13 Keto Asian-Inspired Recipes (Low Carb, Gluten Free)

Following a ketogenic lifestyle doesn't mean leaving behind the vibrant, complex flavors of Asian cuisine. In fact, many traditional dishes lend themselves beautifully to low-carb adaptations without compromising those familiar takeout flavors!

This list of keto Asian recipes will prove that Asian-inspired cuisine is one of the most exciting ways to keep low-carb meals fresh, flavorful, and deeply satisfying - without sacrificing your macros. 

From sizzling stir-fries and fragrant curries to inventive noodle alternatives and balanced sauces, these keto-friendly Asian recipes celebrate the best of Asian-inspired flavors, in a low carb diet friendly way.

Whether you're craving something quick for weeknights or a show-stopping meal to impress, this collection has everything you need to bring the vibrant flavors of Asia to your kitchen - all with a keto twist.

creating low-carb and keto Asian meals

Growing up in a multiracial home (my mom was from the Philippines, my dad caucasian) in a very culturally-diverse city near Seattle, I enjoyed a strong Asian influence in food from a young age.

My mom's go-to dinners included dishes like Filipino chicken adobo and pancit.

I also have fond memories of trying different Filipino and Asian cuisine at Filipino potlucks, shopping at our local Asian markets, and taking day trips to Seattle's Chinatown-International District.

Asian food- in all forms- has always been a favorite of mine.

From Chinese food favorites - like sweet and sour pork, fried rice, and Mongolian beef, to freshly-made sushi and Vietnamese noodles - I have always enjoyed it all.

When I first became introduced to a keto diet and low-carb eating, it initially seemed like many of those dishes were off the table.

But in fact, creating Asian keto recipes is really about understanding the foundations of Asian cooking, and finding creative ways to replicate it with healthy, simple ingredients. 

While a ketogenic diet might mean giving up your favorite takeout, this list of keto Asian recipes is proof you can easily make low-carb versions right at home.

Keto-Friendly Staples in Asian Cooking

Asian cuisine is incredibly diverse - spanning dozens of countries and culinary traditions - but there are some foundational ingredients, techniques, and flavors that appear again and again across many regional styles. 

One of the best parts of Asian cuisine is how easily its signature flavors and techniques can be adapted to a low-carb lifestyle.

With a few smart swaps and an understanding of the core ingredients, you can recreate your favorite dishes without sacrificing authenticity - or ketosis. 

Here are the key building blocks that make keto Asian recipes both satisfying and true to their roots, along with some examples to help you stock your kitchen:

aromatics and flavor bases

Almost every dish begins with deeply aromatic ingredients like garlic, fresh ginger, green onions, red onions, and fresh chilies. Lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves add bright, citrusy layers, especially in Southeast Asian cooking.

umami-packed sauces and condiments

Staples such as soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free soy sauce), fish sauce, rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil bring balance and depth while staying low in carbs.

Coconut aminos are a wonderful soy sauce replacement, while chili oil, miso paste, and fermented chili pastes add complexity and heat.

Other whole food ingredients I would add to this list include coconut milk (for popular Thai food dishes like curry), xanthan gum or arrowroot powder (grain-free thickening sauces that are great cornstarch substitutes)

low-carb swaps for rice and noodles

Traditional rice and noodles are easy to replace with keto-friendly alternatives. Cauliflower rice is a versatile base for stir-fries and curries, while shirataki noodles (made from konjac root) mimic the texture of noodles with virtually no carbs.

Zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, and cabbage wraps also make excellent substitutes for rice noodles, egg noodles, etc.

I'm also a big fan of lupini rice, which is a high-protein and high-fiber rice alternative (also commonly used for low carb pasta).

vegetables and herbs

Asian cooking celebrates fresh, vibrant produce - many of which naturally fit into a keto lifestyle.

Fresh vegetables like bok choy, napa cabbage, zucchini, Chinese broccoli, mushrooms, bean sprouts, and bamboo shoots add nutrition, texture, and flavor. Fresh herbs like Thai basil, fresh cilantro, and mint bring brightness and freshness to a low-carb meal. 

proteins

Protein-rich staples such as chicken, pork, beef, duck, and seafood are ideal for keto cooking. Eggs enrich fried "rice" and broths, while tofu and tempeh soak up sauces beautifully for plant-based options.

cooking methods

Many classic Asian methods are naturally keto-friendly. Stir-frying and steaming preserve flavor and nutrients without added starches, while simmering and braising create deeply flavored broths and curries.

Grilling is another go-to, perfect for Korean dishes (Korean BBQ!), and other popular meals like satay, yakitori, and skewers. 

With these essentials on hand, creating low-carb versions of your favorite Asian dishes becomes simple - and endlessly delicious.

low-carb and keto Asian recipes

Healthy eating with Asian flavors is one of my favorite ways to cook, and all you need are a few simple ingredients and a good recipe!

I can at least take care of the latter with this collection of 13 of my favorite Asian-inspired dishes that fit so well into a keto or low-carb diet. 

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