Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold Flavors: The spicy shrimp paired with creamy avocado and tangy rice creates a perfect harmony of heat and freshness.
No Rolling Required: You don’t need sushi rolling skills for this recipe—just stack everything in layers for a beautiful presentation.
Quick and Easy: With prep time under 15 minutes and cook time under 10 minutes, this dish is perfect for a busy evening or a last-minute meal.
Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors of the shrimp, avocado, cucumber, and rice make this dish a showstopper that will impress guests.
Customizable: Adjust the heat level or swap ingredients to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
½ cup mayonnaise
1 cup sushi rice
1 ½ cups water
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for rice)
½ teaspoon salt
1 avocado, sliced
1 small cucumber, julienned
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Fresh cilantro or green onions (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Sushi Rice:

Rinse the Rice: Wash the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
Cook the Rice: In a medium pot, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Season the Rice: Remove the rice from heat, stir in rice vinegar and salt, cover, and let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

2. Prepare the Shrimp:

Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are fully cooked and opaque.
Season the Shrimp: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and sriracha. Drizzle this mixture over the cooked shrimp, toss to coat, and cook for an additional minute to let the flavors absorb.

3. Assemble the Sushi Stacks:

Layer the Rice: Using a round mold or the inside of a clean can, layer a portion of the seasoned sushi rice into individual serving glasses or bowls, pressing down gently to compact it.
Add the Shrimp: Top the rice with the spicy shrimp mixture, pressing it down slightly to make it stick.
Add Avocado and Cucumber: Layer the sliced avocado and julienned cucumber on top of the shrimp for a fresh, crisp texture.
Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and cilantro or green onions for extra flavor and color.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving. Enjoy your vibrant, flavorful sushi stacks!

How to Serve

Individual Stacks: Serve each sushi stack in a separate glass or bowl for an elegant presentation.
Family-Style: Stack everything in a large bowl and let guests serve themselves.
With Soy Sauce and Pickled Ginger: Serve with a side of soy sauce and pickled ginger for a more authentic sushi experience.
As an Appetizer: These stacks make for an excellent starter course at a dinner party or special gathering.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will provide the best flavor and texture for this dish.
Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of sriracha or substitute with a milder chili paste.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook them to ensure they stay tender and juicy.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the rice and shrimp in advance and refrigerate, then assemble the stacks just before serving.
Add More Toppings: Experiment with other sushi-inspired toppings like tobiko, eel sauce, or chili oil for extra flavor.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 ways you can customize your Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks:

Spicy Tuna Stacks: Substitute shrimp with sushi-grade tuna for a classic spicy tuna roll flavor.
Vegetarian Version: Use marinated tofu or roasted vegetables in place of shrimp for a plant-based option.
Crispy Tempura Shrimp: Add a crispy crunch by using tempura shrimp instead of regular shrimp.
Mango Twist: Add fresh mango slices for a sweet and tropical flavor.
Crispy Seaweed: Layer crispy nori (seaweed) between the rice and shrimp for an extra texture and flavor boost.
Cucumber and Avocado Rolls: Replace the shrimp with cucumber and avocado for a light, refreshing option.
Soy-Free Option: Use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a soy-free version.
Extra Spicy: Double the sriracha in the sauce or add fresh chili slices for a fiery kick.
Eel Sauce Drizzle: Top with eel sauce for a rich, sweet contrast to the spicy mayo.
Wasabi Kick: Incorporate a small amount of wasabi into the mayo mixture for an added zing.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the shrimp separately in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
Storage: The sushi rice and shrimp can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble just before serving.

Special Equipment

Round Mold or Glasses: To help form the perfect sushi stacks.
Sharp Knife: For slicing the avocado and cucumber into neat pieces.
Medium Pot: For cooking the sushi rice.
Large Skillet: For cooking the shrimp.
Small Mixing Bowls: For preparing the sauce and seasonings.
Tongs: For flipping and handling the shrimp without overcooking.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure precise amounts of seasonings.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

What type of rice should I use?

Sushi rice is essential for the perfect texture and flavor, but short-grain rice can be used as an alternative.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the spicy mayo sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I substitute avocado?

Yes, you can use mango, cucumber, or other soft vegetables in place of avocado for variety.

What can I use instead of sesame oil?

You can substitute with olive oil or another mild oil, although sesame oil adds a distinct flavor to the dish.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Try adding julienned carrots, radishes, or pickled ginger for extra crunch and flavor.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce or omit the sriracha in the spicy mayo sauce for a milder version.

Can I prepare this in advance?

You can prep the rice and shrimp ahead of time, but the final assembly should be done just before serving to maintain the fresh textures.

What’s the best way to serve these?

Serve them immediately for the best flavor, but they can be kept in the fridge for an hour or two before serving if needed.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos.

Conclusion

Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks are the ultimate fusion dish that brings together the bold flavors of spicy shrimp and the delicate textures of sushi in a unique and elevated form. The succulent shrimp, coated in a perfectly balanced spicy mayo, delivers an irresistible kick that pairs beautifully with the refreshing taste of cucumber and avocado.

What truly makes this dish stand out is its stunning presentation and versatility. Layered into a stack, each bite offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, from the tender shrimp to the crisp veggies and vinegared rice. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer for a special occasion or as a fun, light meal, these sushi stacks are sure to impress.

Perfect for seafood lovers or anyone looking to try something new, Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. I can’t wait for you to enjoy this vibrant and flavorful dish—be sure to share your creations and tag me on social media!