In our family, food is more than sustenance—it’s how we mark moments, express love, and build memories. One of the most memorable dishes to ever grace our spring brunch table was a creative, colorful stack of sushi-inspired layers. Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks quickly became a tradition, not because they mimic sushi rolls exactly, but because they offer something new—something playful, interactive, and irresistibly delicious.

I still remember the first time I made them. It was a breezy Sunday in early May, and cherry blossoms had just started to fall. The air smelled fresh, and I wanted to bring something equally fresh to the table. I’d just watched a chef on a food show create a layered sushi bowl, and a lightbulb went off—what if I stacked those layers vertically?

The result was dazzling: a bottom layer of sticky, tangy sushi rice, followed by a refreshing blend of creamy avocado and crisp cucumber, crowned with fiery shrimp coated in a velvety sriracha mayo. Finished with a generous sprinkle of furikake, these towers were the center of attention—and every bite packed heat, creaminess, crunch, and umami. It was a sensory joy, each forkful like a mini journey through your favorite sushi bar.

These sushi stacks are perfect for spring and summer entertaining. With no rolling involved and ingredients that are easily prepped ahead, they turn a humble ingredient list into an elegant, crowd-pleasing dish. Whether you’re hosting a weekend get-together or just want something fun for dinner, these stacks strike the perfect balance between casual and sophisticated.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the sushi vibes, none of the fuss – No bamboo mats or expert rolling skills needed.
• Layered flavor in every bite – Creamy avocado, cool cucumber, spicy shrimp, seasoned rice.
• Visually stunning – These mini towers are as beautiful as they are delicious.
• Flexible and family-friendly – Customize the spice level, swap in proteins, and play with toppings.

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INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

For the Sushi Rice

• 1 cup short-grain white rice
• 2 cups water
• 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 Tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt

For the Avocado-Cucumber Layer

• 1 large ripe avocado, mashed
• 1 cup cucumber, finely diced
• 1 Tbsp lime juice
• Salt to taste

For the Spicy Shrimp Layer

• ½ lb cooked shrimp, chopped
• 3 Tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 Tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)

To Finish

• 4 tsp furikake seasoning
• Optional: sesame seeds, green onions, or pickled ginger

HOW TO MAKE Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cook and Season the Rice
   Start by rinsing the rice thoroughly under cold water until it runs clear. This step ensures the grains stay separate and not overly starchy. Combine with water in a pot, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Let it rest for another 10 minutes, covered, off the heat. In a small bowl, dissolve sugar and salt in rice vinegar and gently fold it into the warm rice with a paddle or spatula. Let it cool to room temperature.
2. Mix the Avocado and Cucumber
   In a bowl, mash the avocado until creamy but still chunky. Fold in the diced cucumber and lime juice. Season with a pinch of salt. The cucumber gives this layer a crisp texture that balances the creaminess of the avocado beautifully.
3. Prepare the Spicy Shrimp
   Dice the cooked shrimp into small, uniform pieces. In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise with sriracha to your desired spice level. Toss the shrimp until evenly coated. The result is a spicy, creamy topping that brings heat and flavor to the stack.

1. Assemble the Stacks
   Lightly grease a 1-cup measuring cup or ring mold. Begin with a layer of rice, about ¼ cup, and press down gently to create a solid base. Next, add 2 tablespoons of the avocado-cucumber mixture and press again. Finally, top with the spicy shrimp, spreading it evenly. Invert the mold onto a plate and gently lift to reveal a perfectly layered stack.
2. Garnish and Serve
   Sprinkle each stack with furikake seasoning for a burst of umami. You can also add sliced scallions, sesame seeds, or pickled ginger on the side for extra flair. Serve immediately for the best contrast of textures and temperatures.

HELPFUL TIPS

• Wet your hands or mold lightly to keep the rice from sticking.
• Use a food ring or even a cleaned tuna can with both ends removed for consistent stack shapes.
• Want a vegetarian version? Swap shrimp with tofu or sautéed mushrooms.
• To add crunch, layer in shredded carrots or radish.

DETAILS

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 sushi stacks
• Category: Appetizer / Main Dish
• Method: No-bake, layered
• Cuisine: Japanese fusion
• Diet: Pescatarian, gluten-free optional

NOTES

• The sriracha-mayo shrimp topping also works well on tacos or rice bowls.
• If prepping in advance, keep components separate and stack just before serving to retain texture.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per stack)

• Calories: ~400
• Protein: 17g
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 4g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use raw shrimp?
Yes, just be sure to cook them thoroughly by boiling or sautéing until opaque, then cool and dice before mixing with the sauce.

How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce, and make sure your furikake is gluten-free or skip it altogether.

Can I prepare these ahead?
Absolutely. Cook the rice and prepare the toppings a day ahead. Assemble the stacks right before serving.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

Keep all components (rice, avocado mix, shrimp) in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble just before eating to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Related Recipes:

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other creative twists:

• Bang Bang Salmon: A Crispy, Sweet & Spicy Weeknight Favorite
• Grilled Lime Salmon with Avocado Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice
• Ginger Soy Glazed Cod: A Flavorful and Healthy Seafood Dish
• Cajun Shrimp

Conclusion

Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks are a culinary adventure layered with tradition, creativity, and bold flavors. They transform everyday ingredients into a dish that looks gourmet and feels like a celebration. Whether you’re sharing them with guests or enjoying a quiet moment of indulgence, each stack is a tribute to fresh flavor and joyful presentation. Go ahead, stack them high and savor every bite.