Name: Viral Crispy Shrimp Sushi Cups Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: Japanese Fusion
Ingredients: 1 ½ Cups Cooked Rice; 3 Sheets Nori, cut into 12 squares; 1 Pound Shrimp, peeled, deveined, uncooked, and chopped into small pieces; 1 Pinch Sea Salt; ½ Cup Softened Cream Cheese; 3 Tablespoons Kewpie Mayo; 1 Teaspoon Sriracha; 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos; 1 Tablespoon Chives, chopped; Additional spicy mayo for drizzling

Print Recipe· 4.4 from 8 reviews

If you’ve ever wanted to impress friends or family with a fun twist on sushi, the Viral Crispy Shrimp Sushi Cups Recipe is an absolute game-changer. These bite-sized delights bring together crispy, spicy shrimp coated in a creamy, tangy sauce nestled perfectly inside crunchy nori and fluffy rice “cups.” They deliver that perfect balance of textures and flavors, turning a sushi favorite into a party-ready snack that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become your new go-to for gatherings or a special treat at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden board with several bowls and plates of ingredients for sushi. On the top left, there is a stack of dark green seaweed sheets next to a small round bowl filled with creamy orange sauce. Below that, a clear glass bowl holds a smooth white sauce with a spoon inside. To the right of these, there is a small bottle of dark soy sauce with a glass cap nearby. A small brown bowl contains chopped green chives. On the bottom left side, a black bowl holds coarse salt next to a terracotta bowl filled with raw shrimp pieces, some whole and some chopped, along with a knife with a wooden handle resting on the bowl’s edge. A beige bowl on the right side is filled with cooked white rice. There is a small green bowl with red sauce and a spoon next to a bottle of bright red hot sauce. Two wooden chopsticks rest on the board near the rice bowl. The whole setup is on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is essential, but don’t worry—this Viral Crispy Shrimp Sushi Cups Recipe relies on simple pantry staples that combine to create layers of flavor and satisfying crunch. Each component plays a key role, from the tender shrimp and creamy cheese to the perfectly seasoned rice and crispy nori.

Cooked Rice (1 ½ Cups): Use freshly cooked, slightly cooled rice for the ideal sticky texture that holds the cups together.
Nori Sheets (3, cut into 12 squares): These seaweed sheets add crunch and essential umami flavor.
Shrimp (1 Pound): Peeled, deveined, uncooked, and chopped small pieces provide a succulent base for the topping.
Sea Salt (a pinch): Enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp perfectly.
Cream Cheese (½ Cup, softened): Adds creamy richness and balances the spiciness.
Kewpie Mayo (3 Tablespoons): A smoother, slightly sweet Japanese mayo that’s perfect for sushi flavors.
Sriracha (1 Teaspoon): Brings a subtle kick of heat that wakes up your taste buds.
Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos (2 Tablespoons): Adds a salty depth and a touch of sweetness.
Chives (1 Tablespoon, chopped): A fresh, mild onion note for garnish and color.

How to Make Viral Crispy Shrimp Sushi Cups Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Rice and Shrimp

Begin by cooking your rice according to the package directions and set it aside to cool slightly—this helps it hold better when pressed into the nori cups. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prep the shrimp by peeling, deveining, and chopping them into small, bite-sized pieces, then sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt. This simple seasoning step sets the stage for bold flavors later on.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Spicy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Kewpie mayo, sriracha, and soy sauce (or coconut aminos). Stir the mixture until smooth and fully blended; if the cream cheese seems stubborn, pop the bowl in the microwave for 20 seconds to soften it further. This velvety sauce is the heart of the Viral Crispy Shrimp Sushi Cups Recipe, coating the shrimp with a punch of creamy heat.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Pour the sauce over the chopped shrimp and mix until every piece is beautifully coated. This step ensures the shrimp will stay moist and flavorful during baking, transforming into irresistibly crispy little morsels later on.

Step 4: Assemble the Sushi Cups

Cut the nori sheets into 12 equal squares and line them into the cavities of a muffin tin. Using your hands or a spoon, press 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cooked rice into each nori square, creating a firm, even base for the shrimp topping. Then, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the shrimp mixture atop the rice in each cup, distributing it evenly. This assembly transforms familiar sushi elements into a playful, portable delight.

Step 5: Bake and Broil to Perfection

Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake the sushi cups for 15 minutes. This baking step cooks the shrimp through and melds the flavors. After baking, switch your oven to broil and give the sushi cups 2 minutes under the broiler to achieve that coveted crispy finish on top—this finishing touch makes all the difference, elevating the texture and flavor to a whole new level.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

When the sushi cups come out golden and crispy, drizzle a little extra spicy mayo on each cup and sprinkle with the chopped chives. These garnishes provide fresh bursts of flavor and brighten up the presentation, making your Viral Crispy Shrimp Sushi Cups Recipe truly irresistible.

How to Serve Viral Crispy Shrimp Sushi Cups Recipe

The image shows a food preparation scene with two main components: small squares of shiny dark green seaweed sheets topped with a layer of white cooked rice, placed on a light wooden board; a metal muffin tin with some cups lined with seaweed and filled with white rice, and some cups also topped with creamy beige chunks of meat mixed in a light sauce. Nearby, a white bowl holds white rice with a wooden spoon resting in it, and a brown bowl contains the creamy meat mixture with a black spoon inside. The background features a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Chopped chives, a drizzle of spicy mayo, and even a light sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds make perfect garnishes. They add subtle layers of flavor and a pop of color that offers an inviting look and enhances each mouthful.

Side Dishes

These sushi cups pair beautifully with simple sides like a crisp cucumber salad, pickled ginger, or even a small bowl of miso soup. Light and refreshing sides balance the richness and add variety to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the sushi cups on a decorative platter lined with shiso leaves or serve them in shallow bamboo steamers for an authentic vibe. For a fun twist, you can provide extra dipping sauces like ponzu or wasabi mayo to create an interactive dining experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Viral Crispy Shrimp Sushi Cups Recipe, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days, though they are best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispiness.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for these sushi cups because the nori tends to become soggy upon thawing, and the rice and shrimp texture can degrade. For best results, make the recipe fresh when you plan to serve it.

Reheating

To reheat, place the sushi cups on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the nori soggy and the rice chewy. Just keep an eye to maintain that delightful crispness on top.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for the Viral Crispy Shrimp Sushi Cups Recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly as long as you thaw them completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture. This helps ensure the shrimp cook evenly and don’t release unwanted water during baking.

What type of rice is best for this recipe?

Sushi rice or any short-grain sticky rice is ideal because it clings together well, making it easier to press into the nori cups and hold the shape consistently.

Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

You can substitute the shrimp with crispy tofu or seasoned mushrooms and replace mayo with vegan mayo. While the texture changes, the spicy creamy flavor combo will still shine.

Is Kewpie mayo necessary or can I use regular mayo?

Kewpie mayo offers a distinct sweetness and creaminess that enhances the sushi flavor, but regular mayo mixed with a bit of rice vinegar can be a decent substitute if you don’t have Kewpie on hand.

How spicy is this recipe?

The sriracha and spicy mayo drizzle bring a gentle heat that’s more flavorful than fiery, making the Viral Crispy Shrimp Sushi Cups Recipe approachable for most spice levels. Adjust the sriracha according to your preference for more or less kick.

Final Thoughts

Cooking this Viral Crispy Shrimp Sushi Cups Recipe is such a joyful experience—it’s like creating miniature masterpieces that taste as fun as they look. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, these sushi cups never fail to bring smiles and applause. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen, guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.

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