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 how they combine the fresh, delicate taste of salmon with a kick of spice, all nestled in a convenient cup format. This makes them not only a feast for the eyes but also a perfect appetizer for gatherings or a quick weeknight meal. The creamy avocado, crunchy vegetables, and zesty sauce create a harmonious balance that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether youre a seasoned sushi enthusiast or a curious beginner, these cups are sure to impress and satisfy your cravings!
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 or Japanese mayo)
- 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
- Nori sheets, cut into small squares (for garnish)
- Pickled ginger (for serving)
- Wasabi (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 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. Gently fold in the sushi vinegar mixture 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 filling. This is where the magic happens!
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced sushi-grade salmon, 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of sriracha, and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce. Adjust the amount of sriracha based on your spice preference.
- Gently mix the ingredients until the salmon is well coated with the spicy mayo mixture. Be careful not to break up the salmon too much; we want nice, chunky pieces.
- Once mixed, taste the salmon mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more sriracha for heat or more mayo for creaminess.
Preparing the Vegetables
While the salmon mixture is resting, lets prepare our fresh veggies. Theyll add a nice crunch and freshness to our sushi cups!
- Dice the avocado and cucumber into small, bite-sized pieces. You want them to be small enough to fit nicely in the cups but large enough to provide a satisfying texture.
- Finely chop the green onion, using both the white and green parts for added flavor and color.
- Set the diced avocado, cucumber, and chopped green onion aside. Well use them to assemble our sushi cups shortly.
Assembling the Sushi Cups
Now comes the fun partassembling our Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups! This is where you can get creative.
- Start by preparing your serving cups. You can use small cups, shot glasses, or even muffin tins lined with plastic wrap for easy removal. If youre using nori sheets, cut them into small squares or circles to line the bottom of each cup.
- Take a spoonful of the sushi rice and press it into the bottom of each cup. You

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 simply enjoying a fun meal at home. 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: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy a creative twist on sushi with these Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups, featuring seasoned sushi rice topped with a creamy, spicy salmon mixture, fresh avocado, and crunchy cucumber. Perfect for entertaining or as a tasty snack!
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 or Japanese mayo)
- 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
- Nori sheets, cut into small squares (for garnish)
- Pickled ginger (for serving)
- Wasabi (for serving)
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.
- After 20 minutes, remove from heat and let sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt until dissolved.
- Transfer the rice to a large bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture. Allow to cool to room temperature.
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced salmon, mayonnaise, sriracha, and soy sauce. Adjust sriracha to taste.
- Gently mix until the salmon is well coated, being careful not to break it up too much.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Dice the avocado and cucumber into small pieces.
- Finely chop the green onion, using both white and green parts.
- Set aside the diced avocado, cucumber, and chopped green onion.
- Prepare serving cups (small cups, shot glasses, or muffin tins lined with plastic wrap). If using nori, cut into small squares or circles to line the bottom of each cup.
- Press a spoonful of sushi rice into the bottom of each cup.
- Layer with the spicy salmon mixture, followed by diced avocado, cucumber, and green onion.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and garnish with nori squares.
- Serve with pickled ginger and wasabi on the side.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha.
- You can substitute the salmon with other sushi-grade fish or even cooked shrimp for a different flavor.
- These sushi cups can be prepared ahead of time; just assemble them shortly before serving for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
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