When I first made these Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks, it was a last-minute dinner rescue that turned into a household favorite. One evening, I had a few friends dropping by unexpectedly, and I wanted something impressive but quick. This sushi stack recipe saved the night. With layers of spicy shrimp sushi, creamy spicy mayo sushi, and just the right balance of flavors, it felt fancy without any stress. Since then, the Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks have become my go-to for both casual weeknights and small get-togethers.
This dish fits right into real home cooking because it uses simple, everyday ingredients yet gives a fresh, restaurant-quality feel. It’s perfect when you want sushi flavors but don’t want to fuss with rolling. The shrimp sushi layers come together quickly, and mixing up the spicy mayo sushi adds that kick we all love. Plus, it’s easy to customize if you want to swap out ingredients or add extra toppings.
If you’re looking for a reliable recipe that brings a bit of fun and spice to your kitchen without demanding specialized skills, this is it. You’ll get the thrill of sushi with a practical approach you can count on. And once you try this, you might find yourself making it more often than you expected—trust me, the Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks will get asked for again and again.
For extra inspiration, check out this easy spicy shrimp sushi stacks recipe posted by some talented home cooks or browse closet cooking’s version of Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks for a bit of creative spark. These kinds of recipes make everyday cooking feel special without a holiday or occasion.
What You’ll Need:

1 cup sushi rice (short-grain rice works best)
1 1/4 cups water (for cooking rice)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar (found near salad dressings in many stores)
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 8 ounces, fresh or thawed frozen)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 avocado, sliced
1/4 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup mayonnaise (for the spicy mayo sushi)
2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to your spice comfort level)
1 teaspoon lime juice
1 sheet nori, cut into small strips (optional for garnish)
Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for sprinkling)
Don’t worry if you don’t have sesame oil—I often use a light olive oil in my Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks. It won’t be quite as nutty but still adds good flavor.
Sushi rice is key here and worth getting right. If you’re short on time, use a rice cooker with a sushi setting or buy pre-cooked sushi rice in the refrigerated section. It saves a lot of hassle and still tastes great.
This Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks recipe stays budget-friendly because shrimp is often on sale, especially if you buy frozen and thaw before cooking. Rice and simple produce like cucumber and avocado are easy on the wallet.
To prep quicker, I like to rinse and soak my rice ahead of time while peeling shrimp or slicing avocado. It makes assembling the shrimp sushi layers so smooth.
If you have leftovers, keep the rice and shrimp layers separated and store in airtight containers in the fridge. Add avocado fresh before serving to avoid browning.
What I really love about these Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks is how flexible you can get with ingredients based on what’s on hand. It feels fresh, familiar, and completely doable on a busy weeknight.
Let’s Make It Together:
1. Start by rinsing 1 cup of sushi rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. This helps get rid of excess starch so your spicy shrimp sushi ends up fluffy, not sticky.
2. Cook the rice with 1 1/4 cups water in a rice cooker or on the stove. Once done, mix in a blend of 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt while the rice is still warm. Gently fold this in and let the rice cool to room temperature for your sushi stack recipe.
3. While the rice finishes, cook the shrimp. Heat a pan to medium-high and add 2 teaspoons sesame oil. Toss in 12 peeled, deveined shrimp and sauté with 1 tablespoon soy sauce until pink and opaque—about 3 minutes per side. This step makes your shrimp sushi layers pop with flavor.
4. Make your spicy mayo sushi by mixing 1/4 cup mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons sriracha and 1 teaspoon lime juice. Taste and add more sriracha if you want it hotter.
5. Now it’s assembly time. On a flat surface or plate, use a small ring mold or bowl to layer your Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks. Start with a layer of sushi rice, gently press down.
6. Next, add a few shrimp on top of the rice layer. Drizzle with the spicy mayo sushi sauce.
7. Add sliced avocado and thin cucumber for a cooling crunch.
8. Repeat with another layer of rice, more shrimp, and a drizzle of spicy mayo sushi until you have 2-3 layers stacked nicely.
9. Garnish your stacks with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and thin strips of nori if you like.
10. Your kitchen will smell amazing once your Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks are ready, with that warm sesame oil and fresh rice scent filling the air.
From start to finish, preparing these Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks usually takes about 35 to 40 minutes. While the rice cooks, you can peel the shrimp and mix up the spicy mayo sushi, saving you precious time.
Don’t worry if your stacks don’t look perfectly uniform at first—that’s totally normal! With a little practice, your shrimp sushi layers will get tidier.
If you want a shortcut, use pre-cooked shrimp or even canned crab meat instead of shrimp for a different twist. This helps speed assembly on busy nights.
This Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks is a recipe I refine every time I make it. The balance of spicy mayo sushi and fresh layers keeps me coming back.
How to Serve & Enjoy:
I love serving these Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks with a simple side of pickled ginger and soy sauce for dipping. It brings that authentic sushi bar flair straight to your table.
Great sides for this dish include a crisp seaweed salad or lightly dressed cucumber slices. They refresh your palate between bites of shrimp sushi layers.
These stacks make a fantastic dish for casual dinners, date nights, or when hosting friends who appreciate hands-on, shareable food.
For presentation, keep it simple by stacking your sushi in small clear glasses or ramekins if you don’t have a ring mold. It looks beautiful and lets you see those spicy shrimp sushi layers.
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, turn your Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks into sushi wraps by stuffing the layers in nori sheets. It’s such an easy way to enjoy the flavors all over again.
In warmer months, I like adding mango salsa on top, inspired by recipes like the Spicy Shrimp Stacks with Mango Salsa from The Girl on Bloor. It brings a fresh, fruity note.
Friends and family often compliment how special and approachable this recipe feels—it’s a crowd-pleaser for good reason.

Your Questions Answered:
Can I make this Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the rice and shrimp in advance and keep them covered separately in the fridge. Assemble the stacks no more than an hour before serving to keep the avocado fresh and prevent sogginess.
What’s a good substitute for avocado in this Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks?
If you don’t have avocado, thin slices of mango or jicama add a lovely texture. I’ve also tried cucumber alone for a less creamy but still fresh taste.
How do I adjust this Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks for more or fewer people?
The ratio is easy to scale. Just increase or decrease the shrimp and rice proportionally. A single batch serves about 4, but double it for a larger group.
Can I make the spicy mayo sushi milder?
Absolutely. Start with less sriracha and slowly add more to suit your preference. You want the flavors balanced, not overpowering.
Is there a vegetarian version of these sushi stacks?
Yes! Swap shrimp for sticky tofu cubes or roasted mushrooms, and keep the spicy mayo sushi for that signature flavor kick.
What’s a good way to store leftovers?
Keep rice and shrimp separate in airtight containers overnight. If you have leftover spicy mayo sushi, store it in a small jar in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Have you tried adding other garnishes to your Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks?
Green onions and toasted sesame seeds are my go-tos, but grated daikon or finely chopped cilantro bring a nice twist some friends enjoy.
I once found this delicious Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks recipe on Closet Cooking and tweaked it based on my kitchen style. Each home cook will find their own favorite spin.
Final Thoughts:
This Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s so versatile and reliable. It delivers fresh flavor without complicated technique, which feels just right for everyday cooking and entertaining.
My Best Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks Tips:
- Take your time seasoning the sushi rice for balanced flavor.
- Don’t skip the spicy mayo sushi sauce—it ties the entire dish together.
- Use fresh shrimp and slice even layers for the best look and taste.
Three variations I love:
- Adding mango salsa for a fruity kick.
- Using crab meat instead of shrimp for a slightly sweeter taste.
- Making it vegetarian with tofu and extra veggies.
The spicy shrimp sushi version with avocado and cucumber is by far the most requested in my house.
I encourage you to make this Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks your own—add your favorite toppings, adjust the heat, or serve with a dipping sauce you love.
What I hope you’ll love most is how approachable and comforting this dish feels, even on a busy night. It brings a taste of sushi to your home with none of the fuss.
If this recipe brightens up your meal times, you might want to try other crowd-pleasers on AllFoodsRecipe.com like the Szechuan Beef with Authentic Spicy Flavor or the spicy Korean cauliflower dish for more easy spicy meals.
Happy cooking, fellow home cooks! Your kitchen is about to get a little more exciting with these Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks.
For a few extra ideas and different takes on this dish, you can also explore the Easy Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks Recipe on Facebook, or check out the Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks on Closet Cooking for inspiration.
Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks
Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks layer tender shrimp with sushi rice, avocado, and spicy mayo for a fresh and flavorful appetizer that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 12 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Pickled ginger, for garnish
- Wasabi, for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse sushi rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice and water in a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.
- In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Fold into cooked rice and let cool.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and let cool.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise with sriracha to make spicy mayo.
- To assemble, use a ring mold or stack by hand: layer a spoonful of sushi rice, diced avocado, cooked shrimp, a drizzle of spicy mayo, and cucumber slices. Repeat layers as desired.
- Top with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
- Garnish with pickled ginger and wasabi. Serve immediately.
Notes
For an extra crunch, sprinkle crushed tempura flakes between layers or add finely chopped fresh cilantro for a flavor twist.

