This post teaches you how to make the Viral Sushi Cups, plus my buffalo chicken version (which in my opinion is even better). Sushi cups are the viral muffin-tin sushi trend that took over TikTok. Think crispy nori shells, sticky rice, spicy mayo and a savory protein baked to perfection. I've been making them since the trend started, and I have created my own twist: Buffalo Chicken Sushi Cups. Both versions use the same base which is nori, rice and creamy sauce! You can customize them however you like.
These cups are delicious, flavorful, portable and perfect for lunch, dinner or a date night! These adorable, easy-to-make treats are ready in less than 30 minutes, making them a lifesaver for busy weekdays. Plus, they're naturally gluten free and can be easily made dairy free too. Think of them as cute, savory cupcakes filled with all the goodness you love about sushi, minus the frustration of trying to make perfect rolls. No rolling required, just layer fluffy rice, flavorful fillings and colorful, fresh toppings! The options for fillings are endless. I used chicken and buffalo sauce to make buffalo chicken sushi cups, but feel free to use salmon or other typical sushi fillings instead! If you're looking for other cute sushi ideas be sure to try my heart shaped sushi also! If you love the buffalo chicken flavor, try out my buffalo chicken caesar salad or buffalo chicken bake.
Classic Baked Sushi Cups (Viral Version)
These are the classic baked sushi cups everyone fell in love with on TikTok. They are crispy nori cups filled with seasoned sushi rice, salmon or shrimp and a drizzle of spicy mayo. They're easy, customizable and bake in under 20 minutes!
If you want to stick to the classic version:
- Cut nori sheets into squares and press into a muffin tin.
- Add 1 tablespoon cooked sushi rice seasoned with rice vinegar.
- Top with salmon or shrimp mixed with spicy mayo and furikake.
- Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until edges crisp.
- Garnish with avocado, green onion and extra spicy mayo.
Why You'll Love These Buffalo Chicken Sushi Cups
They are easy to make!
These sushi cups are ready in less than 30 minutes.
They are kid-friendly.
These are easy to make gluten free and dairy free.
This recipe is packed with flavor!
These sushi cups are super customizable and you can use any fillings you want!
They are a unique way to change up your meals this week!
Equipment Needed
All you need to make these sushi cups is a bowl or pot (depending on how you want to cook your rice), scissors, spoon, muffin tin, cutting board and knife.
Ingredients Needed
Nori: Nori is traditionally used to wrap sushi rolls. In this recipe, I used it to make the sushi cups. It is much easier to make these cups than to roll a sushi roll in my opinion! This is a great shortcut for weekday nights or meal prep.
Rice: I used white rice inside these cups, but feel free to try out brown rice or wild rice too. Some people like to mix their sushi rice with vinegar or sugar, but I left mine plain.
Filling: I used shredded chicken for the filling! If you would like to create more traditional sushi flavors, you can try out salmon or another fish.
Sauce: I used buffalo sauce on these sushi cups. I love the flavor of buffalo chicken and I thought making buffalo sushi cups would be such a unique way to change it up!
Toppers: I used avocado, green onion, cucumber and carrots on top of the cups after they came out of the oven. These add extra crush, a refreshing flavor and creaminess. They also add extra nutrients and flavor into this meal!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Gather your ingredients and preheat the oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Cook your rice according to the package. If you are looking to make this meal quickly, you could microwave frozen rice for a shortcut.
Step 3: While the rice is cooking, cut your nori sheets into fourths. You want to make sure each sheet fits into your muffin tin.
Step 4: Add rice on top of each nori sheet. Use a spoon to press it down so it sticks onto the sheet.
Step 5: Place the nori sheets with rice into the muffin tin. Add shredded chicken and buffalo sauce to each cup and bake for 15 minutes.
Step 6: While the sushi cups are baking, chop the avocado, green onion, carrot and cucumber into small pieces.
Step 7: Add to sushi cups once they have cooled. Add extra buffalo sauce on top and serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Storage
Feel free to store these sushi cups in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. These are great to prep for lunch or make for a weeknight dinner and eat for leftovers the next day!
Variations
These sushi cups are so customizable and the variations are endless. I went for a non-traditional approach, but feel free to use traditional sushi flavors.
If you are leaning towards a classic sushi flavor, try out tuna, salmon (cooked or raw, depending on preference) or shrimp.
If you are looking to be adventurous, try out scallops, crab, eel or lobster.
Switch up the base by substituting white rice for brown rice, cauliflower rice or quinoa.
Add some fresh herbs or microgreens to the top!
Switch up the vegetables or add fruit.
Recipe FAQs
What are good fillings for sushi?
The options are endless. I used buffalo chicken here but feel free to try salmon or shrimp!
Can I make sushi cups without fish?
Yes! I am not a huge fish lover and that's why I made these with buffalo chicken instead.
Are these sushi cups gluten free?
Yes, these sushi cups are gluten free as long as all of the ingredients you use are gluten free.
Are these sushi cups dairy free?
Yes, they are dairy free as long as you do not use ingredients that contain dairy!
Can you make these sushi cups with raw fish?
Yes. I would recommend baking the nori and rice and then adding the fish.
What dipping sauces should I pair with these sushi cups?
I love using coconut aminos. You could also try soy sauce or spicy mayo!
Related Recipes
Be sure to try these delicious dinner recipe ideas next:
If you make these sushi cups and love them, I would really appreciate a 5 star review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or TikTok.
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Sushi Cups (Buffalo Chicken)
Equipment
- 1 bowl or pot for cooking the rice
- 1 scissors
- 1 spoon
- 1 muffin tin
- 1 cutting board
- 1 knife
Ingredients
- 4 sheets nori
- 2/3 cups uncooked white rice
- 1 1/2 cups shredded chicken
- 1 avocado
- 1/2 cup green onion
- 2 mini cucumbers
- 2 carrots
- 3/4 cup buffalo sauce
Instructions
- Gather all of your ingredients and preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cook your rice according to the package. If you are looking to make this meal quickly, you could microwave frozen rice for a shortcut.
- While the rice is cooking, cut your nori sheets into fourths. You want to make sure each sheet fits into your muffin tin.
- Add rice on top of each nori sheet. Use a spoon to press it down so it sticks onto the sheet.
- Place the nori sheets with rice into the muffin tin. Add shredded chicken and buffalo sauce to each cup and bake for 15 minutes.
- While the sushi cups are baking, chop the avocado, green onion, carrot and cucumber into small pieces.
- Add to sushi cups once they have cooled. Add extra buffalo sauce on top and serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
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