Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks

The Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks are a fun and vibrant twist on traditional sushi—no rolling mat needed. Layers of seasoned sushi rice, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and spicy shrimp come together in an easy-to-build tower that’s both stunning and satisfying.

This dish makes the perfect dinner party appetizer or light lunch. It’s also great for using up leftover rice, shrimp, and veggies in a creative and zero-waste way. Whether you’re new to sushi or a seasoned pro, these stacks will deliver serious flavor and style to your table with minimal fuss.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sushi rice

• 1 1/4 cups water

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, chopped

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon sriracha

• 1 avocado, diced

• 1/2 cucumber, diced

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 2 teaspoons soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 sheet nori, finely shredded or crumbled

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional for garnish)

• Green onion, chopped (optional)

Directions:

1. Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until water runs clear. Add to a pot with water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes.

2. In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir into the cooked rice while it’s still warm. Let cool completely.

3. In a bowl, combine chopped shrimp, mayo, and sriracha. Mix well and chill.

4. In another bowl, mix diced avocado and cucumber with lime juice, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

5. Using a round mold or measuring cup (lightly greased), press in a layer of sushi rice, then a layer of the avocado-cucumber mix, followed by a layer of spicy shrimp.

6. Gently unmold onto a plate and top with nori, sesame seeds, and green onion if using.

7. Serve immediately with additional soy sauce or wasabi if desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

What Are Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks?

Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks are a deconstructed, layered version of traditional sushi rolls, offering all the flavors you love from a spicy shrimp roll without the need to master rolling techniques. This dish creatively stacks seasoned sushi rice, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, spicy shrimp tossed in sriracha mayo, and crunchy nori into a vibrant, Instagram-worthy tower. The layers are pressed and shaped using a round mold or small cup, making it simple yet visually impressive.

Unlike traditional sushi, which often requires precision, these stacks are accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. They offer a low-barrier entry into sushi making while still delivering on presentation and taste. And because they’re customizable, they’re ideal for accommodating dietary preferences or using up what’s already in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

If you’re a sushi lover who’s ever felt intimidated by the rolling process or turned off by the equipment involved, this recipe is your new best friend. It’s quick to assemble, requires no special tools, and gives you the freedom to adjust heat, texture, and ingredients. The contrast between the creamy avocado and spicy shrimp, combined with the freshness of cucumber and umami-rich nori, creates a perfect bite every time.

Beyond flavor, the visual appeal of Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks makes them an excellent choice for entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or prepping weekday lunches, the colorful layers and elegant presentation will make a statement without the stress.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Perks

This recipe doesn’t just look and taste great—it’s also nutrient-rich. Shrimp are a lean source of protein and contain key nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. Avocados provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and potassium. Cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories, making them a great addition for volume and crunch without added heaviness.

The use of sushi rice allows for slow-digesting carbs, and because the rice is seasoned with vinegar instead of heavy sauces, it keeps the calorie count in check. The sriracha mayo gives just enough heat and richness without overpowering the clean flavors of the vegetables and seafood. You also have the option to use light mayo or even Greek yogurt if you’re looking to cut fat or calories further.

Zero-Waste and Sustainable Cooking

Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks are also an ideal way to minimize food waste. If you have leftover rice from a previous meal, this is a creative way to give it new life. Leftover shrimp, even from a shrimp cocktail tray, can be chopped and repurposed for this dish. Vegetables like cucumbers, avocados, carrots, and even bell peppers can be swapped in or out depending on what’s in your fridge.

Seaweed sheets or even leftover seaweed snacks can be crushed and used as garnish. This is the kind of flexible, low-waste dish that supports sustainable home cooking without compromising on flavor or aesthetics.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Entertaining

Though sushi often gets reserved for special occasions or takeout, these stacks are simple enough for weekly meal prep. You can prepare the components in advance—cook and season the rice, prep the shrimp mix, and chop the vegetables—and assemble just before serving. When stored separately, the ingredients hold up well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

For parties or family dinners, Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks can even be turned into a DIY bar where guests build their own stacks. This is a fun and interactive way to engage friends or kids in the kitchen. You can also adjust the spice level of the shrimp or add ingredients like mango, spicy mayo drizzle, or pickled ginger for extra dimension.

Flavor Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. If you don’t have shrimp on hand, cooked crab, tofu, or even canned tuna with spicy mayo work as fantastic substitutes. Want to make it vegetarian or vegan? Simply swap the shrimp for marinated tofu or a spicy chickpea mash.

Feel free to add elements like pickled radish, thin-sliced carrots, or sesame seeds. Want extra crunch? Add fried shallots or tempura flakes. Craving a burst of sweetness? Diced mango or pineapple add a tropical twist. The base recipe provides a great foundation, but the possibilities are endless depending on your palate or pantry.

Cultural Inspiration Behind the Dish

While not traditional Japanese sushi, the concept of sushi stacks is inspired by the fundamental flavors and balance found in Japanese cuisine. Sushi rice, nori, and raw or cooked seafood are cornerstones of Japanese cooking. This recipe reimagines those elements into a format that is accessible and appealing to modern home cooks, especially those unfamiliar with traditional sushi methods.

Spicy mayo itself is a popular American-Japanese fusion addition found in many sushi rolls in the West. Combining it with shrimp offers a spicy, creamy bite that balances beautifully with the cooling avocado and cucumber, staying true to the principle of flavor harmony central to Japanese cuisine.

How to Serve It

These stacks can be served as a light lunch, an appetizer, or even as the centerpiece of a sushi-inspired dinner. Place them on small plates with a side of soy sauce or tamari for dipping. Garnish with extra sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or edible flowers if you want to elevate the presentation.

If you want a more casual option, you can make mini-stacks in muffin tins or silicone molds for bite-sized party versions. Alternatively, serve the ingredients bowl-style with the same layered approach—essentially a sushi bowl without the need to unmold.

Dietary Adaptability

This dish can easily be made gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos in place of regular soy sauce. It’s naturally dairy-free, and as mentioned earlier, it can be adapted for pescatarian, vegetarian, and even vegan diets. For a low-carb version, swap sushi rice for cauliflower rice or spiralized veggies.

If sodium is a concern, use low-sodium soy sauce and control the sriracha content. You can even reduce or eliminate the mayo entirely by replacing it with mashed avocado or yogurt-based sauces. This flexibility makes it easy to cater to a wide range of dietary preferences.

Conclusion

Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks are everything you want in a modern meal: bold, flavorful, customizable, and visually impressive. They bring the excitement of sushi into your home kitchen without any complicated techniques or specialty equipment. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, an elegant party starter, or a meal-prep-friendly lunch, these sushi stacks deliver on all fronts.

With their vibrant layers and balanced flavors, they’re sure to become a repeat favorite in your recipe rotation. Better yet, they align perfectly with sustainable, zero-waste cooking principles—proving that eating well can also be responsible and resourceful. Next time you crave sushi, skip the takeout and stack it up instead.