Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks Recipe

If you’re looking for vibrant flavor, irresistible texture, and a show-stopping presentation, Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks are the ultimate homemade treat. These playful sushi “towers” layer creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, seasoned rice, and spicy shrimp into a compact, flavor-packed bite — all the sushi bar fun, minus the fuss.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks is how just a handful of ingredients come together in layers for texture, color, and flavor. Each one brings its unique pop — from creamy avocado to spicy, saucy shrimp and nutty rice.

• Sushi Rice (short-grain): The backbone of your stack, sticky and tender, to bind each layer beautifully.
• Rice Vinegar, Sugar & Salt: Give that classic sushi rice flavor — tangy, lightly sweet, and perfectly seasoned.
• Avocado: Choose ripe avocados for luscious creaminess in every bite.
• Cucumber: Brings fresh, crisp crunch, balancing the other soft and spicy elements.
• Lime Juice: Adds zing and keeps your avocado green and vibrant.
• Salt: Season each layer to highlight every flavor.
• Cooked Shrimp: Sweet and juicy, diced so you get shrimp in every forkful. If you prefer, swap with cooked salmon or even veggie options.
• Mayonnaise & Sriracha: The powerhouse combo for that irresistible spicy-smooth coating on your shrimp.
• Furikake: This Japanese rice seasoning is full of savory, sesame-nori flavor that ties your sushi stacks together (find it at most Asian grocers or online!).

Variations

One of the best things about Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks is how easily you can tailor them to your own flavor whims, what’s in the fridge, or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to play!

• Tuna or Salmon Stacks: Use sushi-grade tuna or salmon in place of shrimp for a different splash of flavor (keeping the spicy sauce, of course!).
• Mango Magic: Add a pop of diced mango for sweet, juicy brightness that contrasts perfectly with the spicy shrimp.
• Vegetarian Delight: Swap shrimp for crispy tofu cubes or extra veggies like shredded carrots and thinly sliced radish.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute the sushi rice for cauliflower rice, lightly seasoned and pressed into place for a lighter stack.

How to Make Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks

Step 1: Cook and Season the Sushi Rice

Start by thoroughly rinsing your sushi rice — this removes excess starch and makes the finished grains fluffy yet sticky. Cook the rice with water until tender and just absorbed, then fold in the mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt for that essential sushi zing. Let it cool slightly so it’s easy to handle but still molds well.

Step 2: Mix Avocado and Cucumber Layer

In a small bowl, gently mash your ripe avocado and fold in diced, juicy cucumber and a squeeze of lime juice. Add a pinch of salt. This layer delivers creamy richness and fresh, crunchy contrast, and the lime keeps everything beautifully green.

Step 3: Make the Spicy Shrimp

Chop your cooked shrimp so that every bite of your Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stack gets a taste. Toss the shrimp with mayonnaise and sriracha, combining until evenly coated and deliciously creamy with a spicy kick. This is where the “wow!” factor steps in.

Step 4: Assemble the Sushi Stacks

Grab your favorite stack guide — an empty, cleaned can with the ends cut off, or a greased measuring cup does wonders. Press a layer of sushi rice in first (about a quarter of your batch), followed by the avocado-cucumber mix, finishing with the spicy shrimp. Gently remove the mold and sprinkle the top with furikake for a final flourish of savory, nutty flavor.

How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks

Garnishes

Top your Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks with extra furikake, delicate slices of green onion, a sprinkle of black or white sesame seeds, or thin threads of nori. For color, add thinly sliced radishes or even microgreens for a chef’s touch!

Side Dishes

Pair these stacks with tangy pickled ginger, a simple miso soup, or a fresh seaweed salad. Edamame sprinkled with sea salt is another classic, and chilled cucumber salad with a hint of rice vinegar fits right in.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve each Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stack on petite plates drizzled with extra sriracha mayo and a squiggle of soy or eel sauce. For parties, make mini stacks in shot glasses or top crackers for bite-sized sushi canapés. You can even build one giant “family-style” stack for sharing at the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

For the freshest taste and texture, store leftover Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to one day, though the avocado layer may brown slightly (a squeeze of extra lime can help minimize this).

Freezing

These stacks aren’t well suited for freezing due to the avocado and the fresh, delicate textures. For best results, assemble them shortly before serving and enjoy them at their colorful, lively best!

Reheating

No reheating necessary! Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you’re prepping ahead, let them take a few minutes to come to room temp before serving for prime flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something so exciting about digging into Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks — each forkful is a brilliant bite of freshness, creaminess, and gentle heat. Give these colorful towers a try at your next gathering or cozy night in, and don’t be surprised when they’re requested again and again!

Print