Sushi Cups

If you’re on the lookout for a fun, bite-sized treat that brings all the joy of sushi without the fuss, you have to try these delightful Sushi Cups! They are an absolute crowd-pleaser, combining perfectly cooked sushi rice with fresh veggies, creamy avocado, and a spicy mayo drizzle that sings with flavor. Easy to assemble yet impressive to serve, Sushi Cups offer a fresh, colorful spin on sushi that’s perfect for parties, snacks, or a light meal. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll become your go-to for any occasion when you want sushi-style satisfaction without rolling or slicing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Sushi Cups lies in their simplicity — each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s the fluffy sushi rice forming the sturdy base or the crunchy veggies providing a fresh bite. This combination of tastes and textures makes every cup something special.

• 1 cup sushi rice, rinsed: Properly rinsed rice is key to that perfect sticky texture that holds the cups together.
• 1 1/2 cups water: For cooking the rice evenly and thoroughly.
• 1/2 cup finely chopped veggies: Use crunchy, raw-friendly veggies like carrots, cucumber, bell peppers, or sprouts for freshness and color.
• 1/4 cup steamed mukimame (shelled edamame): Adds a tender bite and extra plant protein to the mix.
• 1/4 cup diced avocado: Creamy texture that beautifully contrasts the crisp veggies.
• 1 tablespoon sauce of your choice: Soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos pack in savory umami flavor to the filling.
• For the Spicy Mayo:
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise: The creamy foundation for the spicy topping.
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce: Adds a vibrant kick; adjust to your heat preference.
• 1 teaspoon coconut aminos or soy sauce: Deepens the flavor of the spicy mayo.
• 1 teaspoon honey: Balances heat with a touch of sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil: Brings a rich, nutty aroma.
• Black sesame seeds, for garnish: For that classic sushi look and a subtle crunch on top.

How to Make Sushi Cups

Step 1: Cook the Sushi Rice

The foundation of your Sushi Cups starts with perfectly cooked sushi rice. Combine the rinsed rice and water in a pot, bring it to a boil, then simmer gently for 20 minutes until all water is absorbed. Let it cool a bit, ensuring it’s sticky but not too hot for handling.

Step 2: Form the Rice Cups

Press heaping tablespoons of the cooled rice firmly into each cup of a muffin tin. This compacts the rice so it holds shape. Pop the tin into the fridge for 20 minutes to let the rice set up nice and firm—this step ensures your Sushi Cups won’t crumble when you add toppings.

Step 3: Prepare the Veggie Filling

While the rice chills, mix your finely chopped veggies, steamed edamame, diced avocado, and your chosen sauce in a bowl. This medley creates a fresh, flavorful filling that balances the creamy and crunchy textures perfectly.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Spicy Mayo

In a separate small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Sriracha, soy sauce or coconut aminos, honey, and sesame oil. Whisk until smooth, then taste and adjust spice levels. This sauce adds just the right zing to every bite.

Step 5: Assemble the Sushi Cups

Remove the rice cups from the fridge and gently spoon the veggie mixture into each one. Drizzle generously with the spicy mayo and sprinkle black sesame seeds on top for a beautiful finish. Serve immediately for the freshest taste and perfect texture.

How to Serve Sushi Cups

Garnishes

Beyond black sesame seeds, you can jazz up your Sushi Cups with thinly sliced green onions, tiny nori strips, or even a touch of pickled ginger on the side. These add bursts of color and complementary tastes that make each cup pop visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

Sushi Cups pair wonderfully with light, refreshing sides. A crisp seaweed salad, miso soup, or even a simple cucumber salad bring balance and complete the sushi-inspired experience without overwhelming the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Sushi Cups on a bamboo sushi mat or slate tray for a true touch of elegance. You can also customize by offering an assortment of sauces at the table like extra soy sauce, wasabi mayo, or ponzu for dipping, inviting guests to personalize their bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the rice cups separately from the veggie filling and spicy mayo in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble just before serving to prevent sogginess and keep everything fresh.

Freezing

Freezing Sushi Cups is not recommended because the texture of sushi rice and avocado can become unpleasantly mushy upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy these cups fresh or within a day or two of making.

Reheating

If you want to serve the rice warm, gently reheat the rice cups in a microwave for a few seconds before adding the cold veggie filling and spicy mayo. Avoid reheating once fully assembled to maintain texture contrast.

FAQs

Can I use regular rice instead of sushi rice for Sushi Cups?

Sushi rice is best for Sushi Cups because it has a sticky texture that holds together well, unlike regular long-grain rice which tends to be fluffy and separate. The sticky rice is key to forming neat cups.

How spicy are the Sushi Cups with the included spicy mayo?

The spicy mayo offers a gentle heat that you can easily control by adjusting the amount of Sriracha. It’s designed to add a pleasant kick without overpowering the fresh veggies and rice.

Can I make Sushi Cups vegan?

Absolutely! Just swap the mayonnaise in the spicy mayo for a vegan alternative, and use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce if you want to keep it soy-free. The filling is naturally plant-based already.

What’s the best way to serve Sushi Cups at a party?

Sushi Cups are perfect as finger food. Present them on a stylish platter with garnish options nearby and small dipping bowls for extra sauce, making it easy for guests to grab and enjoy without utensils.

Can I add seafood to Sushi Cups?

Yes! Cooked shrimp, imitation crab, or even finely chopped smoked salmon can be folded into the veggie mixture or added as a topping for a more traditional sushi flavor. Just ensure any seafood is fresh and handled safely.

Final Thoughts

Sushi Cups are a joy to make and even more fun to eat, bringing together wonderful textures and flavors in a convenient, shareable format. Whether you’re new to sushi or a seasoned fan, I encourage you to give these a try—they’re bound to become a beloved recipe in your kitchen and a hit with everyone at your table.

Print