Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the fragrant aroma of sizzling shrimp filled the air, igniting my excitement for a new culinary adventure. Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks are exactly what I needed—an enticing way to enjoy the beloved flavors of sushi without the hassle of rolling. This dish combines succulent shrimp with a spicy sriracha glaze, creamy avocado, and crunchy cucumber, all layered atop fluffy sushi rice. In under 30 minutes, you can transform your weeknight dinner or impress friends at a gathering with this vibrant, customizable creation. Not only is it a high-protein, low-carb option, but it’s also gluten-free with a simple substitution. Ready to elevate your sushi game and make memorable flavors in your own kitchen? Let’s dive in! Why Spice Up Your Dinner Plans? Simplicity in Assembly: This dish requires no complicated rolling techniques, making it accessible for everyone. Flavor Explosion: The marriage of spicy sriracha and creamy avocado delivers an unforgettable taste experience. Customizable Delight: Perfectly adaptable to various dietary needs, from gluten-free to vegetarian options. Impressive Presentation: Stack it high for a mouth-watering centerpiece at dinner parties—it’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Quick and Delicious: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight treat or an unexpected gathering with friends. Nutritional Powerhouse: High in protein and healthy fats, this meal is both satisfying and guilt-free! For more quick weeknight meals, check out my Garlic Butter Shrimp and Honey Chicken Cutlets. Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks Ingredients For the Shrimp • Shrimp – Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are essential for that plump, juicy bite. • Olive Oil – Lightly sautéing the shrimp enhances their natural flavor. • Soy Sauce – Offers a savory depth; swap for tamari to make it gluten-free. • Rice Vinegar – Balances sweetness in the marinade and flavors the sushi rice. • Sugar – Helps to create a delicious glaze for the shrimp. • Sesame Oil – Adds a nutty undertone that complements the dish perfectly. • Sriracha Sauce – Gives that spicy kick; adjust to match your spice preference. For the Sushi Rice • Sushi Rice – The foundation for our stacks; seasoned for optimal flavor. • Water – Necessary for cooking the sushi rice to the desired texture. • Salt – Enhances the overall taste of the seasoned rice. For the Spicy Mayo • Mayonnaise – Adds creaminess to your spicy mayo; Greek yogurt is a lighter substitute. • Sriracha Sauce – Mix with mayo for a deliciously spicy topping. For the Stacks • Avocado – Creamy avocado helps to balance the heat from the spices. • Cucumber – Provides a refreshing crunch that’s essential in sushi flavors. • Sesame Seeds (optional) – Sprinkle for added flavor and that perfect finishing touch. • Fresh Cilantro or Green Onions (optional) – Brighten up your stacks with fresh herbs for a beautiful garnish. Ready to dive into these Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks? The ingredients are all you need to create a delightful meal in no time! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks Step 1: Rinse and Cook the Sushi Rice Begin by rinsing 1 cup of sushi rice under cold water until it runs clear, which removes excess starch for the perfect texture. Transfer the rice to a pot, add 1 ¼ cups of water, and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Step 2: Cook the Shrimp While the rice is resting, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of large, peeled, and deveined shrimp, cooking for 2–3 minutes per side until they’re opaque and have a nice sear. Combine the cooked shrimp with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1–2 tablespoons of sriracha. Stir for another minute to coat the shrimp in the spicy glaze. Step 3: Make the Spicy Mayo In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup of mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon of sriracha sauce. Whisk vigorously until well combined. Taste and adjust the spice level, adding more sriracha if you like it hotter. Set the spicy mayo aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the stacks. Step 4: Assemble the Stacks Prepare a mold or small ramekin for stacking. Begin by placing a layer of the seasoned sushi rice at the base, pressing down gently to compact it. Follow with a layer of the spicy shrimp, then add sliced avocado and crunchy cucumber. Repeat this layering process until you’ve reached the desired height. Press the layers gently for stability, ensuring your Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks hold together well. Step 5: Garnish and Serve Once assembled, carefully remove the mold to reveal your beautifully stacked creation. For an extra touch, sprinkle sesame seeds on top, and add fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for brightness. Drizzle the individual stacks with your homemade spicy mayo. Your delightful Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks are now ready to impress! Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks Variations Feel free to let your creativity shine and adjust the recipe to suit your taste buds! Spicy Tuna Stacks: Substitute shrimp with sushi-grade tuna mixed with spicy mayo for a classic flavor twist. An excellent option for sushi lovers! You can enjoy the tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience of fresh tuna combined with that heavenly spicy kick. Vegetarian Delight: Use tofu or roasted veggies instead of shrimp for a plant-based version. This variation still brings a satisfying bite, offering a wonderfully vibrant texture and flavor combination that’s sure to please everyone. Tropical Vibes: Incorporate thin mango slices for sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the spicy elements. Imagine the juicy bursts of mango mingling with the savory shrimp—a delicious surprise in every layer! Tempura Crunch: Top with tempura shrimp or crispy tempura flakes for added texture and crunch. You’ll love the playful contrast of soft layers with that delightful crunch, turning each bite into an exciting experience. Eel Sauce Finish: Drizzle with eel sauce for a sweet contrast that elevates the umami in the dish. This simple addition can transform your stacks into a gourmet delight, wow your guests with just a drizzle! Mango Salsa: Serve with a fresh mango salsa on the side for another layer of flavor. The vibrant salsa adds a refreshing zing, pairing so well with the richness of the shrimp and avocado. Cilantro Lime Rice: Substitute sushi rice with cilantro lime rice for a zesty twist. The fresh lime and cilantro brighten up the dish, offering a lively flavor that pairs perfectly with shrimp! Coconut Rice: Swap standard sushi rice for coconut rice for a tropical twist. The creamy sweetness of coconut-infused rice complements shrimp and enhances the sushi stack’s overall flavor profile. Ready to personalize your Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks? Whichever variation you choose, remember that the heart of cooking lies in enjoying the process—each bite will be a reflection of your delicious creativity! Make Ahead Options Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks are a fantastic choice for meal prep, helping you save time during those busy weeknights! You can prepare the sushi rice and the spicy mayo up to 24 hours in advance. Simply refrigerate them separately in airtight containers to maintain their quality. Additionally, you can pre-cook the shrimp and toss it in the spicy glaze beforehand, storing it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just quickly layer the rice, shrimp, avocado, and cucumber. This way, you’ll enjoy the same vibrant flavors with minimal effort, making dinner a breeze! Expert Tips for Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Ensure shrimp are opaque and firm to the touch. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so keep an eye on the cooking time. Rinse the Rice: Rinse sushi rice until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This is crucial for achieving that sticky texture essential for stacking. Layer Smartly: Use a clear mold to layer your ingredients. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also helps maintain the structure of your Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks. Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of sriracha in both the shrimp glaze and spicy mayo according to your spice tolerance. Start with less and add more to taste. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh avocado and cucumber for the best flavor and texture. They add a refreshing crunch that complements the richness of the shrimp. Serve Immediately: For optimal texture and flavor, serve your stacks immediately after assembling. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors while everything is fresh! What to Serve with Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks Indulging in Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks opens the door to a world of complementary flavors and textures to build the perfect meal. Crispy Seaweed Salad: The light, refreshing crunch of seaweed salad complements the dense layers and flavors of the sushi stacks beautifully. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers a savory contrast that enhances the sushi experience, soothing and well-balanced. Pickled Ginger: This traditional sushi accompaniment cleanses the palate between bites, adding an extra zesty zing to the dish. Edamame: These tender, lightly salted pods provide a satisfying crunch and protein boost, perfect for nibbling alongside the main dish. Chilled Sake: A glass of chilled sake elevates your dining experience; its delicate notes perfectly meld with the shrimp and spices. Fresh Fruit Salsa: A refreshing twist, combine mango and cucumber in a salsa to bring a sweet, vibrant touch that balances with the heat of the shrimp. Avocado Cucumber Salad: A light salad with the same key ingredients helps resonate the flavors in your stacks, offering a cool, creamy texture to enjoy. Sushi Rolls: For sushi enthusiasts, pairing these stacks with a couple of simple, fresh sushi rolls adds variety and delight to your table. Yuzu Citrus Dressing: Drizzling this tangy, citrusy dressing over your stacks adds a zesty brightness that heightens the dish’s overall flavor profile. How to Store and Freeze Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks Fridge: Store any leftover Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best texture, keep components separate until ready to eat. Freezer: While it’s best to enjoy these stacks fresh, you can freeze the cooked shrimp and sushi rice separately for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, and heat the rice in the microwave, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. Avoid Compromising Texture: Yogurt-based spicy mayo should be prepared fresh for serving, as it doesn’t freeze well and may change in texture. Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks Recipe FAQs What type of shrimp should I use for Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks? Absolutely! I recommend using large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Fresh or frozen shrimp work well, but if using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and drained before cooking for optimal results. How should I store leftovers of Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks? Store any leftover Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best texture, it’s ideal to keep the components separate until you’re ready to enjoy them again. Can I freeze the components of Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks? Yes! While it’s best to enjoy these stacks fresh, you can freeze the cooked shrimp and sushi rice separately for up to 1 month. To do so, let the shrimp and rice cool completely, then place them in freezer-safe containers. Thaw them in the fridge before reheating. What adjustments can I make if someone has a soy allergy? No problem! Simply substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, which still provide a savory depth but are free from soy allergens. It’s a quick fix that maintains flavor without compromising dietary restrictions. How do I reheat leftover Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks? To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat until they’re just heated through—about 3–4 minutes should suffice. For the sushi rice, add a splash of water and heat in the microwave for about 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway to prevent drying out. Can I prepare the components ahead of time? Very! You can prep individual components, like cooking the shrimp, making the spicy mayo, and rinsing the sushi rice, ahead of time. Just store everything in the fridge and assemble the stacks shortly before serving for the freshest taste. Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks: Elevate Your Dinner Game Tonight Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks are a delightful way to enjoy sushi flavors with succulent shrimp, spicy glaze, creamy avocado, and crunchy cucumber. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsResting Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 4 stacksCourse: DinnerCuisine: JapaneseCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Shrimp1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free1 tablespoon rice vinegar1 teaspoon sugar1 teaspoon sesame oil1-2 tablespoons sriracha sauce adjust to spice preferenceFor the Sushi Rice1 cup sushi rice rinsed1.25 cups water1 teaspoon saltFor the Spicy Mayo0.25 cup mayonnaise Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute1 tablespoon sriracha sauceFor the Stacks1 medium avocado sliced1 medium cucumber slicedsesame seeds optional, for garnishfresh cilantro or green onions optional, for garnish Equipment Large SkilletPotsmall bowlMold or ramekin Method Step-by-Step InstructionsRinse sushi rice under cold water until it runs clear. In a pot, combine rice with water and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Let sit for 10 minutes.Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque. Mix with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and sriracha.In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and sriracha, whisking until smooth. Adjust spice level to taste.Prepare a mold and layer sushi rice first, then shrimp, avocado, and cucumber. Repeat layers to desired height.Remove the mold and garnish with sesame seeds and herbs. Drizzle with spicy mayo and serve immediately. Nutrition Serving: 1stackCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 200mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 10mg NotesServe your stacks fresh for the best texture and flavor. Customize the heat level by adjusting the sriracha quantity. 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