There’s something magical about the first bite of Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups. Imagine tender salmon, perfectly seasoned, nestled in a crispy cup that gives way to an explosion of flavor. The combination of spicy mayo and creamy avocado teases your taste buds while the sesame seeds add a delightful crunch. You can almost hear the sushi gods singing as you savor each mouthful.

I remember making these with my friends for our weekly movie night. As we devoured them, laughter filled the room, and someone declared it was like eating sushi but without the chopsticks struggle. That’s the beauty of Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups—they bring people together, turning any occasion into a sushi party.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups are easy to prepare, making them perfect for beginners
- Their bold flavors will impress your guests, ensuring they’ll keep coming back for more
- Visually stunning and colorful, they create an eye-catching centerpiece for any gathering
- Plus, they are versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients or toppings
One time, my cousin tried to steal my last cup and ended up spilling soy sauce all over himself. Let’s just say he wasn’t the only one who made a mess that night!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Salmon: Look for high-quality sushi-grade salmon to ensure freshness and safety in your cups.
Sushi Rice: Use short-grain rice for the ideal sticky texture that holds together well in each cup.
Nori Sheets: These seaweed sheets add authentic flavor; cut them into small squares for easy handling.
Avocado: Choose ripe avocados for creaminess; they complement the spiciness beautifully.
Spicy Mayo: Mix mayonnaise with Sriracha to control the heat level; it’s a quick and flavorful addition.
Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds enhance flavor and crunch; sprinkle generously on top before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Rice: Start by rinsing 1 cup of sushi rice under cold water until it runs clear. Combine it with 1 ¼ cups of water in a medium saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, cover and reduce heat to low for about 20 minutes until all water is absorbed.
Prepare the Salmon Filling: While the rice cooks, dice 8 ounces of fresh salmon into small cubes. In a bowl, mix it with 2 tablespoons of spicy mayo and a dash of soy sauce for added flavor. Set aside while you finish the rice.
Create Nori Cups: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut nori sheets into squares slightly larger than muffin cups. Gently press each square into a muffin tin to form cups, then bake for about 5 minutes until crisp.
Assemble Your Cups: Once cooled slightly, fill each nori cup with a spoonful of sushi rice followed by a generous dollop of your salmon mixture. Top each with sliced avocado and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for that extra crunch.
Serve & Enjoy!: Plate these beauties on a serving platter and garnish with extra spicy mayo or wasabi on the side if desired. Gather your friends around and enjoy these delightful bites!
Now you’re ready to dive into these Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups! Trust me; once you start munching on these delightful bites, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one!
You Must Know
- Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups are a delightful twist on traditional sushi
- They offer a fun presentation and can be customized with your favorite toppings
- The combination of textures and flavors makes them an instant crowd-pleaser, perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the sushi rice first while you chop and marinate the salmon. This ensures everything is hot and ready for assembly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap salmon for tuna or add avocado for creaminess. Experimenting with different sauces can elevate the flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Avoid reheating; enjoy cold for freshness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality sushi-grade salmon for the best flavor and texture in your Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups
- Always rinse sushi rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy grains
- Make your spicy sauce ahead of time for deeper flavors that blend beautifully with the fish
Sharing these Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups at a family gathering got everyone talking about how gourmet they felt eating them at home!
FAQ
What can I use instead of salmon?
You can substitute salmon with tuna, shrimp, or even cooked crab meat.
Can I make these sushi cups ahead of time?
Yes, prep them a few hours before serving but add toppings just before eating.
What is the best way to serve Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups?
Serve them chilled with extra spicy sauce on the side for dipping.

Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups
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- Author: Ann Foster
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, perfect for any gathering. Tender sushi-grade salmon mingles with creamy avocado and zesty spicy mayo, all nestled in a crispy nori cup. These bite-sized treats are not only visually stunning but also incredibly easy to prepare, making them ideal for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Enjoy them as an appetizer or a fun meal with friends, and watch how they effortlessly elevate your sushi game.
Ingredients
- 8 oz sushi-grade salmon, diced
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 ¼ cups water
- 4 nori sheets, cut into squares
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 2 tbsp spicy mayo (mayonnaise mixed with Sriracha)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Rinse sushi rice under cold water until clear. Combine with water in a saucepan, bring to boil, cover, and reduce heat to low for 20 minutes until absorbed.
- While the rice cooks, mix diced salmon with spicy mayo and soy sauce in a bowl.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Press nori squares into muffin tins and bake for about 5 minutes until crisp.
- Fill each nori cup with sushi rice, top with salmon mixture, slice of avocado, and sprinkle sesame seeds.
- Plate on a serving platter and garnish with extra spicy mayo or wasabi if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg