Sushi cups for the win! 🍣
I kinda winged it and kinda went by a reel I vaguely remember seeing once a while ago. 🤣
Inside is smoked salmon, imitation crab, cream cheese, kewpie mayo, sriracha mayo, green onion, garlic powder, onion powder, and avocado on top. 👍🏼
I’ll be honest… Everything was measured with the heart! 🤪
For the cups I cooked the rice in a rice cooker first. I didn’t jazz up the rice in anyway but that would totally add to this! I just used Jazmin rice. 🍚
I greased up a muffin tin and scooped the rice in. It was super sticky so I had to grease up the spoon too. I used one of my son’s small cups and greased up the bottom and pushed the middle down. I would used a smaller cup or something next time. 🤷🏻♀️
I tossed the empty cups in the oven at 350* for 8 minutes, until they got crispy. I also set the mixture in the bowl in the oven for a few minutes for it to get warm. I scooped the rice cups out of the tin and filled them up! I topped them with some spicy mayo and some avocado. 🥑
Honestly, they turned out super good and were a hit in the house! 🥲
Making sushi rice cups at home is surprisingly fun and rewarding. One thing I discovered is that using jasmine rice works well due to its sticky texture, but you can also try sushi-grade short-grain rice for an even more authentic flavor and stickiness. Greasing both the muffin tin and the utensil you use to press the rice is key to prevent sticking and helps shape the cups neatly. When forming the cups, using a smaller cup or even a measuring spoon can provide more control and make the cups more bite-sized, which can be more convenient for serving at parties or family dinners. Baking the rice cups at 350°F for around 8 minutes crisps them up nicely, creating a pleasant crunch that contrasts well with your creamy fillings. For the filling, balancing smoky flavors from the salmon with the slight sweetness of imitation crab, plus a creamy base of cream cheese, creates a rich but refreshing combination. Adding kewpie mayo mixed with sriracha gives a delicious spicy twist. If you prefer less heat, you can adjust the sriracha quantity or substitute it with a mild mayo blend. Topping the sushi cups with fresh avocado not only adds vibrant color but also contributes healthy fats and a creamy texture which pairs perfectly with the savory fillings. Sprinkling green onions and a pinch of garlic or onion powder enhances the overall flavor profile by adding subtle aromatic notes. I personally found that warming the filling mixture before assembling helps meld the flavors and slightly softens the cheese, making the sushi cups more cohesive and flavorful. These sushi rice cups are a great way to enjoy sushi flavors without needing complex rolling skills or special tools, making it an excellent recipe for beginner cooks or a fun family cooking activity. Give it a try without worrying too much about exact measurements—cooking "with the heart" often leads to delicious, comforting results! Enjoy your sushi cups party!
