These Easy Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks are a fun twist on traditional sushi! With layers of fresh shrimp, creamy avocado, and flavorful rice, they’re sure to impress your taste buds.
Making sushi at home sounds tricky, but trust me, this one is super simple! I love stacking up the ingredients just like a mini tower. Every bite is spicy, crunchy, and oh-so-delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sushi Rice: This is the foundation of the stacks. Look for short-grain sushi rice for the best stickiness. If you can’t find sushi rice, a medium-grain rice can work, but avoid long-grain.
Shrimp: Pre-cooked shrimp are super convenient. You can use fresh shrimp, but make sure to cook them fully. For a vegetarian option, try using marinated tofu or chickpeas for a protein boost.
Avocado: Choose ripe, soft avocados for creaminess. If you want a tangy twist, consider substituting with mango or even sliced radishes for a crunch.
Sriracha: This adds the spicy kick! If you’re looking for less heat, try using a milder sauce like sweet chili sauce or simply omit it for a milder flavor.
How Do I Get the Perfect Rice for Sushi Stacks?
Cooking sushi rice properly ensures your stacks hold together well. Start by rinsing the rice to remove excess starch which can make the rice gummy. After cooking, let it rest to firm up slightly. This sticky rice makes stacking easier!
- Rinse the rice until the water is clear, then cook with water in a pot.
- After cooking, keep it covered for 10 minutes to allow it to steam.
- Mix in the rice vinegar mixture gently to avoid mashing the rice.
These steps will help achieve that perfect sticky texture that holds your sushi stacks together beautifully!
Easy Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Rice:
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 ¼ cups water
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- For the Filling:
- 10-12 cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 small cucumber, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1-2 tsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- For Garnish:
- 1 sheet nori, toasted and crumbled
- Black and white sesame seeds, for garnish
- Soy sauce, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare, plus a little time to cool the rice. You’ll enjoy some quality time assembling these tasty stacks, and they’re ready to impress your family or friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
Start by rinsing the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes extra starch that can make the rice gummy. Next, combine the rice and water in a pot, bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. After that, turn off the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 10 minutes to finish cooking.
2. Season the Rice:
In a small bowl, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt together until the sugar dissolves. Once the rice has cooled a bit, gently fold this mixture into the rice to give it that classic sushi flavor. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature before stacking.
3. Prepare the Spicy Shrimp Mixture:
In another bowl, combine the chopped shrimp with the mayonnaise and sriracha sauce to create your spicy filling. Feel free to adjust the amount of sriracha based on how spicy you love it!
4. Assemble the Sushi Stacks:
Using a round mold or a small cup as a guide, start by layering about ¼ cup of the cooled sushi rice at the bottom of the mold, pressing it down lightly. This will form the base of your stack. Next, add a layer of diced cucumber, followed by a layer of diced avocado. Press lightly to hold these layers together.
5. Add the Shrimp and Garnish:
Top the avocado with a generous layer of the spicy shrimp mixture. Carefully remove the mold, ensuring your stack stays intact. To finish, sprinkle crumbled nori and a mix of black and white sesame seeds on top for extra flavor.
6. Serve:
Repeat the stacking process for any remaining ingredients. Serve the sushi stacks immediately, with soy sauce on the side if you’d like to dip. Enjoy your colorful and delicious creations!
These Easy Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks are sure to be a hit, combining creamy avocado, tender shrimp, and refreshing cucumber all in one delightful bite! Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks
Can I Use Cooked Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure the frozen shrimp are fully thawed before using them. You can thaw them by putting them in the refrigerator overnight or placing them in a sealed bag and submerging them in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Sushi Rice?
If you can’t find sushi rice, you can use short-grain or medium-grain rice as an alternative. Avoid long-grain rice, as it won’t have the same sticky texture. Just make sure to rinse it well before cooking!
How Do I Store Leftover Sushi Stacks?
These sushi stacks are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. However, keep in mind that the rice may become firmer and less sticky over time.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes! To make a vegetarian or vegan version, you can substitute shrimp with diced marinated tofu, chickpeas, or even grilled vegetables. For the mayonnaise, use vegan mayo or a flavorful avocado spread!
