If you are craving something fresh, crispy, and bursting with flavor, this Shrimp Tempura Sushi Stack Recipe is going to be your new go-to delight. Imagine layers of perfectly seasoned sushi rice, creamy avocado, crunchy cucumber, tender tempura shrimp, and a drizzle of spicy mayo all stacked beautifully to create a feast not only for your taste buds but also for your eyes. This recipe takes the classic sushi experience and turns it into a fun, approachable dish that you can easily make at home and impress your friends. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a weekend celebration, this sushi stack brings together everything you love about sushi with a delightful twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, creating a harmony of flavors, textures, and colors that make the Shrimp Tempura Sushi Stack Recipe truly unforgettable. These simple ingredients come together to deliver crispy, creamy, tangy, and fresh elements in every bite.
- 12 medium shrimp: Peeled and deveined for ultimate ease and perfect frying consistency.
- ½ cup tempura batter mix: The secret to that irresistibly light and crisp coating.
- Vegetable oil for frying: A neutral oil with a high smoke point to achieve golden shrimp.
- 1 cup cooked sushi rice: The sticky, slightly tangy foundation of your stack.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds that classic sushi rice tang so vital for authentic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the acidity in the rice vinegar with a subtle sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the rice flavors beautifully.
- ½ avocado: Creamy texture that pairs perfectly with crispy shrimp.
- ½ cucumber: Provides a refreshing crunch and vibrant green color.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Creates a luscious base for the spicy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha: Brings the perfect amount of heat and depth.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Adds a salty umami punch to the final drizzle.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Infuses a toasty fragrance and richness.
- 1 sheet nori, finely shredded: A classic sushi element for extra texture and flavor.
- Sesame seeds and green onions: For garnish, adding crunch and a fresh, herby note.
How to Make Shrimp Tempura Sushi Stack Recipe
Step 1: Season the Sushi Rice
Start by warming your cooked sushi rice slightly, so it’s pliable but not hot. Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until dissolved, then gently fold this seasoning into the rice. This step is crucial because it infuses your rice with that perfect balance of tangy and sweet, offering a traditional sushi flavor that serves as the backbone for your stack.
Step 2: Prepare and Fry the Tempura Shrimp
Heat vegetable oil to about 350°F in a deep skillet or small pot. While waiting, prepare your tempura batter according to package instructions, ensuring it’s light and cold for a crispy finish. Dip each shrimp into the batter and carefully fry them until golden and crunchy, about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. These crispy shrimp are the superstar of the stack—the satisfying crunch will keep you coming back for more!
Step 3: Mix the Spicy Mayo
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise with sriracha. This spicy mayo adds a creamy kick that elevates the sushi stack with flavor complexity and a gentle heat, tying all the elements together deliciously.
Step 4: Assemble the Sushi Stack
Grab a food ring or a clean tuna can with both ends removed to create perfect circular stacks. Start by pressing a layer of seasoned sushi rice firmly into the bottom. Add diced avocado and cucumber on top, followed by shredded nori strips. Place 2 to 3 tempura shrimp on the stack, then drizzle with spicy mayo, soy sauce, and fragrant sesame oil. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Repeat these steps until all ingredients are used, forming 4 beautiful sushi stacks.
How to Serve Shrimp Tempura Sushi Stack Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes makes a great difference. Sesame seeds sprinkle a nutty crunch that complements the softness of avocado and shrimp, while green onions provide a fresh, zesty lift that brightens every mouthful. For extra flair, consider adding thin slices of pickled ginger or a small dollop of wasabi on the side to mimic authentic sushi accompaniments.
Side Dishes
This sushi stack holds its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a light seaweed salad or miso soup. These balance the richness of the tempura shrimp while providing a refreshing palate cleanse between bites. Crisp edamame sprinkled with sea salt is another excellent side that adds protein and texture variety.
Creative Ways to Present
To really impress, serve the stacks on a long sushi board or slate platter with colorful edible flowers or thin cucumber ribbons around the edges. Another fun idea is plating individual stacks with tiny dipping bowls filled with extra spicy mayo or soy sauce for personalized flavor customization. The possibilities to turn this sushi stack into a visual masterpiece are endless and a total crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the components separate. Store the tempura shrimp on paper towels in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them from becoming soggy. The seasoned rice and vegetable layers can be kept in separate containers as well and combined just before eating to maintain the best texture and freshness.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for assembled sushi stacks since the rice texture changes and shrimp will lose its crispiness once thawed. However, you can freeze uncooked or battered shrimp separately for future frying, making quick assembly possible whenever you want this delightful dish.
Reheating
To reheat tempura shrimp, bake at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes or use an air fryer to regain crunch without drying them out. Avoid microwaving as it makes the tempura soggy. For the assembled stack, it’s best to assemble fresh to enjoy all the layers at their peak.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked shrimp can save you time, but for the best crispy texture, lightly coat and fry them again in the tempura batter just before assembling your sushi stacks.
How long can I keep the sushi rice after seasoning?
Seasoned sushi rice is best used within a few hours. Keep it covered with a damp cloth at room temperature to prevent drying, but avoid refrigerating it as cold rice loses the stickiness essential for sushi.
Is there a gluten-free option for this Shrimp Tempura Sushi Stack Recipe?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free tempura batter mix and swap regular soy sauce for tamari to make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing any flavor or texture.
What can I substitute if I don’t have spicy mayo?
If you don’t have spicy mayo, mix mayonnaise with a bit of sriracha or another chili sauce you like. Alternatively, a dash of wasabi mayonnaise or even a simple drizzle of sriracha can add a similar spicy kick.
Can I make shrimp tempura ahead of time?
You can prepare shrimp tempura in advance, but for the crispiest results, fry them just before serving. If needed, reheat in an air fryer or oven to restore their crunch before stacking.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Tempura Sushi Stack Recipe is one of those rare dishes that brings joy from the very first bite to the last. Its vibrant layers, crunchy shrimp, and creamy avocado are a match made in culinary heaven. Whether you’re a sushi lover or someone who enjoys experimenting with new flavors at home, this stack will quickly become a favorite. So go ahead, dive into making this sushi stack and share the deliciousness with friends and family—you won’t regret it!
Print
Shrimp Tempura Sushi Stack Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 stacks
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese-American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Shrimp Tempura Sushi Stack is a visually stunning and flavorful dish that layers crispy tempura shrimp with seasoned sushi rice, creamy avocado, cucumber, and a spicy mayo drizzle. Perfect for a unique appetizer or main course, it combines Japanese tradition with a fun, modern twist that’s easy to assemble and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Batter
- 12 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup tempura batter mix
- Water (as directed on tempura batter package)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Sushi Rice
- 1 cup cooked sushi rice
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Vegetables and Garnishes
- ½ avocado, diced
- ½ cucumber, finely diced
- 1 sheet nori, finely shredded
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Green onions for garnish
Sauces
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Season the Rice: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Stir this seasoning into the warm sushi rice, mixing gently to avoid mashing the grains. Let the rice cool slightly while preparing other ingredients.
- Prepare Oil and Tempura Batter: Heat vegetable oil in a small pot or deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the tempura batter according to the package instructions, combining the batter mix with water to achieve a light, airy consistency perfect for frying.
- Fry the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the prepared tempura batter, ensuring it is fully coated. Carefully place the shrimp into the hot oil and fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make Spicy Mayo: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sriracha sauce. Mix well until smooth, adjusting the spice level to taste.
- Assemble the Sushi Stacks: Using a food ring or a cleaned tuna can with both ends removed, place the mold on your serving plate. Press a layer of the seasoned sushi rice firmly into the bottom of the mold. Next, add a layer of diced avocado and cucumber, followed by a few strips of shredded nori. Top with 2 to 3 pieces of tempura shrimp.
- Add Sauces and Garnishes: Remove the mold carefully to keep the stack intact. Drizzle the spicy mayo over the top, then add a light drizzle of soy sauce and sesame oil. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish.
- Serve: Repeat the layering process to make 4 stacks in total. Serve immediately to enjoy the shrimp while still hot and crispy, accompanied optionally by pickled ginger and wasabi.
Notes
- You can save time by using pre-cooked shrimp or baking frozen tempura shrimp as a shortcut.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari and use a gluten-free tempura batter mix.
- Serve with traditional Japanese condiments like pickled ginger and wasabi for an authentic sushi experience.
