This fun and tasty spicy shrimp sushi stack is perfect for sushi lovers! Layering juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, and sticky rice makes every bite a delight.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sushi Rice: This short-grain rice is sticky, making it perfect for sushi. If unavailable, you can use any short-grain rice, but avoid long-grain types for better texture.
Shrimp: I like using cooked shrimp for convenience. If you’re in the mood for a challenge, try using fresh shrimp and boil or grill them yourself. For a vegetarian option, substitute with diced tofu or tempeh.
Avocado: Avocado adds creaminess to the stack. If it’s not ripe, try using a bit of cream cheese instead, which can blend nicely as a substitute.
Sriracha: This spicy sauce livens up the shrimp mix. If you need a milder flavor, go for a little mayonnaise or low-sodium soy sauce instead.
How Do I Make Perfect Sushi Rice?
Making sushi rice is crucial for this dish, and it’s all about achieving the right texture and flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by rinsing the sushi rice thoroughly. This removes excess starch, helping it become sticky without being gummy.
- Cook the rice in a pot but keep an eye on it! Once it boils, lower the heat and cover to simmer for 15 minutes—don’t lift the lid!
- Let it rest after cooking. This step lets the moisture redistribute for the perfect fluffy rice.
- Mix in the vinegar, sugar, and salt while the rice is still warm, folding gently so you don’t break the grains.
Follow these steps and you’ll have fluffy, flavorful sushi rice that forms the base for your stacks!
Easy Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Sushi Rice:
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- For the Filling:
- 12 cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Sriracha (adjust for spice level)
- For Garnishing:
- 1 sheet nori (seaweed), toasted and cut into small strips
- 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 approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. Within this time, you’ll get everything prepared, layered, and ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Sushi Rice:
Begin by rinsing the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step helps to remove excess starch. In a pot, combine the rinsed rice and 1 1/4 cups of water, then bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. After this time, remove it from the heat and let it rest, covered, for another 10 minutes. This will help keep the rice fluffy.
2. Seasoning the Rice:
In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar has dissolved. Once your rice has rested, gently fold this mixture into the warm rice. Let it cool to room temperature while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
3. Making the Spicy Shrimp Mixture:
Take a separate bowl and mix the chopped shrimp with mayonnaise and Sriracha. Adjust the Sriracha to your liking to achieve your desired level of spice—it can be more or less depending on your taste!
4. Assembling the Sushi Stacks:
Grab a ring mold or a round cutter and place it on a serving plate. Start by adding a layer of the sushi rice to the bottom of the mold, pressing gently to compact it. Then, layer the diced cucumber and avocado on top of the rice, pressing gently again.
5. Layering the Shrimp:
Spoon the spicy shrimp mixture on top of the avocado layer, pressing lightly to hold everything together. It’s time to create your colorful sushi stack!
6. Final Touches:
Carefully lift the ring mold to reveal your sushi stack. Top each stack with the toasted nori strips and a sprinkle of black and white sesame seeds for a lovely finish. You can repeat this process to make additional stacks!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your sushi stacks with soy sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling. Enjoy every deliciously layered bite!
Happy cooking and enjoy your beautifully layered, flavorful spicy shrimp sushi stacks!
FAQ for Easy Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of Sushi Rice?
While sushi rice is ideal for achieving the right texture and stickiness, you can use brown rice if preferred. Just keep in mind that cooking times will vary; brown rice typically takes longer to cook and may not have the same sticky quality.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
You can easily modify the spice level by adjusting the amount of Sriracha in the shrimp mixture. If you’re looking for a milder version, start with just a little Sriracha and taste as you go. You can also use a milder mayonnaise or omit Sriracha altogether for a non-spicy version!
Can I Make These Sushi Stacks in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sushi rice and spicy shrimp mixture ahead of time! Just store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble the stacks right before serving to maintain freshness.
What Else Can I Add to My Sushi Stacks?
Feel free to get creative! You can add other ingredients like sliced radishes, pickled ginger, or even a drizzle of eel sauce on top for added flavor. Just make sure not to overload the stacks to keep them easily manageable!
