A lot of people think Chinese food can't be low carb because of rice and noodles… but that's not actually true. There are so many Chinese dishes that are naturally low in carbs - especially stir-fries, veggie dishes, soups, and simple protein-based meals. You don't always need substitutions like cauliflower rice or keto noodles (although those can be great too!).
In this post, I've rounded up a mix of:
- Naturally low carb Chinese recipes
- Keto-friendly versions of takeout favorites
- Easy stir-fries, soups, and veggie sides you can make at home
If you're looking for flavorful, easy Asian dishes that fit a low carb lifestyle, you're in the right place!
Low Carb Chinese Chicken Recipes
Chicken is one of the easiest proteins to keep low carb, especially in stir-fries.
Keto Breaded Sweet and Sour Chicken
Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Stir Fry
Instant Pot Keto Orange Chicken
Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken (aka 三杯鷄)
Chinese Shredded Chicken and Cucumber Salad
Low Carb Chinese Beef Recipes
Beef stir-fries are another great option - just watch sauces that contain added sugar.
Broccoli and Beef Chinese Stir Fry
Keto Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Taiwanese Braised Beef (Hong Shao Niu Rou 紅燒牛肉)
15-minute Keto Asian Beef Bowl
Low Carb Chinese Pork Recipes
Pork is super common in Chinese cooking and works really well in low carb dishes.
Keto Chinese BBQ Pork - Char Siu
Low Carb Chinese Duck Recipes
I absolutely love duck meat. Fun fact - my mom actually likes to eat duck meat more than chicken meat! The meat is a lot more flavorful than your regular chicken, so I can see why!
Orange and Sage Glazed Duck Breast
Citrus Duck Roast with Crispy Skin (Paleo, Whole30, Keto)
Low Carb Chinese Seafood Recipes
Seafood is naturally low carb and cooks quickly - perfect for easy meals.
Chinese Seafood Stir Fry with Shrimp and Squid
Chinese Stir Fry Shrimp with Eggs (蝦仁炒蛋)
Chinese Stir Fry Shrimp with Eggs and Basil
Chinese Shrimp and Onion Stir Fry
Low-Carb General Tso's Shrimp and Broccoli
Low Carb Chinese Soup Recipes
Warm up that belly with some soup! These Chinese soups are a great addition as a starter, side, or if you like to have soup as your meal.
Chicken Egg Drop Soup with Shiitake Mushrooms
Low Carb Chinese Vegetable Recipes
Don't forget the veggies! Veggie dishes are a huge part of Chinese cooking - and many are naturally low carb.
Easy Stir Fried Shanghai Bok Choy with Garlic
Simple Chinese Stir Fry Cabbage with Dried Shrimp (Paleo, Gluten Free, Keto)
Chinese Watercress With Garlic Stir Fry 西洋菜 (Paleo, Keto, Plant-Based, Vegan)
Stir Fry Napa Cabbage with Dried Shrimp
Simple Mushroom and Celery Stir Fry
Stir Fry Cabbage with Sichuan Peppercorn (Paleo, Whole30, Vegan, Keto, Plant-Based)
Chinese Spicy Pickled Cucumbers
Stir Fry Asparagus with Garlic
Ginger Garlic Bok Choy Stir Fry
Low Carb Rice & Noodle Alternatives
What?! Rice and Noodles aren't keto! While that is normally true, these keto versions are just as good as the real thing - and much healthier than the real thing!
Keto Chinese Noodle Salad with Low Carb Palmini Pasta
Low Carb Chinese Appetizers
Can't forget these popular delicious apps and starters! You can eat them like a side, or a meal, or a starter as long as you're doing your counting of carbs correctly.
Allrighty! That's quite a list, but I know I didn't cover 100% of delicious Chinese recipes out there. So please tell me! What am I missing?? Let me know by leaving a comment!
Sunrita says
All the best recipes in one go! Unbeaten-able collection. Thanks so much for this.
jennifer says
This is like a big amazing menu of awesome sauce! Yum, pinning for dinner inspo later
yang says
This collection is perfect for a Chinese new year party!
Kelly says
Every one of these recipes looks so delicious! Can't decide which one to try first!
Judy Morin says
First recipe I looked at (Sweet and Sour Chicken) didn't state the amounts of the ingredients to use to make the sauce. Sweet and Sour Chicken.
How am I supposed to make it without knowing how much of every ingredient?
tinatsai says
Hello there, I'm not having the issue as you... when I scroll down to the bottom, I see all the ingredients with quantities and also the instructions. It's right before the nutrition information which is right before related posts.
Jessica Haggard says
Wow! You made a great collection with so many super yummy ideas here. I love all the stir-fry options - that is my favorite type of cooking style!