Keto Asian Meatballs with Sesame Sauce: A Low-Carb Flavor Bomb

Asian-inspired dishes have a way of hitting all the right notes—savory, sweet, a little tangy, and packed with umami goodness. But if you’re on the keto diet, you might think these flavors are off-limits due to sugar-loaded sauces and carb-heavy ingredients. Well, not today! These Keto Asian Meatballs with Sesame Sauce bring all the flavor you love without the carbs holding you back.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make juicy, tender meatballs and coat them in a rich sesame sauce that’s so good, you might just end up eating it by the spoonful. Whether you’re meal prepping, looking for a quick dinner, or hosting a keto-friendly get-together, these meatballs will be your new go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground pork or chicken (you can also mix the two for more flavor)
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup almond flour (this helps bind the meatballs without adding carbs)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated (fresh is best for that punch of flavor)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos (for a gluten-free option)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Sesame Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (go for unseasoned to keep it keto)
• 1 tbsp erythritol or any keto-friendly sweetener
• 1 tbsp peanut butter or almond butter (adds creaminess and depth)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (to sprinkle over the final dish)
• 1 tbsp green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork (or chicken), egg, almond flour, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper.
• Use your hands to mix everything gently. Don’t overmix—this can make the meatballs tough. You want everything just combined.
• Once the mixture is ready, roll it into small, bite-sized meatballs. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 18-20 meatballs, depending on how big you make them.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

There are two easy ways to cook these meatballs: baking or pan-frying.

Option 1: Baking

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and arrange the meatballs in a single layer.
• Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.

Option 2: Pan-Frying

• Heat 2 tbsp of oil (olive or avocado oil works great) in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the meatballs, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed.
• Fry for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally to brown all sides evenly.

Step 3: Make the Sesame Sauce

While your meatballs are cooking, it’s time to whip up the sauce.

• In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, erythritol, peanut butter, minced garlic, and ginger.
• Place the saucepan over low to medium heat and stir until everything is well combined and the sauce starts to thicken slightly. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
• Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from heat. If it looks too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water to thin it out.

Step 4: Combine Meatballs and Sauce

• Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a large bowl.
• Pour the warm sesame sauce over the meatballs and toss gently to coat them evenly.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for that final touch of flavor and crunch.

Serving Ideas

These keto Asian meatballs are super versatile, so you’ve got plenty of serving options:

• With Cauliflower Rice: A classic pairing! Spoon the meatballs and sauce over a bed of steamed or stir-fried cauliflower rice for a complete, low-carb meal.
• In Lettuce Wraps: If you’re craving something light and fresh, wrap the meatballs in crisp lettuce leaves for a handheld keto-friendly snack.
• On Zoodles: Toss the meatballs over a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles for a noodle-like dish without the carbs.
• Meal Prep Bowls: Divide the meatballs and sauce into meal prep containers with your favorite low-carb veggies for easy grab-and-go lunches.

Tips for the Best Keto Asian Meatballs

• Don’t Skip the Ginger and Garlic: These two ingredients are what give the meatballs their signature Asian flavor. Fresh is best, but powdered versions can work in a pinch.
• Use Coconut Aminos for a Gluten-Free Option: Soy sauce is great for flavor, but if you’re avoiding gluten, coconut aminos are a perfect substitute. They’re slightly sweeter, so you may want to reduce the sweetener in the sauce a little.
• Adjust the Sweetness: Everyone’s taste buds are different. Start with 1 tbsp of sweetener in the sauce and add more if you prefer a sweeter glaze.
• Make Ahead and Freeze: These meatballs freeze really well! After cooking, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, just heat them up and toss with freshly made sesame sauce.

Why This Recipe Works for Keto

• Low in Carbs: Each serving of these meatballs contains just a few net carbs, making them ideal for keto.
• High in Healthy Fats: Thanks to the sesame oil, peanut butter, and ground meat, you’re getting a good dose of healthy fats, which are key for staying in ketosis.
• Packed with Flavor: Keto doesn’t have to be bland, and this recipe proves it. The combination of savory soy sauce, nutty sesame oil, and a hint of sweetness creates a sauce that’s finger-lickin’ good.

Storage and Reheating

Storing:

Keep the meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store the sauce separately if you can, so the meatballs don’t get too soggy.

Freezing:

Place the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a zip-top bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

Reheat the meatballs in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat. If you froze them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

These keto Asian meatballs with sesame sauce are proof that low-carb eating doesn’t have to mean giving up bold, exciting flavors. Whether you’re new to keto or a seasoned pro, this dish brings variety and satisfaction to the table. The best part? It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough to serve at your next dinner party.

Try them once, and you’ll be making them again and again—no doubt about it! So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking. You’ll thank yourself later.

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