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Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks Recipe
Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks offer a creative twist on traditional sushi that’s perfect for home cooks. This deconstructed sushi combines perfectly seasoned rice, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and succulent shrimp topped with spicy mayo. You’ll love how these elegant stacks bring restaurant-quality presentation to your dining table without requiring expert sushi-rolling skills.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No sushi mat required – these stacks are assembled using simple kitchen tools or molds
- Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep work and easy-to-find ingredients
- Customizable spice level – adjust the sriracha to suit your taste preferences
- Perfect party appetizer that looks impressive but requires basic cooking skills
- Gluten-free option available by using tamari instead of regular soy sauce
Why This Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds because it breaks down complex sushi-making into simple layers. The vinegared rice provides the authentic sushi base, while pre-cooked shrimp eliminates raw seafood concerns. The spicy mayo adds that addictive kick that sushi lovers crave.
The stacking method ensures consistent portions and beautiful presentation every time. Using molds or ring forms creates uniform shapes that rival professional sushi bars. The combination of textures – from creamy avocado to crunchy cucumber – delivers satisfaction in every bite.
What You’ll Need for Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks
Ingredients
- 1 cup short-grain rice (well rinsed)
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mashed avocado
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt to taste
- ½ pound cooked shrimp (diced)
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 4 teaspoons furikake
Tools
- Rice cooker or medium saucepan with lid
- Wooden spoon or rice paddle
- Ring molds or cookie cutters (3-inch diameter)
- Sharp knife for dicing
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks
Follow these simple steps to create your stunning sushi stacks:
Step 1: | Bring rice and water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until water absorbs. Let cool slightly. |
Step 2: | Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Gently fold this mixture into the warm rice using cutting motions to avoid mashing. |
Step 3: | Prepare your layers: mash avocado with lime juice and salt, dice cucumber, mix diced shrimp with mayonnaise and sriracha. |
Step 4: | Place ring mold on serving plate. Add rice layer first, pressing gently. Layer avocado-cucumber mixture, then spicy shrimp. Top with furikake and carefully remove mold. |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Rinse rice until water runs clear to remove excess starch for perfect texture
- Use a wet spoon when handling sushi rice to prevent sticking
- Chill your molds in the freezer for easier release of the stacks
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels before mixing to prevent watery layers
- Make extra spicy mayo for drizzling on top or serving on the side
Serving and Storage Tips for Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks
Serving Tips
Present your sushi stacks on individual plates garnished with pickled ginger and wasabi. Drizzle extra spicy mayo in decorative patterns around the plate. Serve immediately after assembly for the best texture contrast.
Pair these stacks with other seafood appetizers for an impressive spread. Consider serving alongside edamame, miso soup, or a simple seaweed salad. For drinks, green tea or sparkling water with citrus complement the flavors perfectly.
Store components separately in airtight containers. Rice keeps for 2 days refrigerated, while prepared shrimp mixture lasts 3 days. Assemble stacks just before serving as avocado browns quickly. Never freeze assembled stacks as textures will deteriorate.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks
Don’t skip rinsing the rice – excess starch creates mushy, sticky rice that won’t hold its shape. Avoid using long-grain rice as it lacks the proper stickiness for sushi. Never add rice vinegar to boiling hot rice as it will become too wet.
Resist overmixing the shrimp with mayo – this creates a paste-like texture instead of distinct pieces. Don’t assemble stacks too far in advance or the layers will compress and lose definition. Skip overloading layers which causes unstable stacks that topple easily.
You Must Know
- Room temperature rice works best for stacking – too hot and it melts the avocado, too cold and it’s difficult to mold
- Fresh shrimp tastes significantly better than frozen – thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry
- Furikake adds umami depth – find it in Asian markets or make your own with sesame seeds and nori
- Stack height matters – aim for 2-3 inches tall for stable, easy-to-eat portions
Suggestions for Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks
Experiment with different proteins like crab, cooked tuna, or even tempura vegetables for variety. Try this ice cube tray sushi hack for perfectly portioned rice bases. Add thin slices of mango or pineapple for tropical sweetness.
Create a sushi stack bar for parties where guests build their own combinations. Offer various toppings like tempura flakes, spicy tuna, or cream cheese. Browse more sushi recipes for inspiration on flavor combinations.
For a complete meal, serve alongside our 10-Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta. Or try pairing with Ultimate Chicken Casserole for a surf-and-turf dinner.
FAQs:
You can prep all components up to 24 hours ahead, storing them separately. However, assemble the stacks just before serving to maintain the best texture and prevent the avocado from browning.
Clean tuna cans with tops and bottoms removed work perfectly. You can also use cookie cutters, ramekins, or even shape them by hand into small pyramids.
The spice level is moderate with 1 tablespoon of sriracha. Adjust to taste – use less for mild or add extra for more heat. You can also serve sriracha on the side.
While possible, brown rice won’t stick together as well and changes the authentic sushi flavor. If using brown rice, add extra rice vinegar mixture to help binding.
Medium to large shrimp (31-40 count per pound) work best. They’re easier to dice uniformly and provide good texture without being too chunky or too small.
Conclusion
Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks transform traditional sushi into an accessible, impressive dish anyone can master. With simple ingredients and straightforward assembly, you’ll create restaurant-quality appetizers at home. The combination of seasoned rice, creamy avocado, and spicy shrimp delivers authentic sushi flavors in a modern presentation.
Whether serving at parties or enjoying as a light meal, these stacks prove that great sushi doesn’t require years of training. Try this recipe today and discover how easy it is to bring sushi night home. For dessert, consider our 5-Ingredient Easy Keto Cloud Cake for a light finish to your meal.
More Easy Dinner Recipes:
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- Juneteenth Baked Mac Cheese – Best Soul Food Recipe
- Quick Vegetarian Dinner: Delicious and Nutritious Meals for Busy Evenings
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📖 Recipe Card

Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Deconstructed sushi stacks featuring seasoned rice, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and succulent shrimp topped with spicy mayo. No sushi mat required for this elegant appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 cup short-grain rice (well rinsed)
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mashed avocado
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt to taste
- ½ pound cooked shrimp (diced)
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 4 teaspoons furikake
Instructions
- Bring rice and water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until water absorbs. Let cool slightly.
- Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Gently fold this mixture into the warm rice using cutting motions to avoid mashing.
- Prepare your layers: mash avocado with lime juice and salt, dice cucumber, mix diced shrimp with mayonnaise and sriracha.
- Place ring mold on serving plate. Add rice layer first, pressing gently. Layer avocado-cucumber mixture, then spicy shrimp. Top with furikake and carefully remove mold.
Notes
- Rinse rice until water runs clear to remove excess starch for perfect texture
- Use a wet spoon when handling sushi rice to prevent sticking
- Chill your molds in the freezer for easier release of the stacks
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels before mixing to prevent watery layers
- Make extra spicy mayo for drizzling on top or serving on the side
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stacking
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stack
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: shrimp sushi recipe, sushi stacks appetizer, deconstructed sushi, easy sushi at home, spicy mayo sushi, no-roll sushi recipe, Japanese appetizers