Enjoy Raw Salmon in a Low Calorie Sushi Snack

If you make your sushi with healthy raw salmon, it’s easy to make and tastes great as a snack or light meal. Salmon nigiri sushi is a popular dish made with pressed rice and thin slices of raw salmon. People usually think of sushi as a food that makes you fat, but when eaten in moderation, raw salmon nigiri can actually fit into a healthy diet. Read on to find out more about how healthy raw salmon sushi nigiri pieces are and how many calories they have.

An Overview of Raw Salmon Nigiri

Nigiri sushi is hand-pressed rice with a topping, usually raw fish Salmon is commonly used as it pairs well with rice and adds beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Two pieces of salmon nigiri sushi contain approximately

• 134 calories
• 3.9 grams fat
• 16.7 grams carbs
• 0.6 grams fiber
• 7.1 grams protein

The calories come predominantly from the rice since raw salmon is very low in calories. With under 150 calories for 2 pieces, salmon nigiri makes for a satisfying light snack or mini-meal.

The Benefits of Raw Salmon

While raw fish may seem questionable to some eating high-quality sushi salmon poses minimal risks and provides many advantages. Here are some of the top benefits of salmon

• Rich in omega-3s. Salmon supply anti-inflammatory omega-3s EPA and DHA that boost heart and brain health.

• High in protein. Salmon delivers over 20 grams of satiating protein in each 3 ounce serving.

• Loaded with B vitamins. Raw salmon contains niacin, B12, B6 and other B vitamins vital for energy production.

• Contains antioxidants. Salmon has the antioxidant carotenoid astaxanthin which can help reduce inflammation.

• Low mercury levels. Salmon tends to be low in mercury, especially compared to tuna and other long-lived fish.

Consuming salmon raw, as in sushi, preserves its delicate flavor and maximizes nutrient retention. As long as you are eating high-quality salmon from a trusted source, raw salmon offers health advantages.

Tips for Enjoying Salmon Nigiri Sushi

If you want to start including more salmon nigiri in your eating pattern, here are some suggestions:

• Order salmon nigiri at sushi restaurants or from trusted takeout spots for a grab-and-go snack.

• For a Japanese-style light meal, eat salmon nigiri with edamame, seaweed salad, and miso soup.

• DIY homemade sushi night with friends and make raw salmon nigiri as one of the passed appetizers.

• Keep frozen salmon handy to thaw small portions to slice up into nigiri pieces topped on rice cakes.

• Pack a couple pieces of salmon nigiri in a bento box along with fruits and veggies for a balanced work lunch.

• Create your own poke bowl with salmon nigiri, rice, fresh vegetables, avocado, and chili sauce.

Thanks to its stellar nutrition and ease of preparation, salmon nigiri makes the perfect fast and healthy snack or mini-meal. Just two pieces of raw salmon sushi nigiri can provide high-quality protein, omega-3s, and antioxidants with minimal calorie impact.