Keto Sushi Rolls (Maki sushi with cauliflower rice)

Name: Keto Sushi Rolls (Maki sushi)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 240 g (8.4 oz./1 cup) Cauliflower rice; 60 g (2.1 oz./2.5 tbsp.) Cream cheese; 2 Nori sheets; 100 g (3.5 oz.) Salmon/ tuna or other protein of your choice; 1/4 red pepper, 1/8 cucumber, 1/8 avocado, etc. or other low-carb vegetables of your choice; Soy sauce or coconut aminos; Wasabi; Pickled ginger (optional)

Keto sushi rolls offer a unique twist on traditional Maki sushi, making it perfect for those following a low-carb or gluten-free diet. Beyond its dietary benefits, it’s packed with essential nutrients.

This recipe allows for customization, letting you choose your preferred protein and low-carb veggies. Plus, the combination of soy sauce/coconut aminos with wasabi adds a deliciously savory kick to each bite.

Whether you’re on a ketogenic diet or simply looking for a creative and healthier sushi option, this keto sushi recipe is a fantastic choice. It’s not only delicious but also offers numerous nutritional benefits, making it a win-win for your taste buds and your well-being.

The recipe requires:

9 Ingredients

Active cooking time: 15

Total cooking time: 35 minutes

Keto sushi health benefits

Let’s dive into the health benefits of each ingredient included in keto sushi rolls:

Cauliflower is packed with nutrients. It’s low in calories and carbs, making it suitable for keto diets. Additionally, it’s a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K, which are essential for a healthy diet.
Cream cheese is a keto-friendly ingredient as it’s high in fat and provides some protein. It adds creaminess and flavor to the recipe while keeping it low in carbs.
Nori sheets are low in calories and are a good source of minerals, including iodine, which is essential for thyroid health.
The protein you choose, such as salmon or tuna, not only adds delicious flavor but also contributes high-quality protein to your meal. These fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and are low in carbs, making them perfect for a keto diet.
Low-carb vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber while fitting well within a low-carb diet.

A combination of these ingredients creates a keto-friendly sushi recipe that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients to support your overall health.

Why you will love this recipe

I hope you will enjoy this recipe for keto sushi because it is:

Great alternative to traditional Maki sushi
Low in carbs and gluten-free
Healthy and nutritious
Totally customizable
Simple to prepare
Full of delightful Asian flavors
Sushi cravings satisfaction without extra carbs

Keto Sushi Recipe

Ingredients

To make sushi rice:

240 g (8.4 oz./1 cup) Cauliflower rice
60 g (2.1 oz./2.5 tbsp.) Cream cheese

To make sushi rolls:

2 Nori sheets (seaweed sheets)
100 g (3.5 oz.) Salmon/ tuna or other protein of your choice
Low-carb vegetables: 1/4 red pepper, 1/8 cucumber, 1/8 avocado, etc.

To serve:

Soy sauce or coconut aminos
Wasabi
Pickled ginger (optional)
Roasted sesame seeds
Sriracha sauce
Spicy mayo

Equipment

To make the keto sushi rolls, prepare the following tools:

Sharp knife & cutting board to cut the vegetables and rolls
Food processor or a box grater to grate cauliflower rice
Microwave or a skillet/pot to steam cauliflower rice
Bowl to mix cauliflower rice with cream cheese
Bamboo roller/ sushi mat lined with plastic wrap (optional) to roll the sushi
Small bowl for soy sauce and chopsticks to serve sushi

How to make keto sushi rolls

Step 1: Grate cauliflower into cauliflower rice

To prepare cauliflower rice, start by rinsing and drying the cauliflower, removing leaves and stems. Then, choose one of these methods or use frozen cauliflower rice (see instructions below):

Food Processor with S-Blade: Cut cauliflower into small florets. Place cauliflower florets in a food processor with an S-blade and pulse until they resemble rice. Avoid overcrowding; work in small batches for the right texture.

Food Processor with Grater Blade/Disk: Cut cauliflower into small florets. Use a food processor with a grater disk. Push florets into the tube in small batches while the motor runs.

Box Grater: Cut cauliflower into large florets. Grate cauliflower on a box grater with larger holes.

Knife: Finely chop cauliflower with a knife until it resembles rice.

Step 2: Steam cauliflower rice

Next, steam riced cauliflower using one of these methods:

Microwave: Place cauliflower rice in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a plate, and microwave on high for about 5 minutes.

Oven: Spread cauliflower rice on a lined baking sheet, cover with foil, and bake at 210°C/410°F for 15-20 minutes.

On the Stove: In a skillet, place cauliflower rice, cover with a lid, and cook for 5-7 minutes or until tender. In a steamer basket inside a pot, add water, bring to a boil, place cauliflower rice in the basket, and steam for 5-7 minutes.

*If using frozen cauliflower rice:

On the Stove: Set up a steamer basket in a pot with some water. Boil water and add frozen cauliflower rice to the basket. Steam for 6-8 minutes.

Microwave: Place frozen cauliflower rice in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a microwave-safe plate, and microwave on high for 6-8 minutes. Drain to remove extra moisture.

Step 3: Chill the rice and Mix with cream cheese

Allow the rice to cool down completely. To speed up the cooling process, you can place the rice in the refrigerator or even the freezer for a short period of time. Once the rice has reached room temperature, add cream cheese and stir well until combined.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While the cauliflower rice chills, prepare the filling by cutting vegetables into thin, long strips, slicing avocado, and preparing fish or protein.

Step 4: Roll, Chill, Slice, and Serve!

Wrap a bamboo mat in plastic wrap (optional). Then, place a nori sheet, shiny side down, on the mat. Spread the cauliflower rice mixture evenly into a thin layer on the nori, leaving a 1 cm edge untouched. Next, add your sliced veggies and fish. Wet one edge of the nori with water, and tightly roll everything using the bamboo mat. Repeat this process for a second roll. Refrigerate both rolls for 10-20 minutes. Finally, slice the rolls with a sharp wet knife, ensuring to clean it between cuts. Serve your keto sushi with soy sauce/coconut aminos and wasabi.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy low carb sushi rolls!

Top tips for the best keto sushi rolls

The cauliflower rice should be thoroughly cooled before mixing it with the cream cheese and spreading it onto the nori sheet. To fasten the cooling process, you can place the rice in the refrigerator or even the freezer for a short period of time or prepare it in advance.
To roll the sushi tightly and maintain a neat mat, use plastic wrap to cover the bamboo mat.
Chill the rolls before cutting for neat slices and to avoid falling apart.
After each cut, make sure to clean the knife to achieve well-defined rolls without any deformation.
For clean and accurate slicing without compression, use a very sharp knife.

Recipe variations

Keto sushi is super customizable, you can add your favorite fillings inside or choose some of these options:

Fish:

Tuna
Smoked salmon
Shrimps

Chicken:

Chicken strips (recipe)
Cooked chicken/turkey

Vegan:

Tofu

Veggies:

Cucumber
Avocado
Sprouts
Green onions
Red onion
Radish
Asparagus
Carrots

What to serve with keto sushi maki?

Here are some keto recipes ideas to compliment your table in Asian style:

Asian cucumber salad
Keto stir-fry with vegetables and noodles
Spinach stir-fry
Keto Asian green beans
Edamame
Miso soup
Seaweed salad
Keto tom kha-soup
Tom yum
Chinese seafood egg drop soup

Video Recipe

FAQ

How to store keto sushi rolls?

These keto sushi rolls are best enjoyed on the day you make them, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat them the next day.

What dishes can I enjoy when dining out in a Japanese restaurant on a keto diet?

When dining at a Japanese/sushi restaurant while following a low-carb lifestyle, you can enjoy a variety of dishes. Here are some keto-friendly options to consider:

Sashimi: Fresh slices of raw fish are a great choice, as they are low in carbs, protein, and healthy fats.
Edamame: Steamed edamame (young soybeans) is a nutritious and keto-friendly appetizer.
Miso Soup: Enjoy a bowl of miso soup, but be mindful of the tofu and seaweed content as they contain some carbs.
Grilled Meats and Seafood: Look for options like yakitori (grilled skewers) or grilled fish. These dishes are often seasoned with keto-friendly sauces like soy sauce, but confirm the ingredients used.
Seaweed Salad: This refreshing salad is typically low in carbs and can be a good keto-friendly side dish.

Remember to inform your server about your dietary preferences and ask for any sauces or dressings to be served on the side so you can control the amount you use. Be cautious with sugary or starchy dishes like teriyaki sauce, other sweet sauces, tempura, or noodles, as they can be high in carbs.

How many carbs are in traditional sushi rolls? Can I eat them on a keto diet?

On average, a traditional sushi roll (maki sushi roll) with regular sushi rice, nori, fish, or other fillings can contain approximately 30 to 50 grams of carbohydrates per roll.

So the answer is NO, you can’t eat sushi rolls on a keto diet due to high carb content.

Nutritional value

Servings: 2 rolls

Nutritional value per serving:

Calories 467

Protein 30.6 g

Total carbohydrate 19.6 g

Dietary fiber 8.1 g

Total sugars 7.4 g

Net carbs 11.5 g

Total fat 32.4 g

Saturated fat 15.2 g

Cholesterol 110 mg

Sodium 302 mg

Potassium 1388 mg

Calcium 166 mg

Iron 3 mg

Disclaimer: The nutritional value provided is based on general information and should not be considered as a substitute for professional dietary advice or medical guidance. The values are derived from reputable sources, such as food databases or nutritional labels, but there may be variations in nutrient content depending on factors such as brand, preparation methods, and serving sizes.

Try these keto recipes next:

Keto Sushi Rolls (Maki sushi)

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Additional Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Keto sushi is a low-carb, nutrient-packed, and satisfying sushi alternative. It's highly customizable, bursting with delightful Asian flavors, and exceptionally healthy.