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Keto Sushi Options (And Homemade Sushi Recipe) šŸ£

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Curb your sushi cravings by learning How to Order Keto Sushi like a pro and make delicious Keto Homemade Sushi. There's no need to ignore your favorite sushi bar just because you are on a low-carb diet. With a few safe choices and requests for modifications, you can indulge in the delicious Japanese cuisine right in your favorite sushi bar.

a hand holding a pair of chopsticks and a piece of sushi
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What to avoid while ordering keto sushi?

Traditional sushi restaurants can make your rolls keto-friendly if you request to leave out certain high-carb ingredients. When customizing your order, ask them to avoid the following:

  • Tempura fried rolls: Either skip the tempura rolls entirely or ask them not to be fried. Most sushi restaurants fry their tempura rolls on demand, so ask the sushi chef not to fry yours.
  • Sweet sauces: Sweet sauces like teriyaki sauce, eel sauce, sweet mayo, or sweet chili sauce are all loaded with sugar. You'll want to skip these sauces. Instead, opt for sauces like spicy or wasabi mayo. Also, stick with regular soy sauce or tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce) instead of coconut aminos which has a higher sugar content than soy sauce.
  • Regular rice: Most sushi rolls are made with regular rice. If you're lucky and have sushi places that offer cauliflower rice, awesome! If not, ask them to leave out rice.
  • Imitation crab: Many sushi makers use highly processed imitation crab meat loaded with starch. So, avoid imitation crab while ordering.
a hand holding bowl of raw fish

šŸ£ How to order keto sushi?

While low-carb sushi rolls are uncommon on most menus, you can order some naturally keto-friendly choices with these tips:

  • Order sashimi: Sashimi is a traditional way to eat fresh fish without rice. Every sushi restaurant has plenty of sashimi options. Simply dip raw fish into soy sauce with a bit of wasabi, and you have a protein-rich dinner! Opt for fatty cuts of fish like mackerel or fatty tuna to increase fat. Salmon belly is also a great option.
  • Order a sushi bowl without rice: If there is a chirashi bowl (also known as sushi bowl or poke bowl) on the menu, order it without rice and request it to be served on top of lettuce, zucchini noodles, or with a side of sliced cucumber.
  • Order lollipop rolls: Lollipop rolls (or Naruto rolls) are typically cucumber-wrapped sushi rolls on a skewer with no rice. The tightly wrapped cucumber takes the place of rice and creates a roll that's great for low-carb diets.

Low-carb side dishes to order at sushi restaurants

Besides keto sushi, order keto-friendly Japanese dishes for a complete and satiating meal. Some of the low-carb options you can opt for are:

  • Miso soup: Most miso soup is low-carb and made with miso paste, broth, and some tofu. It's the best way to kick off a sushi dinner.
  • Edamame: You might think that edamame isn't low carb since it's a dish made of legume, but you'd be wrong! It is a great side dish with just 7 grams of net carbs per cup.
  • Seaweed salad: Typically made with just seaweed, vinegar, and some seasonings, seaweed salad is a great option if there's no added sugar to the salad.
  • Chicken skewers: Many of our favorite sushi restaurants have flame-grilled skewers like chicken, shrimp, steak, or fish. As long as they aren't marinated or coated in a sweet sauce, these are a great choice to round out your sushi dinner.

Dining out tips

The most important thing when ordering keto sushi is to ask the chefs not to use rice. Whether it be white rice, sushi rice, or brown rice, all regular rice has a high carb count.

Also, check the menu online and scout out the low-carb offerings. Tell your server you limit carbs upfront and ensure they have no problem.

Now, visiting a sushi bar is perfect if you want sushi rolls on a keto diet. It's better than buying them from a grocery store. But you know what? Making keto sushi at home is the safest way to indulge in a guilt-free meal.

a chef cutting a piece of tuna

How to make keto sushi rolls at home? šŸ±

Making keto sushi rolls is pretty easy once you master the secret to creating cauliflower sushi rice ā€” the perfect alternative to regular rice. All you have to do is wrap that rice with your favorite fillings in a delicious nori or soy paper, and voila! Your sushi rolls will be ready!

Chef's note

To mimic the traditional sweet flavors of sushi rice, use sugar-free sweetener while pulsing the cauliflower florets. If you love spice, drizzle some keto chili mayo inside the roll before sealing. Also, have fun with the sauces of your choice! Wasabi, horseradish, teriyaki, or even sweet chili sauce will bring a flavor twist.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Assembling Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 6 Servings

šŸ± Ingredients for keto sushi rice recipe

Here are the ingredients you need to make the keto sushi rolls:

Cauliflower rice

  • 1 head cauliflower
  • 1 tablespoon cream cheese
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar-free sweetener, optional
  • Pinch of sea salt

Sushi rolls

  • nori sheet or soy paper
  • rice vinegar
  • sweetener like erythritol
  • cream cheese
  • riced cauliflower
  • soy sauce
  • wasabi
  • pickled ginger

Optional fillings

  • Fresh fish (be sure to opt for sushi-grade fish or simply use cooked fish)
  • Bean sprouts
  • Cucumber
  • JalapeƱo, Thai chili, or serrano
  • Tomato
  • Avocado
  • Asparagus
  • Sauces: spicy mayo, wasabi mayo, sweet chili sauce, teriyaki sauce, sesame oil or chili oil, yuzu
  • Toppings: sesame seeds, furikake

Ingredient substitutions

  • Rice wine vinegar: If you don't have rice wine vinegar at hand, use apple cider vinegar for a tangy note.
  • Granulated sugar-free sweetener: Use erythritol or stevia as options for sugar-free sweeteners.
  • Soy sauce: Use tamari as a gluten-free soy sauce alternative low in carbs.
  • Wasabi: Use wasabi powder that doesn't contain added sugars. Mix it with some water to create a keto-friendly wasabi paste. Alternatively, use horseradish sauce for a similar taste.
  • Nori sheet or soy paper: Large lettuce leaves, such as iceberg or romaine, can be used as a low-carb alternative for wrapping sushi or rolls. Alternatively, use thin cucumber slices.

Additional ingredients

  • Fresh herbs: Fresh parsley, chives, or dill provide a gentle fresh flavor to the sushi rice.
  • Sesame seeds: Mix some toasted white or black sesame seeds into the cauliflower rice for a nutty flavor and fun texture.
  • Lime or lemon zest: Add lime or lemon zest to the rice to brighten up the flavors.
  • Red pepper flakes: If you like it spicy, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or a small amount of finely chopped jalapeƱos in the rice.

Cooking tools required

Here are a few tools you'll need to make your own keto sushi rice-less rolls:

  • Nut milk bag or clean kitchen towel
  • Airtight container
  • Spoon
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Sushi bamboo mat (sometimes called a bamboo roller or just a sushi mat)

How to make keto sushi rolls: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • No-cook recipe

Preparation steps

  1. Gather all the ingredients and measure them.
  2. Wash and cut the cauliflower into smaller florets.
  3. Get your food processor ready for action.
  4. Prepare the filling of your choice.

Cooking steps

Make the cauliflower rice

  1. Place the cauliflower into a food processor and pulse for 2-3 seconds at a time until you have what resembles rice.
  2. Transfer the cauliflower rice to a nut milk bag, or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out all the moisture you can.
  3. Return the rice to the food processor and add the remaining ingredients. Pulse until combined. The mixture should stick together slightly when pressed together. If needed, add a bit more cream cheese.

Make the sushi rolls

  1. Lay out a sushi bamboo mat (or a clean kitchen towel) on a flat surface.
  2. Lay one nori sheet shiny side down on the sushi mat. Skip if using lettuce leaves or cucumber slices.
  3. Mix a handful of cauliflower rice mixture evenly over the nori sheet or soy paper, leaving Ā½ inch at the top edge. Press the rice down gently.
  4. Layer your choice of fillings on top of the cauliflower rice. Options include fresh fish, bean sprouts, cucumber, jalapeƱo, avocado, or asparagus.
  5. Carefully lift the edge of the sushi mat closest to you and start rolling over the fillings, using your fingers to keep them in place.
  6. Roll tightly but not too tight. Continue rolling to the exposed edge of the nori or soy paper.
  7. Wet the exposed edge of the nori or soy paper with a bit of water. Finish rolling the sushi roll; the wet edge should seal it.
  8. Use a sharp knife, moistened with water to prevent sticking, to slice the sushi roll into bite-sized pieces. Optionally, add sesame seeds or furikake on top.
  9. Serve with keto-friendly sauces like spicy mayo, wasabi mayo, sweet chili sauce, or others listed in the ingredients.
  10. Enjoy your keto sushi rolls with cauliflower rice!

Chef's pro tip

If you want perfect sushi rolls that won't fall apart, ensure your cauliflower rice has no extra moisture. Take time to squeeze the water out after pulsing it for the first time. Alternatively, lay the riced cauliflower on a baking sheet and roast it at a low temperature (around 275Ā°F or 135Ā°C) for 10-15 minutes to remove all moisture.

šŸ± Best sushi roll combinations

  • Keto California rolls: imitation crab meat or real crab + cream cheese + avocado + cucumber
  • Spicy rolls: spicy mayo mixed + finely minced fresh fish + green onion
  • Skinny rolls: simply cauliflower rice sushi + single veg or single fish option

Bonus tip: If you're missing the tempura crunch, use crushed pork rinds to mimic the texture! It's delicious when mixed into spicy tuna or spicy salmon rolls.

How to make it healthier?

  • Use organic cauliflower and cream cheese if available in your grocery store.
  • Go for thinly sliced cucumber slices for a low carb sushi roll alternative.
  • Use tamari instead of soy sauce as a gluten and sugar-free alternative.

Time-saving tips

  • Buy pre-riced cauliflower to save time preparing it from scratch. You can mix it with other ingredients and pulse it.
  • Use store-bought sushi sauces and seasoning to save prep time.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Break the cauliflower into florets a day before and store them in a zip-lock bag or container in the fridge. You can also make the rice beforehand.

Storage instructions

  • Store the cauliflower sushi rice in an airtight container. It will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge.
  • Place the wrapped sushi rolls in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag in the fridge to further protect them.

Recipe wrap-up conclusion

Our Keto Sushi Rolls is an easy, quick, and tasty low-carb version of traditional sushi rice. Once you prepare this low-carb rice at home, you can create keto sushi rolls using any keto-friendly filling. 

Frequently asked questions

Traditional sushi rolls are not keto-friendly because they contain carb-loaded rice. However, many sushi variants can be made keto-friendly by omitting the rice or substituting it with low-carb alternatives.

Sashimi, slices of raw fish without rice, is one of the lowest-calorie options. Rolls like the cucumber roll, tuna roll, or avocado roll (without additional sauces or toppings) are also typically lower in calories.

"Sashimi" is the term for slices of raw fish without rice. It is one of the most straightforward forms of sushi, focusing purely on the flavor and texture of the fish itself.

Spices like garlic powder or paprika can add warmth and depth to the rice. You can also sprinkle nutritional yeast for a cheesy, savory twist.

Yes, nori sheets are keto-friendly! They are made from seaweed and are low in carbohydrates, making them a perfect choice for wrapping sushi for a keto diet.

Did you make this recipe? Be sure to rate the recipe ā­ļø ā­ļø ā­ļø ā­ļø ā­ļø in the recipe card below and share your creative rolls with us on social and tag @castiron_keto on Instagram! We love seeing what you come up with!

šŸ“– Recipe

a hand holding a pair of chopsticks and a piece of sushi

Keto Sushi Rolls With Cauliflower Rice

This basic keto sushi rice recipe is a great replacement for rice on a low-carb diet. Make keto sushi rolls with cauliflower rice, your favorite fillings, and nori sheets for a delicious low-carb alternative to traditional sushi.
5 from 3 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: basic
Cuisine: Asian, Japanese
Keyword: keto, keto mexican cauliflower rice, keto sushi, keto sushi rolls, low carb
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Assembling Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 55kcal

Ingredients

Cauliflower rice

  • 1 head cauliflower
  • 1 tablespoon cream cheese
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar-free sweetener optional
  • Pinch of sea salt

Sushi rolls

  • nori sheet or soy paper
  • rice vinegar
  • sweetener like erythritol
  • cream cheese
  • riced cauliflower
  • soy sauce
  • wasabi
  • pickled ginger

Optional fillings

  • Fresh fish be sure to opt for sushi-grade fish or simply use cooked fish
  • Bean sprouts
  • Cucumber
  • JalapeƱo Thai chili, or serrano
  • Tomato
  • Avocado
  • Asparagus
  • Sauces spicy mayo, wasabi mayo, sweet chili sauce, teriyaki sauce, sesame oil or chili oil, yuzu
  • Toppings sesame seeds, furikake

Instructions

Make the cauliflower rice

  • Place the cauliflower into a food processor and pulse for 2-3 seconds at a time until you have what resembles rice.
  • Transfer the cauliflower rice to a nut milk bag, or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out all the moisture you can.
  • Return the rice to the food processor and add the remaining ingredients. Pulse until combined. The mixture should stick together slightly when pressed together. If needed, add a bit more cream cheese.

Make the sushi rolls

  • Lay out a sushi bamboo mat (or a clean kitchen towel) on a flat surface.
  • Lay one nori sheet shiny side down on the sushi mat. Skip if using lettuce leaves or cucumber slices.
  • Mix a handful of cauliflower rice mixture evenly over the nori sheet or soy paper, leaving Ā½ inch at the top edge. Press the rice down gently.
  • Layer your choice of fillings on top of the cauliflower rice. Options include fresh fish, bean sprouts, cucumber, jalapeƱo, avocado, or asparagus.
  • Carefully lift the edge of the sushi mat closest to you and start rolling over the fillings, using your fingers to keep them in place.
  • Roll tightly but not too tight. Continue rolling to the exposed edge of the nori or soy paper.
  • Wet the exposed edge of the nori or soy paper with a bit of water. Finish rolling the sushi roll; the wet edge should seal it.
  • Use a sharp knife, moistened with water to prevent sticking, to slice the sushi roll into bite-sized pieces. Optionally, add sesame seeds or furikake on top.
  • Serve with keto-friendly sauces like spicy mayo, wasabi mayo, sweet chili sauce, or others listed in the ingredients.
  • Enjoy your keto sushi rolls with cauliflower rice!

Notes

The nutritional information for the optional filling is not part of the recipe card.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Sushi Rolls With Cauliflower Rice
Amount Per Serving
Calories 55 Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g2%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 2mg1%
Sodium 393mg17%
Potassium 514mg15%
Carbohydrates 9g3%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 4g8%
Vitamin A 32IU1%
Vitamin C 80mg97%
Calcium 41mg4%
Iron 1mg6%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

# Hashtag with us!Don't forget to mention @castiron_keto or tag #castironketo on Instagram with your creations! We love seeing what you're making.
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