This playful Philadelphia Sushi Stack brings the iconic flavors of your favorite Philly roll together in a fun, layered masterpiece. Each stack is loaded with tender sushi rice, creamy avocado, smoky salmon, cool cucumber, and luscious cream cheese. It’s everything you crave when the sushi mood strikes, but without the intimidation of rolling your own! Whether you’re looking to wow your friends at your next gathering or want a cozy sushi night at home, this quick, no-cook recipe is bound to become a go-to favorite.

Philadelphia Sushi Stack Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can capture all the crave-worthy flavors and colorful layers that make a Philadelphia Sushi Stack so irresistible. Each component plays a starring role: creamy, tangy, salty, and crunchy all at once.

Sushi rice: Short-grain rice is essential for that signature sticky texture—perfect for building sturdy, beautiful stacks!
Rice vinegar: Adds a quintessential tang that really brings the rice to life, just like your favorite sushi restaurant.
Sugar: Balances the vinegar and gives the rice that subtle, slightly sweet edge.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making each bite more vibrant.
Smoked salmon: The classic Philly roll staple—it brings smokiness, richness, and plenty of umami punch.
Cream cheese: Cubes of cream cheese add delightful creaminess and that beloved “Philly” flavor.
Avocado: For buttery, mellow richness and gorgeous green color.
Cucumber: Brings a light, crisp crunch that balances out the other rich ingredients.
Green onion: Adds a fresh, zingy finish to every layer.
Soy sauce: A little drizzle brings a savory, salty kick right before serving.
Sesame seeds: Nutty and visual—these tiny seeds give the stack its final sushi vibe.
Toasted sesame oil: Just a touch delivers a deep, warm aroma and fantastic flavor.
Pickled ginger and wasabi (optional): Optional, but they add traditional sushi zest to round out the experience.

How to Make Philadelphia Sushi Stack

Step 1: Season the Sushi Rice

Start by gently mixing your freshly cooked sushi rice with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. This simple seasoning transforms plain rice into the tangy, subtly sweet base that makes any sushi-inspired dish shine. Be sure your rice is completely cooled to room temperature—this helps the flavors soak in and keeps the layers from sliding.

Step 2: Prep Your Toppings

While your rice is cooling, get your delicious toppings ready. Dice the smoked salmon and cream cheese into small, bite-sized pieces, dice your avocado, and finely chop the cucumber and green onion. Keeping everything small and uniform makes layering (and eating!) so much more satisfying.

Step 3: Assemble Your Philadelphia Sushi Stack

Lightly oil a round mold or an empty measuring cup (a 1/2 cup size works great) and get ready for the fun part! Start by pressing in a layer of seasoned rice, then layer on the chopped smoked salmon, diced cream cheese, avocado, cucumber, and finally a sprinkle of green onion. Press gently after each layer to keep everything compact, but don’t squish it too hard.

Step 4: Unmold and Finish Your Stack

With steady hands, carefully lift the mold off and reveal your beautiful Philadelphia Sushi Stack! If you’re making several, repeat the process for as many stacks as you need—this recipe yields two hearty stacks.

Step 5: Sauce and Garnish

Drizzle each stack with soy sauce and a hint of toasted sesame oil. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top and, if you’re a traditionalist (or just love a kick), serve with pickled ginger and a dab of wasabi on the side. Each finished stack is bursting with flavor, color, and a hint of sushi chef flair—no rolling mat required!

How to Serve Philadelphia Sushi Stack

Garnishes

Garnishing is where you can add your own signature twist to the Philadelphia Sushi Stack! A scattering of black or white sesame seeds, finely chopped green onions, or even a few microgreens makes each stack look as spectacular as it tastes. Don’t forget the pickled ginger and wasabi for those classic sushi accompaniments.

Side Dishes

If you want to turn your Philadelphia Sushi Stack into a complete meal, serve it alongside miso soup, a small green salad with ginger dressing, or crunchy tempura veggies. These light, simple sides let your sushi stack be the main event while delivering a well-rounded, satisfying spread.

Creative Ways to Present

You don’t have to stick to a round mold—try making mini stacks in small ramekins for appetizers, or use a square mold for a modern look. Layer the ingredients in a clear glass for a sushi parfait, or let guests build their own stacks for a hands-on dinner party experience. However you serve it, the Philadelphia Sushi Stack always steals the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, loosely cover and refrigerate any unassembled components separately for up to 24 hours. Once assembled, the Philadelphia Sushi Stack is best enjoyed immediately—rice tends to dry out and the avocado can brown over time, so build fresh right before eating whenever possible.

Freezing

Unfortunately, this isn’t a freezer-friendly dish. Sushi rice and avocado change texture and lose their appeal after thawing, and the smoked salmon can become watery. Stick with fresh for the best flavor and presentation—it’s worth it!

Reheating

Since this entire appetizer is served chilled, there’s no need to reheat. If your sushi rice was stored in the fridge, just allow it to come to room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before assembling your next Philadelphia Sushi Stack.

FAQs

Can I use regular rice instead of sushi rice?

Sushi rice really gives the right stickiness and authentic texture, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use short-grain white rice. Just know the flavor and shape might be a little different—still delicious, though!

What if I don’t eat smoked salmon?

You can absolutely swap in cooked shrimp or even thinly sliced cooked chicken for a different spin. For a vegetarian version, try marinated tofu as your protein layer—the Philadelphia Sushi Stack is easy to customize!

How do I make this dairy free?

Simply substitute the cream cheese for your favorite plant-based alternative. There are some fantastic non-dairy “cream cheese” options out now, and they bring all the creamy texture without the dairy.

Can I prep the stacks ahead of time for a party?

You can prep all the ingredients and keep them separated in airtight containers. Assemble the Philadelphia Sushi Stacks just before guests arrive for the prettiest presentation and freshest flavor.

What’s the best mold to use?

A metal or silicone food ring works beautifully, but a clean 1/2 cup measuring cup will do the trick. Lightly oil the inside with a little sesame oil or neutral oil to prevent sticking, and you’ll have perfect stacks, every time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fun, no-fuss showstopper, the Philadelphia Sushi Stack is an absolute must-try! Bursting with color and rich with classic sushi flavors, it’s a delightful way to bring sushi night home—no rolling or special skills required. Give it a whirl, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new party favorite!

Philadelphia Sushi Stack Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 2 stacks 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the flavors of a Philadelphia roll in a unique sushi stack presentation. Layers of seasoned rice, smoked salmon, cream cheese, avocado, and cucumber, drizzled with soy sauce and sesame oil.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice:

1 cup cooked sushi rice
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

Stack Layers:

4 ounces smoked salmon, chopped
4 ounces cream cheese, diced
1/2 avocado, diced
1/4 cup cucumber, finely diced
1 tablespoon chopped green onion

Additional:

1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Pickled ginger and wasabi for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Rice: Mix cooked sushi rice with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let cool.
Layer Ingredients: Press rice, smoked salmon, cream cheese, avocado, cucumber, and green onion in a mold.
Assemble Stack: Drizzle with soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. Repeat for more stacks.
Serve: Enjoy with pickled ginger and wasabi.