Chicken Sushi Cups are a fun and tasty twist on sushi! Imagine bite-sized cups made of rice, filled with chicken and fresh veggies, all ready to be enjoyed in a flash!
I love how easy these are to make and the best part? You can customize the fillings to match what you like. It’s like a sushi party right in your hands! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sushi Rice: This short-grain rice is sticky and holds together well. If you can’t find sushi rice, medium-grain rice can work in a pinch, but the texture will be a bit different.
Cucumber: I love using cucumber for crunch! If you want a different flavor, try avocado for creaminess or bell peppers for a sweet crunch.
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is great here. Leftover rotisserie chicken is an easy substitute. For a vegetarian option, use marinated tofu instead.
Rice Vinegar: This adds a tangy flavor to the rice. If you don’t have it, a mix of white vinegar and a pinch of sugar can substitute.
Mayonnaise: Japanese mayo is soft and creamy with a unique flavor. If unavailable, regular mayonnaise works fine, or you can try Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
How Do I Make Sure My Rice Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking sushi rice correctly is essential for holding the sushi cups together. Rinse the rice well before cooking to remove excess starch. Here’s how:
- Use a rice cooker or stovetop with 1 1/4 cups water for 1 cup of rice.
- Once cooked, let the rice sit covered for about 10 minutes before mixing in the seasoned vinegar.
- Be gentle when mixing in the vinegar; you don’t want to mush the rice!
Letting the rice cool to room temperature before assembling helps the flavors meld beautifully and makes it easier to work with!
How to Make Chicken Sushi Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sushi Cups:
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces (marinated or seasoned as preferred)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (Japanese mayo preferred)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon black and white sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Optional: soy sauce or dipping sauce on the side
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook the ingredients. Plus, you’ll need a bit of time to assemble the sushi cups, making it a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish. Enjoy a delicious twist on sushi without spending hours in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sushi Rice:
First, rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch for better texture. Cook the rice with 1 1/4 cups of water in a rice cooker or on the stove as per the package instructions.
2. Season the Rice:
While the rice is cooking, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until the sugar is dissolved. Once the rice is finished cooking, transfer it to a large bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
3. Cook the Chicken:
While the rice cools, prepare your chicken. You can season or marinate it using soy sauce, ginger, garlic, or a hint of sesame oil. Cook it in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and slightly browned. Let the chicken cool before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
4. Assemble the Sushi Cups:
Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or use baking cups. Press a small spoonful of the seasoned sushi rice into the bottom of each muffin cup to form a solid base. Then, place a cucumber slice on top of the rice, followed by a bit of shredded carrot.
5. Add the Chicken and Toppings:
Add a few pieces of the cooked chicken on top. Drizzle Japanese mayonnaise over the chicken, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and garnish with chopped green onions.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Optionally, serve with soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce on the side. Gently remove each sushi cup from the muffin tin and serve immediately.
Enjoy these fresh, flavorful, bite-sized Chicken Sushi Cups that combine the comforting taste of seasoned chicken with crisp veggies and sushi rice! Perfect for parties or a fun family dinner!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of Sushi Rice?
While sushi rice is preferred for its sticky texture, you can use short-grain brown rice as a healthier alternative. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and water ratios as brown rice often requires more water and a longer cooking time.
Can These Sushi Cups Be Made Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with marinated tofu, tempeh, or even some mixed vegetables like bell peppers and avocado for a delicious vegetarian option.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The rice may lose some of its texture, but they’ll still be tasty! Just reheat them gently in the microwave or enjoy cold.
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
You can prep the sushi rice and cook the chicken a day in advance—just keep them separate until you’re ready to serve. Assemble the cups shortly before serving for the best texture!
