The average spicy tuna sushi roll contains around 325 calories, but it may have more if the dish is loaded with crunchy tempura flakes. While most people believe that sushi is off-limits if you are watching your carb intake, it’s actually quite healthy if you go for simple rolls made with minimal ingredients. In addition to being a great source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, this food also provides several other health benefits, including boosting metabolism, improving heart health, and protecting against obesity.
Typically, hand rolls are high in both carbohydrates and protein, but their exact nutritional content can vary depending on the type of rice, sauces used and other ingredients like vegetables and garnishes. However, there are many ways you can make a hand roll healthier by switching out white rice for brown rice, using low-sodium condiments and mayonnaise, adding more vegetables like cucumber and radishes, and experimenting with homemade spicy sauces.
For Hosomaki and Uramaki rolls, wet the uncovered edge of the sushi mat with Tezu (a hand dipping liquid made with 1/4 cup water and 2 teaspoons rice vinegar). Place a strip of sushi rice on the center of the nori sheet and spread it by pressing down firmly. Then spread a thin line of Spicy Tuna in the middle of the rice. Finally, fold the nori over the filling and tuck it around the sides of the rice to create a tight roll.
For Gunkan rolls, wet your fingers with the Tezu and grab a small ball of rice, about the size and thickness of two dominoes. Use your fingers to shape the rice into a rectangle on the bottom of the nori ring and then wrap strips of nori cut for Gunkan over the rice. Spread a thin layer of Spicy Tuna across the top of the rice and sprinkle with scallions greens or chives.