The Ultimate Spicy Mayo Shrimp Bowl for You!
Ever get a powerful craving for sushi, but not the time or patience for intricate rolling? You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we’re deconstructing the beloved spicy shrimp roll and transforming it into an incredibly easy, vibrant, and satisfying sushi bowl.
This dish is a celebration of fresh flavors and exciting textures. At its heart are plump, juicy shrimp, quickly seared with a hint of spice.
The real star, however, is the creamy, dreamy, and fiery sriracha mayonnaise that we’ll drizzle generously over everything.
We will build our masterpiece on a bed of seasoned sushi rice and load it up with crisp cucumber, creamy avocado, and sweet edamame. It has all the elements you love about sushi, with none of the fuss.
This is a fun, fast, and completely customizable meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Let’s get our ingredients prepped and build a bowl of pure joy!
Quick Recipe Snapshot
Here’s a quick look at how easily this fresh and fiery meal comes together.
Prep time | Cook time | Total time | Yield | Skill level | Spice level |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
20 minutes | 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 2-4 servings | Easy | Spicy |
Ingredients
A great bowl is all about its fresh, high-quality components. Here’s what you’ll need for each delicious layer.
For the Shrimp & Seasoning:
- Shrimp – Use large shrimp, peeled and deveined, with tails removed. Fresh or frozen (and thawed) both work perfectly.
- 1-2 servings: 1 lb
- 3-4 servings: 2 lbs
- Simple Seasoning – Just enough to complement the spicy mayo.
- Smoked Paprika: 1 tsp
- Garlic Powder: ½ tsp
- Salt & Black Pepper: To taste
For the Spicy Mayo:
- Mayonnaise – For the creamiest result, Japanese-style mayo is fantastic, but your favorite brand will work great.
- 2 servings: ⅓ cup
- 4 servings: ⅔ cup
- Sriracha – The source of our signature heat.
- Medium-Spicy: 1.5 tbsp
- Spicy: 3 tbsp (or more!)
- Lime Juice – A splash of fresh lime juice is crucial for brightness.
- Servings: 1-2 tsp
For the Sushi Bowl Assembly:
- Sushi Rice – Short-grain sushi rice is essential for the right texture.
- 1 serving: 1 cup, cooked
- 2 servings: 2 cups, cooked
- Rice Seasoning – To give the rice its classic sushi flavor.
- Rice Vinegar: 2 tbsp
- Sugar: 1 tbsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Bowl Toppings (Suggestions):
- Cucumber: 1, diced
- Avocado: 1, diced or sliced
- Edamame: 1 cup, shelled and steamed
- Shredded Carrots: ½ cup
- Garnishes: Toasted sesame seeds, furikake seasoning, thinly sliced scallions, or shredded nori (seaweed).
Spice Profile Breakdown
The spice in this bowl is clean and creamy, designed to be the star of the show.
Spice/Aromatic | Flavor Role | Optional Substitution |
---|---|---|
Sriracha | Provides the primary, bright, garlicky, and vinegary heat for the spicy mayo. | Sambal oelek for a purer chili heat, or gochujang for a fermented, sweeter heat. |
Smoked Paprika | Adds a mild, smoky flavor and a beautiful color to the shrimp, complementing the spicy mayo. | Regular paprika or a pinch of chipotle powder. |
Garlic Powder | Adds a foundational savory, aromatic note to the shrimp. | A pinch of onion powder can also be added. |
Lime Juice | While not a spice, its acidity is crucial for cutting through the richness of the mayo and brightening the sriracha’s heat. | Rice vinegar can provide a similar tangy note. |
Essential Tools
This fresh and simple meal comes together with just a few kitchen basics.
- Large skillet
- Rice cooker or pot
- Multiple small bowls for prep (mise en place)
- Whisk
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Cooking Instructions
This bowl is all about prepping your individual components, then having fun bringing them all together in a beautiful final assembly.
Step 1: Create the Perfect Sushi Rice Base
First, cook your sushi rice according to the package directions. While the rice is still hot, prepare the seasoning.
In a small bowl, stir the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt together until the sugar and salt have dissolved.
Drizzle this mixture over the hot rice and gently fold it in with a rice paddle or spatula until every grain is seasoned.
Spreading the rice out on a baking sheet can help it cool faster. This seasoned rice is the authentic and delicious foundation of your bowl.
Step 2: Whip Up the Fiery Mayo & Prep Toppings
While the rice is cooking and cooling, prepare your sauce and fresh ingredients. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sriracha, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Whisk everything together until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. Give it a taste and adjust the sriracha level to your preference.
Use this time to also chop your cucumber, slice your avocado, and prepare any other fresh toppings. A successful bowl is all about having your mise en place ready.
Step 3: The Quick-Sear for Juicy Shrimp
The secret to perfect shrimp is to not overcook them. Pat your peeled and deveined shrimp completely dry with paper towels.
This is crucial for getting a good sear. In a medium bowl, toss the dry shrimp with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and a pinch of black pepper until they are evenly coated. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over high heat.
Once the pan is very hot, add the shrimp in a single layer.
Cook for just 60-90 seconds per side, until they are pink, opaque, and have a beautiful char in spots.
Remove them from the heat immediately.
Step 4: The Art of the Bowl Assembly
Now for the best part! Start by spooning a generous amount of the seasoned sushi rice into the bottom of each bowl.
Top the rice with a portion of the warm, spicy shrimp. Artfully arrange your prepared fresh toppings—like the diced cucumber, sliced avocado, edamame, and carrots—around the shrimp.
Try to create little sections for each ingredient for that classic, beautiful bowl presentation. The contrast of colors will look amazing.
Step 5: Drizzle and Garnish
The grand finale! Take your creamy, spicy mayo and drizzle it generously all over the shrimp and the other ingredients in the bowl.
Don’t be shy here; the sauce is what ties everything together. Finish your masterpiece with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, a scattering of thinly sliced scallions, and some shredded nori or furikake for an extra layer of savory, crunchy texture.
Serve immediately and enjoy the incredible combination of flavors.
Recipe Variations
This bowl is a fantastic template. Feel free to make it your own.
- Protein Swaps: This spicy mayo is amazing with almost anything. For a classic sushi experience, use cubes of sushi-grade raw salmon or ahi tuna. You can also use pan-seared salmon, crispy panko chicken, or fried tofu.
- Heat Level Adjustments: To make it milder, reduce the sriracha to just a teaspoon or two. To make it extra fiery, add a finely minced serrano pepper or a pinch of cayenne to the mayo.
- Add a Sweet Glaze: For an extra layer of flavor, you can toss the cooked shrimp in a simple glaze made of 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of honey before adding them to the bowl.
Serving Suggestions
This spicy mayo shrimp sushi bowl is a complete meal, but a few extras can enhance the experience.
- Extra Sauce: Always have extra spicy mayo and some low-sodium soy sauce on the side for drizzling.
- Pickled Ginger & Wasabi: A small pile of pickled ginger provides a sweet, tangy palate cleanser, while a dab of wasabi can add a sharp, pungent kick.
- Crispy Wonton Strips: For an amazing crunch, top your bowl with some crispy fried wonton strips.
Storage & Reheating Tips
The components of this bowl are best stored separately for optimal freshness.
- Storage: Store the cooked shrimp, rice, and fresh vegetable components in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The spicy mayo will last for up to a week.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the shrimp in a skillet over low heat for just a minute. It’s also delicious enjoyed cold. It’s always best to assemble the bowl just before serving for the best texture.
Common Mistakes & Fixes
Here are some quick tips for a perfect sushi bowl every time.
Mistake | Fix |
---|---|
My shrimp are rubbery. | You overcooked them. Shrimp cook incredibly fast. Use a very hot pan and cook them for only a minute or two per side, just until they turn pink. They will continue to cook from residual heat after you remove them. |
The bowl is watery. | This can happen if your rice is too wet or if your vegetables (like cucumber) release a lot of water. Make sure your rice is fluffy and let any particularly wet ingredients drain on a paper towel first. |
My rice is bland and clumpy. | You forgot to season it! The vinegar-sugar-salt mixture is what gives sushi rice its signature flavor and helps separate the grains. Don’t skip this step. |
The spicy mayo is too thick. | Simply whisk in a teaspoon of warm water or lime juice at a time until the sauce reaches your desired drizzling consistency. |
My shrimp didn’t get a nice sear. | Your pan wasn’t hot enough, or the shrimp weren’t dry. Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels and make sure your skillet is properly preheated before adding them. |
FAQs
Here are answers to a few more common questions.
What is sushi rice and is it necessary?
Sushi rice is a type of Japanese short-grain rice that is known for its sticky texture, which makes it ideal for forming sushi.
While you can use other types of rice, using proper sushi rice and seasoning it correctly will give you the most authentic and satisfying texture and flavor.
Can I make this bowl with pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, this is a great shortcut! If you’re using pre-cooked shrimp, you can skip the searing step.
Simply toss the cold, cooked shrimp with the seasoning and a little oil and either serve them cold or warm them very gently in a skillet for one minute before adding to your bowl.
What is furikake?
Furikake is a dry Japanese seasoning blend that is typically sprinkled on top of rice.
Common ingredients include toasted sesame seeds, nori (seaweed), salt, and sugar. It adds a wonderful savory, crunchy, and salty finish to the bowl.
Time to Build Your Bowl!
You are now ready to create a fresh, vibrant, and incredibly delicious meal that comes together in a snap.
This spicy mayo shrimp sushi bowl is a perfect example of how healthy food can be exciting and packed with bold flavors.
Have fun customizing your bowl with your favorite toppings and enjoy every single bite. Let me know how you built your masterpiece in the comments below!