Baked Sushi Cups: The Ultimate Sushi Craving Satisfier

When it comes to sushi, many of us are familiar with the traditional rolls—delicate, fresh fish, vinegary rice, and the satisfying texture of nori wrapping it all together. But what if there was a way to enjoy the fresh, umami-rich flavors of sushi in a fun, easy-to-serve format? Enter Baked Sushi Cups, the creative, bite-sized variation of your favorite sushi rolls. These adorable mini sushi cupcakes are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Imagine the familiar flavors of sushi—fresh salmon, creamy mayo, tangy sriracha, and a crunchy, toasted nori shell—baked into a warm, crispy cup that will have your taste buds dancing.

Print

These baked sushi cups are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a quick, satisfying snack, looking for a fun way to serve sushi at a party, or simply want to enjoy a sushi-inspired dish in a new form, these cups deliver both on flavor and presentation. With a few basic ingredients, some clever assembly, and a quick bake, you’ll have a dish that’s sure to wow friends, family, or even just yourself on a quiet evening at home.

The beauty of baked sushi cups is their versatility and the endless opportunities for customization. You can use your favorite sushi fillings, top them with a variety of garnishes, and even tweak the heat level with your favorite sauces. If you’re a sushi lover, you’ll appreciate how these sushi cups manage to capture all the satisfying textures of traditional sushi, like the sticky rice, creamy mayo, and crunchy nori, while giving them a modern, crispy twist.

So, whether you’re preparing for a party, cooking a fun weeknight dinner, or just indulging in your sushi cravings, these baked sushi cups are guaranteed to be a hit.

Ingredients Breakdown: What You’ll Need

To get started, let’s take a look at the ingredients that make up these delicious baked sushi cups. With fresh, simple ingredients and a few pantry staples, you can create a dish that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare.

Spicy Mayo

One of the key components of these baked sushi cups is the spicy mayo. This creamy, spicy sauce adds flavor depth and a little heat to each bite, perfectly complementing the delicate salmon and the other elements in the dish.

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise – The base of the sauce, offering a smooth, creamy consistency.
• 1 to 2 tablespoons sambal – A popular chili paste, sambal adds a rich, spicy flavor with a little sweetness. You can adjust the quantity depending on how much heat you like.
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha – For an extra layer of spiciness and flavor, Sriracha is a perfect addition to the mayo.
• 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil – This provides a subtle nutty flavor that enhances the richness of the mayo.
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar – To balance the heat with a touch of sweetness, sugar helps to round out the flavor profile.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice – The acidity from lemon juice adds freshness and cuts through the richness of the mayo.

Marinated Salmon

The next star of the show is the salmon. The fish is marinated in a combination of flavorful ingredients, giving it that perfect sushi-quality taste. For this recipe, you’ll cube the salmon into bite-sized pieces, allowing the marinade to soak in and infuse the fish with all the bold flavors.

• 12 ounces salmon – Fresh salmon is the foundation of this dish, providing rich, buttery texture and a clean, savory taste. Be sure to use sushi-grade salmon for the best flavor and quality.
• 2 tablespoons kewpie mayo – This Japanese-style mayo has a creamier, sweeter taste than regular mayonnaise, making it perfect for marinating fish.
• 1 to 2 tablespoons sriracha – Just like the spicy mayo, the sriracha adds heat and depth to the salmon.
• 1 tablespoon lime juice – The acidity of lime juice adds a fresh, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the fish and mayo.
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil – Adds complexity and a slightly smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• 1/2 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce – Soy sauce brings in a deep umami flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder – For an added smoky kick, chili powder enhances the spicy marinade and gives the salmon a beautiful color.

Other Ingredients

In addition to the spicy mayo and marinated salmon, you’ll need a few more ingredients to complete the baked sushi cups. These elements provide the base, garnish, and additional layers of flavor that make each bite truly irresistible.

• 3 nori sheets, cut into 4 squares each – Nori is the traditional seaweed used in sushi, and it adds a crispy texture to these cups. When baked, it turns crunchy and complements the soft, sticky rice.
• 1 1/2 cups cooked sushi rice or sticky jasmine rice – The rice is the essential base of any sushi, and for these cups, you’ll use a sticky variety that binds together well and holds the other ingredients in place.
• Avocado – Sliced thinly, avocado adds a creamy, rich texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy nori and the spicy salmon.
• Cucumber – Adding a refreshing, crisp bite, cucumber brings balance to the dish and a nice crunch that complements the other elements.
• Green onion – Chopped green onions add a touch of sharpness, providing a pop of color and a slight bite to each sushi cup.
• Toasted sesame seeds – These seeds give a nutty crunch and additional depth of flavor, finishing off the cups beautifully.
• Unagi sauce – A sweet, smoky sauce made from eel stock, unagi sauce is the perfect drizzle to enhance the sushi cups. It adds a final layer of sweetness and richness that ties all the flavors together.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Baked Sushi Cups

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking! The process is straightforward and fairly quick, with most of the time spent assembling the ingredients and baking the cups. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you along the way:

Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Mayo

Start by making the spicy mayo. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sambal, sriracha, sesame oil, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and creamy. The goal is to balance the creaminess of the mayo with the heat from the sambal and sriracha, while the sugar and sesame oil provide depth and richness. Once everything is well-mixed, set aside the spicy mayo for later.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

Next, cube the salmon into bite-sized pieces. The smaller the cubes, the better they’ll marinate and cook through. In a separate bowl, combine the kewpie mayo, sriracha, lime juice, sesame oil, soy sauce, and chili powder. Toss the salmon cubes in this mixture, making sure each piece is well-coated. Let the salmon marinate for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse into the fish.

Step 3: Assemble the Sushi Cups

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare your cupcake tin. Cut each nori sheet into four squares, and then gently press 1 to 2 tablespoons of sushi rice into each square. Use your fingers or a spoon to press the rice down gently so that it sticks to the nori. The nori should create a little “cup” shape, holding the rice and other ingredients.

Once the rice is in place, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the marinated salmon on top of each rice-filled nori square. Now, you’re ready to bake!

Step 4: Bake the Sushi Cups

Place the cupcake tin into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. This will cook the salmon through and crisp up the nori. For an extra crispy top, you can turn the oven to broil for the last 2 minutes, giving the tops a golden, crunchy finish. Be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the sushi cups are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Then, it’s time to add your toppings. Garnish with sliced avocado, cucumber, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds. Drizzle a little unagi sauce on top for that final touch of sweetness and smoky depth. These toppings will not only add color and flavor but will also provide different textures that enhance the overall experience of eating the sushi cups.

Tips for Perfect Baked Sushi Cups

• Choose High-Quality Salmon: Fresh, sushi-grade salmon is a must. If you can’t find sushi-grade salmon, ensure that the fish is fresh and properly handled to avoid any risks.
• Customize the Fillings: While salmon is a classic choice, you can switch it up by using other seafood like tuna, shrimp, or crab. If you’re not a fan of seafood, consider using marinated tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
• Add More Heat: If you like a spicier kick, increase the amount of sriracha or sambal in both the mayo and the salmon marinade. For even more heat, try adding a dash of chili flakes or chili oil to the finished cups.
• Try Different Rice: If you’re not a fan of sushi rice, sticky jasmine rice works just as well. It will give the cups a slightly different texture but will still hold together nicely.
• Make-Ahead Option: If you’re preparing these for a party, you can assemble the cups ahead of time, refrigerate them, and bake them just before serving for fresh, warm sushi cups.

Why You’ll Love These Baked Sushi Cups

Baked sushi cups are a game-changer in the world of sushi. They offer the perfect balance of textures—crispy nori, sticky rice, tender salmon, and creamy avocado—all wrapped up in a single, portable bite. Whether you enjoy them as an appetizer, a snack, or a full meal, they’re sure to satisfy your sushi cravings in a fun and unique way. Easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious, these baked sushi cups are destined to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Final Thoughts

Baked sushi cups are the ideal dish for sushi lovers looking for something new and exciting. With their crispy edges, flavorful salmon, creamy mayo, and customizable toppings, these little sushi bites are sure to impress at any gathering. They offer a unique twist on the traditional sushi roll while retaining all the elements we love about sushi. So the next time you’re in the mood for sushi, skip the rolls and try these baked sushi cups instead. Trust us—you won’t be disappointed!