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Creamy, savory, bite-sized, and oh-so-satisfying – Muffin Tin Sushi Cups are the flavor-packed food hack your kitchen didn’t know it needed. If you love sushi but dread the rolling process (or just don’t want to deal with seaweed wrappers sticking to everything), this recipe is about to become your new favorite. Inspired by TikTok’s viral trend, these little cups of joy are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with customizable flavor.
Here’s a fun fact: this recipe has been buzzing all over social media because it turns the art of sushi-making into a fun, fast, and family-friendly activity – no bamboo mat or sushi chef experience required. The best part? You only need a standard muffin tin to make them.
It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights, lunchbox surprises, or fun family dinners. Compared to another popular favorite on the blog – like our “Sushi Bake Casserole” – Muffin Tin Sushi Cups deliver all the sushi satisfaction with half the hassle and zero mess.
Ready to dive in? Trust me, your tastebuds are going to thank you.
What Are Muffin Tin Sushi Cups?
Let’s be real – the name “Muffin Tin Sushi Cups” might sound like a kitchen experiment gone wild, right? Sushi… in a muffin tin? Who thought of that?! But hear me out: it’s genius. These little cups are basically deconstructed sushi rolls, pressed into a muffin tin and baked until golden, crispy, and absolutely crave-worthy.
We like to think of it as the perfect meeting point between traditional Japanese flavors and modern-day kitchen creativity. And as the old saying goes, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” – but honestly, these are a one-way ticket to everyone’s heart.
Don’t just take our word for it – give these a try and you’ll see why TikTok can’t get enough of them.
Why You’ll Love These Muffin Tin Sushi Cups
There are so many reasons to love Muffin Tin Sushi Cups, but let’s start with the most obvious:
1. Bite-Sized Brilliance
The highlight of this dish is its adorable, compact form. Each sushi cup is a self-contained burst of flavor, from the seasoned rice base to the creamy, savory topping – whether you’re using spicy salmon, crab, or tofu. They’re perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or even as a no-mess dinner.
2. Big Flavor, Small Budget
Ordering sushi can get expensive fast. But making these cups at home? Total game-changer. You can use affordable ingredients like imitation crab, canned tuna, or leftover rotisserie chicken – and still get that satisfying sushi flavor without the delivery markup.
3. Custom Toppings Galore
The beauty of Muffin Tin Sushi Cups lies in their versatility. Love avocado and spicy mayo? Pile it on. Want to keep it fresh with cucumber and mango? Go for it. You can go classic or get creative – no rules, just flavor.
If you liked our “Sushi Bake Casserole,” you’ll love this easier, more snackable version. These are the kind of bites that disappear quickly, so you might want to double the batch!
How to Make Muffin Tin Sushi Cups
Quick Overview
This recipe is quick, fun, and full of flavor. In just 30–40 minutes, you can have crispy, golden-bottomed sushi cups that look as impressive as they taste. What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity – no rolling, wrapping, or special tools required. The creamy topping, crunchy nori, and warm sushi rice come together in a harmony that’s hard to resist.
Key Ingredients for Muffin Tin Sushi Cups
Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice (short grain, seasoned with 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt)
- 4 sheets of nori (cut into quarters)
- 1 cup cooked or canned salmon (shredded, or sub imitation crab/chicken for variety)
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise (preferably Japanese mayo like Kewpie)
- 1 tbsp sriracha (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos for low-sodium)
- 1/2 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cucumber, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
- Muffin tin (standard 12-cup)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your muffin tin or line with silicone muffin liners.
Step 2: Season the Rice
In a large bowl, combine warm cooked sushi rice with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir gently and let it cool for 5–10 minutes.
Step 3: Create the Base
Place a square of nori into each muffin cup, pressing it down. Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of rice into each cup and gently press it into the bottom to form a base.
Step 4: Mix the Filling
In a bowl, mix shredded salmon (or protein of choice) with mayo, soy sauce, and sriracha. Stir until creamy and well-combined.
Step 5: Add Filling
Top each rice-filled cup with a spoonful of the creamy salmon mixture.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the oven for 15–18 minutes, until the edges of the nori are crispy and the tops are lightly golden.
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Let cool for 5 minutes before removing. Top with diced avocado, cucumber, sesame seeds, and green onion. Serve with extra soy sauce or wasabi on the side if desired.
What to Serve Muffin Tin Sushi Cups With
Looking to round out your meal? Here are some tasty pairings:
- Miso Soup – A light and warming companion that complements the sushi flavors.
- Seaweed Salad – Crisp, fresh, and tangy, it’s the perfect side.
- Edamame – Steamed and salted, a great finger food to snack on.
- Green Tea or Sparkling Water with Lemon – Refreshing drinks that balance the rich flavors without overpowering.
Top Tips for Perfecting Muffin Tin Sushi Cups
- Use Wet Hands for Rice – Rice sticking to your fingers? Dip your hands in water before pressing into the cups.
- Try Different Proteins – Swap salmon for shredded chicken, tofu, or even beef bulgogi for a flavor twist.
- Don’t Overfill – Keep toppings manageable so the cups hold their shape after baking.
- Make it Kid-Friendly – Skip the sriracha for little ones and let them choose their own toppings like corn or mild tuna salad.
- Make-Ahead Tip – You can prepare the rice and filling ahead of time and assemble when ready to bake.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing:
Leftover Muffin Tin Sushi Cups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them cool completely before storing.
Reheating:
To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer for about 8–10 minutes. This helps retain crispness. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the rice rubbery.
Freezing:
These cups are best enjoyed fresh, but if you must freeze them, wrap each cup individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 weeks. Reheat directly from frozen in an oven for best results.
Final Thoughts
Muffin Tin Sushi Cups are the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar without needing culinary school credentials. They’re fast, flavorful, and endlessly fun to customize – perfect for a casual dinner, an appetizer spread, or even a creative lunchbox treat.
If you loved this recipe, check out more creative Asian-inspired dishes on the blog, and don’t forget to tag your creations – we’d love to see how you make these your own!
Try these Muffin Tin Sushi Cups today – and prepare to fall in love, one bite at a time.