Sushi Cups are a fun twist on traditional sushi! These little bites pack all your favorite flavors, with rice and yummy fillings all in a handy cup shape. They’re perfect for parties or a cozy night in!
Honestly, who wouldn’t love sushi that’s easy to eat? I like to mix in some avocado or crunchy veggies for extra flavor. Plus, they look cute on any table! 🍣😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sushi Rice: This short-grain rice sticks together perfectly, making sushi cups easy to eat. If you can’t find sushi rice, medium-grain rice is a decent substitute. Just avoid long-grain rice, as it won’t have the same sticky texture.
Rice Vinegar: This adds a lovely tang to the rice. If you’re out, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, but use less sugar in that case, as rice vinegar is milder.
Avocado: Ripe avocado provides creaminess. If avocados aren’t in season, you could use diced mango for sweetness or even mashed tofu for a protein boost.
Edamame: These young soybeans add a great texture and protein. If they’re not available, use green peas or chickpeas as an alternative.
Shrimp or Crab: This is optional, but if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, omit this or replace with marinated tofu cubes for added flavor and protein.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Sushi Rice?
Getting sushi rice right is key to tasty sushi cups. Here’s how to do it:
- Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch keeping the grains from sticking.
- Add the rinsed rice and measured water to a pot. Bring to a boil, then lower heat, cover, and simmer.
- After 20 minutes, remove from heat but let it sit covered for 10 minutes—this lets the rice finish cooking in its steam.
- Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved, then gently fold this mixture into the rice, ensuring not to squash the grains. Allow to cool completely before using.
These steps will help you achieve that perfect sushi rice texture!
How to Make Sushi Cups?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rice:
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup edamame (shelled)
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup cooked shrimp or crab meat (optional)
For Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (black or white)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Nori sheets (cut into strips)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe is pretty quick! You’ll spend about 35 minutes in total—10 minutes for preparation and cooking the rice, plus around 15 minutes for cooling, and a few minutes assembling the sushi cups. Easy and fun for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
Start by rinsing the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch. In a pot, combine the rinsed rice and water. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until all the water is absorbed. Once finished, remove the pot from heat and keep it covered for another 10 minutes to let the rice steam.
2. Season the Rice:
In a small bowl, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt together until everything is dissolved. Gently fold this seasoning mixture into the cooked rice, taking care not to mash the grains. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature while you prepare the filling.
3. Make the Filling:
In a separate bowl, combine the diced avocado, shelled edamame, shredded carrots, cucumber, and shrimp or crab meat if you’re using it. This colorful mix adds lots of flavor and nutrition!
4. Dress the Filling:
Add the soy sauce and sesame oil to the filling mixture and stir gently to combine. Make sure everything is mixed well so every bite is delicious!
5. Mold the Rice Cups:
Take a muffin tin and use it to shape the sushi rice into cups. For each cup, take about 2 tablespoons of sushi rice and press it firmly into the bottom and sides of each muffin tin. Create a small indentation in the center of each rice cup, which will hold the filling.
6. Set the Rice Cups:
Let the rice cups set for about 10-15 minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. This helps them hold their shape. Gently pop them out and place them on a serving platter.
7. Fill the Cups:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Fill each rice cup with the prepared avocado filling, piling it up a bit above the top so it looks appetizing.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a crunchy finish. If you like, cut some nori sheets into small strips and add them as a fancy garnish. Now your sushi cups are ready to serve!
9. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your delicious sushi cups! They’re perfect for sharing or for a fun meal on your own!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of Sushi Rice?
It’s best to stick with sushi rice for this recipe, as it has the perfect stickiness needed to hold the cup shape. However, if you prefer brown rice, just be aware that it will take longer to cook. Adjust the water ratio to about 2 1/4 cups for 1 cup of brown rice and simmer for approximately 40-45 minutes until tender.
Can I Make the Rice Cups in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the rice cups a few hours in advance. Just be sure to let them cool completely before removing them from the muffin tin. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to fill them. For best results, fill them just before serving to keep the avocado fresh and vibrant.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sushi cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the rice may harden a bit, so consider reheating them gently in the microwave for a few seconds before eating, or enjoy them cold as a refreshing snack!
Can I Customize the Fillings?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your fillings. You can add ingredients like diced bell peppers, cucumber, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just ensure that anything you add is diced small enough to fit nicely into the cups. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to match your added ingredients!
