Have you ever craved homemade sushi but felt intimidated by the rolling process? You’re not alone! Many aspiring home chefs find the art of perfectly rolled sushi daunting. But what if there was an easier, equally delicious way to enjoy your favorite Japanese-inspired flavors? Enter the **Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stack** – a revolutionary, simple, and utterly satisfying alternative that delivers all the taste without the fuss of traditional sushi rolls. This dish is so straightforward, in fact, that it’s become a fun family activity in our kitchen, even drawing in my daughter, which is a rare and delightful occurrence!

What truly elevates this simple shrimp sushi stack to gourmet heights are the two distinct, yet complementary, sauces. We’re talking about a classic sriracha mayo, offering that familiar creamy heat, paired with an invigorating wasabi mayo. The combination of these two sauces creates a symphony of flavors – spicy, tangy, and subtly sweet – that transforms each bite into an extraordinary culinary experience. Forget complicated preparations; this dish proves that impressive flavors can come from effortless execution.
If you love shrimp as much as we do, you might also enjoy our Shrimp Salad recipe for another delightful meal!
Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stack: The Ultimate Easy Homemade Sushi
Making sushi at home often comes with the preconception of intricate techniques and specialized equipment. However, the sushi stack completely redefines this notion. By layering ingredients in a mold instead of rolling them, you eliminate the need for bamboo mats and the frustration of uneven, falling-apart rolls. This method is incredibly forgiving, making it perfect for beginners, busy weeknights, or a fun cooking project with kids. The result is a visually stunning dish that looks like it took hours, but truly only takes minutes to assemble.
Why Choose Sushi Stacks Over Rolls?
- **Simplicity:** No rolling technique required. Just layer and flip!
- **Speed:** Assembly is incredibly fast, cutting down prep time significantly.
- **Visual Appeal:** Creates an elegant, multi-layered presentation that impresses.
- **Customization:** Easier to adapt with various ingredients and toppings to suit individual tastes.
- **Less Mess:** Generally cleaner to assemble compared to sticky sushi rolls.

Ingredients for Your Flavorful Sushi Stack
The beauty of this recipe lies in its fresh, vibrant ingredients, combined with two amazing sauces that pack a punch. Here’s what you’ll need to create your own Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stack:
For the Wasabi Sauce:
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that binds everything together.
- Rice Wine Vinegar: Adds a subtle tang and authentic Asian flavor.
- Wasabi Paste: Delivers that signature sharp, pungent kick. Adjust to your heat preference!
- Sesame Oil: Aromatic and adds a nutty depth.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
For the Sriracha Sauce:
- Mayonnaise: Again, providing a rich, creamy texture.
- Sriracha: The star for spicy heat and a slightly garlicky flavor.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Balances the heat of the sriracha with a touch of sweetness and mild spice.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning.
For the Shrimp Stacks:
- Cooked Sushi Rice: The foundation of any good sushi dish. Preparing it correctly is key.
- Cooked Shrimp: Cleaned and diced into manageable 1-inch pieces. Quality shrimp makes all the difference.
- Diced Cucumber: Provides a refreshing crunch and vibrant color. About one small cucumber should do it.
- Medium Avocado: Mashed to a creamy consistency, adding healthy fats and a smooth texture.
- Reduced-Sodium Soy Sauce: For drizzling and an umami boost.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds (optional): For garnish and added texture.
The Easy Step-by-Step Assembly Guide
The hardest part of this recipe is arguably chopping your ingredients and mixing the sauces – and even that is incredibly simple! Once your components are ready, the layering begins. For best results, we find that a one-cup metal dry measuring cup works perfectly as a mold, helping you create perfectly portioned and shaped stacks. You could also use a ramekin or any other small, straight-sided container.
1. Prepare the Rice: Cook your sushi rice according to package directions, but remember to omit the salt during cooking. Sushi rice is typically seasoned with a vinegar mixture after cooking, but for this stack, the sauces will provide plenty of flavor. Allow the cooked rice to cool completely. This is crucial for the texture and to prevent the other ingredients from heating up when layered.
2. Craft the Wasabi Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, rice wine vinegar, wasabi paste, sesame oil, and a few dashes of salt. Whisk until smooth and thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust the wasabi level to your preference. Set this aromatic sauce aside.
3. Mix the Sriracha Sauce: In a separate small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, and salt. Stir until everything is well incorporated. This sauce provides the classic spicy mayo flavor. Set it aside with the wasabi sauce.
4. Begin Layering Your Stack: Choose your vessel, such as a 1-cup metal measuring cup. Start by laying a generous layer of diced cucumbers at the bottom, flat sides down. Press them gently to form a firm base.

5. Add the Avocado Layer: Carefully spread a layer of mashed avocado on top of the cucumbers. Ensure it’s evenly distributed but don’t press too hard, as you want to maintain some lightness.

6. Place the Shrimp: Now, layer the diced cooked shrimp on top of the avocado. Arrange them neatly, flat sides down if applicable, to create a solid layer. Feel free to get creative here; you can switch up the seafood ingredient to customize your stack!
Quick Guide to Cooking Shrimp (if using raw):
If you’re starting with raw shrimp, here’s how to cook them perfectly:
- Bring 3 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot.
- Add 1 pound of shrimp (peeled and deveined, or with shells on for more flavor) and 1 teaspoon of salt to the boiling water.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for just 1 to 2 minutes. Watch closely – shrimp cook very quickly and turn pink when done. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery.
- Immediately remove the shrimp from the hot water and plunge them into an ice bath (a bowl of ice water). This stops the cooking process and keeps the shrimp tender.
- Once cooled, drain the shrimp on paper towels and pat them dry before dicing.
For more delicious seafood inspiration, check out our amazing Ceviche recipe!

7. The Rice Topping: Top the shrimp layer with about 1/3 cup of the cooled sushi rice. Gently press the rice down to compact the layers. This helps the stack hold its shape when inverted.
8. Invert and Release: Place your serving plate firmly on top of the measuring cup. Holding the plate and cup together, carefully but confidently flip them over. You might feel a slight shift as the stack releases. Gently tap the bottom of the measuring cup a few times, then slowly lift the cup off the sushi stack. If it doesn’t slide out immediately, a few more gentle taps should do the trick. You’ll be left with a beautiful, perfectly formed sushi stack!

9. Garnish and Serve: Drizzle about 1 teaspoon of reduced-sodium soy sauce over the top of the sushi stack. Then, artfully drizzle both the wasabi sauce and the sriracha sauce over the top, creating an appealing pattern. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and texture. Serve immediately and savor every incredible bite!
For another incredibly popular shrimp dish that’s always a hit, try our Bang Bang Shrimp!

This spicy shrimp sushi stack recipe is destined to become a regular fixture in your meal rotation. It’s truly that good, and that easy! Just writing about it makes my mouth water. The blend of fresh vegetables, tender shrimp, and those two irresistible sauces is simply divine. It’s a fantastic way to satisfy your sushi cravings without the expense or complexity of ordering out.
Tips for Success and Variations
To ensure your sushi stacks are always perfect, consider these tips:
- Cool Rice is Key: Ensure your sushi rice is completely cooled before layering. Warm rice can make the other ingredients wilt and the stack less firm.
- Don’t Overpack: While you want to gently press the layers, avoid overpacking your mold. This can make the stack too dense and difficult to release.
- Grease the Mold (Optional): For extra insurance, you can lightly oil the inside of your measuring cup or ramekin before layering to help the stack slide out easily.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest shrimp, crispest cucumbers, and perfectly ripe avocado for the best flavor and texture.
- Customize Your Protein: Not a fan of shrimp? Try diced cooked salmon, tuna, imitation crab meat, or even smoked tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Add More Veggies: Thinly sliced carrots, finely diced bell peppers, or chopped scallions can add extra color, crunch, and nutrients.
- Experiment with Sauces: If you prefer less heat, adjust the sriracha and wasabi amounts. You can also explore other sauces like eel sauce (unagi sauce) or a simple ginger-soy dressing.
- Garnish Galore: Beyond sesame seeds, consider thinly sliced nori strips, tobiko (flying fish roe), or a sprinkle of chopped chives for an elevated presentation.
Health Benefits of Homemade Sushi Stacks
This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with wholesome ingredients:
- Lean Protein: Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety.
- Healthy Fats: Avocado provides monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health.
- Fiber & Vitamins: Cucumbers and avocado offer dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Customizable: Making it at home allows you to control sodium levels and choose fresh, high-quality ingredients, avoiding hidden sugars and unhealthy additives often found in store-bought sushi.
Serving Suggestions
Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks make for a fantastic light lunch, appetizer, or a vibrant main course. Serve them with a side of miso soup, a fresh green salad with ginger dressing, or some edamame for a complete and balanced meal. They’re also perfect for entertaining, as they can be partially prepped in advance and assembled quickly when guests arrive.

Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stack
Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stack – The sauces take this sushi to another level! So easy to satisfy your sushi craving at home!
Rating: 4.73 from 11 votes
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Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Asian
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 563 kcal
Author: Don’t Sweat The Recipe
Ingredients
Wasabi Sauce:
- 1/4 cup Mayo
- 1 tbsp Rice Wine Vinegar
- 1/2 tbsp Wasabi Paste
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- three dashes salt
Sriracha Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Mayo
- 3 tsp Sriracha
- 3 tsp Sweet Chili Sauce
- 1/4 tsp Salt
Shrimp stacks:
- 1 1/3 cups cooked sushi rice
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, cleaned and diced into 1″ pieces
- 1 cup diced cucumber (about 1 small)
- 1 medium avocado, mashed
- 4 tsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
- Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package directions, omitting salt. Allow the rice to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, mix the ingredients for the wasabi sauce until smooth. Set aside.
- In another small bowl, mix the ingredients for the sriracha sauce until smooth. Set aside.
- Using a 1-cup dry measuring cup, firmly layer diced cucumber at the bottom, then a layer of mashed avocado, followed by the diced shrimp, and finally about a 1/3 cup of cooled sushi rice. Gently press each layer.
- Place a serving plate on top of the measuring cup. Carefully turn the cup and plate upside down together to invert the stack onto the plate. Lightly tap the bottom of the cup, then slowly lift the cup off to reveal the sushi stack.
- Drizzle about 1 teaspoon of soy sauce over the top of the sushi. Then, drizzle both the wasabi sauce and the sriracha sauce artfully over the stack. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds if desired.
- Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients to create more stacks. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh flavors!
Nutrition
Serving: 4g | Calories: 563kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 303mg | Sodium: 1597mg | Potassium: 399mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 115IU | Vitamin C: 14.2mg | Calcium: 175mg | Iron: 3mg
And if you’re looking for a delightful and refreshing dessert to follow this savory dish, why not try our Strawberry Shortcake? It’s the perfect sweet ending to any meal!
