Ready to shake up sushi night? These SPICY SHRIMP SUSHI STACKS are the ultimate way to bring fresh, bold flavors into your kitchen without any rolling required! Imagine stacks of tender shrimp tossed in a creamy, fiery sriracha mayo, perfectly seasoned sushi rice, creamy avocado, and crunchy cucumber—each bite is a dynamic mix of textures and tastes, with just the right punch of heat. Whether you’re brand new to sushi or a seasoned sushi lover, this dish puts a playful, approachable spin on everyone’s favorite rolls and is guaranteed to wow at your next dinner party or cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

SPICY SHRIMP SUSHI STACKS Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these stacks is in their simplicity: a handful of fresh ingredients, each chosen to create the signature color, texture, and kick of SPICY SHRIMP SUSHI STACKS. Each component brings something special to the table, so don’t skip any of the stars!

Shrimp (1 lb, large, peeled and deveined): Juicy, sweet shrimp soak up the spicy sauce and become the heart of the stack.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps cook the shrimp perfectly, giving them a light, golden exterior.
Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings classic umami richness that ties the flavors together.
Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon for shrimp, 1 tablespoon for rice): Balances sweetness and sharpness in both the shrimp and sushi rice.
Sugar (2 teaspoons): Lends just a hint of sweetness to the shrimp sauce, rounding out the heat.
Sesame Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a toasted nuttiness that can’t be beat—don’t substitute here!
Sriracha Sauce (2 tablespoons): The source of all that spicy, craveable zing.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): Blends with sriracha for a creamy, luscious coating on the shrimp.
Sushi Rice (1 cup): Short-grain rice gets sticky and tender—ideal for stacking.
Water (1½ cups): Just the right amount for fluffy, moist rice every time.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Brightens and enhances all the flavors in your rice.
Avocado (1, sliced): Creamy and buttery, it adds richness to every layer.
Cucumber (1 small, julienned): Brings a juicy crunch to contrast the soft rice and shrimp.
Sesame Seeds (1 tablespoon, optional for garnish): For that appealing visual pop and a little extra texture.
Fresh Cilantro or Green Onions (optional for garnish): A fragrant, vibrant finishing touch that livens up the dish visually and flavor-wise.

How to Make SPICY SHRIMP SUSHI STACKS

Step 1: Cook the Sushi Rice

First up, perfecting your base! Rinse your sushi rice under cold running water until it runs clear to wash away excess starch. In a pot, combine the rinsed rice with water, bring it to a boil, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Once cooked, stir in rice vinegar and salt so each grain gets that subtle zing, then cover again for another 10 minutes—let those flavors soak in!

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

Let’s give those shrimp a spicy makeover! Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add the shrimp and cook until they’re pink and opaque—think two to three minutes per side. While they sizzle, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and sriracha. Pour this fiery mix over the cooked shrimp, toss well, and let them soak up every bit of flavor for another minute. Off the heat, gently toss the shrimp with your sriracha mayo for that creamy, spicy coating.

Step 3: Assemble the Sushi Stacks

Now for the fun part: layering! Grab a round mold, or even a cleaned-out can, and start with a layer of seasoned sushi rice at the bottom—press gently so your stack holds together. Next, crown the rice with your spicy shrimp. Layer on creamy avocado slices and refreshing cucumber for color and crunch. Press gently again to keep things tidy and compact.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

Time to make it shine! Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for a little nutty crunch and scatter some fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for pops of green. Admire your creation—you just built SPICY SHRIMP SUSHI STACKS worthy of any restaurant!

How to Serve SPICY SHRIMP SUSHI STACKS

Garnishes

Don’t skip the garnishes! A light sprinkle of sesame seeds gives delicious crunch while fresh cilantro or green onions add a bright, herbal note. If you love color, try adding a few radish slices or even a drizzle of extra sriracha on top. The finishing touches not only make your SPICY SHRIMP SUSHI STACKS look gorgeous but also elevate each bite.

Side Dishes

Pair your stacks with crisp seaweed salad, pickled ginger, or a bowl of miso soup for a truly complete meal. Edamame and small bowls of soy sauce for dipping round out the spread and help echo the flavors of your sushi stacks. These light, classic sides balance the richness and heat, letting the star dish shine.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, assemble smaller, appetizer-size stacks in shot glasses or use a muffin tin for perfectly portioned bites. For family dinners, set up a build-your-own bar so everyone can customize their SPICY SHRIMP SUSHI STACKS with favorite toppings and extra veggies. Stack them high for maximum drama, or sprinkle microgreens on top for a Michelin-worthy finish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover stacks or their components in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the shrimp separate from the rice and veggies if you can, so everything stays as fresh and crisp as possible for round two.

Freezing

While the cooked shrimp and seasoned rice can technically be frozen separately for up to a month, the assembled stacks don’t hold up well to freezing—avocado and cucumber lose their lovely texture once thawed. For best results, only freeze the shrimp and rice, then layer with fresh veggies before serving.

Reheating

If you’ve stored the shrimp and rice, reheat the rice gently in the microwave with a damp paper towel to bring back its moisture. Warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat just until heated through—don’t overcook, or they can get rubbery. Assemble the stacks with freshly sliced veggies for best results.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, pre-cooked shrimp work well. Just toss them in the spicy sauce and warm gently so they absorb all the flavors—no need for extra cooking.

What can I substitute for sriracha?

If sriracha isn’t your thing, try sambal oelek for a different chili flavor or even a mild chili-garlic sauce for less heat. Adjust the amount to fit your spice preference!

Can I make SPICY SHRIMP SUSHI STACKS gluten free?

Yes! Just swap out regular soy sauce for a gluten-free version or use tamari. Double-check all sauces and condiments to be sure you’re keeping things gluten free throughout.

Is there a good substitute for sushi rice?

Sushi rice is best for that classic sticky texture, but if you can’t find it, try any short-grain rice. Long-grain or jasmine rice won’t hold together as well, but will still taste great.

How spicy are these stacks?

SPICY SHRIMP SUSHI STACKS have a definite kick, but you’re in control! Adjust the amount of sriracha to mellow things out or turn up the heat—totally customizable for your taste buds.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistible about these SPICY SHRIMP SUSHI STACKS—the layers, the flavors, the fun of building them from scratch! Don’t be surprised if they steal the show at your table. Give them a try and let your kitchen become your new favorite sushi spot!

SPICY SHRIMP SUSHI STACKS Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Pescatarian

Print Recipe

Description

Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks are a delightful twist on traditional sushi, featuring layers of seasoned sushi rice, flavorful spicy shrimp, creamy avocado, and crunchy cucumber, all stacked beautifully for an elegant presentation.

Instructions

Cook the Sushi Rice: Wash the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium pot, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in rice vinegar and salt. Cover and let sit for 10 minutes.
Prepare the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook shrimp until opaque. Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and sriracha. Toss shrimp in the mixture and cook for an additional minute.
Assemble the Sushi Stacks: Layer seasoned rice, spicy shrimp, avocado, and cucumber in serving glasses or bowls. Garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro or green onions.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Mixing, Stovetop
Cuisine: Japanese