Mini and oh-so-cute. These Salmon Sushi Cups are like savory cupcakes. Simple to make and even yummier to eat.
Inspired by a viral TikTok trend, these bite-sized sushi cups started to show up everywhere. There was a point in time when I couldn’t scroll through my Instagram feed without seeing them. What’s great about these cute mini-cups is that they are party-friendly, customizable, and so versatile. They can be enjoyed hot or cold and can easily be prepped ahead of time. But fair warning: although they are perfectly portioned, it is all too easy to eat one too many! These sushi cups are small but mighty, and packed with so much flavor. They’re like savory cupcakes you can’t get enough of!
You can serve these sushi cups as a wholesome snack, light lunch (with an added side) or as an attractive appetizer. Inviting friends over for drinks and nibbles? They will love these tasty treats!
Are Salmon Sushi Cups Healthy?
Salmon sushi cups are high in protein, healthy fats and provide necessary fuel for the body. If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, it can be replaced with Greek yogurt. This healthier alternative has a similar texture to mayonnaise (fluffy and airy). It is high in calcium, contains more protein than mayonnaise, and has much less fat.
For those of you watching your sodium intake, you can always use coconut aminos to replace the soy sauce. Finally, if you don’t have any sushi rice on hand or want a healthier alternative, you can always use brown rice, which contains more dietary fiber than white rice. Overall, the recipe is a nutritious option with a solid balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates.
Customizable & Cute
Customize these little cups with your favorite fish or seasonings. Shrimp, tuna, and crab meat are all great alternatives to the salmon, but you can also use chicken and turkey. You can make them vegetarian-friendly by swapping the fish for avocado or cucumber. To make them vegan-friendly, you’ll also want to use a vegan mayonnaise. I encourage you to create your own signature flavor profile. I love wasabi (a Japanese horseradish condiment), which pairs great with sushi. Another great flavor combo is honey and fresh ginger.
How to make ahead and store
These baked salmon sushi cups can be made in advance, but are best enjoyed fresh! Once baked, let the cups cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, you can reheat the cups in the oven until warmed through, or you could serve them cold, too.
Serving Suggestions
These cups bring you restaurant-quality sushi at home and for a fraction of the cost. Pair these savory cups with an additional dipping sauce like garlic aioli. You could also add a tangy dash of wasabi, a Japanese staple, which is almost always paired with sushi.
If you are in the mood for a veggie side, serve with this Asian-inspired roasted Kabocha Squash, made with a mouthwatering miso glaze. Or perhaps these six-ingredient Spicy Tuna bites. Want to keep it extra light? Try a warm bowl of miso soup or seaweed salad with a small plate of pickled ginger. These three sides are essential in Japanese cuisine and are often paired with sushi. I hope you enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds salmon skin removed and cubed
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- 1 cup cooked sushi rice
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 12 nori squares
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup green onions chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a standard size muffin tin.
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed salmon, mayonnaise, soy sauce, and sriracha. Toss to coat well.
- In another bowl, mix the cooked sushi rice with the rice vinegar.
- Lay out the nori squares on a countertop. Add about 2 tablespoons of the rice mixture to each nori square, then fold and place inside the muffin tin.
- Top each nori cup with about 2 tablespoons of the salmon mixture.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your liking.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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