Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Make Lowcarbohydrate Sushi

What was once considered Japanese peasant food is quickly becoming a culinary staple in countries worldwide. Though the popularity of sushi is skyrocketing, for those on low-carbohydrate diets, it is an infrequent treat. However, there are ways for you to enjoy sushi at home without the white rice. Be innovative and try different combinations to find the right type of rolls you'll love to eat.


Instructions


1. Lay out your nori, or seaweed sheet, on your sushi mat. Mix up your favorite recipe for chunky guacamole in a bowl. Thinly spread your guacamole on the sheet. Lay down a handful of sprouts and a few pieces of smoked salmon. Wet the corners of the roll with rice vinegar. Roll the mat tightly lengthwise without breaking the sushi. When both sides have met, squeeze the sushi roll. Slice the sushi in larger-than-average pieces and serve. After you spread the guacamole, you'll have to act fast to prevent the nori from getting too wet and breaking.


2. Place nori on your sushi mat and thinly spread hummus. Lay lettuce, sliced onions and roasted bell peppers onto the nori. Place cooked chicken that has been horizontally sliced in the middle and roll tightly. Cut or eat as a sandwich wrap. You can use ranch dressing, soy sauce or ginger dressing as a dip.


3. Visit your seafood counter and ask for sushi-grade tuna. This type of tuna has been frozen to kill parasites and then thawed. Lay down a piece of nori and coat with cream cheese. Sprinkle a generous portion of green onions and cucumbers. Slice the tuna very thinly and place on the green onions. Squeeze onto the seaweed a spicy sauce such as sriracha. Roll tightly and cut into large pieces.


4. Twist your nori so that it resembles a ice cream cone. Hand rolls are the easiest way to produce carbohydrate-free sushi because you don't have to cut it into slices. Fill the inside with your choice of vegetable, seafood and fruit. Some sushi combinations include smoked salmon, cream cheese, jalapenos and pineapple. Or try shrimp, guacamole, sliced pickled carrots and shredded cheese. Likewise, lettuce, bacon, mayonnaise and tomatoes can be used to make a BLT.


5. Cook 1 cup of brown rice according to directions. In a small bowl, microwave for 30 seconds 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Mix the vinegar mixture in the rice before it cools. Always use cold rice when making sushi. With your fingers, spread rice evenly over nori and top with your favorite sushi accouterments. Roll nori and cut. Brown rice is a wonderful alternative to white because it's packed with fiber. It does contain carbohydrates but these complex carbohydrates are great for regulating blood sugar.

Tags: cream cheese, green onions, rice vinegar, Roll tightly, smoked salmon, your favorite