When you’re craving sushi but not the hassle of rolling, these Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks deliver the flavor, texture, and aesthetic punch you’re looking for. With layers of tender shrimp tossed in spicy sriracha sauce, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and seasoned sushi rice, this dish brings sushi to a whole new level — stacked, bold, and spoon-ready.
This is the kind of recipe that stops guests in their tracks. Visually striking and bursting with umami, spice, and freshness, it’s perfect for impressing at dinner parties, or just giving yourself a restaurant-level treat. What’s even better? It’s customizable and quick. Whether you’re a seasoned sushi lover or a weeknight cook needing a win, this dish is a must-try.
Full Recipe:
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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2 tsp sugar
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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2 tbsp sriracha sauce
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½ cup mayonnaise
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1 cup sushi rice
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1½ cups water
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1 tbsp rice vinegar (for rice)
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½ tsp salt
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1 avocado, sliced
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1 small cucumber, julienned
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1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
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Fresh cilantro or green onions (optional)
Directions:
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Cook the Sushi Rice:
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Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until clear.
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In a pot, combine rice and water. Bring to a boil, cover, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
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Remove from heat, stir in 1 tbsp rice vinegar and salt, then let it sit covered for 10 minutes.
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Prepare the Shrimp:
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
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Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until opaque.
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In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and sriracha.
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Drizzle sauce over shrimp, toss, and cook 1 more minute.
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Make the Spicy Mayo:
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In a bowl, mix mayonnaise and remaining sriracha.
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Assemble the Stacks:
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Using a round mold or clean can, press a layer of sushi rice into a serving dish.
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Add a layer of shrimp, then avocado slices and julienned cucumber.
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Drizzle spicy mayo over the top.
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Garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro or green onions.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: ~450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks
Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks are a vibrant, no-roll alternative to traditional sushi that deliver bold flavors, eye-catching presentation, and a gourmet feel—all without requiring expert knife skills or sushi mat finesse. This inventive dish layers tender, sriracha-laced shrimp with seasoned sushi rice, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumber into elegant stacks that are as delightful to eat as they are to look at. The inspiration behind sushi stacks comes from the desire to simplify the preparation of sushi while still delivering its signature balance of flavors and textures.
Unlike traditional sushi rolls that can be intimidating to prepare at home, these sushi stacks are approachable yet impressive. They are ideal for those who love the flavor of sushi but don’t want to fuss with rolling, cutting, or using raw fish. Instead, this recipe features cooked shrimp tossed in a flavorful sauce, which not only makes the dish safer and more accessible but also allows it to be enjoyed by a wider audience.
Why This Dish Works
The beauty of Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks lies in the contrast of textures and the harmony of flavors. At the base, you have seasoned sushi rice, subtly sweet and tangy, serving as a canvas for the vibrant ingredients layered above. The shrimp is quickly pan-seared and then tossed in a rich mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, sugar, and sriracha. This gives the dish its characteristic heat and umami depth.
Creamy avocado slices add a cooling richness that balances the spicy shrimp, while julienned cucumber brings a refreshing crunch to each bite. The combination of spicy, creamy, crisp, and tangy flavors mimics the complexity of a traditional sushi roll, yet the stack presentation transforms it into something unique and elevated.
What really makes this dish a standout is its visual appeal. When assembled using a ring mold or glass, each layer stands distinct and colorful—the coral hue of shrimp, pale green avocado, snowy white rice, and flecks of green garnish. It’s a show-stopping centerpiece for any dinner party or gathering.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks are versatile in every sense. They’re impressive enough for special occasions and entertaining, yet simple enough to whip up on a weeknight. Their customizable nature makes them suitable for guests with different dietary preferences. Whether you’re hosting a sushi night, looking for a romantic dinner idea, or just want to elevate your lunch game, this dish fits the bill.
They also work beautifully for meal prep. The rice and shrimp can be made in advance and stored separately in the fridge. Just stack them up when you’re ready to serve. This makes them a fantastic option for busy weekdays, last-minute dinner guests, or even potluck contributions.
Customizations and Variations
What makes sushi stacks especially fun is their flexibility. You can easily modify the ingredients based on what you have on hand or to match your dietary needs. For instance:
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Vegetarian Version: Swap the shrimp for tofu, marinated mushrooms, or grilled vegetables.
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Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice or chopped cabbage instead of traditional sushi rice.
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Extra Heat: Add fresh sliced jalapeños or increase the sriracha in the mayo.
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Tropical Twist: Include mango slices for a sweet counterbalance to the heat.
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Seaweed Crunch: Add crispy seaweed snacks between layers for additional texture.
You can also experiment with sauces. While spicy mayo is a classic choice, a drizzle of eel sauce or wasabi cream can give the dish a different spin.
Tips for the Best Sushi Stack
Achieving a perfect sushi stack isn’t just about flavor—presentation matters, too. Here are a few tips to ensure your stacks look and taste amazing:
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Use a Mold: A stainless steel ring mold or the inside of a cleaned can is ideal for shaping the layers into neat stacks. Press gently but firmly to compact each layer without crushing the ingredients.
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Chill the Rice: Letting the rice cool slightly before stacking makes it easier to work with and prevents the avocado from turning mushy.
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Uniform Slicing: Cut avocado and cucumber into thin, even slices or matchsticks for a clean presentation and balanced texture.
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Keep the Shrimp Juicy: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. They should be just opaque and tender, not rubbery.
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Garnish Wisely: A sprinkle of sesame seeds or finely chopped green onions adds a pop of color and flavor. Cilantro also adds freshness and contrast.
Health Benefits of Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks
Not only are these stacks delicious, but they also pack a nutritional punch. Shrimp is a lean source of protein and contains important nutrients like iodine, selenium, and vitamin B12. Avocado provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and is rich in potassium and fiber. Cucumber adds hydration and crunch with minimal calories.
By using sushi rice and limiting additional oils or sugars, this recipe manages to stay light while still being satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to adapt for gluten-free diets by using tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
Sustainability and Zero Waste Cooking
Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks also align well with zero waste and sustainable cooking practices. Leftover rice from a previous meal can be repurposed for this dish, reducing food waste. The recipe’s adaptability means you can incorporate vegetables or garnishes that need to be used up. Additionally, cooking the shrimp instead of using raw seafood allows more flexibility in sourcing sustainably and avoiding food safety concerns.
If you’re passionate about reducing kitchen waste, try using all parts of your produce—cucumber skins can be left on for added nutrients, and avocado pits can be saved for natural dyeing or growing your own plant.
Pairing Suggestions
To round out the meal, you can serve these sushi stacks with a variety of complementary dishes:
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Edamame with sea salt
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Miso soup or clear broth
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Seaweed salad
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Pickled ginger and soy sauce
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Japanese green tea or sake
You can also plate these stacks alongside a small side of noodles or a light Asian-style slaw to create a more complete dinner.
Fun Serving Ideas
Presentation can take your sushi stacks to the next level. Try these serving ideas for added flair:
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Mini Stack Appetizers: Use smaller molds to make bite-sized versions perfect for cocktail parties.
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Mason Jar Sushi: Layer the ingredients into wide-mouthed mason jars for a portable and visually stunning lunch.
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Bento-Style Plate: Pair one large stack with small sides arranged in a bento-style tray for a balanced meal.
Get creative with your plating. A drizzle of spicy mayo across the top, a garnish of microgreens, or a side of dipping sauce can all enhance the experience.
Conclusion
Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks are a flavorful, creative, and approachable take on classic sushi. They capture the essence of sushi—bold, fresh, and satisfying—without the need for special equipment or raw fish. Whether you’re a seasoned sushi lover or new to Japanese-inspired cuisine, these stacks offer a fun, customizable dish that’s easy to master and guaranteed to impress.
From casual weeknight dinners to elegant entertaining, this recipe is the kind that quickly becomes a favorite. With its vibrant appearance, crave-worthy flavor profile, and minimal prep time, it’s everything you want in a homemade dish—delicious, adaptable, and beautiful on the plate.
Embrace the art of stacking and bring sushi into your kitchen in a whole new way. Your taste buds (and dinner guests) will thank you.