Baked Salmon & Prawn Sushi Cups

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Baked Salmon & Prawn Sushi Cups are a fun and easy twist on sushi! Made with seasoned rice, tender baked salmon, and your favourite toppings, these bite-sized cups are perfect for any occasion.

A close-up of baked salmon sushi cups, featuring crispy rice cups filled with tender baked salmon, topped with a mix of shrimp and salmon pieces. Drizzled with sriracha mayo, garnished with black sesame seeds, avocado cubes, and thinly sliced green onions, the sushi cups are beautifully arranged on a platter.

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Salmon & Prawn Sushi Cups

These baked salmon and prawn sushi cups are a fun twist on traditional sushi. They’re easy to make, combining seasoned sushi rice, fresh salmon, and prawns, all baked to crispy perfection in a muffin tray. Adding creamy avocado and a drizzle of spicy mayo takes these bite-sized treats to the next level. Whether hosting a gathering or just wanting a quick, healthy dinner, these sushi cups are a delicious and satisfying option!

If you’re craving sushi but want an easier option, these baked sushi cups are just right. Use simple ingredients like nori, seasoned rice, and fresh seafood to whip up a batch in no time. Plus, they’re customizable—add your favourite toppings like sesame seeds or spicy mayo for even more flavour!

Why you’ll love these salmon & prawn sushi cups

You’ll love these sushi cups because they’re:

  • Super easy to make
  • Require minimal prep
  • Perfect for any occasion
  • A fresh twist with baked salmon and prawns
  • Customizable with your preferred toppings like avocado, spicy mayo, or sesame seeds
  • Ideal for a quick lunch, snack, or dinner

These sushi cups make enjoying sushi at home fun and mess-free!

What you’ll need

  • Sushi Rice: This is a short-grain rice that becomes sticky when cooked, making it ideal for sushi. It’s seasoned with a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt to give it a balanced taste that complements the other ingredients.
  • Nori Seaweed: These are thin sheets of seaweed used to wrap sushi. For the sushi cups, I cut them into squares to form the base that holds the rice and toppings.
  • Fresh Salmon: Thinly sliced fresh salmon adds a rich taste and texture to the sushi cups.
  • Fresh Prawns: Peeled and deveined prawns are a delicious seafood option that adds a sweet, tender bite to the sushi cups. I use both whole and chopped prawns.
  • Avocado: Cubed avocado provides a creamy texture, enhancing the overall taste of the sushi cups. It’s a common ingredient in many sushi dishes. I always sprinkle some lemon juice over the avocado to avoid it turning brown and keep it looking fresh.
  • Soy Sauce, Spicy Mayo, or Wasabi: These condiments are served on the side to add an extra kick. Soy sauce provides a salty, umami taste, while spicy mayo (often a mix of mayonnaise or high-protein mayo and sriracha) adds creaminess and heat. Wasabi gives a pungent kick that complements the sushi.
  • Sesame Seeds and Sliced Green Onions: I am using these garnishes to add a nice crunch and a pop of colour. Sesame seeds enhance the nutty hint, while green onions provide a fresh, mild onion taste.

How to make these salmon & prawn sushi cups

Ready to whip up something delicious? Try our baked salmon and prawns sushi cups! This quick and easy recipe is loaded with fresh ingredients and perfect for lunch or dinner. We’ll guide you step-by-step, from cooking seasoned sushi rice to layering salmon and prawns in crispy nori. The delightful aroma will fill your kitchen!

Check out our easy guide with step-by-step photos of sushi cups that everyone will love!

A close-up image showing a hand using an ice cream scoop to place seasoned sushi rice onto a square of nori seaweed, preparing to form sushi cups.

Take a small scoop of seasoned sushi rice and place it in the centre of each nori square.

Close-up of raw marinated salmon pieces being placed atop sushi rice-filled nori cups in a muffin tray, ready for baking.

Add diced marinated salmon on top of the rice in your sushi cups, and press gently.

Close-up image of raw marinated shrimp being placed on sushi rice in nori cups, ready for baking. The muffin tin features cups with whole shrimp and others with smaller shrimp pieces, all neatly arranged.

Next, add the prawns and bake in a preheated oven until both the salmon and prawns are fully cooked.

Freshly baked sushi cups with crispy nori edges, topped with perfectly cooked salmon and prawns, ready to be garnished with avocado, sesame seeds, and green onions.

Remove the sushi cups from the oven and let cool briefly. Top with avocado, drizzle with spicy mayo and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.


A full list of ingredients and instructions can be found in the recipe card below.

A Simple Marinade for Salmon and Prawns

This is a quick and easy marinade that’s perfect for salmon and prawns in sushi cups:

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

Instructions:

  • Combine: In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients.
  • Adjust: Taste and adjust the ingredients to your desired taste.
  • Marinate: Place your salmon and prawns in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure they are evenly coated.
  • Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, to allow the flavours to infuse.

Tip: For a more flavorful marinade, try adding a splash of rice vinegar or sesame oil.


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How to make Sushi Rice

Ingredients

  • Sushi Rice: 125 gr (⅔ cup)
  • Water: 320 ml (1 ⅓ cups)
  • Rice Vinegar: 1 tbsp
  • Sugar: 2 tsp
  • Salt: 1/4 tsp

Instructions

  1. Rinse the Rice: Begin by rinsing 125 g (⅔ cup) of sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step helps remove excess starch for better texture.
  2. Soak the Rice: After rinsing, let the rice soak in fresh water for about 30 min. Soaking ensures even cooking.
  3. Cook the Rice: Drain the soaked rice and transfer it to a pot or rice cooker. Add 320 ml (1 ⅓ cups) of water. If using a pot, bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 18-20 min, until all the water is absorbed. After cooking, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 min.
  4. Season the Rice: In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp sugar, and ¼ tsp salt. Heat gently until the sugar and salt dissolve. Once the rice has rested, drizzle the vinegar mixture over the warm rice and gently fold it in with a rice paddle or wooden spoon. Finally, allow the rice to cool to room temperature before using it for your sushi cups.

Substitutions and Variations

These tweaks let you make the recipe your own based on what you have on hand! So, I have listed some easy substitutions and variations you can try:

  • Rice: You can swap sushi rice for short-grain white rice or even quinoa for a healthier option.
  • Nori: If you’re out of nori, try using rice paper as a wrap alternative.
  • Protein: Switch out salmon and prawns for tuna, crab, or even cooked chicken. Tofu is a great plant-based option as well.
  • Avocado: Substitute with cucumber slices, mango, or even radishes for a different take.
  • Spicy Mayo: For a milder topping, use regular mayo or even creamy yoghurt.
  • Garnishes: Instead of sesame seeds, try topping with crispy onions, pickled ginger, or chili flakes for a bit of heat.
A close-up of freshly appetizers garnished with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, avocado cubes, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo. The nori edges are crispy, while the salmon and prawns are perfectly cooked.

Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store any leftover sushi cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the avocado separate to avoid browning, and add fresh toppings just before serving.
  • Reheating: While sushi cups are best eaten fresh, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to warm them up slightly. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the nori soggy.
  • Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze these sushi cups, as the texture of the rice and nori will not hold up well.

How to serve these Salmon & Prawn Sushi Cups

These additions can turn your sushi cups into a more complete, satisfying meal! So, I have listed below a few ideas to serve with your Baked Sushi Cups:

  • Soy Sauce and Wasabi: Serve on the side for dipping, giving the sushi cups a savoury and spicy kick.
  • Spicy Mayo: Drizzle spicy mayo (a mix of mayonnaise and sriracha) over the top for a creamy, tangy touch.
  • Miso Soup: Pair with a warm bowl of miso soup for a comforting, traditional Japanese meal.
  • Pickled Ginger: Add some pickled ginger on the side for a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
  • Edamame: Serve with a side of salted edamame for a healthy and easy appetizer.

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A close-up of baked salmon sushi cups, featuring crispy rice cups filled with tender baked salmon, topped with a mix of shrimp and salmon pieces. Drizzled with sriracha mayo, garnished with black sesame seeds, avocado cubes, and thinly sliced green onions, the sushi cups are beautifully arranged on a platter.

Viral TikTok Baked Salmon Sushi Cups

Claudia
Make these quick and easy Baked Salmon and Prawns Sushi Cups for a healthy, delicious meal. Filled with seasoned sushi rice, fresh salmon, prawns, and avocado, they're baked to perfection in just minutes. Perfect for sushi lovers looking for a simple twist!
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Course Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 4
Calories 351 kcal

Equipment

  • muffin tray

Ingredients
  

  • 3 nori sheets seaweed, each cut into 4 squares
  • 8.5 ounces fresh salmon (240 gr) diced
  • 10 fresh prawns peeled and deveined
  • 1 avocado cubed
  • soy sauce spicy mayo, or wasabi for serving
  • sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

For Sushi Rice

  • 125 gr sushi rice (⅔ cup)
  • 320 ml water ( 1 ⅓ cups)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt

Salmon and Shrimp Marinade

  • 2 tbsp chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp ginger powder
  • 1 tbsp lime juice

Instructions
 

Prepare the Sushi Rice

  • Start by rinsing 125 grams (⅔ cup) of sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch.
  • Let the rinsed rice soak in fresh water for about 30 minutes.
  • Drain the rice and transfer it to a pot or rice cooker. Add 320 ml (1 ⅓ cups) of water. For a pot, bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes until all the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 10 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Heat gently until the sugar and salt dissolve. Once the rice has rested, drizzle the vinegar mixture over the warm rice and gently fold it in using a rice paddle or wooden spoon. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature.

Marinate the Salmon and Prawns

  • In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of chili sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey (or maple syrup), ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of ginger powder, and 1 tablespoon of lime juice.
  • Place the diced salmon and peeled, deveined prawns in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let them marinate for about 15-20 minutes.

Prepare the Nori Sheets

  • Cut each of the 3 nori sheets into 4 equal squares, resulting in a total of 12 squares.

Assemble the Sushi Cups

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Take a muffin tray and gently press a nori square into each cup, forming a little bowl.
  • Add a small amount of seasoned sushi rice to each nori cup, pressing it down lightly to secure it in place.
  • Top half of the rice-filled cups with the marinated salmon and the other half with the marinated prawns.

Bake the Sushi Cups

  • Place the muffin tray in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the salmon and prawns are cooked through, and the edges of the nori become slightly crispy.

Garnish and Serve

  • Remove the sushi cups from the oven and let them cool for a minute.
  • Top each cup with cubed avocado, drizzle with spicy mayo (mix mayonnaise and sriracha), and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
  • Serve the sushi cups with soy sauce and wasabi on the side.

Video

Notes

Tips, Tricks, and Notes

1. Sushi Rice:
  • Consistency is Key: Make sure to rinse the rice well to remove excess starch. This helps achieve the right texture for sushi rice.
  • Use a Rice Cooker: If you have one, a rice cooker can simplify the cooking process and ensure perfectly cooked rice every time.
2. Marinating:
  • Marinate Longer: For more intense flavors, let the salmon and prawns marinate for up to an hour, but don’t exceed that time to avoid over-marinating.
  • Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add additional ingredients to the marinade, like sesame oil or fresh herbs, to customize the flavor profile.
3. Nori Sheets:
  • Avoid Sogginess: To prevent the nori from becoming too soft, don’t assemble the cups too far in advance. Add the rice and toppings just before baking.
  • Toast the Nori: Lightly toasting the nori in a dry skillet for a few seconds can enhance its flavor and make it more crispy.
4. Assembly:
  • Rice Amount: Use a small ice cream scoop or spoon to evenly distribute the rice into the nori cups for uniformity.
  • Layering: You can add a layer of avocado directly on top of the rice before adding the protein for extra creaminess.
5. Baking:
  • Watch Closely: Keep an eye on the sushi cups while baking to prevent burning. The cooking time can vary based on your oven.
  • Serve Immediately: These sushi cups are best served warm, right out of the oven, to enjoy their crispy texture.
6. Garnishing:
  • Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro or chives can add a nice touch as a garnish.
  • Spicy Mayo Variations: Customize your spicy mayo by adjusting the sriracha to your preferred spice level, or try adding a bit of lime juice for extra zest.
7. Storage:
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the rice and marinate the seafood ahead of time. Assemble and bake them just before serving.
  • Leftovers: If you have leftover sushi cups, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispness before serving.

Notes:

  • Dietary Adjustments: Feel free to substitute the seafood with cooked chicken, tofu, or vegetables for a different protein option or a vegetarian version.
  • Customize: Add your favorite toppings like pickled ginger, sliced radishes, or sesame seeds to personalize your sushi cups further.
With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to creating delicious and visually appealing sushi cups that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking adventure! 

Nutrition

Calories: 351kcal
Keyword salmon, shrimp, sushi, sushi cups
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