Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups are a delightful twist on traditional sushi that brings a burst of flavor and creativity to your dining table. As a sushi lover, I cant help but be captivated by the vibrant colors and textures of these bite-sized treats. Originating from Japan, sushi has evolved over the years, and these cups are a modern take that showcases the beloved combination of fresh salmon and zesty spices. What I adore about Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups is their perfect balance of creamy avocado, crunchy vegetables, and the satisfying heat from the spicy mayo. Not only are they incredibly delicious, but they are also convenient to prepare, making them an ideal choice for gatherings or a quick weeknight meal. Join me as we dive into this exciting recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends!

Ingredients:
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 ¼ cups water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces sushi-grade salmon, diced
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 sheet nori, cut into small squares
- Pickled ginger, for serving (optional)
- Wasabi, for serving (optional)
Preparing the Sushi Rice
First things first, lets get that sushi rice ready. Its the foundation of our Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups, and we want it to be perfect!
- Rinse the sushi rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps achieve that perfect sticky texture.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 1 ¼ cups of water. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time, as the steam is crucial for cooking the rice properly.
- After 20 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the rice to finish cooking and absorb any remaining moisture.
- While the rice is resting, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until dissolved. You can gently heat it in the microwave for about 10 seconds if needed.
- Once the rice has rested, transfer it to a large bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture using a wooden spatula. Be careful not to mash the rice; we want to keep those grains intact!
- Let the rice cool to room temperature while you prepare the other ingredients.
Preparing the Spicy Salmon Mixture
Now that our rice is cooling, lets whip up that delicious spicy salmon filling. This is where the magic happens!
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced salmon, mayonnaise, sriracha, and soy sauce. Mix gently until the salmon is well coated. Adjust the amount of sriracha based on your spice preference.
- Next, fold in the diced avocado and cucumber. These add a refreshing crunch and creaminess to the mixture.
- Finally, sprinkle in the chopped green onion and sesame seeds, and give it one last gentle mix. Set this aside while we prepare the nori cups.
Assembling the Sushi Cups
Its time to bring everything together! Assembling the sushi cups is super fun and allows for a bit of creativity.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While its heating, lets prepare the nori cups.
- Take a muffin tin and cut the nori sheets into squares that are about 4 inches by 4 inches. Youll need one square for each cup.
- Gently press each nori square into the muffin tin, forming a cup shape. If you want a little extra crispiness, you can lightly brush the nori with a bit of oil.
- Once the oven is preheated, place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the nori is crispy but not burnt. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from perfect to burnt quickly!
- Remove the nori cups from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two.
- Once cooled, fill each nori cup with a generous spoonful of the spicy salmon mixture. Dont be shy; pile it high!
- Garnish each cup with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and

Conclusion:
In summary, these Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their culinary game while enjoying a delightful burst of flavors. The combination of fresh salmon, creamy avocado, and a kick of spice creates a harmonious balance that is sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, the presentation in individual cups makes them perfect for parties, gatherings, or even a cozy night in. For serving suggestions, consider pairing these sushi cups with a side of pickled ginger and wasabi for an authentic sushi experience. You can also experiment with variations by substituting the salmon with tuna or shrimp, or adding your favorite toppings like sesame seeds, scallions, or even a drizzle of sriracha for an extra kick. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience with me. Whether youre a sushi aficionado or a novice in the kitchen, I promise youll find joy in creating these Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups. Dont forget to snap a picture and tag me on social mediaI cant wait to see your delicious creations! Happy cooking! Print
Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups: A Delicious and Easy Recipe to Try Today
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Delightful Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups featuring a crispy nori shell filled with creamy, spicy salmon, avocado, and cucumber. Perfect for a fun appetizer or light meal!
Ingredients
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 ¼ cups water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces sushi-grade salmon, diced
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 sheet nori, cut into small squares
- Pickled ginger, for serving (optional)
- Wasabi, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the sushi rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 1 ¼ cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes.
- Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until dissolved. Gently heat if needed.
- Transfer rice to a large bowl and fold in the vinegar mixture. Let cool to room temperature.
- In a medium bowl, combine diced salmon, mayonnaise, sriracha, and soy sauce. Mix gently.
- Fold in diced avocado and cucumber.
- Sprinkle in chopped green onion and sesame seeds, and mix gently. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut nori sheets into 4-inch squares and press into a muffin tin to form cups.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes until crispy, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Remove from oven and cool slightly.
- Fill each nori cup with the spicy salmon mixture and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve with pickled ginger and wasabi, if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients, such as other types of fish or vegetables.
- You can also adjust the spice level by varying the amount of sriracha.
- These sushi cups are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for a few hours if needed.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
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