Delicious Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks recipe on a plate

Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks are a fun and easy way to enjoy sushi at home. Unlike traditional sushi rolls, these stacks don’t require any rolling skills. You get layers of delicious shrimp, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and flavorful sushi rice all in one bite. Plus, they’re perfect for gatherings or a casual dinner.

How to Make Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups sushi rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more, to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1-2 tablespoons water (to adjust consistency)
  • 1 English cucumber
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • Nori seaweed sheets, cut into squares (approximately 3×3 inches)
  • Sesame seeds (black and/or white)
  • Chopped green onions
  • Spicy mayo (optional, for drizzling)
  • Unagi sauce (optional, for drizzling)

Directions:

  1. Rinse the Rice: Rinse sushi rice in cold water until it runs clear. This removes excess starch, helping it cook better.
  2. Cook the Rice: Combine rinsed rice and water in a saucepan. Boil, then reduce heat and cover, simmering for 18 minutes.
  3. Rest the Rice: Let the rice sit off the heat, covered, for 10 minutes to absorb moisture.
  4. Prepare the Sushi Vinegar: Heat rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a saucepan until dissolved. Don’t boil.
  5. Season the Rice: Put the rice in a bowl and mix in the vinegar mixture gently, being careful not to mash it.
  6. Cool the Rice: Fan the rice while gently folding it until it’s at room temperature.
  7. Prepare the Shrimp: Make sure the shrimp are dry and clean.
  8. Make the Spicy Mayo: Mix mayonnaise, sriracha, sesame oil, garlic powder, and cayenne in a bowl. Adjust spice level as desired.
  9. Marinate the Shrimp: Coat shrimp in the spicy mayo and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes.
  10. Cook the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through. Chop them into smaller pieces when cool.
  11. Prepare the Avocado: Blend avocado, sour cream, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust with water if needed.
  12. Prepare the Cucumber: Peel ribbons from the cucumber and marinade them in a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt for 10 to 30 minutes.
  13. Prepare Your Workspace: Gather sushi rice, shrimp, avocado, cucumber, nori, sesame seeds, and any sauces.
  14. Layer the Stacks: Start with nori, add rice, avocado, shrimp, and cucumber. Repeat layers if desired.
  15. Garnish and Serve: Top with sesame seeds and green onions. Drizzle with spicy mayo or unagi sauce if desired.

How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks

Serve the stacks right after making them for the best taste and texture. They are great as a starter or a main dish. Pair them with soy sauce or wasabi on the side for added flavor.

How to Store Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks

These sushi stacks are best enjoyed fresh. If you need leftovers, store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Keep the cucumber ribbons separate to avoid sogginess, and assemble the stacks right before eating.

Tips to Make Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks

  • Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly for the best texture.
  • Adjust the spiciness to your liking by adding more or less sriracha.
  • Use ripe avocados for the best flavor and smoothness in the crema.

Variation

You can make these stacks with different seafood or even veggies. Try adding crab or scallops instead of shrimp, or layer in vegetables like bell pepper or carrots for added crunch.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of sushi rice?
Yes, but the texture and flavor will be different. Sushi rice is sticky and helps hold the stacks together.

Can I make the avocado crema ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crema a day in advance. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent browning.

Is this recipe healthy?
Yes! It includes fresh ingredients like shrimp, avocado, and cucumber, making it a nutritious choice.