Sesame Soy Shrimp Rice Stack

🦐 Sesame Soy Shrimp Rice Stack

🍚 Introduction

This Sesame Soy Shrimp Rice Stack combines tender shrimp marinated in a savory-sweet soy sauce blend, layered with seasoned rice, crisp cucumber, creamy avocado, and finished with a drizzle of sesame dressing. Think of it as a deconstructed sushi roll — stacked high for a stunning presentation and easy eating.

⏱ Time Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 2 large stacks or 4 small

📝 Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

1/2 lb (225g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

1 tsp sesame oil

1 tsp rice vinegar

1 tsp honey or maple syrup

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger

For the Rice:

1 cup cooked short grain rice or sushi rice

1 tsp rice vinegar

1/2 tsp sesame oil

Pinch of salt

Toppings/Layers:

1 small avocado, diced

1/2 cup cucumber, finely diced

1/4 cup shredded carrots (optional)

1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

1 tbsp chopped green onions

Nori strips or furikake (optional, for garnish)

Sesame Soy Drizzle:

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp sesame oil

1 tsp honey or maple syrup

1 tsp rice vinegar

1/2 tsp sriracha or chili flakes (optional)

🔥 Instructions

Step 1: Marinate and Cook the Shrimp

In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger.

Add shrimp and marinate for 10–15 minutes.

Heat a pan over medium heat and cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 2: Season the Rice

Mix the cooked rice with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and salt.

Let cool slightly for easier stacking.

Step 3: Make the Sesame Soy Drizzle

Whisk all drizzle ingredients in a small bowl. Taste and adjust sweetness or heat as needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Stack

Option A: Use a food ring or round measuring cup

Lightly oil the inside of a ring mold or small ramekin.

Layer in this order:

A layer of seasoned rice (press gently)

A layer of cucumber and carrots

A layer of avocado

Top with cooked shrimp

Press down lightly, then carefully lift the mold.

Option B: Layer freely in a bowl

Start with rice, then add cucumber, avocado, shrimp, and toppings.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Drizzle with sesame soy dressing

Sprinkle sesame seeds, green onions, and nori/furikake

Serve with a wedge of lime or pickled ginger (optional)

🍽 Serving Tips

• Serve with a side of miso soup or edamame
• Add mango or pineapple for a sweet twist
• Want crunch? Top with crispy shallots or fried wonton strips

💡 Tips

• Use cooked rice that has cooled slightly for better stacking structure.
• For extra flavor, try marinating shrimp overnight.
• Make it a poke-style bowl by serving everything unstacked over a bed of rice.

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
A: Yes! Just toss it in the marinade and quickly warm it in the pan for extra flavor.

Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.

Q: Can I prep it ahead of time?
A: Yes, but add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.

🧾 Nutrition (Per Stack, approx.)