If you love sushi but dread the hassle of rolling and slicing, the Shrimp Tempura Sushi Stack is about to become your new obsession! This playful, flavor-packed twist on classic sushi layers perfectly crispy shrimp, creamy avocado, seasoned sushi rice, and drizzles of spicy mayo in beautiful stacks—delivering everything you crave with minimal effort and maximum wow factor. Whether you’re planning a fun weeknight dinner or dazzling a crowd, this recipe is as impressive as it is delicious.

Shrimp Tempura Sushi Stack Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for your Shrimp Tempura Sushi Stack is refreshingly simple, but each one plays a crucial role in bringing together the flavor and texture that make these stacks truly unforgettable. From crispy shrimp to seasoned rice and creamy avocado, you’ll see how these building blocks turn everyday staples into pure magic.

Shrimp tempura: Ready-made or homemade, these crunchy shrimp provide the signature crispy bite and rich flavor at the heart of each stack.
Sushi rice (cooked and seasoned): Short-grain sushi rice brings the authentic sweet-vinegary base essential for building sturdy, flavorful layers.
Avocado (diced): Adds a creamy, buttery texture that contrasts beautifully with the crisp shrimp.
Cucumber (diced): Offers a refreshing, cool crunch that brightens every bite.
Mayonnaise: The base for spicy mayo, giving a smooth, rich finish to the stacks.
Sriracha: Infuses your sauce with that sought-after spicy kick—adjust to taste!
Soy sauce: Brings a salty, savory backbone that ties the rice and veggies together.
Rice vinegar: Essential for both seasoning the rice and perking up the cucumber-avocado blend.
Sesame oil: A little goes a long way, adding a nutty warmth and aromatic finish.
Furikake seasoning (optional): Sprinkled on top, it delivers bursts of umami and crunch—try it for an authentic touch.
Nori (seaweed): Cut into strips or squares, it imparts classic sushi flavor and a fun pop of color.
Green onions and sesame seeds: Freshly sliced and sprinkled for garnish, these add color, crunch, and a hint of earthiness.

How to Make Shrimp Tempura Sushi Stack

Step 1: Mix Up That Spicy Mayo

In a small bowl, stir together your mayonnaise and sriracha until you have a beautifully smooth, coral-pink sauce. Taste and adjust the spice level—if you love a good kick, go wild! This spicy mayo is the drizzle that brings the Shrimp Tempura Sushi Stack together in the most zippy, creamy way.

Step 2: Toss the Avocado and Cucumber

Take your diced avocado and cucumber and gently toss them with rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a second bowl. These simple additions highlight the veggies’ natural freshness and prevent the avocado from browning while you assemble your Shrimp Tempura Sushi Stack layers.

Step 3: Assemble Your Stacks

Now for the fun part—building your sushi stacks! Line a 1-cup measuring cup or ring mold with plastic wrap. Press a layer of seasoned sushi rice into the bottom. Add a generous scoop of the avocado-cucumber mixture, then nestle in two or three shrimp tempura on top. The layers should look vibrant, with colors peeking through just like a slice of rainbow sushi cake.

Step 4: Unmold for the Big Reveal

Carefully lift off the mold or flip your measuring cup onto a plate. Gently peel away the plastic wrap, and just like that, your Shrimp Tempura Sushi Stack stands tall and proud! Give yourself a little applause—you’ve just made sushi magic at home, no rolling required.

Step 5: Finish with Toppings

Drizzle each stack generously with spicy mayo, then sprinkle with furikake if using. Finish by garnishing with nori strips, green onions, and sesame seeds. The final flourish adds crunch, color, and aromatic layers you’ll taste in every bite. Repeat to build all your stacks, and serve them up immediately while the shrimp is crispy and the flavors are at their best.

How to Serve Shrimp Tempura Sushi Stack

Garnishes

Generous toppings make all the difference. A scatter of green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and little nori squares transform each Shrimp Tempura Sushi Stack into a showstopper. Furikake adds a delightful burst of umami and crunch, while a little extra spicy mayo will keep even the biggest heat-lovers happy.

Side Dishes

The Shrimp Tempura Sushi Stack pairs well with light, zippy sides that won’t overshadow its flavors. Classic miso soup and a crisp green salad make for a balanced meal. You could also serve edamame, seaweed salad, or pickled ginger to keep things refreshingly palate-cleansing.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t hesitate to have fun with your presentation! Try making smaller, bite-sized stacks for party appetizers, or layer them in individual ramekins for a modern twist. Arrange on a platter with dramatic swirls of spicy mayo and scattered nori strips for a truly eye-catching centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Shrimp Tempura Sushi Stack components, store them separately. This prevents the shrimp tempura from getting soggy. Keep the assembled stacks tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to one day, but for best texture, enjoy them fresh as possible.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for the assembled stack since both the sushi rice and fresh veggies lose their ideal texture. If needed, you can freeze homemade shrimp tempura on its own; just reheat in the oven and assemble fresh when ready.

Reheating

To revive the signature crunch, reheat any leftover shrimp tempura in a hot oven or toaster oven for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving assembled stacks, as the rice and veggies may become mushy. Reheat shrimp only, then reconstruct your stack for best results.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought shrimp tempura?

Absolutely! Store-bought shrimp tempura makes this Shrimp Tempura Sushi Stack a breeze. Just make sure to reheat them so they’re crispy before stacking.

What can I substitute for shrimp?

If you don’t have shrimp tempura handy, try using crab meat, imitation crab, or even crispy tofu for a tasty pescatarian or vegetarian alternative in your stack.

How do I make sushi rice at home?

Cook short-grain rice according to package instructions, then season it warm with a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt (about 2 tablespoons vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt per cup of rice). Let it cool before using in your Shrimp Tempura Sushi Stack.

Is it safe to make these ahead?

You can prep components a few hours early, but assemble your Shrimp Tempura Sushi Stack right before serving for the freshest results and to keep the shrimp crisp.

Can I prepare this gluten free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your tempura batter and furikake are gluten-free (some brands may contain wheat) to enjoy a gluten-free version.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fresh, fun, and utterly satisfying sushi experience without any tricky rolling, the Shrimp Tempura Sushi Stack checks every box. Give it a try, share it with friends, and get ready for rave reviews—this easy, beautiful dish is guaranteed to impress at first bite!

Shrimp Tempura Sushi Stack Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 stacks 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Elevate your sushi game with this Shrimp Tempura Sushi Stack recipe. Perfectly seasoned sushi rice, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and savory shrimp tempura, all layered to create a visually stunning and delicious dish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Spicy Mayo:

2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sriracha

For the Avocado-Cucumber Mixture:

1/2 avocado, diced
1/2 cucumber, diced
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

For Assembly:

12 shrimp tempura (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup sushi rice, cooked and seasoned
1 tablespoon furikake seasoning (optional)
1 sheet nori, cut into small squares or strips
Green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Spicy Mayo: Mix mayonnaise and sriracha in a bowl.
Prepare the Avocado-Cucumber Mixture: Toss avocado and cucumber with rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Assemble the Stacks: Layer seasoned sushi rice, avocado-cucumber mixture, and shrimp tempura in a measuring cup or ring mold. Top with spicy mayo, furikake, nori, green onions, and sesame seeds. Repeat for additional stacks.
Serve: Enjoy immediately!