Sushi Cups

Sushi Cups are a fun, modern twist on classic sushi that delivers all the flavors you love—without the rolling, slicing, or intimidation factor. These bite-sized sushi cups are made by pressing seasoned sushi rice into muffin cups, then filling them with fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, protein of your choice, and a generous drizzle of spicy mayo. The result is a visually stunning, flavor-packed appetizer or snack that feels both playful and elegant.

Perfect for parties, meal prep, family-friendly dinners, or casual entertaining, Sushi Cups are proof that sushi doesn’t have to be complicated to be impressive. Whether you’re new to sushi or a seasoned home cook looking for something different, this recipe is approachable, customizable, and endlessly adaptable to your tastes.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Sushi Cups—from the inspiration behind them, to step-by-step preparation, variations, storage tips, and creative serving ideas. By the end, you’ll be confident making Sushi Cups that look beautiful, taste amazing, and keep everyone coming back for more.

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Why Sushi Cups Are So Popular

Sushi Cups have taken over home kitchens, food blogs, and social media for good reason. They combine the beloved flavors of sushi with the convenience of finger food, making them perfect for modern lifestyles.

No Rolling Required

One of the biggest barriers to making sushi at home is rolling. Sushi Cups eliminate that entirely. Instead of worrying about nori sheets tearing or rolls falling apart, you simply press rice into muffin cups and build upward.

Perfect for Entertaining

Sushi Cups are naturally portioned, making them ideal for parties and gatherings. Guests can grab one (or three) without plates or utensils, and they look stunning arranged on a platter.

Customizable for Every Diet

From vegan to gluten-free to high-protein, Sushi Cups can be adapted for nearly any dietary preference. Swap sauces, add proteins, or load them with veggies—it’s all up to you.

Meal-Prep Friendly

Unlike traditional sushi rolls that can dry out, Sushi Cups hold up surprisingly well when chilled, making them great for preparing ahead of time.

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What Are Sushi Cups?

Sushi Cups are individual, cup-shaped portions of sushi rice pressed into a muffin tin or silicone baking cups. Once chilled and set, the rice forms a sturdy base that can be filled with classic sushi toppings like vegetables, seafood, sauces, and garnishes.

Think of them as a cross between sushi and a canapé—compact, flavorful, and easy to eat.

They’re especially popular for:

• Appetizers

• Party platters

• Lunchboxes

• Light meals

• Sushi nights without the hassle

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Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12 sushi cups
Course: Appetizer / Snack
Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Calories: ~110 kcal per sushi cup

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Ingredients for Sushi Cups

Sushi Cups

• 1 cup sushi rice, rinsed

• 1½ cups water

• ½ cup finely chopped raw veggies (carrot, cucumber, bell pepper, sprouts, etc.)

• ¼ cup steamed mukimame (shelled edamame)

• ¼ cup diced avocado (about ½ small avocado)

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos

Spicy Mayo

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce or coconut aminos

• 1 teaspoon honey

• ½ teaspoon sesame oil

Garnish

• Black sesame seeds

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Ingredient Breakdown & Tips

Sushi Rice

Sushi rice is essential for authentic texture. It’s slightly sticky, which helps the cups hold their shape. Rinsing the rice before cooking removes excess starch and prevents gumminess.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add a splash of rice vinegar to the cooked rice once it’s done.

Vegetables

Raw veggies provide crunch and freshness. Stick to vegetables that taste great uncooked, such as cucumber, carrot, bell pepper, and sprouts.

Edamame

Mukimame adds protein, texture, and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the rice beautifully.

Avocado

Creamy avocado balances the crunch of the veggies and the heat of the spicy mayo.

Spicy Mayo

This sauce is the flavor powerhouse. Creamy, spicy, sweet, and nutty—it ties everything together.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Rice

In a medium pot, combine the rinsed sushi rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until the water is fully absorbed. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

2. Form the Rice Cups

Press about 2 heaping tablespoons of cooked rice into each cup of a muffin tin. Silicone cups work best for easy removal. Press firmly to compact the rice and shape it into a cup. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to help the cups set.

3. Prepare the Veggie Filling

In a bowl, mix the chopped veggies, edamame, avocado, and soy sauce (or coconut aminos) until evenly combined.

4. Make the Spicy Mayo

In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Taste and adjust spice level as needed.

5. Assemble the Sushi Cups

Remove the rice cups from the refrigerator. Spoon a generous tablespoon of veggie mixture into each rice cup. Drizzle with spicy mayo and sprinkle with black sesame seeds.

6. Serve

Serve immediately or keep chilled until ready to enjoy.

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Tips for Perfect Sushi Cups

• Use wet fingers when pressing rice to prevent sticking

• Press firmly so the cups hold their shape

• Chill before filling for best structure

• Don’t overfill—balance is key

• Add sauce just before serving to prevent sogginess

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Sushi Cups Variations

One of the best things about Sushi Cups is how easy they are to customize.

Protein Boost Options

• Smoked salmon

• Canned tuna mixed with mayo

• Cooked shrimp

• Crab or imitation crab

• Crispy tofu

• Teriyaki chicken

Vegan Sushi Cups

• Use vegan mayo

• Replace honey with maple syrup

• Add marinated tofu or extra edamame

Spicy Lovers

• Add extra sriracha

• Sprinkle chili flakes

• Drizzle chili oil

Low-Carb Option

• Use cauliflower rice instead of sushi rice

Fusion Ideas

• Mexican-inspired with avocado, corn, and spicy mayo

• Korean-style with gochujang sauce

• Mediterranean with cucumber, olives, and tahini drizzle

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Make-Ahead, Storage & Meal Prep

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prepare rice cups up to 24 hours ahead

• Store rice cups and fillings separately

• Assemble just before serving

Storage

• Store assembled Sushi Cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days

• Best enjoyed fresh

Meal Prep

Sushi Cups are great for lunchboxes when kept chilled and packed with sturdy toppings.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve on a large platter for parties

• Pair with miso soup or seaweed salad

• Add pickled ginger and wasabi on the side

• Serve as part of a sushi night spread

Print

Nutrition (Approximate per Sushi Cup)

• Calories: 110 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 16 g

• Protein: 2 g

• Fat: 5 g

• Saturated Fat: 1 g

• Sodium: 80 mg

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Why Sushi Cups Are Perfect for Any Occasion

Sushi Cups are incredibly versatile. They work just as well for casual weeknight snacks as they do for elegant entertaining. Because they’re customizable, they can please picky eaters, adventurous foodies, and everyone in between.

They’re also a fantastic way to introduce kids or sushi beginners to sushi flavors without raw fish or complicated techniques.

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Final Thoughts (300+ Words)

Sushi Cups are one of those recipes that instantly earn a permanent place in your rotation. They’re simple yet impressive, playful yet sophisticated, and endlessly adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping lunches for the week, or just craving sushi flavors without the effort, Sushi Cups deliver every time.

What makes Sushi Cups truly special is their accessibility. You don’t need special tools, years of sushi-making experience, or hard-to-find ingredients. With a muffin tin, a pot of rice, and a handful of fresh toppings, you can create something that looks restaurant-worthy and tastes incredibly satisfying.

They also encourage creativity. Once you master the basic Sushi Cups method, the possibilities are limitless. You can switch up the fillings, experiment with sauces, or tailor them to different cuisines and dietary needs. That flexibility makes Sushi Cups not just a recipe, but a concept you can return to again and again.