If you love sushi but want something a bit playful and show-stopping, the Shrimp Tempura Sushi Stack Recipe is your new best friend. This dish takes all the classic flavors you adore—crispy shrimp tempura, creamy avocado, tangy seasoned rice, and a spicy mayo kick—and layers them into delightful stacks that are as fun to make as they are to eat. It’s the perfect way to enjoy sushi without the fuss of rolling, making it an ideal light meal or appetizer that impresses every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is simple but essential, contributing distinct tastes, textures, and colors that make the shrimp tempura sushi stack truly special. From the perfectly seasoned sushi rice to the fresh crunch of cucumber, every component works together to create a harmonious bite.
- 1 cup sushi rice: The foundation of the dish, cooked and seasoned to give that sticky, tangy base perfect for stacking.
- 6–8 shrimp tempura: Crispy and golden, these provide the signature crunch and savory seafood flavor.
- 1/2 avocado (diced): Adds creamy richness that softens the textures and balances the spice.
- 1/4 cup cucumber (diced): Fresh and crisp, cucumber brings lightness and a refreshing bite.
- 2 tablespoons spicy mayo: A zesty blend of mayo and sriracha that adds warmth and creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Brings salty umami that enhances all the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds: Adds nuttiness and a subtle crunch as an elegant garnish.
- 1 teaspoon chopped green onions: Brightens every stack with a mild onion flavor and lovely color.
- Optional—seaweed snacks, pickled ginger, or wasabi: Classic sushi accompaniments that amp up the authenticity and fun of serving.
How to Make Shrimp Tempura Sushi Stack Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice
Start by cooking your sushi rice, which will be the glue that holds everything together. Once cooked, season it with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt to give it that signature tang and subtle sweetness. Let the rice cool to room temperature before assembling the stacks, so it holds shape without turning mushy or sticky.
Step 2: Get Your Shrimp Tempura Ready
If you don’t have shrimp tempura on hand, you can whip some up at home or pick up store-bought for convenience. The key is that crispy coating that contrasts so beautifully with the tender shrimp inside and the soft avocado layers.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Using a food ring mold or even freehand on a plate, gently press a layer of the seasoned sushi rice into shape. Follow with a layer of diced cucumber and avocado for crunch and creaminess. Next, place chopped shrimp tempura on top, then drizzle with spicy mayo and soy sauce to add spicy and salty notes. Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions over the stack to finish it with color and texture. Repeat to create as many servings as you want.
How to Serve Shrimp Tempura Sushi Stack Recipe
Garnishes
Garnish your sushi stacks with sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions to create that perfect balance between nutty crunch and a fresh oniony pop. Adding a side of pickled ginger or a small dollop of wasabi turns this stack into a sushi lover’s dream plate.
Side Dishes
Keep things light with a simple seaweed salad or miso soup on the side. These dishes complement the sushi stack’s crispy and creamy textures without weighing the meal down.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your friends, serve your sushi stacks on individual small plates or elegant glass dishes. You can drizzle extra spicy mayo in decorative swirls or sprinkle toasted sesame seeds artistically around the plate. Layering the stacks inside clear glasses or using colorful seaweed snacks as a base can elevate your presentation even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because tempura is best eaten fresh and crispy, leftovers can lose their crunch quickly. Store your shrimp tempura sushi stack covered in the fridge for up to a day, but separate the shrimp tempura from the rice and vegetables if possible to keep textures intact.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this dish since the sushi rice and tempura texture will be compromised. It’s best enjoyed fresh to savor every textural nuance.
Reheating
If you need to reheat shrimp tempura, do so lightly in an oven or air fryer to restore some crispness before assembly. Avoid microwaving the stacks whole, as this will make the rice hard and the tempura soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other seafood instead of shrimp tempura?
Absolutely! Crab or imitation crab can be delicious substitutes that keep the sushi fresh and flavorful. Just make sure to consider texture and flavor balance when choosing alternatives.
Is it difficult to make sushi rice at home?
It’s easier than you might think. The key is rinsing the rice thoroughly, cooking it with the right water ratio, and seasoning it well with rice vinegar mixture. Once cooled, it’s ready for your delicious stacks!
Can I make the spicy mayo ahead of time?
Yes, spicy mayo is super simple to make and can be prepared a day or two in advance. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for best results.
What if I don’t have a food ring mold?
No worries! You can build the sushi stacks freehand on a plate using careful layering and gentle pressing with your fingers or a spoon. The rustic look adds charm.
How can I keep the shrimp tempura crispy?
Serve the tempura hot or at room temperature, and avoid adding wet ingredients directly on top until serving. Crispy tempura really shines when on the plate just before eating.
Final Thoughts
The Shrimp Tempura Sushi Stack Recipe is a fun, fresh twist for sushi lovers who want to experiment with easy yet elevated flavors and textures. It’s a dish that’s as joyful to prepare as it is to eat, making every bite a celebration of crispy, creamy, and spicy goodness. Give it a try and enjoy sushi night in a whole new way!
Print
Shrimp Tempura Sushi Stack Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Assembled
- Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Shrimp tempura sushi stacks are a deconstructed twist on classic sushi rolls, featuring layers of crispy shrimp tempura, creamy avocado, seasoned sushi rice, and a drizzle of spicy mayo. This quick-to-assemble, visually stunning appetizer or light meal combines contrasting textures and flavors for an irresistible sushi experience that’s both fun and flavorful.
Ingredients
Rice Layer
- 1 cup sushi rice (cooked and seasoned with 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt)
Shrimp Tempura Layer
- 6–8 shrimp tempura (store-bought or homemade)
Vegetables and Toppings
- 1/2 avocado (diced)
- 1/4 cup cucumber (diced)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon chopped green onions
Sauces and Condiments
- 2 tablespoons spicy mayo (mix 2 tablespoons mayo with 1 teaspoon sriracha)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Optional Garnishes
- Seaweed snacks
- Pickled ginger
- Wasabi
Instructions
- Prepare Sushi Rice: Cook sushi rice according to package instructions. While still warm, gently fold in the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt mixture. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature for best texture and flavor.
- Gather Ingredients: Dice the avocado and cucumber into small, even pieces. If using store-bought shrimp tempura, have them ready; if homemade, fry them just before stacking.
- Assemble Stacks: Using a food ring mold or freehand on a plate, layer the sushi rice as the base, pressing gently to create an even layer. Add a layer of diced cucumber and avocado on top of the rice.
- Add Shrimp Tempura: Chop or layer the shrimp tempura pieces evenly over the avocado and cucumber layer to maintain the crispy texture.
- Add Sauces and Garnish: Drizzle spicy mayo and soy sauce over the layered stack. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Repeat and Serve: If making multiple servings, repeat the layering process for each stack. Serve immediately with optional seaweed snacks, pickled ginger, or wasabi to complement the flavors and textures.
Notes
- For an extra flavor boost, mix a little wasabi directly into the sushi rice before assembling.
- Add a thin layer of cream cheese between layers for richness and creaminess.
- Substitute crab or imitation crab for shrimp to vary the seafood component.
- Best served fresh to maintain the crispiness of the shrimp tempura.
