Elevate your appetizer game with this Paleo Crab Onigiri recipe—a wholesome, grain-free twist on the classic Japanese rice ball! Instead of traditional sushi rice, this recipe features tender, steamed cauliflower rice as the perfect base for a light, low-carb alternative. Packed with flavorful crab meat seasoned with coconut aminos, a hint of lemon juice, and fresh green onions, each bite delivers the savory-sweet umami you crave. Wrapped in a touch of nori for a traditional flair and served with creamy avocado slices on the side, these onigiri are paleo-friendly and irresistibly delicious. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re perfect as a satisfying appetizer, snack, or light meal that fits into your healthy lifestyle.
Start by preparing your cauliflower rice. Remove the leaves and stem from the cauliflower. Chop into florets and pulse them in a food processor until the texture resembles rice.
In a large nonstick skillet, heat a little water over medium heat. Add the cauliflower rice, cover, and steam for 5-7 minutes until it's tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, coconut aminos, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir well to integrate flavors.
Slice the green onions finely and add them to the crab mixture. Mix until evenly combined.
Lay a piece of plastic wrap on your working space. Take about 1/4 cup of cauliflower rice and place it in the center of the wrap. Flatten it with your fingers to form a small disk.
Place a tablespoon of the crab mixture in the center of the cauliflower disk. Use the plastic wrap to gently fold the cauliflower around the filling, shaping it into a compact ball. Twist the ends of the plastic wrap to ensure a tight seal.
Unwrap and press a small piece of nori on the bottom or sides of the onigiri for added flavor and as a natural 'holder'.
Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients to form about 8 onigiri.
Peel and pit the avocado, slice it thinly, and serve the slices alongside the onigiri for a creamy complement.
Serve immediately as a delicious appetizer or light Paleo meal.
Calories |
695 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 27.0 g | 35% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.8 g | 24% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 106 mg | 35% | |
| Sodium | 5128 mg | 223% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 65.7 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 28.8 g | 103% | |
| Total Sugars | 23.9 g | ||
| Protein | 58.2 g | 116% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 451 mg | 35% | |
| Iron | 6.8 mg | 38% | |
| Potassium | 4038 mg | 86% | |
*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.