Viral Ice Cube Tray Sushi (Quick Sushi Hack)

The viral ice cube tray sushi hack has been all over TikTok, and this easy version actually works and pops out clean every time. You press seasoned sushi rice, salmon (or tuna or shrimp), avocado, and spicy mayo into an ice cube tray lined with plastic wrap, flip, peel, and you’ve got perfect little sushi bites ready for dipping. No rolling mat, no messy seaweed wraps, no fancy skills. If you’ve made my Dumpling Lasagna or Crispy Rice Salad, you already know I don’t miss when it comes to viral recipes, and this one’s legit.

Why You'll Love This Sushi Hack

When I first saw the ice cube tray sushi trend, I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought of it sooner. It’s genius because it takes the hardest part of homemade sushi (rolling it neatly) and removes it completely. You still get real sushi flavor, but with a method that’s fast, clean, and honestly kind of fun.

The ice cube tray is what makes it work. It gives you uniform, bite-sized pieces that look impressive with almost no effort. The seasoned rice makes it taste like actual sushi, the spicy mayo adds creamy heat, and topping with nori gives you that classic seaweed bite without needing to roll anything.

It’s also super customizable. Swap the fish, go cooked-only, add cucumber for crunch, or adjust the spice level. It’s one of those viral recipes that’s actually practical, and it’s perfect for parties, snack boards, date-night appetizers, or anytime you want sushi vibes at home without ordering takeout.

Ice Cube Tray Sushi Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups cooked rice
• Salt, to taste
• 2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon honey
• ½ avocado, thinly sliced
• 1 pound sushi-grade salmon or tuna, or cooked shrimp (thinly sliced into 16 pieces)
• 16 teaspoons spicy mayo (about ½ to 1 teaspoon per cube)
• ½ sheet nori, cut into 16 small rectangles
• For serving: soy sauce, extra spicy mayo, sesame seeds, sliced green onion, pickled ginger, wasabi.

Ingredient Notes That Make This Sushi Hack Work

• Rice: Short-grain sushi rice works best because it’s sticky and packs well. If you’re using regular white rice, it can still work, but you may need to press more firmly so the cubes hold their shape.
• Rice vinegar + honey: This gives the rice that classic sushi flavor. The honey adds a tiny bit of sweetness and balances the vinegar.
• Sushi-grade fish: Use fish labeled sushi-grade or sashimi-grade from a trusted source. If you’re not comfortable using raw fish, use cooked shrimp or even cooked salmon.
• Spicy mayo: Store-bought works, or mix mayo with sriracha. Keep it thick so it doesn’t run in the tray.
• Nori: Cutting small rectangles makes this easy to eat and gives each bite a neat “sushi” finish.

How to Make Ice Cube Tray Sushi

Step 1: Season the rice

In a small bowl, stir together rice wine vinegar and honey. Gently fold into warm cooked rice until evenly coated. Taste and add a small pinch of salt if needed. Set aside.

Step 2: Line the tray

Line a standard ice cube tray with a long piece of plastic wrap. Press it down into each cavity so it fits snugly. Tip: Leave extra plastic wrap hanging over the sides so it’s easy to lift and peel later.

Step 3: Add the fish

Place a small piece of sushi-grade salmon or tuna (or cooked shrimp) into each cavity. Press gently into the bottom so it sits flat.

Step 4: Add avocado and spicy mayo

Add a thin slice of avocado on top of the fish. Spoon about ½-1 teaspoon of spicy mayo into each cavity.

Step 5: Pack with rice

Spoon seasoned rice over the fillings and press down firmly to pack each cube tight. This is the key to cubes that hold together when you flip the tray.

Step 6: Add nori

Lay small rectangles of nori over the top of each cavity. Press lightly so it sticks to the rice.

Step 7: Flip and serve

Carefully invert the tray onto a plate. Lift off the tray, then peel away the plastic wrap. Serve immediately with soy sauce and your favorite toppings.

Pro Tips for Clean, Perfect Sushi Cubes

• Use slightly warm rice, not hot. Warm rice packs better and holds shape, but hot rice can make the fish warm and soften the avocado too much.
• Press firmly, especially the rice layer. The tighter you pack, the cleaner the flip. If your cubes fall apart, it’s almost always because the rice wasn’t pressed down enough.
• Dry the fish if it’s wet. If your salmon or tuna has excess moisture, blot it lightly with a paper towel so it doesn’t slide around in the tray.
• Cut the nori last. Nori can get soft if it sits out too long. Cutting it right before assembling helps it stay crisp.
• Use a standard tray. Mini trays make cubes too small and harder to fill. Jumbo trays can be too deep. A standard ice cube tray gives the best shape.
• Serve right away. These are best fresh. Once they sit, the nori can soften and the rice can dry slightly.

Variations You Can Try

• Cooked Shrimp Ice Cube Tray Sushi: Use cooked shrimp (sliced or chopped) instead of raw fish. It’s perfect if you want sushi vibes with zero raw seafood. Add a little extra spicy mayo for moisture and flavor
• Spicy Salmon Crunch: For that crunchy sushi bar bite, sprinkle crispy onions or tempura flakes on top right before serving. It adds texture and makes the bites feel extra “restaurant.”
• California Roll Style: Use imitation crab, avocado, and cucumber, then finish with spicy mayo. This one’s super kid-friendly and tastes like classic sushi without any intimidation.
• Tuna Jalapeño: Swap in tuna, then top each bite with a thin jalapeño slice and a tiny squeeze of lime. It’s spicy, fresh, and tastes like a fancy sushi appetizer.
• Vegetarian Version: Fill with avocado, cucumber, and a little cream cheese for a creamy-crunchy combo. Finish with sesame seeds (and a drizzle of spicy mayo if you want) for that real sushi feel without seafood.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These ice cube tray sushi bites are best fresh, especially if you want the nori to stay crisp and the rice to stay perfect.

• If you want to prep ahead (best plan): Make and season the sushi rice, then let it cool slightly and keep it covered so it doesn’t dry out. Cut the avocado and fish right before assembling so everything stays fresh and doesn’t brown or weep. Assemble close to serving time and enjoy within 1 to 2 hours for the best texture and cleanest bites.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and eat within 24 hours. The nori will soften as it sits, but the flavors are still good. If you want to freshen it up, add a new piece of nori when you serve.

Ice Cube Tray Sushi FAQs

What is ice cube tray sushi?

Ice cube tray sushi is a viral sushi hack where you press sushi rice and fillings into an ice cube tray (usually lined with plastic wrap) to make bite-sized sushi “cubes” without rolling. You flip them out, top with nori, and dip like sushi bites

Can I use regular rice instead of sushi rice?

Yes, but sushi rice holds together best because it’s stickier. If you use regular rice, press it very firmly into the tray and go lighter on the vinegar seasoning so the rice stays sticky, not wet and loose.

Do I have to use raw fish?

No. Cooked shrimp works great, and you can also use cooked salmon, imitation crab, or even a cooked-only protein if that’s your preference. The method works with cooked fillings just as well.

Why are my sushi cubes falling apart?

Usually the rice wasn’t packed tightly enough, the rice dried out, or the tray wasn’t lined well. Press the rice firmly into the tray (especially the top layer that becomes the “base”), keep the rice slightly warm and covered so it stays sticky, and use plastic wrap so the cubes release clean.

How do I make spicy mayo for sushi?

Mix mayo with sriracha to taste. For a sushi shop vibe, add a tiny pinch of sugar (or a small drizzle of honey) and a splash of soy sauce or rice vinegar if you want more balance.

What kind of ice cube tray works best for this sushi hack?

A standard cube tray with deeper wells works best because it packs tighter and releases cleaner. Flexible silicone trays are even easier to pop out. If your tray is shallow, your cubes can be shorter and a little more likely to crumble, so just pack them extra firmly.

More Viral Recipes to Try Next

• One-pan baked dumplings
• Iceberg lettuce salad
• Baking sheet chicken kefta
• Garlic parmesan chicken pasta
• 3 cheese mac and cheese