If you like sushi but want a version that’s fun to serve and simple to prep ahead, Sushi Cups are it. You press the rice into a muffin tin, chill it, and then load each cup with a flavorful salmon mixture and toppings. It hits all the sushi notes—creamy, salty, tangy, spicy—with no raw fish and no special equipment.
These are a great make-ahead option for any gathering. Everything can be prepped in advance and assembled right before serving. They look fancy, taste fresh, and disappear fast.
Helpful Tips
- Rinse your rice well. This helps remove extra starch so the rice cooks up fluffy and sticks together properly.
- Don’t overmix the rice. Gently cut in the vinegar to keep the grains intact.
- Chill the rice in the muffin tin. It helps the cups hold their shape so they’re easy to remove and fill.
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Salmon Sushi Cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 tablespoon sushi vinegar
- 5 ounces salmon
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
- 1/4 cup edamame beans steamed
- ½ cucumber diced small
- 1/2 avocado diced small
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- Furikake seasoning for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the sushi rice in cold water 3-4 times until the water is mostly clear.
- Cook the rice according to the package instructions. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Add sushi vinegar to the rice and cut it in with a wooden spoon (don’t stir or the rice will break down and become soggy.)
- Meanwhile, season the salmon with salt and pepper. Cook over low heat to an internal temperature of 125°F. Set aside for the salmon to cool. Once cooled, break it up into smaller pieces with a fork or your hands. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.
- Press 2 large tablespoons of rice into each cup of a muffin tin until compacted. Chill in the fridge for about 20 minutes so the rice sets.
- When ready to assemble, get the rice from the fridge. Pull the rice cups out of the muffin tin and place them on a serving platter. Fill with the edamame, cucumber, avocado, and salmon. Top with sauce and furikake.
Nutrition
Laura is a home cook, with 25 years experience behind the stove, who spends an extraordinary amount of time in the kitchen cooking. She loves making new recipes and finding wonderful new things to eat, both at home or abroad. She spends a lot of time researching, crafting, and perfecting her recipes.