These Baked Sushi Cups with Spicy Shrimp are a fun and easy way to enjoy sushi without the need for complicated rolling techniques. The crispy nori cups are filled with seasoned shrimp and rice, topped with a creamy spicy sauce, and baked to perfection. These sushi cups make a great appetizer or light meal, and are perfect for sushi lovers who want a quick and satisfying dish.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 3 sheets nori

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)

• 2 pinches salt

• 3 tablespoons avocado oil mayonnaise (or regular mayonnaise)

• 1 ½ teaspoons Sriracha sauce

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 2 cups cooked short grain rice (such as Japanese or Korean rice)

• Optional Toppings:

  • Toasted white sesame

  • Thinly sliced scallions

  • Ground black pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the nori: Cut the nori into quarter squares to make 12 pieces. Lightly grease a muffin pan and preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).

2. Make the shrimp mix: Pat dry the shrimp with paper towels, chop them into small pieces, and transfer to a bowl. Season with salt, mayonnaise, Sriracha, and sesame oil. Mix well.

3. Assemble the cups: Place one heaping tablespoon of rice on each nori sheet and press down with the back of a spoon. Press the nori sheets into the muffin pan.

4. Add the shrimp: Scoop one heaping tablespoon of the shrimp mixture onto each rice-filled nori sheet.

5. Bake: Bake for 15 minutes or until the tops are slightly browned.

6. Garnish: After baking, garnish the sushi cups with white sesame, scallions, and ground black pepper as desired.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 99 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 9g

• Protein: 8g

• Fat: 3g

  • Saturated Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 62mg

• Sodium: 145mg

• Potassium: 112mg

• Fiber: 0g

• Sugar: 0g

• Vitamin A: 37IU

• Vitamin C: 1mg

• Calcium: 25mg

• Iron: 1mg

The Appeal of Nori as the Base

Nori, the seaweed used in sushi, plays a central role in these Baked Sushi Cups, providing a subtle oceanic flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. While sushi rolls traditionally use nori to wrap the fillings, the Baked Sushi Cups utilize nori as the base, creating a crispy and flavorful “cup” that holds the rice and shrimp mixture.

The texture of the nori adds a satisfying crunch when baked, giving the cups a unique contrast to the tender shrimp and rice. Additionally, nori is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly iodine, which is important for thyroid health. It also contains antioxidants and vitamins A and C, which help support immune function and skin health. The slight saltiness of nori enhances the overall flavor of the dish, balancing the rich and creamy shrimp mixture.

Shrimp: A Delicious and Protein-Packed Filling

The shrimp filling in this recipe is the star of the dish, offering a protein-packed base that pairs perfectly with the rice and nori. Shrimp is low in fat and calories, making it an excellent choice for a light and healthy meal. It is also a great source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body health. In addition to protein, shrimp is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium, all of which support the body’s energy production, thyroid function, and antioxidant defense.

For this recipe, the shrimp is chopped into small pieces, allowing it to be easily distributed among the nori cups. The shrimp is seasoned with mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, and sesame oil, creating a creamy, spicy filling that perfectly complements the other ingredients. The combination of shrimp with the spicy mayonnaise sauce adds a rich, savory flavor that will delight your taste buds with every bite.

The Creamy Spicy Sauce

One of the defining features of these Baked Sushi Cups is the creamy spicy sauce that tops the shrimp. The sauce is made from a combination of mayonnaise, Sriracha, and sesame oil, which provides a perfect balance of creaminess, spice, and umami. The mayonnaise creates a smooth, rich texture that coats the shrimp, while the Sriracha adds a spicy kick that gives the dish an exciting flavor profile. The sesame oil imparts a subtle nuttiness that enhances the overall depth of the sauce.

This sauce is the perfect complement to the shrimp, providing both heat and richness without overwhelming the other flavors. It also works beautifully with the crispiness of the nori and the tenderness of the rice, tying the dish together in a harmonious way. For those who prefer a milder version, the amount of Sriracha can be adjusted to suit individual spice tolerance. The creamy, spicy sauce is one of the key elements that make these Baked Sushi Cups so addictive.

Short Grain Rice: A Perfect Sushi Component

Short grain rice, such as Japanese or Korean rice, is used in this recipe to create a sticky, slightly chewy texture that’s characteristic of sushi. This type of rice has a higher starch content than long grain rice, making it perfect for sticking together and forming a solid base for the nori cups. The rice helps to hold the filling together, creating a satisfying bite while maintaining the traditional sushi texture.

The rice is lightly seasoned with salt, which helps bring out its natural flavor and enhances the overall taste of the dish. It also acts as a neutral base that balances the richness of the shrimp and the spiciness of the sauce. When placed in the nori cups, the rice adds substance and helps absorb the flavors from the shrimp and sauce, making each bite a delicious blend of textures.

The Baking Process: Creating a Perfectly Crispy Cup

The key to this dish’s appeal is the baking process, which turns the nori cups into crispy, golden shells that are sturdy enough to hold the shrimp and rice filling. When the nori cups are baked in a muffin pan, they crisp up while maintaining their shape, creating a perfect vessel for the creamy shrimp mixture. The heat from the oven also helps to intensify the flavors of the nori and shrimp, making each bite burst with savory goodness.

Baking the sushi cups also helps the shrimp cook through quickly, ensuring that they remain tender and juicy while soaking up the flavors from the sauce. The crispy nori cups provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, spicy filling, offering a delightful range of textures in each bite.

Customizing Your Baked Sushi Cups

One of the best things about Baked Sushi Cups with Spicy Shrimp is how versatile they are. While the recipe calls for shrimp, you can easily substitute it with other types of seafood, such as crab, scallops, or even fish. For a vegetarian option, tofu or tempeh can be used in place of the shrimp, offering a plant-based protein alternative that still provides a satisfying texture.

Additionally, you can experiment with different toppings to enhance the flavor and appearance of the sushi cups. For example, you can add a drizzle of soy sauce or additional Sriracha for extra flavor, or sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions on top for added texture and color. If you prefer a milder version, you can adjust the amount of Sriracha or leave it out altogether, making the dish more approachable for those who are sensitive to spice.

A Perfect Appetizer or Light Meal

These Baked Sushi Cups with Spicy Shrimp make a perfect appetizer or light meal. Their bite-sized nature makes them ideal for sharing at a dinner party, potluck, or family gathering, where guests can easily pick them up and enjoy them in one bite. The combination of savory shrimp, crunchy nori, and sticky rice creates a satisfying and flavorful bite that will leave everyone wanting more.

If you’re looking for a complete meal, these sushi cups pair wonderfully with a side of miso soup or a light salad. The balance of textures and flavors in the sushi cups, from the crispy nori to the creamy shrimp filling, makes them a standout dish that can be enjoyed on their own or as part of a larger spread.

A Healthier Take on Sushi

Baked Sushi Cups with Spicy Shrimp offer a healthier alternative to traditional sushi rolls. While sushi rolls often involve deep frying or a heavy amount of rice and sauces, these sushi cups are baked, which reduces the need for excessive oils or fats. Additionally, by using shrimp as the protein source, you’re incorporating a lean, low-calorie ingredient that’s rich in essential nutrients like protein, iodine, and selenium.

The use of sesame oil and mayonnaise in moderation also helps add flavor without compromising the dish’s overall healthiness. By adjusting the amount of Sriracha and other seasonings, you can control the level of spice and make the dish as mild or bold as you like, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Baked Sushi Cups with Spicy Shrimp are a fun, creative, and healthier alternative to traditional sushi rolls. With their crispy nori cups, flavorful shrimp filling, and creamy spicy sauce, they provide a satisfying and delicious meal that’s easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for an appetizer, a light meal, or a unique dish to impress your guests, these sushi cups are sure to become a favorite. The versatility of the recipe, along with the ability to customize the ingredients, makes this dish a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire. Give it a try and enjoy a fun twist on your favorite sushi flavors!