While Asian cuisine is not always the healthiest of options when it comes to clean eating, you can still make it healthy with low-carb and keto-friendly alternatives that are just as tasty.
A helpful tip is to focus on whole food ingredients like lean protein (chicken, salmon, beef), fresh vegetables, and keto-friendly sauce replacements such as coconut aminos. Coconut aminos are a sauce made from coconut blossom nectar that is fermented and blended with salt. They have about 75% less sodium than regular soy sauce and is an excellent soy and gluten-free ingredient to incorporate into many dishes.
We've curated a list of deliciously satisfying Asian-inspired dishes that are keto approved and flavor forward. While they may lack carbohydrates, they definitely don't lack in flavor.
1. Keto Chicken Stir Fry
If you're looking for a simple yet flavorful Asian keto recipe, this will be your next go to meal. It's loaded with tons of fresh vegetables and sliced chicken making it the ultimate low-carb meal. You can also customize this dish with whatever veggies and protein you have or prefer. Not to mention it's a great meal prep recipe that can be made for weekly lunches at the office or school.
Not only is this a keto-friendly and asian-inspired recipe, but it also incorporates our sugar-free Sea Salt & Pepper Mini Beef Sticks! It's also made low-carb by replacing rice with riced cauliflower. It has a similar texture and taste, but without all the added carbohydrates that spike glucose levels. This recipe will keep your taste buds happy and your blood sugar stable. Truly a win-win.
We got another keto-friendly, asian-inspired recipe that is full proof and serves up some added beef jerky. Similar to crack slaw, this keto egg roll in a bowl recipe uses our mini beef sticks and comes together in just about 15 minutes. It's low-carb, absolutely delicious, and a creative new recipe to add to your rolodex!
If you have an Instant Pot, it's time to whip it out for this recipe! These low carb chili soy chicken thighs are simple and made by using an Instant Pot, which saves all the time in the world. We also love this recipe because it calls for chicken thighs - a meaty and flavorful protein that's so versatile and easy to work with. With only 1g net carbs per serving, it's a great addition to the weekly meal lineup.
If you're just as much of a fan of beef and broccoli than we are, then you'll absolutely love this recipe. In fact, no one will even know it's a keto-friendly version of this popular dish! It has a classic takeout flavor with simple ingredients and quick prep. It's also naturally healthy, keto-friendly, gluten-free, paleo, grain-free, and Whole30. All around this dish is a home run.
Orange chicken is a staple for any quintessential Chinese food takeout. This low-carb keto orange chicken has all the things: crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside and coated with a sweet, sticky citrus sauce. Enjoy it with some keto cauliflower fried rice and you're set for a keto-friendly asian-inspired meal!
These lettuce wraps are flavorful, crunchy, and loaded with an assortment of healthy vegetables that will satisfy any food craving. Traditional Asian-style lettuce wraps are typically loaded with shrimp and topped with Chinese fried churro, however, this low-carb version is made with lean ground meat and a sweet sauce. Plus they are loaded with vegetables making them more filling as a main dish.
Is there anything better than warm ramen soup on a cold day? Now you can enjoy this easy keto ramen recipe made with low-carb ramen noodles! It's easy to customize with a variety of different meats and veggies. Truly up to your preference and flavor palette! The best part is that you can prepare this dish in under 30 minutes so you can enjoy it in a pinch when the craving strikes.
Pad Thai is typically a rich and savory dish that is bursting with flavor and this keto version is no different. It's an excellent healthy, low-carb version that will keep you full and satisfied. In this recipe, we use substitutes like shirataki noodles for regular noodles, which is lower in carbs and also keto-approved. You can also use zucchini noodles, which are the ideal keto version of any type of noodle.
When we think of Chinese takeout, we immediately think of sesame chicken. It's rich, tangy, sweet, and oh so tender all at the same time. This keto sesame chicken recipe takes under 20 minutes to make and is super simple! Plus he sweet and tangy sauce only requires 7 ingredients to make and has 3 carbs per serving.
Time to take out the Instant Pot or Slow cooker again. This creamy Thai Green Curry recipe is made with juicy chicken and roasted vegetables. The best part is that it's really as easy as adding all the ingredients to the pot and letting it do its thing! It's creamy, has a lovely umami flavor profile, and naturally sweet from the coconut milk cream with nut butter. All around a crowd favorite.
People swear by their air fryers and for good reason! Use the oven or air fryer to make this simple keto-friendly teriyaki salmon accompanied with stir fried broccoli and mushrooms. This teriyaki sauce has a keto spin and is made with a keto brown sugar substitute, garlic, and ginger. You can also use coconut aminos if you have a gluten intolerance and cannot use soy sauce.
Sometimes the cravings for sushi can be real. Unfortunately, not all sushi rolls are made to be keto-friendly typically because of the rice. That being said, we've found a keto sushi recipe that is truly delicious and also low-carb and made with cauliflower rice. The next time those sushi cravings hit, go for a keto version of your favorite sushi roll with keto friendly ingredients and substitutes.
Traditional Pho might not be keto-friendly because of the noodles and sometimes even added sugar, however, this recipe is made with some low-carb ingredient substitutes that are delicious and nutritious. Made in just 35 minutes, this low carb pho with zoodles and steak tastes just like the real deal - some would even say better!
This keto-friendly recipe is refreshing, light, and flavorful. It can be the perfect side salad to any meal or really the main dish as well! Drizzled with a fragrant dressing, it's made with avocados, cucumbers, and fresh cilantro to give it a nice pop. The best part is that it's also pretty low calories and packed with lots of healthy nutrients.
Hot and sour soup is truly a staple on any takeout menu or Chinese buffet line. The only problem is that it's not exactly keto-friendly most times. The good news is that this recipe is a low-carb twist on a popular dish. It really all comes down to the spices and flavors.
If you've ever had P.F. Chang's Mongolian Beef dish, then you'll absolutely love this recipe. It's a copycat recipe that has tender beef coated in a sweet and savory sauce with a touch of spice and is keto-approved. It uses a few different ingredient swaps and can ready in the time it takes to pick up takeout food.
Calling all curry fans. This keto shrimp coconut curry dish is bursting with flavor and spices that will keep you wanting more. If you're a fan of curry and all it's delicious flavors then you'll absolutely love this recipe. This is a guaranteed crowd pleaser and will make your whole house smell of delicious curry goodness!
This is a flavor bomb of a salad! It's fresh, crunchy and has an excellent combination of sweet and sour dressing that is perfect for a summer salad. A pro tip is to use a spirilizer to create that noodle effect with vegetables instead of pasta. You can also use leftover chicken or any meat which gives it some added protein.
It doesn't get any easier than this - truly. If you never made a stir fry dish before, this is a good one to start with because it only takes 10 minutes of your time, but is absolutely delicious not to mention low carbs. Simply throw a bunch of vegetables into a wok on high heat with frequent stirring and you're set up for a delicious dish.
We always like the sound of a one pan dish. It means it's typically easy and convenient and that is definitely the case here. This tasty stir fry features thinly sliced chicken and zucchini paired with a rich Asian sauce. This recipe can also be substituted with different vegetables, which makes it easy because you can use whatever you have on hand.
This recipe touts that it's better than takeout and we're here to tell you that is true! Whether or not you follow a keto diet, it doesn't matter here. This weeknight chicken dish will satisfy all protein lovers and vegetable seekers. Plus you don't need a wok for this dish. It can be made in a large cast iron pan.
A food fanatic and lover of all things beef. You can find Sara loving on her dog Pearl, exploring new wine bars, or experimenting with makeup as she has an unhealthy obsession with all things beauty.
