TikTok Sushi Bake Cups with Shrimp and Crab 🍣🦐
Viral, Flavor-Packed, and Perfect for Sharing
If you’ve been on TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen some form of sushi bake trending—usually a creamy, spicy seafood mixture layered over sushi rice, then baked and scooped onto seaweed squares. But here’s an even more fun twist: Sushi Bake Cups. These bite-sized seafood bombs are easy to make, perfectly portioned, and a total hit at parties, potlucks, or solo sushi nights.
Why I Love This Recipe
These sushi cups bring everything I love about sushi rolls—bold flavors, spicy mayo, buttery seafood—without the pressure of rolling or slicing. They’re:
- Great for meal prep or parties
- Packed with shrimp, crab, and spicy umami goodness
- Baked and served warm (no raw fish here!)
- Super customizable for whatever you have on hand
It’s the same shareable spirit I love in recipes like these sheet pan quesadillas and walking taco bars.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice
- ½ lb cooked shrimp, chopped
- ½ lb imitation crab meat, chopped
- ¼ cup Japanese mayonnaise (like Kewpie)
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ½ avocado, sliced
- 2 tablespoons masago (optional, for garnish)
- Nori sheets, cut into squares for topping or serving
Swaps & Variations
- Use real lump crab or cooked salmon for a fancier version
- Swap masago for chopped green onions or furikake
- Add cream cheese for a richer, tangier filling
- Use mini cupcake pans for appetizer-style bites
How to Make Sushi Bake Cups
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix the Rice and Seafood
In a large bowl, combine the cooked sushi rice, chopped shrimp, and imitation crab meat.
3. Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together the Japanese mayo, Sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sugar. Stir until smooth.
4. Combine Everything
Pour the sauce over the rice and seafood mixture and stir until fully coated and creamy.
5. Fill the Muffin Cups
Spoon the mixture into silicone muffin cups (or a greased muffin tin), filling each to the top.
6. Bake
Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the tops are slightly golden and set.
7. Garnish & Serve
Let the cups cool for a few minutes, then top each one with a slice of avocado, a sprinkle of masago, and a square of nori. Serve warm with extra soy sauce or wasabi on the side if desired.
Tips for Sushi Bake Success
- Use short-grain sushi rice for the stickiest texture
- Grease your muffin tin or use silicone liners to avoid sticking
- Don’t skip the rice vinegar—it gives that signature sushi rice tang
- For extra crisp edges, bake a few minutes longer
Serving Suggestions
These sushi bake cups are crowd-friendly and go great with:
- Beer cheese dip and other small bites
- Totchos for a fun appetizer table
- A light walking taco bar for casual gatherings
- Cold sake, green tea, or a crisp rosé
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or air fryer.
- Freeze: Freeze unbaked cups in muffin liners. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes to the cook time.
More Fun Party Bites to Try
Final Thoughts
These TikTok-inspired Sushi Bake Cups are an exciting and easy way to serve sushi-style flavors—without the stress of rolling or slicing. With spicy mayo, sweet crab, and creamy avocado in every bite, they’re destined to become your new go-to recipe for any get-together.
Tried them? Snap a pic and tag @chefmaniac—I’d love to see your sushi bake cup creations. 🍣🔥
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