Description
These Healthy Easy Sushi Balls combine seasoned rice, imitation crab, fresh vegetables, nori, and creamy cheese into bite-sized sushi-inspired treats. They are easy to make, customizable, and perfect for appetizers, snacks, lunches, or party platters.
Ingredients
1 medium carrot, shredded
1 English cucumber, shredded
1 lb imitation crab, shredded
1 cup white rice
2 cups water
1/8 cup rice vinegar
3 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
4 nori seaweed wraps, chopped
Black and white sesame seeds, to taste
3/4 to 1 block low-fat cream cheese, softened
Light mayonnaise, to taste
Sriracha, to taste
Low-sodium soy sauce, for serving
Wasabi, optional
Pickled ginger, optional
Instructions
- Cook the white rice with 2 cups of water according to package directions.
- During the last minute of cooking, stir together the warmed rice vinegar and sugar, then mix into the rice.
- Cover the rice and allow it to cool completely to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded imitation crab, shredded carrot, shredded cucumber, chopped nori, sesame seeds, and softened cream cheese.
- Add the cooled rice and mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Shape the mixture into small sushi balls and place them on a serving tray.
- Mix light mayonnaise with sriracha to your preferred spice level and drizzle over the sushi balls.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Let the sushi balls sit at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes before serving.
- Serve with low-sodium soy sauce and optional wasabi and pickled ginger.
Notes
Substitute cooked shrimp or real crab meat for imitation crab if desired.
Add diced avocado for extra creaminess.
Use brown rice for additional fiber.
Mix in chopped green onions or diced bell peppers for extra flavor and crunch.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Do not freeze, as the texture may change after thawing.
Serve with edamame or a simple salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
