Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I surveyed my kitchen filled with vibrant veggies and fragrant sushi rice, an idea struck me: what if I could combine the essence of sushi into a handheld delight? Enter my no-bake Sushi Cups—where the creamy texture of avocado meets a medley of fresh, crunchy vegetables, all drizzled with a zesty spicy mayo. This recipe isn’t just a feast for the eyes; with quick prep and endless customization options, it’s perfect for gatherings, snacks, or even a light meal. Plus, they’re healthy and vegetarian-friendly, making them an enticing choice for everyone. Are you ready to discover how to craft these colorful cups that are sure to impress your friends and family? Let’s roll into the fun! Why Are Sushi Cups a Game-Changer? Easy to Make: These no-bake sushi cups require minimal cooking, making them perfect for those busy nights when you crave something delicious without the fuss. Endless Customization: Whether you prefer cucumbers, carrots, or even a splash of seafood, these cups adapt to your taste, inviting creativity in the kitchen. Healthy Choice: Packed with fresh veggies and healthy fats from avocado, they are a guilt-free snack or appetizer that satisfies both your cravings and dietary needs. Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for parties or family gatherings, these sushi cups are not only visually stunning but also a fun finger food that everyone will love. Quick Prep Time: With a straightforward process, you can put these together in under an hour, giving you more time to enjoy your company or try making delightful Breakfast Granola Cups. Crowd Pleaser: Watch as these vibrant cups disappear from the platter—they’re always a hit, turning any meal into an unforgettable experience. Sushi Cups Ingredients • Embark on your culinary journey with these key components for making the perfect sushi cups! For the Rice Base Sushi Rice – Essential for structure and texture; remember to rinse well before cooking to remove excess starch. Water – Vital for cooking the rice to achieve that tender, fluffy goodness. For the Filling Chopped Veggies – Adds freshness and crunch; feel free to use vibrant carrots, cucumber, or bell peppers—any raw veggie works! Mukimame (Shelled Edamame) – Brings protein and a slight nutty flavor; opt for pre-shelled to save time. Diced Avocado – Provides a creamy texture that complements the bite; about ½ a small avocado is perfect. Sauce of Choice (Soy Sauce/Tamari/Coconut Aminos) – Enhances the umami flavor in your filling. For the Spicy Mayo Mayonnaise – Acts as the creamy base for spicy mayo; substitute with a vegan version if desired. Sriracha Sauce – Adds a kick of heat; adjust to your taste preference! Honey – Balances out the spiciness; feel free to substitute with agave for a vegan-friendly option. Sesame Oil – Infuses richness and depth of flavor into your mayo. For the Garnish Black Sesame Seeds – Perfect for garnish, providing a visual appeal and subtle nuttiness to your sushi cups. Get your ingredients ready and prepare to indulge in these delightful sushi cups that are as vibrant as they are tasty! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sushi Cups Step 1: Rice Preparation Begin by rinsing 1 cup of sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear, removing excess starch. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 1 cup of water, then bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Step 2: Rice Cups Formation Once the rice has cooled, grab silicone muffin liners for easy removal. Spoon the cooked sushi rice into each liner, pressing it down firmly to form compact cups. Make sure to create an even layer, as this will help the cups maintain their shape. Place the filled liners in the refrigerator for approximately 20 minutes to allow the rice to set and hold its form. Step 3: Veggie Filling While the rice cups are chilling, prepare the filling by chopping your choice of veggies such as carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers into small pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped veggies with 1 cup of shelled mukimame and half a diced avocado, gently mixing to combine. Drizzle your preferred sauce, such as soy sauce or coconut aminos, for added flavor, and set aside. Step 4: Spicy Mayo Preparation In a separate bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of mayonnaise, 1-2 tablespoons of Sriracha sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Adjust the heat level by adding more Sriracha if desired. Mix well until fully combined; this spicy mayo is the perfect complement to your colorful sushi cups. Step 5: Assembling Cups Remove the chilled rice cups from the refrigerator and carefully pop them out of the silicone liners. Spoon the vibrant veggie filling generously into each rice cup, making sure to pack them well for a satisfying bite. Drizzle a spoonful of the spicy mayo over the filled cups, allowing it to cascade down for visual appeal, and finish with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds for that perfect touch of flavor. What to Serve with No-Bake Sushi Cups Elevate your meal with delightful pairings that enhance the burst of flavors in these vibrant sushi cups. Miso Soup: A warm bowl complements the cool freshness of sushi cups, enriching your dining experience with umami-rich flavors. Crispy Seaweed Salad: This savory and crunchy side offers a delightful contrast in texture while enhancing the sushi experience with oceanic notes. Pickled Ginger: The tangy bite serves as a palate cleanser, balancing the richness of avocado and the spice from the mayo for a refreshed taste. Edamame Pods: A light, protein-packed snack that echoes the ingredients in your sushi cups, offering a satisfying crunch to your meal. Coconut Rice: The sweet and nutty flavors of coconut rice make a comforting bed for your sushi cups, blending harmoniously with their freshness. Chilled Green Tea: This refreshing beverage is perfect for cleansing the palate, adding a mild bite that complements the vibrant flavors of the sushi cups. Fruit Platter: A colorful array of fresh fruit like berries, mango, and kiwi brings a light, sweet finish to your meal and appeals visually. Spiced Vegetable Tempura: The crispy, lightly battered veggies add a warm crunch alongside sushi cups, enhancing the overall dining experience with rich flavors. Expert Tips for Sushi Cups • Rinse Well: Ensure the sushi rice is thoroughly rinsed to eliminate excess starch, which can cause the rice to become overly sticky. • Use Silicone Molds: Silicone muffin liners are perfect for forming rice cups. They make removal effortless and help keep the shape intact. • Prep Ahead: If making sushi cups in advance, store them in an airtight container for maximum freshness. Aim to consume within 48 hours for the best results. • Creative Fillings: Don’t hesitate to get creative! Substitute ingredients like radishes or snap peas for a different crunch or add proteins like shrimp for a heartier option. • Adjust Spice: Modify the Sriracha in the spicy mayo to cater to your taste preferences, ensuring a balanced kick that everyone will enjoy. • Presentation Matters: Garnish the sushi cups with black sesame seeds not just for flavor, but for an eye-catching finish that makes the dish even more inviting. Sushi Cups Variations and Substitutions Feel free to let your culinary creativity flourish with these fun and flavorful variations! Vegetable Swap: Use any fresh veggies you have on hand, such as radishes or zucchini, for exciting crunch and color. Protein Boost: Add cubed tofu, shrimp, or imitation crab for a heartier filling that will satisfy even the meat lovers at your table. Spicy Kick: Adjust the amount of Sriracha in the mayo or mix in some chili flakes to dial up the heat according to your preference! Texture Twist: For a nuttier flavor, consider using quinoa instead of sushi rice; it’s also a fantastic option for gluten-free diets. Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or mint into the veggie mix to elevate the freshness and aroma of your sushi cups. Vegan Makeover: Substitute regular mayonnaise with a plant-based version and replace honey with agave syrup for a fully vegan treat. Sweet Aroma: For a twist, drizzle your cups with a touch of honey or maple syrup to balance the savory flavors perfectly. Condiment Variability: Experiment with different sauces like peanut sauce or a light sesame dressing to spice things up even more. Looking for more inspirations? You might want to try making delightful Breakfast Granola Cups or explore other creative snacks to complement your sushi cups! Make Ahead Options These no-bake Sushi Cups are a fantastic time-saver for busy weeknights! You can prepare the sushi rice cups and the veggie filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply press the cooked sushi rice into silicone muffin liners and refrigerate them, ensuring they hold their shape. Chop your choice of vegetables and mix them with mukimame and avocado, then store this mixture in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just spoon the veggie filling into the rice cups, drizzle with the spicy mayo, and enjoy delicious, fresh flavors right away—perfect for effortless entertaining or a quick snack! How to Store and Freeze Sushi Cups Fridge: Keep your sushi cups in an airtight container for optimal freshness, enjoying them within 2 days. This preserves the vibrant veggies and creamy avocado. Freezer: While it’s best to consume sushi cups fresh, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. Just freeze the rice cups without fillings, and assemble them when ready to eat. Reheating: If you’ve frozen the rice cups, thaw overnight in the fridge, then fill with fresh veggies and drizzle with spicy mayo before serving for the best taste. Make-Ahead Tips: These sushi cups can be prepped 24 hours in advance for gatherings, just ensure they are stored properly in the fridge to blend flavors beautifully. Sushi Cups Recipe FAQs What type of sushi rice should I use? Absolutely! Using short-grain sushi rice is best for these cups as it has the right amount of stickiness to hold its shape. Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until it runs clear, which helps to remove excess starch for that perfect texture. How should I store leftover sushi cups? To keep your sushi cups fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best consumed within 2 days to maintain the vibrancy of the veggies and creaminess of the avocado. Can I freeze sushi cups? Yes, you can! While it’s best to enjoy them fresh, you can freeze the rice cups for up to 1 month. Just prepare the rice cups, freeze them individually without fillings, then assemble them with fresh veggies and spicy mayo when you’re ready to enjoy! What if my rice cups are too sticky? No worries! This can happen if the rice wasn’t rinsed thoroughly or if it was left to sit too long after cooking. First, make sure to rinse the rice well before cooking to eliminate excess starch. If they do turn out sticky, try using less water next time, or chill the rice longer before forming into cups for better consistency. Can I customize the filling for my sushi cups? Very! These sushi cups are all about personalization. Feel free to swap in any raw vegetables you enjoy, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or radishes. You can also add proteins like imitation crab or shrimp for an extra twist. The more, the merrier in this customizable dish! Are sushi cups safe for pets? It’s best to be cautious. While many ingredients in sushi cups are safe for dogs (like avocado in moderation), some can be harmful. Keep an eye on the spicy mayo, as ingredients like Sriracha and mayoinnaise aren’t suitable for pets. Always check with your vet if in doubt! Deliciously Fresh Sushi Cups: No-Bake and Fully Customizable These Sushi Cups are a healthy, customizable appetizer that combines vibrant veggies and creamy avocado in a no-bake delight. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsChilling Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins Servings: 4 cupsCourse: AppetizersCuisine: JapaneseCalories: 180 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Rice Base1 cup Sushi Rice Rinsed well1 cup WaterFor the Filling1 cup Chopped Veggies Carrots, cucumber, or bell peppers1 cup Mukimame (Shelled Edamame) Pre-shelled preferred½ small Diced Avocadoto taste Sauce of Choice (Soy Sauce/Tamari/Coconut Aminos) For added flavorFor the Spicy Mayo¼ cup Mayonnaise Can substitute with vegan version1-2 tablespoons Sriracha Sauce Adjust to taste1 tablespoon Honey Can substitute with agave for vegan option1 teaspoon Sesame OilFor the Garnishto taste Black Sesame Seeds For garnish Equipment Medium saucepanSilicone muffin linersMixing Bowl Method Rice PreparationRinse 1 cup of sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine rinsed rice with 1 cup of water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.Rice Cups FormationSpoon the cooked sushi rice into silicone muffin liners, pressing down firmly to form compact cups. Refrigerate for about 20 minutes to set.Veggie FillingChop your choice of veggies and combine with 1 cup of shelled mukimame and half a diced avocado in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with preferred sauce and set aside.Spicy Mayo PreparationWhisk together ¼ cup of mayonnaise, 1-2 tablespoons of Sriracha, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil until fully combined.Assembling CupsRemove rice cups from the liners and fill them with the veggie mixture. Drizzle with spicy mayo and sprinkle with black sesame seeds. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 6gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg NotesStore sushi cups in an airtight container for optimal freshness and consume within 2 days. They can be frozen without fillings for up to 1 month. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
