Delicious Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups Recipe

Welcome to a culinary delight that’s sure to become a star at your table – Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups! These delectable bites bring together the bold flavors of salmon, Japanese mayo, and a hint of spice in a fun twist on traditional sushi. Perfect for entertaining or a unique weeknight dinner, these sushi cups bake to perfection in your muffin tin, making for a beautiful and impressive presentation that will have your guests coming back for more.

I stumbled upon the idea for these Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups during a dinner party frenzy when time was running short. What started as a quick fix turned into a crowd favorite – so much so that they’ve earned a top spot as my signature appetizer. Friends now clamor for these little cups well before I even think of planning a menu, a true testament to their irresistible taste and charm.

Crafted with a magical touch of nori sheets that maintain their texture while forming a handheld cup, these sushi cups are a delightful fusion of classic flavors in a modern, convenient form. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a creative culinary adventure, these Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups are a must-try. Plus, with the option to prep ahead, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time savoring every bite of these delightful treats.

Quick Benefits

• Easy-to-make alternative to traditional sushi, perfect for entertaining or weeknight dinners
• Can be partially prepared ahead of time, making it convenient for hosting
• Adaptable to dietary preferences and ingredient availability
• Impressive presentation and fusion of traditional flavors in a modern format

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups Recipe Recipe

• Convenient and Fun: A creative twist on traditional sushi that requires no rolling technique, making it perfect for both entertaining and casual weeknight dinners.
• Impressive Presentation: Bakes beautifully in a muffin tin, resulting in elegant handheld cups that will wow your guests.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Components can be prepared in advance, allowing you to assemble and bake just before serving or even bake ahead and reheat for convenience.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Easily customizable to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability, making it suitable for vegetarians or those with specific dietary restrictions.
• Authentic Flavors: Delivers the delicious taste of sushi with fresh, high-quality salmon and traditional Japanese ingredients like nori, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
• Guest-Friendly: Can be served as an impressive appetizer with pickled ginger, wasabi, and soy sauce, or incorporated into an Asian-inspired buffet for a delightful dining experience.
• Fresh and Flavorful: While best enjoyed fresh, the recipe offers variations for milder flavors or sweeter alternatives, ensuring there is something for every palate.

Ingredients for Delicious Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups Recipe

Spicy Salmon Filling

• ¼ teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional)
• 1 lb salmon, cut into small cubes
• 2 tablespoons Japanese mayonnaise (kewpie or regular)
• 1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce

Sushi Cups

• ⅔ cup uncooked sushi rice or sticky Jasmine rice
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• Water as per rice package instructions
• 3 nori sheets, cut into 4 squares each

Optional Spicy Mayo (Store-bought or Homemade)

• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• ¼ cup Japanese mayonnaise (kewpie or regular)

Garnish

• Sesame seeds
• Spicy mayo
• Sliced green onions

How to Make Delicious Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: Cook Sushi Rice

Cook the rice according to package instructions on the stovetop or in a rice cooker. Transfer the cooked rice to a bowl and mix in the rice vinegar. Set aside for assembly.

Step 3: Prepare Salmon Mixture

Combine cubed salmon with Japanese mayonnaise, sriracha, sesame oil, and soy sauce in a large bowl. Mix gently and let it marinate.

Step 4: Optional Spicy Mayo

Combine mayonnaise and sriracha in a small bowl, mix well, and set aside to make spicy mayo.

Step 5: Assemble Sushi Cups

Place 2 tablespoons of seasoned rice in the center of each nori square on a cutting board or plate. Flatten the rice without reaching the edges. Press the rice-covered nori sheets into the cups of a 12-count muffin tin, spreading the rice along the bottom.

Step 6: Add Salmon Topping

Place approximately 2 tablespoons of the salmon mixture onto the rice in each muffin tin cup.

Step 7: Bake and Broil

Bake salmon in the oven for 8-9 minutes until cooked through. Broil for 1-2 minutes for a crispy golden top.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Take the sushi cups out of the oven and place them on a serving platter. Drizzle with spicy mayo, then top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the spicy salmon sushi cups, storing them properly is essential to maintain their texture and flavor. These sushi cups are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare them ahead of time for convenience. If you’ve partially prepared the dish, store the rice and salmon mixture separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to serve, simply assemble the cups and bake as directed. For fully baked sushi cups, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes until warmed through, and then garnish before serving.

To prolong the freshness and quality of the spicy salmon sushi cups, it is recommended to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure that the container is sealed well to prevent any odors from affecting the dish. If you have any leftovers, refrigerate them promptly to maintain their taste and texture. Additionally, for a quick and delicious meal, consider serving the sushi cups alongside a simple miso soup and cucumber salad, or incorporate them into an Asian-inspired buffet with other dishes like potstickers, spring rolls, and edamame. The versatility of these sushi cups allows for easy customization and presentation, making them a great option for various occasions.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are unable to find Japanese mayonnaise, regular mayonnaise can be used as a substitute. To mimic the slight tang of Kewpie mayonnaise, you can add a splash of rice vinegar to the regular mayonnaise. This adjustment will help maintain the balance of flavors in the spicy salmon sushi cups.

For a vegetarian version of these sushi cups, you can easily swap out the salmon with diced avocado, cucumber, and carrot mixed with the same sauce ingredients. This substitution not only caters to dietary preferences but also provides a fresh and flavorful alternative. Additionally, if you prefer a different type of fish, such as tuna or cooked shrimp, feel free to use them in place of salmon, adjusting the seasoning accordingly to complement the new protein choice.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try presenting these Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups on a beautiful wooden or ceramic platter garnished with fresh slices of cucumber, radish, and a sprinkle of black and white sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal. The vibrant colors and fresh garnishes will make the sushi cups pop and invite guests to dig in.

Another fun way to serve these sushi cups is to create a DIY sushi cup bar at your next gathering. Set up a station with different toppings like pickled ginger, wasabi, sliced avocado, tobiko, and crispy tempura flakes. Allow guests to customize their sushi cups with their favorite toppings, encouraging interaction and creativity while enjoying this delicious and unique appetizer.

FAQs for Delicious Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups Recipe

Can I use a different type of fish instead of salmon in this recipe?

Yes, other fish like tuna or even cooked shrimp can be substituted for salmon. Adjust the seasoning based on your choice of protein.

Can I make these sushi cups ahead of time?

These are best enjoyed fresh. However, you can prepare the rice and salmon ahead of time and assemble just before baking. You can also fully bake the cups and refrigerate for up to 2 days, then reheat before serving.

What if I can’t find Japanese mayonnaise?

If you cannot find Kewpie mayonnaise, regular mayonnaise with a splash of rice vinegar works well as a substitute.

How can I adjust the flavor if I prefer something milder than sriracha?

If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use plain mayonnaise or a drizzle of soy sauce. You can also try teriyaki or eel sauce as a sweeter alternative to sriracha.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups brings as much joy and delight to your table as it has to mine and my guests. The fusion of traditional Japanese flavors in a modern, easy-to-make appetizer is truly a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a creative weeknight meal, these sushi cups are sure to impress with their unique presentation and delicious taste.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings and adaptations to suit your preferences or dietary needs. The beauty of these sushi cups lies in their versatility, making them perfect for any occasion. So go ahead, gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and dive into the world of Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups. Your taste buds will thank you for it!