Ah, Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks! Isn’t that just a mouthful of goodness? I can’t tell you how much I adore this recipe, not only for its vibrant flavors but also for the way it brings people together. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, a fun gathering with friends, or honestly, even as a delightful lunch treat. I remember the first time I whipped these up for a get-together — everyone was raving about them, and I couldn’t help but beam with pride!
The colorful layers of sushi rice, creamy avocado, crispy cucumber, and spicy shrimp make these stacks as visually stunning as they are delicious. Plus, they’re relatively easy to make, so you don’t have to be a sushi master to impress your guests. Let me share all the details so you can start creating these delightful stacks in your kitchen!
What’s in Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks?
Sushi Rice: This is the star of our dish, providing a sticky and slightly sweet base. I prefer using short-grain sushi rice for that perfect texture.
Water: Essential for cooking the rice just right, helping it achieve that perfect stickiness.
Rice Vinegar: A must-have for seasoning the sushi rice, it gives it that quintessential tangy flavor.
Sugar: Just a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors in the rice.
Salt: Elevates all the flavors and enhances the overall taste.
Shrimp: Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp are a must for that chewy perfection!
Mayonnaise: I highly recommend using Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise — it’s creamier and adds a delightful umami flavor.
Sriracha: Add as much heat as you like, because who doesn’t love a little kick?
Avocado: Creamy and rich, it adds a velvety texture to our sushi stacks.
Cucumber: Thinly sliced, it provides a refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients.
Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of these adds both flavor and a beautiful garnish.
Nori: Cut into small pieces for a fun garnish and an extra umami boost.
Soy Sauce: Essential for dipping! It brings all the flavors together.
Optional: Scallions are a fantastic garnish to add a hint of oniony flavor.
Is Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks Good for You?
These sushi stacks not only taste fantastic but also have some health benefits!
Shrimp: Packed with protein and low in calories, shrimp offers a great nutrient boost. Just keep an eye out for their cholesterol content if that’s a concern for you.
Avocado: This creamy superfood is loaded with healthy fats that are good for your heart. Plus, it’s full of vitamins and minerals!
Cucumber: Low-calorie and hydrating, cucumbers add not just crunch but also a fresh taste.
While these stacks are pretty healthy overall, moderation is key — especially with the mayonnaise and sriracha. You can always play around with the quantities to fit your dietary needs.
Ingredients List
– 1 cup sushi rice
– 1 1/4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (preferably Japanese Kewpie)
– 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spiciness)
– 1 ripe avocado
– 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (black and white)
– 1 sheet nori, cut into small pieces (for garnish)
– Soy sauce, for serving
– Optional: scallions for garnish
*Serves approximately 4*
How to Make Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks?
1. **Cook the Sushi Rice**: Start by rinsing your sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a pot, combine the rice with water and bring it to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover it, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Once done, remove it from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 10 minutes to finish cooking.
2. **Season the Rice**: In a small bowl, mix together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Gently fold this mixture into your warm rice. This step is crucial for that authentic sushi flavor! Spread the rice onto a baking sheet to cool off a bit.
3. **Prepare the Shrimp**: In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the shrimp for about 2–3 minutes per side, until they’re pink and opaque. Once off the heat, let them cool slightly, chop into small pieces, and mix with mayonnaise and sriracha. You can adjust the spice to suit your taste preference.
4. **Prepare the Avocado**: Halve the avocado, discard the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Mash it gently with a fork and season with a pinch of salt if desired.
5. **Assemble the Stacks**: Grab a ring mold or use a small cup. Start layering your ingredients: first a layer of sushi rice, followed by a layer of thin cucumber slices, then a layer of creamy avocado. Finally, top it off with that spicy shrimp mixture.
6. **Garnish and Serve**: Carefully remove the mold and give your stacks a little sprinkle of sesame seeds and nori on top. If you like, you can also add some sliced scallions for extra color and flavor. Serve these delightful stacks with soy sauce on the side.
Creative Serving Suggestions
Let’s talk about how to take these sushi stacks up a notch! You can serve them on a beautiful platter, and don’t forget to add pickled ginger or wasabi on the side for those who enjoy a bit more flavor complexity. Want to get a little fancy? You could even add some microgreens as a garnish for an extra pop of freshness.
If anyone in your gang doesn’t love shrimp, feel free to experiment with other seafood or even make a veggie version with tofu, mushrooms, or even tempeh!
I’m so excited for you to try making these Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks! They’re truly a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will leave everyone asking for seconds. And trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll want to whip these up for every occasion! So roll up those sleeves and have some fun in the kitchen, and let me know how it goes!
