Easy Keto Sushi Rolls Recipe – Low-Carb, Healthy
Sushi is a beloved Japanese dish enjoyed by millions around the world. But if you’re on a ketogenic diet, traditional sushi rolls packed with white rice can be a challenge due to their high carbohydrate content. Fortunately, there’s a delicious alternative: Keto Sushi Rolls Recipe. These rolls offer all the traditional flavors and textures of sushi without the carb overload. Whether you’re cutting carbs for weight loss, managing diabetes, or simply living a healthier lifestyle, these keto-friendly sushi rolls are a flavorful, guilt-free option that won’t compromise your dietary goals.
Keto sushi rolls are made without rice and instead use low-carb ingredients like cauliflower rice, cream cheese, cucumber, and avocado, wrapped in nori seaweed sheets. They’re customizable, quick to prepare, and ideal for a light lunch, appetizer, or party platter. Let’s dive into this simple, tasty recipe that brings the essence of sushi to your keto table.
Keto Sushi Rolls Recipe Details
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Active Time: 15 minutes
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Resting Time: 5 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
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Servings: 4 rolls (serves 2-3 people)
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Calories: Approximately 180 per roll
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Cuisine: Japanese, Keto
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Course: Appetizer, Snack, Lunch
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Difficulty: Easy
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Diet: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy Optional
Equipment
To prepare keto sushi rolls at home, you’ll need:
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Bamboo sushi rolling mat (or parchment paper as an alternative)
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Sharp knife
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Food processor (for cauliflower rice)
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Frying pan (if cooking cauliflower rice)
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Mixing bowl
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Cutting board
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Measuring spoons
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make keto sushi rolls:
For the Sushi Rolls:
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4 nori seaweed sheets
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1 ½ cups cauliflower rice (store-bought or homemade)
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1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
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2 oz cream cheese (optional for creamy texture)
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½ avocado, sliced
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1 small cucumber, julienned
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1 small carrot (optional), julienned (for moderate low-carb diets)
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4 oz cooked shrimp, imitation crab (keto-friendly), or smoked salmon
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1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
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Salt, to taste
For Dipping (Optional):
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Soy sauce or coconut aminos
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Wasabi (check ingredients for added sugars)
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Pickled ginger (sugar-free)
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Sriracha mayo (mix avocado mayo with sugar-free sriracha)
Instructions
Follow these steps to make your keto sushi rolls:
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower Rice
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If using fresh cauliflower, chop it into florets and pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice grains.
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Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and cook the cauliflower rice for 5–7 minutes to remove excess moisture. You can skip this step if using pre-cooked or frozen cauliflower rice.
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Let it cool slightly, then mix in the rice vinegar, cream cheese (optional), and a pinch of salt. This will give the “rice” the slightly sticky texture you need to mimic traditional sushi rice.
Step 2: Lay Out the Nori Sheets
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Place a sheet of nori shiny side down on your bamboo mat or parchment paper.
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Spread a thin, even layer of the cauliflower rice over the nori, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) bare at the top edge for sealing.
Step 3: Add the Fillings
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Place your choice of proteins (shrimp, crab, or smoked salmon) horizontally across the center of the rice.
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Add the cucumber, avocado slices, and optional carrots on top of the protein.
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Sprinkle with sesame seeds if using.
Step 4: Roll It Up
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Carefully lift the edge of the mat closest to you and begin rolling it over the filling, applying gentle pressure to keep the roll tight.
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Continue rolling until you reach the top edge. Use a bit of water to moisten the bare strip of nori and seal the roll.
Step 5: Slice the Roll
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Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into 6–8 even pieces. To make clean cuts, wet the blade with water before slicing.
Step 6: Serve
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Arrange your rolls on a plate and serve with dipping sauces like soy sauce, coconut aminos, or spicy mayo.
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Add a small amount of wasabi or sugar-free pickled ginger on the side if desired.
Nutrition (Per Roll – Estimated)
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Calories: 180
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Protein: 10g
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Fat: 13g
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Carbohydrates: 6g
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Fiber: 3g
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Net Carbs: 3g
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Sugar: <1g
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Cholesterol: 40mg
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Sodium: 350mg
Note: Nutrition values may vary based on the specific ingredients used and their quantities.
Tips for Perfect Keto Sushi Rolls
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Use chilled cauliflower rice for easier spreading.
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Avoid overstuffing your roll to prevent it from tearing.
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Add cream cheese or mashed avocado to mimic the sticky texture of rice and enhance flavor.
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Customize with fillings like tuna, grilled chicken, or egg for variety.
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Use parchment paper if you don’t have a bamboo mat—it works surprisingly well.
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Pre-slice your ingredients to save time and keep things organized during assembly.
Variations to Try
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Spicy Tuna Rolls – Mix canned tuna with avocado mayo and a dash of sriracha.
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California Rolls – Use keto-friendly imitation crab, avocado, and cucumber.
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Vegetarian Rolls – Fill with cream cheese, avocado, cucumber, and bell pepper strips.
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Philly Rolls – Use smoked salmon, cream cheese, and cucumber.
Storage & Make-Ahead
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Keto sushi rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
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If making ahead, keep the fillings and cauliflower rice separate and assemble just before serving to preserve freshness and texture.
Conclusion
With this Keto Sushi Rolls Recipe, you no longer need to sacrifice your love for sushi on a low-carb diet. These rolls are satisfying, fresh, and surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether you’re looking for a fun meal prep idea, a low-carb lunch, or a shareable party dish, keto sushi rolls deliver both flavor and nutrition. Try them out today and enjoy all the taste of sushi with none of the guilt!

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.