If you love sushi but don’t want the carbs, you’re in for a treat. These Keto Salmon & Avocado Sushi Rolls give you all the flavors of traditional sushi without the rice. They’re fresh, creamy, and packed with healthy fats to keep you full.

Sushi might seem tricky to make at home, but I promise it’s easier than you think. I’ll walk you through every step so you feel confident rolling these up in your own kitchen. No fancy equipment needed, just a little patience and the right technique.

Let’s get started.

What You Need

Before we start rolling, make sure you have everything ready.

Ingredients:

4 sheets of nori (dried seaweed)
8 oz fresh salmon (sashimi-grade if eating raw, or cooked if preferred)
1 ripe avocado, sliced
½ cucumber, cut into thin strips
4 oz cream cheese (softened)
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)
½ tsp wasabi (optional, for a little heat)
Soy sauce or coconut aminos for dipping

Tools:

Sharp knife
Cutting board
Bamboo sushi mat (or a piece of parchment paper)
Spoon and small bowl for mixing

Now that we have everything, let’s get rolling—literally.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Keto Sushi Rolls

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

If you’re using raw salmon, make sure it’s sashimi-grade and from a trusted source. Cut it into long, thin strips. If you’re cooking it, pan-sear it for a minute or two on each side with a bit of salt and pepper, then let it cool before slicing.

Step 2: Slice the Avocado & Cucumber

Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh. Slice it into thin pieces so it lays flat inside the roll. For the cucumber, trim off the ends and cut it into long, thin strips.

Step 3: Get the Nori Ready

Place a sheet of nori on a bamboo sushi mat (shiny side down). If you don’t have a mat, parchment paper works too. This helps keep everything in place as you roll.

Step 4: Spread the Cream Cheese

Take a spoon and spread a thin layer of cream cheese over the nori. This acts as the “glue” that holds everything together since we’re skipping the rice. If you like an extra creamy texture, mix in a little mayonnaise with the cream cheese before spreading.

Step 5: Add the Fillings

Lay down a few slices of salmon, followed by avocado and cucumber. Sprinkle a little sesame seed on top for that classic sushi taste.

Step 6: Roll It Up

Now comes the fun part. Lift the edge of the sushi mat (or parchment paper) closest to you and gently fold it over the filling. Use your fingers to tuck everything in tightly, then continue rolling forward while applying light pressure. The goal is to keep it firm but not so tight that the fillings squish out.

If the nori isn’t sealing at the end, dip your finger in a little water and run it along the edge—it’ll stick perfectly.

Step 7: Slice with a Sharp Knife

A dull knife will crush your beautiful sushi roll, so make sure yours is extra sharp. Dip the blade in warm water, then slice the roll into bite-sized pieces. Clean the knife between cuts to keep each piece neat.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy

Arrange your sushi rolls on a plate and sprinkle extra sesame seeds on top. Serve with soy sauce or coconut aminos, and if you like a little heat, add a dab of wasabi on the side.

Extra Tips for Perfect Keto Sushi

Use fresh fish – If eating raw salmon, freshness is everything. Get it from a fish market or store that specializes in sushi-grade seafood.
Chill your ingredients – Cold ingredients are easier to work with and keep the sushi roll firm.
Don’t overfill – Too many fillings make rolling difficult. A little goes a long way.
Wet your knife – This stops the nori from sticking and makes slicing smooth.

Tasty Variations

Once you get comfortable rolling sushi, try switching up the fillings to keep things interesting.

Spicy Salmon Roll – Mix the salmon with a little sriracha and mayo before rolling.
Crispy Cucumber Roll – Add finely chopped almonds or crushed pork rinds for extra crunch.
Tuna & Avocado – Swap the salmon for fresh tuna or canned tuna mixed with mayo.
Vegetarian Option – Skip the fish and use more avocado, cucumber, and maybe some sliced bell peppers.

Why These Rolls Are a Keto Win

Traditional sushi is made with rice, which is high in carbs. By replacing it with cream cheese, we get the same creamy texture without spiking blood sugar. Plus, salmon and avocado are loaded with healthy fats that keep you full and satisfied.

Each roll is packed with protein, omega-3s, and fiber—all the good stuff your body loves. It’s a great meal for keto, low-carb, or just anyone looking for a lighter version of sushi.

Final Thoughts

Making keto sushi at home is easier than you think. With a few simple tricks, you can roll up fresh, delicious sushi in your own kitchen without the extra carbs.

So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and give it a try. Once you make these, you might never miss regular sushi again.