Cup Chirashi Sushi: A Festive Hinamatsuri Recipe

Updated at: 24/03/2025

Celebrate Hinamatsuri, the Japanese Doll Festival, with a delightful twist on traditional chirashi sushi! This vibrant and flavorful recipe utilizes individual cups for easy portioning and a beautiful presentation, perfect for a festive gathering or a charming solo meal. Forget the fuss of a large platter – this recipe simplifies the process while retaining the authentic taste and visual appeal of this beloved dish. Each bite is a burst of fresh seafood, colorful vegetables, and tangy sushi rice, all nestled within a convenient and elegant serving vessel.

Skip the restaurant and create your own stunning Cup Chirashi Sushi at home. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to crafting these charming individual portions, from preparing the sushi rice to arranging the colorful array of toppings. Get ready to impress your guests and savor the delicious flavors of this unique and celebratory dish, perfect for Hinamatsuri and any occasion calling for a touch of Japanese elegance.

Tools Needed

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Sushi Rice and Ingredients

  • Mix vinegar, sugar, salt, and a little water.
  • Chop the sweet and sour ginger.
  • Mix warm cooked rice with the vinegar sauce, then add the chopped ginger and sesame seeds. Mix well and let cool.
  • Whisk eggs and fry in a pan until set. Let cool and then roll, cut into thin strips.
Prepare the sweet vinegar sauce: Mix vinegar, sugar, salt, and a little water.Chop the sweet and sour ginger.Mix warm cooked rice with the vinegar sauce, then add the chopped ginger and sesame seeds. Mix well and let cool.Prepare the thin omelet (mycelium eggs): Whisk eggs and fry in a pan until set. Let cool and then roll, cut into thin strips.
Prepare the Sushi Rice and Ingredients
  • Marinate the tuna and salmon sashimi in soup for about 5 minutes.
  • Cut cucumbers into desired shapes (e.g., julienne or slices). Blanch green beans in salted water until tender-crisp, then immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking and preserve color.
  • Remove stems, roll, cut in half, then julienne.
Marinate the tuna and salmon sashimi in soup for about 5 minutes.Prepare the vegetables: Cut cucumbers into desired shapes (e.g., julienne or slices). Blanch green beans in salted water until tender-crisp, then immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking and preserve color.Prepare the shiso leaves: Remove stems, roll, cut in half, then julienne.
Prepare the Sushi Rice and Ingredients

Step 2. Prepare the Toppings

  • Marinate the tuna and salmon sashimi in soup for about 5 minutes.
  • Cut cucumbers into desired shapes (e.g., julienne or slices). Blanch green beans in salted water until tender-crisp, then immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking and preserve color.
  • Remove stems, roll, cut in half, then julienne.
Marinate the tuna and salmon sashimi in soup for about 5 minutes.Prepare the vegetables: Cut cucumbers into desired shapes (e.g., julienne or slices). Blanch green beans in salted water until tender-crisp, then immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking and preserve color.Prepare the shiso leaves: Remove stems, roll, cut in half, then julienne.
Prepare the Toppings

Step 3. Assemble the Chirashi Sushi

  • Layer half of the vinegared rice, followed by toppings like cherry blossoms, shiso leaves, cucumber, marinated salmon and tuna, shrimp, salmon roe and green beans.
Assemble the chirashi sushi in cups: Layer half of the vinegared rice, followed by toppings like cherry blossoms, shiso leaves, cucumber, marinated salmon and tuna, shrimp, salmon roe and green beans.
Assemble the Chirashi Sushi

Read more: Ochazuke Recipe: Easy Japanese Green Tea Rice Bowl

Tips

  • Use warm rice for the vinegared rice to prevent sogginess.
  • Adjust ingredients to your preference. Use firm cooked rice.
  • Adding shiso leaves enhances the aroma and flavor.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the sushi rice and toppings a day in advance. Assemble the cups just before serving to prevent the rice from becoming soggy.

2. What can I substitute if I don't have certain seafood?

Feel free to substitute your favorite seafood. Salmon, tuna, shrimp, and crab are all excellent options. You can also add cooked chicken or tofu for a vegetarian twist.

3. What kind of cups should I use?

Use small, clear plastic cups or even small bowls for serving. Choose cups that are sturdy enough to hold the rice and toppings.


Enjoy your beautifully presented and delicious Cup Chirashi Sushi! This recipe is a fun and festive way to celebrate Hinamatsuri or any special occasion. Impress your friends and family with this elegant yet easy-to-make dish.