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 the rich culinary traditions of Japan, sushi has evolved over the years, and these cups are a modern take that showcases the versatility of this beloved dish.
What I adore about Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups is their perfect balance of heat and freshness. The creamy avocado, zesty sriracha, and tender salmon come together in a way that tantalizes the taste buds, making them a favorite among friends and family. Not only are they delicious, but they are also incredibly convenient to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet experience at home without the fuss of rolling sushi. Whether youre hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups are sure to impress and satisfy!

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 sesame oil
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Nori sheets, cut into small squares (for serving)
- Pickled ginger (for garnish)
- Wasabi (optional, for serving)
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 helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.
- 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 essential for cooking the rice properly.
- After 20 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to finish cooking and absorb any remaining moisture.
- While the rice is resting, prepare the sushi vinegar mixture. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
- Once the rice has rested, transfer it to a large bowl. Drizzle the vinegar mixture over the rice and gently fold it in using a wooden spatula or rice paddle. Be careful not to mash the rice; you want to keep the grains intact. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature.
Preparing the Spicy Salmon Mixture
Now that our rice is cooling, lets whip up that delicious spicy salmon mixture that will take our sushi cups to the next level!
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced sushi-grade salmon, 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of sriracha, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Mix everything together until the salmon is well coated.
- Give it a taste and adjust the sriracha according to your spice preference. If you like it spicier, feel free to add more!
- Once youre happy with the flavor, set the bowl aside. This mixture will be the star of our sushi cups!
Preparing the Vegetables
While the salmon mixture is resting, lets chop up some fresh veggies to add texture and flavor to our sushi cups.
- Dice the avocado into small cubes. I like to sprinkle a little lime juice over the avocado to prevent it from browning, but this is optional.
- Next, take the cucumber and dice it into small pieces as well. You can peel it if you prefer, but I like to leave the skin on for added color and nutrients.
- Finally, thinly slice the green onions. The green parts will add a nice pop of color and flavor to our cups.
Assembling the Sushi Cups
Now comes the fun partassembling our Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups! This is where you can get creative and make them look as beautiful as they taste.
- Start by taking a small amount of the cooled sushi rice and pressing it into the bottom of a small cup or bowl. You want to create a nice base for your sushi cup, so make sure its packed but not too tight.
- Next, add a generous spoonful of

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 fusion of flavors. The combination of fresh salmon, creamy avocado, and a kick of spice creates a mouthwatering experience that is both satisfying and unique. Plus, the presentation in individual cups makes them perfect for entertaining or a fun family dinner. For serving suggestions, consider pairing these sushi cups with a side of pickled ginger and wasabi for an authentic touch. You can also experiment with variations by substituting the salmon with tuna or even a vegetarian option using marinated tofu or roasted vegetables. The possibilities are endless, and I encourage you to get creative! I genuinely hope you give this recipe a try and share your experience with friends and family. Whether youre a sushi aficionado or a novice in the kitchen, these Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups are sure to impress. Dont forget to let me know how they turn out for you! 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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