Low Sodium Temaki (Hand Roll Sushi)

Experience the perfect balance of flavor and health with this Low Sodium Temaki (Hand Roll Sushi) recipe, a portable sushi favorite reimagined with a heart-friendly twist. Featuring tender sushi rice seasoned with unsalted rice vinegar and sugar, each hand roll is filled with a colorful medley of fresh cucumber, creamy avocado, crisp carrot, and vibrant lettuce, alongside low-sodium smoked salmon or shrimp. Wrapped in nutrient-rich nori sheets, these customizable sushi cones are easy to assemble and brimming with wholesome, low-sodium goodness. Ideal for small gatherings or weeknight meals, this recipe is ready in just 35 minutes and serves as a fun, hands-on alternative to traditional sushi. Serve it with a touch of unsalted wasabi paste or low-sodium soy sauce for a perfectly balanced bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 5

Ingredients

• 1 cup Sushi rice
• 1.25 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Rice vinegar (unsalted)
• 1 teaspoon Sugar
• 5 sheets Seaweed sheets (nori, low-sodium if available)
• 1 small Cucumber
• 1 medium Avocado
• 5 slices Smoked salmon (low-sodium or unsalted)
• 1 small Carrot
• 5 Cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined, low-sodium)
• 5 Lettuce leaves
• 0.5 teaspoons Wasabi paste (unsalted, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the sushi rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Step 2

Combine the rice and water in a rice cooker or saucepan. Cook according to the rice cooker instructions, or bring the water to a boil on the stovetop, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until the rice is tender and all water is absorbed.

Step 3

While the rice is cooking, prepare the sushi vinegar mixture by combining rice vinegar and sugar in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar has dissolved completely.

Step 4

Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large, flat dish or bowl. Gently fold in the vinegar mixture with a wooden spoon or spatula. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature for easy handling.

Step 5

Prepare the fillings: Slice the cucumber, avocado, and carrot into thin matchstick-sized strips. Tear or cut the lettuce leaves to fit the width of the nori sheets. If the shrimp or salmon pieces are large, cut them into smaller strips for rolling.

Step 6

Cut the nori sheets in half crosswise to create rectangles for handheld rolls.

Step 7

To assemble a temaki roll, place a halved nori sheet on the counter or in your palm with the shiny side down. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the cooled sushi rice diagonally across one corner of the sheet.

Step 8

Layer a small piece of lettuce, a slice of smoked salmon or cooked shrimp, a few cucumber strips, avocado slices, and carrot strips on top of the rice. Optional: Add a tiny dab of unsalted wasabi paste for extra flavor.

Step 9

Fold the nori sheet over the fillings at an angle to form a cone shape. Seal the edge with a small amount of rice or water to help it hold its shape.

Step 10

Repeat the process for each roll, then serve the temaki immediately with additional unsalted wasabi paste or low-sodium soy sauce on the side if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1431.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1224.7

Total Fat 32.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 867.9mg	0%
Sodium 708.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 94.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.8g	0%
Total Sugars 9.1g
Protein 138.3g	0%

Vitamin D 1698.8IU	0%
Calcium 340.3mg	0%
Iron 6.5mg	0%
Potassium 2799.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 23.9%

Protein: 45.2%

Carbs: 30.9%