If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful appetizer or meal, these Crispy Shrimp Sushi Cups are the way to go! Inspired by my bestie @themodernnonna, this recipe takes sushi to the next level. The shrimp gets perfectly crispy in the oven, tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce, and served in a crispy nori cup. It’s like sushi, but bite-sized and baked to perfection! Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a tasty bite, these shrimp sushi cups are sure to impress!
Method
To start, prepare the rice. Begin by cooking 1 1/2 cups of rice according to the package instructions. I prefer using jasmine rice for its fragrant aroma, but any variety you like will work just fine. Once cooked, set the rice aside to cool a bit, as you want it slightly warm when you use it later.
Next, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), so it’s ready for baking. While the oven heats up, move on to prepping the shrimp. Take your uncooked shrimp, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture, and then cut them into small, bite-sized pieces. Toss the shrimp with a pinch of salt to season them lightly.
Now, make the creamy sauce that will coat the shrimp. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese, 3 tablespoons of kewpie mayo, 1 teaspoon of sriracha, and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce or coconut aminos (if you prefer a gluten-free option). If the cream cheese is too stiff to mix easily, microwave the bowl for 20 seconds to soften it up, then mix everything together until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Pour this sauce over the shrimp and toss well to ensure every piece is coated.
Once the shrimp and sauce are well mixed, it’s time to assemble the cups. Take 3 sheets of nori and cut each into 4 squares, giving you a total of 12 squares. Place a small spoonful (about 1-2 tablespoons) of cooked rice onto each nori square, pressing it down gently with your fingers or the back of a spoon to compact it. Then, press each rice-covered nori square into the cups of a muffin tin to form little bowls. After that, scoop about 1-2 tablespoons of the shrimp mixture and place it on top of the rice in each muffin cup.
Once the cups are assembled, place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake the sushi cups for 15 minutes. This step allows the shrimp to cook through and become tender. For the final touch, switch the oven to broil for 2 more minutes. Keep a close eye on them during broiling, as the broiler can burn things quickly. The broiling will give the tops of the shrimp a crispy golden finish that adds the perfect texture to these sushi cups.
After baking and broiling, remove the sushi cups from the oven. For an extra touch of flavor, drizzle each cup with spicy mayo and garnish with freshly chopped chives. Serve immediately while they’re warm and crispy for the best experience.
Necessary Tools
- Muffin tin
- Microwave-safe bowl (for cream cheese)
- Small knife (for cutting shrimp and nori)
- Spoon or your fingers (for pressing rice into nori)
- Oven or broiler
Crispy Shrimp Sushi Cups Recipe
Cuisine: JapaneseDifficulty: Easy12
servings20
minutes17
minutes37
minutesIngredients
1 1/2 cups cooked rice (I used jasmine, but any rice works)
3 sheets nori, cut into 12 squares
1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp (uncooked), cut into small pieces
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup softened cream cheese
3 tbsp kewpie mayo
1 tsp sriracha
2 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
Chives for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the rice: Start by cooking your rice according to the package instructions. I love using jasmine rice for its fragrance, but any rice will do! Set the rice aside to cool a bit.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up.
- Prep the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Cut them into small pieces and toss them with a pinch of salt.
- Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, kewpie mayo, sriracha, and soy sauce (or coconut aminos). If the cream cheese is a little stiff, pop it in the microwave for about 20 seconds to soften it up, then mix everything together.
- Combine shrimp and sauce: Pour the creamy sauce onto the shrimp and toss to coat them well.
- Assemble the cups: Cut the nori sheets into squares, then press about 1-2 tbsp of the cooked rice onto each square. Press the nori into the cups of a muffin tin. Scoop 1-2 tbsp of the shrimp mixture into each muffin cup on top of the rice.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake the cups for 15 minutes. Then, switch to broil for 2 more minutes to get the tops nice and crispy.
- Garnish and serve: Once they’re out of the oven, top your crispy shrimp sushi cups with a drizzle of spicy mayo and some fresh chives for garnish. Serve these babies hot!
Notes
- Rice Amount: Be careful when pressing the rice into the nori. Too much rice can make the cups too heavy and hard to keep together. Just a small spoonful per square will do the trick.
- Broiling: Keep an eye on the cups while broiling! The broiler can burn things quickly, so don’t leave them unattended. Just 2 minutes is usually enough to get that crispy top.
- Shrimp Drying: Be sure to pat the shrimp dry before cooking. If they’re too wet, they won’t crisp up properly.
Serving Suggestions
- These crispy shrimp sushi cups make the perfect appetizer for a dinner party or a fun weeknight meal. You can serve them with a side of edamame or a fresh cucumber salad for a light and delicious meal.
- They also pair wonderfully with a sweet chili dipping sauce or extra spicy mayo for that added kick.
- For a more filling meal, serve with miso soup or a side of sushi rolls to complete the experience.
Fun Fact
Did you know that sushi doesn’t always have to be raw? These crispy shrimp sushi cups are a perfect example of how you can enjoy the delicious flavors of sushi without needing raw fish! Plus, baking the shrimp gives them a crispy texture that you won’t find in traditional sushi rolls.
Conclusion
These Crispy Shrimp Sushi Cups are a total game-changer! They’re fun to make, even more fun to eat, and packed with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a party or enjoying them solo, you’ll be hooked after the first crispy, creamy bite. Get ready for a sushi experience like no other! Enjoy!
