: Use a mold or ring that fits your desired stack size. This helps keep everything together.
- Pressure: When adding each layer, press gently to make sure everything holds. But don’t squish it too hard; we want to keep that nice shape!
- Chill: After assembling, consider chilling the stacks in the fridge for 10 minutes. This helps them hold their shape when you serve.
- Garnishing: Be generous with the nori and sesame seeds on top. It adds great flavor and texture!
Follow these tips, and your sushi stacks will impress everyone at the dinner table!
Easy Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 pound cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1-2 tablespoons mayonnaise (Japanese mayo preferred)
- 1-2 teaspoons Sriracha or other hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 small cucumber, peeled and finely diced
- 1 sheet nori (seaweed), cut into thin strips or small pieces
- 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon white sesame seeds
- Soy sauce, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take around 30 minutes to prepare, plus a little time to cool the rice. It’s easy to make and perfect for a fun meal or an impressive snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sushi Rice:
Start by rinsing the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch for the best texture. Next, combine the rinsed rice and water in a pot. Bring it to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 18-20 minutes until all the water is absorbed. Once done, remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before uncovering.
2. Season the Rice:
While your rice is cooking, take a small bowl and mix together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until everything is dissolved. Once the rice is ready, transfer it to a large bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture. Be careful not to mash the rice! Allow it to cool to room temperature.
3. Prepare the Spicy Shrimp Mix:
In another bowl, combine the chopped shrimp with mayonnaise and Sriracha. Mix it well to create your spicy shrimp filling. Feel free to adjust the amount of Sriracha based on how spicy you want it!
4. Assemble the Sushi Stacks:
Grab a small round mold or ring to build your stacks. Start with a few tablespoons of sushi rice and press it gently at the bottom. Next, layer in the diced cucumber, followed by the diced avocado. Finally, top it all off with the spicy shrimp mix and press lightly to keep everything together.
5. Final Touches and Serve:
Carefully remove the mold to reveal your beautiful sushi stack. Garnish the top with strips of nori and a sprinkle of black and white sesame seeds for added flavor and color. Serve immediately on a plate with a side of soy sauce for dipping, if desired!
Enjoy your flavorful and visually stunning Easy Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of Sushi Rice?
While you can use brown rice, it won’t yield the same sticky texture needed for sushi stacks. If you prefer brown rice, opt for a short grain to get closer to the desired consistency. Just remember it will require a longer cooking time!
What If I Can’t Find Japanese Mayo?
No worries! You can use regular mayonnaise as a substitute. For a little extra richness, consider adding a touch of lemon juice or a dash of rice vinegar to mimic the flavor of Japanese mayo.
How Can I Store Leftover Sushi Stacks?
If you have leftovers, store the assembled stacks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The rice and avocado may lose some texture, but they’ll still be tasty! If you’re preparing in advance, consider keeping the components separate to maintain freshness.
Can I Make These Stacks Vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the shrimp with diced tofu or marinated avocado for protein. You can also use vegan mayo or a tahini sauce mixed with a bit of lemon juice to create a similar creamy texture.
