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To make tasty TikTok sushi bake cups, you need: - 2 cups sushi rice - 2 1/2 cups water - 1/4 cup rice vinegar - 2 tablespoons sugar - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 pound imitation crab meat, shredded - 1 avocado, diced - 1 cucumber, finely chopped - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste) - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 sheet nori, cut into small squares (for garnish) - Green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Soy sauce (for serving) These ingredients create a rich flavor and fun texture. The sushi rice is the base, while the crab adds protein. Avocado brings creaminess, and cucumber adds crunch. Garnishes make your cups look great and add flavor. You can use: - Extra nori squares - Sesame seeds - Pickled ginger - Wasabi These add color and taste. Feel free to mix and match your favorites! Not all ingredients must be exact. Here are some swaps: - Use brown rice instead of sushi rice for a healthier option. - Substitute real crab for imitation crab if you prefer. - Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise for a lighter choice. - Try spicy mayo instead of sriracha for a different kick. These swaps keep the dish tasty while meeting your needs. Experimenting with ingredients can lead to new flavors! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, rinse the sushi rice under cold water. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. This step helps remove excess starch, making the rice less sticky. Next, combine the rinsed rice and water in a rice cooker or a pot. If using a pot, bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover it and let it cook for about 20 minutes. After cooking, let the rice sit off the heat for 10 minutes. This helps the texture become just right. Once the rice is cooked, it's time to season it. In a small bowl, mix together rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir until everything is dissolved. Pour this mixture over the warm rice. Use a spatula to gently fold it in. Be careful not to smash the grains. This seasoning adds a nice tang and sweetness, enhancing the flavor of your sushi bake cups. Allow the rice to cool slightly before using it in the next steps. Now, let’s make the filling. In a large mixing bowl, add shredded imitation crab meat, diced avocado, and finely chopped cucumber. Then, add mayonnaise, sriracha, and sesame oil. Mix everything until well combined. You can adjust the amount of sriracha based on how spicy you want it. This mix will give your sushi bake cups a creamy and tasty filling. To make great sushi bake cups, start with perfect rice. Rinse the sushi rice well under cold water until it runs clear. This removes extra starch. Use a rice cooker or a pot. If using a pot, bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover and let it cook for 20 minutes. After cooking, let it rest off the heat for another 10 minutes. This helps the rice become fluffy. Layering is key to tasty sushi bake cups. Press a small amount of cooked rice into each muffin cup. Make sure it’s about 1/4 inch thick. This keeps the rice from falling apart. Next, spoon the crab mixture on top of the rice. Fill each cup but don’t pack it too tightly. This way, it will bake evenly and have a nice texture. Baking gives the sushi bake cups a great texture. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before placing the muffin tin inside. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the tops turn light golden. This browning adds flavor and crunch. Let the cups cool for a few minutes once done. This helps them hold their shape when you take them out of the tin. Pro Tips Rinse the Rice: Always rinse the sushi rice thoroughly until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, which helps achieve the perfect texture. Adjusting Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of sriracha in the filling to suit your taste preferences for spice; start with less and add more if needed. Cooling the Rice: Letting the seasoned rice cool slightly before using it helps it hold its shape better when pressed into the muffin tin. Garnish for Flavor: Add more garnishes like sesame seeds or sliced radishes for extra flavor and a beautiful presentation. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in your TikTok sushi bake cups. Instead of imitation crab, try shredded cooked chicken or shrimp. These proteins work well and add new flavors. You can also use canned tuna for a quick option. Just mix it with mayonnaise and a bit of sriracha for a tasty filling. If you love salmon, try smoked salmon for a rich taste. Each protein choice gives you a different twist on this fun dish. If you prefer vegetarian or vegan options, that’s easy too! Instead of crab, use marinated tofu or tempeh. Both options soak up flavors well. You can also use a mix of veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and mushrooms. Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo to keep it creamy. For added taste, mix in some avocado or hummus. These swaps mean everyone can enjoy the sushi bake cups. Adjusting the spice level is simple. If you love heat, add more sriracha to your filling. You can also sprinkle some chili flakes on top before baking. For milder flavors, reduce the sriracha or leave it out. You can replace it with sweet chili sauce for a hint of sweetness. Taste your filling before baking to find the right heat for you. Remember, you control the spice! To keep your sushi bake cups fresh, let them cool first. Once cool, place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you have multiple layers, try to separate them with parchment paper to avoid sticking. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sushi cups on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This helps keep the texture nice and crispy. You can also use the microwave, but the oven gives better results. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each sushi cup in plastic wrap tightly. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can prepare TikTok Sushi Bake Cups ahead. Cook the rice and make the filling. Store them in the fridge separately. When ready to eat, assemble the cups and bake. This saves time and still tastes fresh. Serve these tasty cups with soy sauce for dipping. You can also add pickled ginger or wasabi for extra flavor. A simple salad or edamame pairs well too. These sides enhance your meal and add freshness. To keep the rice from sticking, rinse it well before cooking. This removes excess starch. After cooking, let it cool slightly before handling. Use wet hands when pressing the rice into the muffin tin. This helps it stay separate. You’ve learned how to make TikTok sushi bake cups from start to finish. We covered the essential ingredients and tasty optional garnishes. I shared tips for cooking perfect rice and layering your cups. You now know how to store leftovers and reheat them best. These sushi bake cups are fun to make and share. Enjoy creating your own versions with unique flavors! Happy cooking!

TikTok Sushi Bake Cups

A fun and delicious twist on sushi, baked in muffin cups for easy serving.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 12
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups sushi rice
  • 2.5 cups water
  • 0.25 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 pound imitation crab meat, shredded
  • 1 whole avocado, diced
  • 1 whole cucumber, finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons sriracha
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 sheet nori, cut into small squares (for garnish)
  • to taste green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • to serve soy sauce

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine rice and water in a rice cooker or pot. Cook according to the rice cooker's instructions or bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover for 20 minutes. Let it sit off heat for 10 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Pour this mixture over the warm rice and gently fold it in with a spatula to avoid smashing the grains. Let it cool slightly.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded imitation crab, diced avocado, chopped cucumber, mayonnaise, sriracha, and sesame oil. Mix until well combined. Adjust the amount of sriracha to your desired spice level.
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray. Press a small amount of sushi rice into the bottom of each muffin cup, creating a layer about 1/4 inch thick.
  • Spoon the crab mixture on top of the rice layers in each muffin cup until filled. Pack it gently but not too tight.
  • Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the filling is heated through.
  • Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Carefully remove the sushi cups from the muffin tin. Garnish each with small squares of nori and chopped green onions.
  • Serve with soy sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

Adjust sriracha to taste for desired spice level.
Keyword bake, imitation crab, sushi