Tiktok Sushi Bake Cups with Shrimp and Crab

I am so not into viral recipes but this Tiktok Sushi Bake Cups with shrimp and crab have been popping up on my news feed and I just could not resist it anymore. 

Kale Junkie

Yes, I am aware this is not technically sushi—duh! It does, however, remind me of a deconstructed baked salmon ROLL! 

And so began my quest to recreate these at home for my husband. And so I recreated a Shrimp and Crab sushi bake from scratch!

Let me tell you, these Tiktok Sushi Bake Cups are a lifesaver on busy weeknights. They’re incredibly delicious, fun to make, and perfect for feeding a crowd. I recently had a group of friends over for a potluck, and I knew I wanted to make something impressive but also easy to prepare beforehand. These sushi bake cups were the perfect solution!

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

• Super Easy: This recipe is so simple to follow, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. No fancy sushi-rolling skills required here!
• Flavorful and Customizable: The combination of shrimp, crab, and creamy sauce is simply irresistible. Plus, you can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding other ingredients like avocado, sriracha mayo, or your favorite vegetables.
• Perfect for a Crowd: These sushi bake cups are perfect for potlucks, parties, or even a fun weeknight dinner. They’re always a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients:

1. Sushi Rice: This is the base of our sushi bake cups. I always use sushi rice for these because it has a slightly sweet and sticky texture that’s perfect for holding everything together.
2. Shrimp: I love using plump, juicy shrimp in this recipe. You can either buy them pre-cooked and deveined to save time, or cook them yourself.
3. Imitation Crab Meat (optional): This is a great way to add some extra protein and flavor to the dish. If you can’t find imitation crab, you can also use cooked white fish or flaked salmon.
4. Cream Cheese: The cream cheese adds a delicious richness to the sushi bake cups. Be sure to soften it at room temperature before using it so that it mixes in smoothly with the other ingredients.
5. Mayonnaise: I use Kewpie mayonnaise in this recipe because it has a richer flavor than regular mayonnaise. But feel free to use your favorite mayo brand.
6. Sriracha (optional): If you like things spicy, you can add a dollop of sriracha to the cream cheese mixture.
7. Nori Sheets: These are the seaweed wrappers that will hold our sushi bake cups. You can find them at most Asian grocery stores.
8. Sesame Seeds and Scallions: These are for garnishing the sushi bake cups at the end. They add a nice pop of color and flavor.

Here’s How to Make Them:

1. Cook the Sushi Rice: This is the first step, and it’s important to follow the package instructions carefully to get the rice cooked perfectly. I usually rinse the rice a few times before cooking to remove any excess starch. Then, I cook it in a pot with water according to the package directions. While the rice is cooking, I like to prepare the other ingredients.
   
2. Prepare the Shrimp and Crab Mixture: In a bowl, I combine the cooked and chopped shrimp, imitation crab meat (if using), cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sriracha (if using). I mix everything together until well combined. This is the flavorful filling for our sushi bake cups!
   
3. Assemble the Cups: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Now comes the fun part! I lightly grease a muffin tin and then cut the nori sheets into squares that are just a bit larger than the muffin cups. Gently press a nori square into each muffin cup, forming a little cup shape. Then, spoon the shrimp and crab mixture into the nori cups, leaving a bit of space at the top.
   
4. Bake and Garnish: Once the cups are assembled, bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the nori is slightly crisp. Be careful not to overbake, or the nori will become tough. Once the sushi bake cups are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before garnishing with sesame seeds and scallions.
   

Unique Recipe Tips:

Tip # 1 Make it ahead of time: 

These sushi bake cups can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just bake them before serving.

Tip # 2 Get creative with fillings: 

Feel free to experiment with different fillings for your sushi bake cups. You could try using cooked chicken, vegetables, or even a vegetarian option like tofu.

Tip # 3 Make it spicy: 

If you like things spicy, you can add a sriracha mayo drizzle on top of the sushi bake cups before serving.

FAQs

1. How to reheat sushi cups?

Ans. I like to reheat my sushi bake cups in the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the sushi bake cups in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Carefully remove the foil and enjoy your warm and delicious sushi bake cups!

2. How long can sushi bake last?

Ans. I typically eat my sushi bake cups within a day or two of making them, but they can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored properly. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. 

3. Can you use basmati rice for sushi?

Ans. While I’ve used basmati rice for many dishes, I wouldn’t recommend it for sushi. Sushi rice is specifically designed to be sticky, which is crucial for holding the sushi rolls together. Basmati rice is known for its fluffy texture, which might not be ideal for sushi. 

More Recipes To Recreate:

1. Spicy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Skewers
2. Air Fryer Crispy Taco Pinwheels
3. Easy Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning