Are you living the low-carb or keto lifestyle? Do you miss traditional sushi because of the rice content? This low-carb sushi recipe is your answer. Made with cauliflower rice instead of white rice, this keto sushi is a delicious and healthy alternative. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how satisfying it is. No need for fresh fish when you have smoked salmon. Give it a try with a drizzle of your favorite sushi topping — I added a spicy mayo on top of this one.
Sushi for the Low Carber
Equipment
- sushi mat
Ingredients
- 1 oz. Smoked Salmon
- 1 bag frozen cauliflower rice drained through cloth
- 12 oz. bag frozen salad shrimp thawed and chopped
- 1 tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1/4 cucumber sliced in long narrow strips
- 1/4 avocado sliced in narrow strips
- 1/4-1/2 tsp wasabi use sparingly
- 1 tsp Rice Seasoning or sesame seeds
- 1 sheet Nori seaweed
- SPICY MAYO
- 1 tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Sriracha
Instructions
- Cook cauliflower per instructions & let bag cool. This next step is very important if you want to make sure your sushi is not runny and liquidy. Place a cheesecloth or thin cotton dish towel in a bowl and place cauliflower inside. Be careful not to burn yourself as you start to wring out the water. If it is too hot, use tongs to twist the towel and wring the water out. Set aside.
- Traditional sushi rolls use imitation crab meat. However, this is loaded with carbs. In place of this, we are using salad shrimp. Place thawed shrimp package in a strainer, rinse and drain. Place shrimp on cutting board and start to mince into very small pieces. Place shrimp in a small bowl, and add 1 Tablespoon of mayonnaise to the shrimp, and mix well. Set aside.
- If you have a sushi mat, lay this down on the counter, and top with a piece of plastic wrap. If you do not have a sushi mat, you can lay a piece of plastic wrap on the counter. Place Nori sheet on top of plastic, then start spreading the cauliflower from corner to corner of the Nori sheet. When covered, start spreading the shrimp mixture on top.
- Starting at the bottom edge, starting laying the cucumber, avocado, salmon slices and spread a little bit of Wasabi down the center.
- Start to roll tucking tightly. Remove plastic wrap and cut in half, then cut into four sections creating 8 pieces.
- In small bowl, mix Mayonnaise and Sriracha together. Place inside small sandwich bag, snip the corner off and drizzle the spicy mayo on top of sushi roll. Full video tutorial available on my Instagram @lowcarbnorma. Enjoy!
Why Choose Low-Carb Sushi?
Low-carb sushi is a game-changer for anyone following a keto or healthy low-carb diet. Traditional sushi rice contains vinegar and sugar, adding a hefty amount of carbohydrates to each roll. By replacing white rice with cauliflower rice, you can enjoy your favorite sushi flavors without the blood sugar spike. This recipe proves that you don’t need grains to enjoy satisfying sushi — it’s all about texture and taste!
Not only does this version use healthy, whole ingredients like avocado, cucumber, and smoked salmon, but it’s also gluten-free, sugar-free, and packed with omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. This is the perfect dish for meal prep, lunch boxes, or a light dinner that won’t weigh you down.
Tips for the Perfect Keto Sushi Roll
- Dry your cauliflower rice thoroughly: Moisture is the biggest enemy when it comes to rolling sushi. Be sure to squeeze out all the water with a towel or cheesecloth so your roll holds together properly.
- Use high-quality smoked salmon: It adds a rich, savory flavor without the hassle of handling raw fish.
- Cut ingredients evenly: This helps everything roll neatly and gives your sushi that clean, professional look.
- Don’t skip the wasabi (unless you’re sensitive to spice): It enhances the flavor and gives that classic sushi kick.
Optional Fillings & Toppings
You can customize your low-carb rolls to suit your taste! Here are a few keto-friendly sushi filling ideas:
- Cream cheese (adds richness and balances the smoky flavor)
- Pickled radish or daikon (adds crunch and tang)
- Cilantro or green onions (for a fresh herb twist)
- Coconut aminos instead of soy sauce (a low-sodium, low-carb alternative)
For toppings, try:
- Black and white sesame seeds
- Chili oil drizzle
- Crushed seaweed flakes (Furikake)
How to Serve Low-Carb Sushi
These low-carb rolls are best served fresh, but they also keep well in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Serve them with a side of sugar-free soy sauce or coconut aminos, and a small portion of pickled ginger if you want a full sushi experience.
Whether you’re new to low carb or just want a healthy sushi option, this easy low-carb sushi recipe satisfies cravings while supporting your goals. With simple swaps and smart ingredients, it’s totally possible to enjoy Japanese flavors without sacrificing your diet.
