This crispy tempura shrimp sushi pizza takes everything you love about sushi and transforms it into a deep-fried, handheld indulgence. Each triangle is loaded with crispy tempura shrimp, creamy cheese dots, fresh avocado, and cucumber, drizzled with rich teriyaki and a tangy mayo-ketchup blend. It is the kind of recipe that delivers crunch, creaminess, and freshness all in one stunning, shareable dish.
What Is Crispy Sushi Pizza?
Crispy tempura shrimp sushi pizza is a creative fusion dish that combines classic sushi elements with a crunchy, deep-fried twist. Instead of rolling sushi, seasoned sushi rice is pressed onto nori sheets, sealed, breaded, and fried until golden. The crispy base is then topped with tempura shrimp, fresh vegetables, and creamy sauces.
Important Note
Make sure the sushi rice is properly cooked and rested before using it. If the rice is too wet or too hot, it will not hold its shape on the nori and may fall apart during breading or frying. Patience during the resting phase ensures the perfect texture and structure for frying.
hey, i´m Dia 😉
Hi, I’m Dia, the cook behind DelicateKitchen. I’m passionate about bringing bold, authentic flavors from the whole world into your home kitchen, with recipes that are as approachable as they are delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting started, you’ll always find something worth making here.
Visit My Videos here!
Subscribe to our newsletter!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Perfection – The double breading creates an ultra-crunchy shell that stays crisp even after adding toppings.
- Bold Sushi Flavor – Classic sushi elements like seasoned rice, nori, and shrimp are enhanced with rich sauces and textures.
- Restaurant-Style Presentation – The piped cheese, shrimp pieces, and drizzles make this dish look as good as it tastes.
- Customizable – You can easily swap shrimp for other proteins or adjust sauces to match your taste.
- Fun to Make – This recipe turns sushi into a hands-on, creative cooking experience that is perfect for sharing.
Serving Suggestion
Serve the sushi pizzas freshly fried while still warm and crispy for the best texture. Arrange the triangles on a large platter and drizzle extra sauce just before serving for a glossy finish. A side of soy sauce, pickled ginger, or a light cucumber salad pairs perfectly and balances the richness. This dish works great as a party appetizer or a main course when served with fresh sides. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional sesame seeds right before serving.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Sushi Pizza
Use Proper Sushi Rice Technique – Cook the rice on high heat until boiling, then reduce to low and cook covered without opening the lid to ensure perfect texture.
Do Not Skip Resting Time – Let the rice sit covered after cooking so it firms up and becomes easier to handle.
Double Coat for Crunch – Dip the sushi base twice in batter and panko for a thick, crispy coating that holds up after frying.
Drain Well After Frying – Always place fried pieces on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep them crisp.
Cut Clean Triangles – Slice carefully into even triangle shapes for a clean, professional presentation.
Ingredient Notes
- Sushi Rice – Short-grain sushi rice is essential for the sticky texture needed to hold everything together. Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Rice Vinegar Mixture – A blend of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt gives the rice its signature sushi flavor and slight sweetness.
- Nori Sheets – These act as the base and outer layer, holding the rice together and adding a subtle umami flavor.
- Tempura Shrimp – Use fresh or frozen shrimp, battered and fried until golden and crispy. Cut into smaller pieces for topping.
- Cucumber – Adds a cool, crisp element that balances the richness of the fried components.
- Cream Cheese – Used to seal the nori and adds a mild, creamy element to the structure. Any type works, from low-fat to double cream.
- Avocado – Provides a fresh, buttery contrast to the crispy base and rich shrimp topping.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – These create the signature crunchy coating and are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs.
Ingredients
For the Sushi Rice
• 1 cup sushi rice
• 1,5 cups water
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 1/2 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
For the Toppings
• 250 g tempura shrimp
• 1/2 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cucumber, sliced and halved
• 175 g cream cheese
For the Breading
• 2 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 2 cups flour
• 2 1/2–3 cups water
For Topping & Garnish
• Teriyaki sauce
• Mayonnaise and ketchup mix
• Sesame seeds
• Black sesame seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Wash the sushi rice thoroughly until the water runs completely clear to remove excess starch.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
Add rice, 1,5 cups of water, and a pinch of salt to a pot. Bring to a boil on high heat, then reduce to low (level 3) and cook for 16 minutes with the lid closed. Do not open the lid during cooking.
Step 3: Let the Rice Rest
Check if the rice sticks slightly to the pot. If needed, add a small splash of water, then let it rest covered for another 15 minutes.
Step 4: Season the Rice
Heat rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until fully dissolved. Pour the mixture over the cooled sushi rice and gently mix.
Step 5: Prepare the Tempura Shrimp
Fry the tempura shrimp until golden and crispy, then cut into smaller pieces.
Step 6: Cut the Nori
Cut the nori sheets into triangle shapes before adding the rice so the sushi pizzas already have their final form.
Step 7: Assemble the Nori Base
Spread sushi rice evenly onto each nori sheet. Leave one edge free, spread cream cheese on that edge, then fold to seal.
Step 8: Prepare the Breading
Mix flour and water into a smooth wet batter. Place panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl.
Step 9: Coat the Sushi
Dip each nori piece into the wet batter, then coat with panko. Repeat the process once more for a thick, crispy coating.
Step 10: Fry Until Crispy
Fry the coated pieces in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 11: Add the Cheese Dots
Transfer the cream cheese into a piping bag and pipe small dots where you want to place the shrimp.
Step 12: Add the Shrimp
Arrange the tempura shrimp pieces over the cheese dots.
Step 13: Add Avocado and Cucumber
Fill the remaining sections with avocado slices and cucumber pieces.
Step 14: Finish and Serve
Drizzle with teriyaki sauce and a mayo-ketchup mix, then sprinkle with sesame and black sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
FAQ
Yes! You can swap every ingredient out to a vegan alternative for it to be vegan friendly!
Store leftover sushi pizzas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep toppings separate if possible to maintain texture.
Reheat in an oven or air fryer at medium heat until crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the coating soft.
CRISPY TEMPURA SHRIMP SUSHI PIZZA
Zutaten
Method
- Wash the sushi rice thoroughly until the water runs completely clear to remove excess starch.
- Add rice, 2 cups of water, and a pinch of salt to a pot. Bring to a boil on high heat, then reduce to low (level 3) and cook for 16 minutes with the lid closed. Do not open the lid during cooking.
- Check if the rice sticks slightly to the pot. If needed, add a small splash of water, then let it rest covered for another 15 minutes.
- Heat rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until fully dissolved. Pour the mixture over the cooled sushi rice and gently mix.
- Fry the tempura shrimp until golden and crispy, then cut into smaller pieces.
- Cut the nori sheets into triangle shapes before adding the rice so the sushi pizzas already have their final form.
- Spread sushi rice evenly onto each nori triangle. Leave one edge free, spread cream cheese on that edge, then fold to seal.
- Mix flour and water into a smooth wet batter. Place panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl.
- Dip each nori piece into the wet batter, then coat with panko. Repeat the process once more for a thick, crispy coating.
- Fry the coated pieces in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Transfer the cream cheese into a piping bag and pipe small dots where you want to place the shrimp.
- Arrange the tempura shrimp pieces over the cheese dots.
- Fill the remaining sections with avocado slices and cucumber pieces.
- Drizzle with teriyaki sauce and a mayo-ketchup mix, then sprinkle with sesame and black sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
