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    Home » Recipes » Sushi Shrimp Stacks

    Sushi Shrimp Stacks

    April 28, 2021 by Melinda

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Making deconstructed sushi shrimp stacks at home is an easy way to get the flavors of sushi without the fuss or special sushi making equipment.

    What is the perfect way to spend an evening with good friends that live nearby?

    A progressive dinner of course.

    Two years ago we began a new tradition of a yearly progressive dinner with 3 other couples. Last year I was in charge of the “Main Course” part of the dinner. One of our friends participating that night has celiac disease so the main course needed to be quick to prepare and also gluten free.

    Shrimp stacks were the perfect choice.

     
    Missouri Girl Sushi Shrimp Stacks

    Why do shrimp stacks make the perfect meal for an elegant meal at home?

    Not only is it quick, easy, delicious and gluten free but it also looks impressive.

    Perfect for an elegant progressive dinner.

    The rice was going to take the longest to prepare and I knew I wouldn’t have time to do this during the dinner so I threw everything into a rice cooker prior to leaving and then left it on the warm setting while we were gone.

    Most of the components were prepped ahead of time. The shrimp was peeled, tail off, and deveined. The rice was cooked and ready to be dressed up to become the traditional Japanese sticky rice and the Everything Sauce was prepared and ready to go.

    All I had to do when we arrived at my house was a quick saute of the shrimp and then assemble everything. It took less than 15 minutes to put the finishing touches on the meal. Just enough time for everyone to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail.

    There are several components to this meal, so it may seem like a lot of steps, but trust me when I say it comes together in a snap.

    What are shrimp stacks?

    Imagine layers of sticky sushi rice, avocado, and shrimp covered in a yummy Everything Sauce. THAT is what shrimp stacks are.  It is basically a deconstructed sushi roll.  Without the seaweed.

    What is sticky rice?

    Sticky rice, sometimes referred to Japanese sticky rice, is a rice that has a sticky consistency making it perfect for sushi making. There is a lot of confusion about sticky rice and Japanese sticky rice. Are they the same? Are they not the same? Most rice originating from Japan has a higher starch content which can lead to more “stickiness”. So in most cases Japanese rice is sticky rice.

    However, not all rice that is sticky is from Japan. So is the case as the Calrose rice I like to use for sticky rice.

    What kind of rice should I use when making sticky rice?

    Really, any short or medium grain rice will do when making this recipe.  Higher starch content is a bonus as it can give that signature stickiness.  I am a fan of Calrose rice, which is a medium grain rice, for several reasons:

    • It is made in California, making it easy to access here in America.
    • When cooked it is soft and sticky which makes it perfect for sushi type meals.
    • It has a mild flavor so it tends to take on the flavors that it is paired with.  

    Do I need to rinse my rice prior to making sticky rice?

    The general rule of thumb when cooking rice is to rinse your rice until the water runs clear to get off all of the access starch. Too much starch in the water could lead to a rice that is gummy or too sticky. Rice can also be soaked in water to remove the starch and ensure more even cooking. However for this recipe, we want some of that characteristic stickiness so I just give the rice a very quick rinse so that some starch remains.

     
    Missouri Girl Sushi Shrimp Stacks
     

    How do I make Japanese sticky rice?

    Making sticky sushi rice is actually incredibly easy. No special equipment is needed though I do tend to use a rice cooker for convenience. Feel free to prepare the rice on the stove if that’s your preference.

    First give the rice a very quick rinse and then cook as directed.

    If using a rice cooker, place the Calrose (sushi) rice in the rice cooker with the recommended amount of water per manufacture’s recommendations.

     
    Rice cooker
     

    I used two cups of rice so I just added water up to the 2 cup line in the rice cooker. If you’re using the stove, then the measurement varies depending how firm you want your rice. In general, add 2 ¼ cups of water for every 2 cups of rice then simmer for 20 minutes. Again, always cook according to the directions on the rice package.

    After the rice is done cooking add 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir until just combined then keep warm until ready to use. I usually just let mine warm in the rice cooker until I’m ready to use it, or you can cook your shrimp while the shrimp cooks. That way everything is ready for assembly at the same time.

     
    Missouri Girl Sushi Rice
     

    What is Everything Sauce?

    Everything Sauce is a mayo based sauce that pairs well with virtually any protein like seafood, poultry, pork, and beef.  The Missouri Girl version has been modified to be a little healthier without sacrificing flavor.  

    The sauce includes the following ingredients:

    • mayo
    • Greek yogurt
    • light sour cream
    • water
    • Sriracha
    • minced garlic
    • salt
    • paprika
    • lemon juice
     
    Missouri Girl Sushi Shrimp Stacks. Missouri Girl Everything Sauce
     

    How to cook frozen shrimp so that it isn’t tough?

    Here in Missouri, fresh seafood can be difficult to come by and very pricey.  For that reason I usually buy frozen, raw shrimp that has already been deveined with the tail off…less work for me.  The key to using frozen seafood is to make sure it is defrosted well and patted dry to get all of the access moisture off.  Raw shrimp is a must if you want want to avoid overcooked, tough shrimp.  Raw shrimp is also much easier to season properly. 

    Saute the shrimp

    Shrimp takes very little time to cook. A few minutes on each side is all that required. Shrimp also have a built in thermometer. When it’s nice and pink throughout, it’s done.

    Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter to a saute pan. Heat over medium heat.

     
    Missouri Girl Sushi Shrimp Stacks
     

    Add the shrimp to the pan.

     
    Missouri Girl Sushi Shrimp Stacks
     

    Saute the shrimp over medium to medium high heat until it turns pink and the edges brown, about 2-3 minutes each side.

     
    Missouri Girl Sushi Shrimp Stacks
     

    Toss in 3 tablespoons Everything Sauce and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste.

     
    Missouri Girl Sushi Shrimp Stacks
     

    Assemble the shrimp stacks

    Using a round nonstick mold, fill with sushi rice and lightly pack. I used this cute little egg mold, but you could also use a large 28 oz can (both ends opened) and sprayed with cooking spray.

     
    Missouri Girl Sushi Shrimp Stacks
     

    Unmold the rice to reveal your base for the sushi stacks.

     
    Missouri Girl Sushi Shrimp Stacks
     

    Then add the avocado slices.

     
    Missouri Girl Sushi Shrimp Stacks
     

    …and the shrimp.

     
    Missouri Girl Sushi Shrimp Stacks
     

    Last, drizzle additional Everything Sauce over the top.

    Can I substitute some of the ingredients?

    Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile and can customized to suit your tastes.

    Not a seafood lover?

    Try chicken.

    Don’t like avocado?

    Try sauteed mustard greens instead. Saute them with a little lemon, cayenne pepper, and salt. Yummy.

    Enjoy!

     
    Missouri girl Shrimp Sushi Stacks
    layers of sushi rice, avocado, shrimp, and a spicy siracha mayo

    Sushi Shrimp Stacks

    Melinda | Missouri Girl
    These deconstructed sushi rolls have the flavors of sushi without the hassle.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Japanese
    Servings 4

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 avocado sliced

    Sushi Rice:

    • 2 cups Calrose rice
    • 2 ¼ cups water water (or per manufacturer recommendations if using rice cooker)
    • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon sugar
    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    Shrimp:

    • 1 lb shrimp
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

    Missouri Girl Everything Sauce

    • ¼ cup mayo
    • ¼ cup Greek yogurt
    • ¼ cup light sour cream
    • 1 tablespoon sriracha
    • 2 tablespoon water
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 clove minced garlic
    • ½ teaspoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

    Instructions
     

    Cook the rice:

    • Rinse 2 cups rice until the water runs clear.
    • Place rice in a rice cooker and cook according to MANUFACTURERS directions.
    • If cooking rice on the stove top then add the rice and water to a medium saucepan.
    • Bring to a boil and then turn down to simmer.
    • Cover with lid and simmer for 20 minutes.

    Make the Missouri Girl Everything Sauce.

    • In a small bowl mix together mayo, Greek yogurt, sour cream, water, sriracha, garlic, salt, and paprika. Set aside.

    Saute the shrimp

    • In a medium saute pan, add the butter and olive oil.
    • Heat over medium to medium high heat.
    • Add the shrimp and saute until it turns pink, about 2-3 minutes each side.
    • Salt and pepper to taste.
    • Turn off the heat and add 3 tablespoon of the Everything sauce.
    • Toss to coat the shrimp in the sauce.

    Make the sushi rice:

    • Mix together the cooked rice, rice wine vinegar, sugar and salt.
    • Mix until just combined.

    Assemble the Sushi Shrimp Stacks:

    • Using a round mold (or large can with top and bottom removed), layer ½ cup of sushi rice, avocado, and shrimp.
    • Drizzle with additional Everything Sauce.
    Keyword 30 minute meals, deconstructed sushi, easy gluten free dinner ideas, gluten free dinner, sushi shrimp stacks, sushi stacks
    « Homemade Everything Sauce
    Mexican Citrus Chicken Marinade »

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    Melinda at countertop of MissouriGirl.com I’m Melinda. I’m a wife, mother, physical therapist, runner, and a born and bred Missouri Girl. I love creating a cozy home on a budget and created Missouri Girl Home to bring inspiring, beautiful, and budget-friendly ideas to your home. Read more about Mel.

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