Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks Recipe

Say hello to your new favorite sushi-inspired treat: Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks! Imagine layers of tender, spicy shrimp, creamy avocado, and glistening sushi rice coming together in a gorgeous, modern stack—each bite a burst of tang, heat, and creaminess. Not only do these colorful towers make for a show-stopping appetizer or light meal, but they’re also surprisingly simple to make at home. If you’ve ever dreamed of unlocking restaurant-level sushi flavors in your own kitchen, get ready: Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks are about to be your go-to recipe for something fun, fresh, and utterly irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks lies in how a short list of straightforward ingredients can come together to create layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each component has its own role to play, from the tangy sushi rice to the lush avocado, so don’t skip the little details!

• Shrimp (1 lb, cooked, peeled, and deveined): This is the protein-packed star, offering a sweet, tender bite that soaks up bold flavors.
• Mayonnaise (1 tablespoon, preferably Japanese like Kewpie): Adds a creamy base to the spicy shrimp sauce that melts into each stack.
• Sriracha Sauce (1 tablespoon, adjust to taste): Lends that signature, zippy heat without overwhelming the shrimp.
• Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon): Just a few drops give an unmistakable nutty aroma and depth.
• Rice Vinegar (½ + 1 tablespoon, divided): Balances flavors in both the rice and the spicy shrimp sauce for that classic sushi tang.
• Soy Sauce (½ teaspoon, plus more for drizzling): Brings savory, salty undertones that highlight the overall umami.
• Sushi Rice (1 cup): Sticky and slightly sweet, forming the base of every perfect sushi bite.
• Water (1¼ cups): For properly cooking the sushi rice—accurate measurements mean perfectly fluffy texture.
• Sugar (1 tablespoon): Gently sweetens the sushi rice and balances the vinegar.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances every layer, from the rice to the shrimp.
• Avocado (1 ripe, sliced): Creamy and rich, it adds that sushi-bar luxuriousness.
• Cucumber (1 small, julienned): Cool, crisp, and refreshing as a top layer.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds (1 tablespoon, optional): Give a satisfying crunch and nutty finish.
• Fresh Cilantro or Green Onions (for garnish): A final pop of freshness to wake up the flavors.
• Soy Sauce (for drizzling, optional): Amp up the savory factor if you’re craving extra seasoning.

How to Make 

Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice

Let’s kick things off with the foundation: classic sushi rice. Begin by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear—this washes off excess starch, so your rice is sticky, not gummy. Cook the rice with water in a medium saucepan: bring to a boil, then cover, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, and let it steam for 15 to 18 minutes. Once it’s done, let it sit off the heat for 10 minutes to finish fluffing up. While it rests, dissolve the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt together, then gently fold this mixture into the cooked rice. The key is a gentle hand, so every grain is perfectly seasoned and glossy. Let the rice cool to room temperature for the best sushi stack texture.

Step 2: Mix the Spicy Shrimp

Time for that irresistible spicy shrimp! In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sriracha, sesame oil, a splash of rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Give it a quick taste—adjust the sriracha for more (or less) heat as you like. Toss in your cooked shrimp and coat them well in that creamy, spicy sauce. Setting this mixture aside for a few minutes lets the flavors meld and the shrimp soak up all that tangy fire.

Step 3: Slice the Avocado and Prepare the Veggies

While the shrimp marinates, carefully slice your ripe avocado into thin segments, aiming for pieces that will layer smoothly. Julienne your cucumber (think slender matchsticks), which will crown each stack with a refreshing crunch. Keep these prepped and ready so assembly is a breeze!

Step 4: Assemble the Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks

Now comes the magic moment! Grab a round cookie cutter, ring mold, or even a ½ cup measuring cup (lined with a strip of plastic wrap for easy unmolding). First, spoon in an even layer of sushi rice and gently press to compact it—a sturdy base makes unmolding easy. Layer on the avocado slices, then heap a generous portion of the spicy shrimp atop. Finish with the delicate cucumber matchsticks. Carefully remove the mold, and you’ll see a vertical symphony of deliciousness revealed!

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy

No sushi stack is complete without a beautiful finishing touch. Sprinkle over toasted sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, or green onion. If you love a bit more umami, add a drizzle of soy sauce on top. These Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks are best enjoyed right after they’re made, while the rice is plush and the veggies are crisp!

How to Serve 

Garnishes

The right garnish absolutely lights up these Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks. A pinch of toasted sesame seeds brings a gentle crunch and subtle nuttiness, while freshly chopped cilantro or green onions add a vivid green hue and burst of herbal freshness. Tucking in a tiny wedge of lime or a little dab of extra sriracha on the side can give each guest a chance to personalize every bite.

Side Dishes

Complete your sushi stack experience with classic Japanese-inspired sides. A cool, crunchy seaweed salad or some miso soup adds balance to the meal and keeps things feeling light yet satisfying. For party spreads, a tray of edamame, pickled ginger, or even crispy wonton chips works wonderfully alongside Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks, letting guests mix and match each flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the plate when serving Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks. Try assembling them in individual glass ramekins or small mason jars for a unique, portable appetizer—perfect for picnics or potlucks. If serving family style, create a large sushi stack “cake” and slice it at the table for a wow-factor moment. Or, make colorful mini stacks to scatter across a platter for a stunning party centerpiece that guests won’t forget.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to end up with extra Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks, they’ll keep best if you store each component separately. Keep leftover shrimp mixture, rice, and veggies in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready for round two, just assemble a fresh stack—this keeps the layers vibrant and prevents sogginess.

Freezing

Freezing Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks is not recommended, mainly because the creamy avocado and cucumber can become mushy and lose their lively texture once thawed. The cooked shrimp and rice can technically be frozen on their own, but for the ultimate sushi stack experience, fresh, just-prepared ingredients are the way to go.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks—this is a dish best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you do want the rice a little warmer, gently warm it in the microwave (covered with a damp towel to prevent drying) before assembling your stacks. Everything else—shrimp, avocado, and cucumber—should stay cool and crisp!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely, pat them dry, and cook them as directed before tossing them in the spicy sauce. Frozen shrimp work beautifully and make these stacks extra convenient.

What can I use instead of sushi rice?

Sushi rice has the ideal stickiness, but you can substitute with short-grain or even medium-grain rice in a pinch. Just know the texture might be a bit less cohesive. Avoid long-grain rice, as it tends to fall apart in stacks.

How spicy are these Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks?

The spice level is completely adjustable! The base recipe is moderately spicy thanks to the sriracha, but you can dial it up or down to suit your own heat preference by adding more or less sriracha or even a dash of chili oil.

What if I don’t have a ring mold?

No worries—just use a measuring cup or ramekin lined with plastic wrap for easy unmolding. Even freehand stacks look (and taste!) fantastic, so don’t stress about being too precise.

Can I make Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the shrimp for crispy tofu or sautéed tempeh, and feel free to bump up the veggies by adding thin-sliced bell peppers or even pickled radish for extra crunch and color.

Final Thoughts

If you love sushi and crave something with a fiery kick and picture-perfect presentation, Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks are your ticket to instant kitchen happiness. They’re fun to make, bursting with flavor, and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try them—so why not roll up your sleeves and dive in? Let me know how your stacks turn out!

Print