Craving sushi but intimidated by the process of rolling seaweed or slicing raw fish? These Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks are the game-changing recipe you’ve been looking for. Layered, flavorful, and fuss-free, this modern take on traditional sushi brings the magic of your favorite spicy sushi rolls right to your plate—in a form that’s easy to assemble, aesthetically striking, and perfect for entertaining.
With the popularity of sushi poppers and creative sushi menu ideas exploding on food blogs and restaurant menus, these shrimp stacks are the at-home solution that even beginners can master. Packed with zesty shrimp, creamy avocado, and seasoned sushi rice, each bite offers a delicious balance of flavor and texture that rivals anything from your local sushi spot.
🍽️ What Are Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks?
Sushi stacks are a fun and modern twist on classic sushi rolls, layered vertically using simple molds or measuring cups. The structure of these stacks offers the same satisfying elements of sushi—flavorful rice, protein, and veggies—but in a much easier format that requires no rolling mats, no raw fish, and no special tools.
This shrimp stack recipe highlights spicy, mayo-tossed shrimp as the star protein, layered with creamy avocado and fluffy vinegared rice. The whole thing is topped with a spicy mayo drizzle and garnished with toasted sesame, green onions, and optional crushed nori for that authentic sushi flavor.
Whether you’re planning a sushi-themed dinner, looking for sushi party food ideas, or need a fresh easy dinner option, these sushi stacks are delicious, customizable, and stunning on the plate.
🛒 Ingredients Breakdown
To make these spicy shrimp sushi stacks, you’ll need a combination of pantry staples, fresh produce, and seafood. Here’s your shopping list:
🍚 Sushi Rice Base:
- 1 cup sushi rice (short-grain white rice preferred)
- 1¼ cups water
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
Sushi rice is sticky and slightly sweet—essential for authentic sushi texture. Don’t substitute with long-grain rice.
🍤 Spicy Shrimp Layer:
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tsp sriracha (or more, to taste)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Optional: red chili flakes or cayenne pepper for extra heat
Use pre-cooked shrimp or steam your own. Salad shrimp or chopped medium shrimp both work well.
🥑 Avocado Layer:
- 1 large avocado
- 1 tsp lime juice (or rice vinegar)
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: 2 tbsp finely diced cucumber, mango, or red onion
Avocado adds creaminess and balances the spice—an essential component in sushi recipes inspired by spicy rolls.
🌶️ Spicy Mayo Drizzle:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- Splash of lemon juice or rice vinegar
🧂 Garnish & Assembly:
- Furikake (Japanese seasoning) or toasted sesame seeds
- Thinly sliced green onions
- Crushed nori or seaweed snacks (optional)
- Soy sauce, pickled ginger, or wasabi (optional)
🍣 Optional Additions and Variations
Looking to explore more sushi recipes crab or seafood flavors?
- Imitation crab: Mix with mayo and sriracha to create a spicy kani salad layer.
- Smoked salmon or seared ahi tuna: Use in place of shrimp for a luxurious twist.
- Crispy onions or panko: Add a crunchy topping.
- Cucumber or radish: Adds texture and freshness between layers.
- Cream cheese: Mix into the avocado layer for a Philadelphia-style sushi vibe.
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Sushi Rice
- Rinse the rice in a sieve until the water runs clear.
- Combine rice and water in a pot or rice cooker. Cook until tender and fluffy.
- While still warm, gently stir in rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.
- Let it cool to room temperature before stacking.
📝 Tip: Fan the rice as it cools for a shiny, traditional sushi finish.
Step 2: Mix the Spicy Shrimp
- Chop the cooked shrimp into small bite-size pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha, sesame oil, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
- Fold in the shrimp until coated.
🔄 Optional: Sub in crab or a shrimp/crab mix to diversify your dishes with fish menu.
Step 3: Prepare the Avocado Layer
- Mash the avocado with lime juice and salt until smooth.
- Stir in optional diced cucumber, mango, or red onion for texture and color.
Step 4: Make the Spicy Mayo Drizzle
- Mix all ingredients in a small bowl or squeeze bottle.
- Taste and adjust the heat or acidity as needed.
✅ Bonus: Add a touch of honey or sugar to balance the heat if desired.
Step 5: Assemble the Sushi Stacks
You can use:
- A ½-cup measuring cup
- A food ring mold
- A silicone muffin cup lined with plastic wrap
Assembly Order (Bottom to Top):
- Shrimp layer – 2–3 tbsp
- Avocado layer – 2 tbsp
- Sushi rice – ¼ to ⅓ cup
To unmold:
- Invert onto a serving plate and tap or lift gently.
- Drizzle with spicy mayo and add garnishes.
Repeat until all ingredients are used. You should get 4–6 stacks depending on mold size.
🎉 Hosting Sushi Stack Night – Party Tips
Turn your sushi stacks into a fun, interactive dinner with these ideas:
Sushi Bar Setup:
- Prep ingredients in advance
- Offer multiple proteins: shrimp, crab, spicy tuna
- Let guests build their own stacks
Kid-Friendly Version:
- Use imitation crab instead of shrimp
- Skip spicy ingredients
- Add sweet mango or cream cheese for fun flavors
🍷 Perfect Pairings & Serving Ideas
These shrimp stacks make a fantastic starter, light dinner, or party feature.
Serve With:
- Miso soup
- Seaweed salad
- Edamame
- Japanese cucumber salad
Beverage Pairings:
- Cold green tea
- Sparkling water with citrus
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep
While best served fresh, you can prepare elements ahead:
Make Ahead:
- Sushi rice: 1 day in advance (store in airtight container)
- Shrimp mix: same day for best taste
- Avocado: mash just before serving to avoid browning
Storage:
- Store leftover stacks (covered) for up to 1 day in the fridge.
- Drizzle spicy mayo right before serving for best texture.
⚠️ Not freezer friendly due to rice and avocado.
🥗 Make It Healthy
Want to lighten things up while keeping flavor?
| Swap This | For This |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | Greek yogurt or vegan mayo |
| Sushi rice | Cauliflower rice |
| Soy sauce | Coconut aminos |
| Shrimp | Steamed tofu or chickpeas |
These swaps make the recipe gluten-free, dairy-free, or even plant-based with just a few tweaks.
💬 FAQs About Sushi Stacks
Can I use raw shrimp or raw fish?
Yes—but be sure to use sushi-grade seafood and follow food safety guidelines.
Can I use regular white rice?
Technically yes, but the texture won’t be sticky enough to hold shape.
Are these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this recipe gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This scales well for parties or batch prep.
🧾 Nutritional Highlights (Per Stack – Est.)
- Calories: ~250–300
- Protein: ~12g
- Carbs: ~25g
- Fat: ~15g
- Fiber: ~4g
These macros will vary depending on toppings, mayo quantity, and portion size.
📌 Final Thoughts
If you love bold sushi flavors but don’t love rolling and slicing, Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks are the answer. They’re quick, delicious, visually impressive, and endlessly customizable—ideal for beginners, seafood lovers, or anyone looking for fresh easy dinner ideas.
Bring sushi night home with a twist—and whether you’re exploring sushi recipes crab, discovering new sushi party food ideas, or simply adding to your dishes with fish collection, this recipe is the perfect way to upgrade your weeknight or weekend dining game.
