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Keto Asian BBQ Meatball Noodle Bowl 🍜

Cast Iron Keto
by
Updated:
1 Comment
5 from 2 votes

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Looking for a mouthwatering meal that won't break your low-carb routine? You've hit the jackpot with this Keto Asian Meatballs recipe! We're talking about a low-carb, gluten-free noodle bowl packed with delicious morsels and a savory BBQ sauce. It's one of our favorite recipes, and we bet it will also become your favorite as well!

Keto Asian BBQ Meatball Noodle Bowl with Asian green beans in the background

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Preparation and cooking overview

First, mix the ground meat with chopped mushrooms and aromatics and shape them into meatballs. Fry them in a hot skillet and simmer them in a tangy Asian-inspired BBQ sauce and snow peas. Serve over a bowl of shirataki noodles, and voilá! Everything will be ready to savor in 30 swift minutes.

Chef's note

Want to add an extra flair of flavor to this recipe? Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of shirataki noodles. And if you want an authentic Asian twist, sprinkle some sesame seeds atop to garnish the dish. 

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

For more inspiration check out our Chicken recipe.

🍜 Ingredients for keto Asian meatballs recipe

To prepare this delicious keto meatballs and noodles, you will need the following ingredients:

🧆 Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground meat, chicken or turkey
  • ¼ cup shiitake mushrooms, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, minced
  • 2 green onions, minced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tamari
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil

🥢 BBQ sauce

  • ¼ cup tamari
  • ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
  • ¼ cup granulated Swerve
  • 3 tablespoons Sriracha
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

🍜 Other

  • 2 packages of shirataki noodles or miracle noodles
  • 8 ounces snow peas

Ingredient substitutions

See something that you would rather skip in the ingredient list? Consider these keto-friendly alternatives:

  • Shiitake mushrooms: If you don't like shiitake mushrooms, replace them with minced portobello mushrooms.
  • Tamari: If you don't have tamari, use an equal amount of coconut aminos.
  • Rice wine vinegar: Substitute rice wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick.
  • Granulated swerve: Instead of granulated swerve, use monk fruit sweetener in the BBQ sauce.
  • Sriracha: If you want to reduce sugar, choose a sugar-free hot sauce.
  • Snow peas: Swap fresh snow peas with zucchini slices or asparagus for an equally delightful crunch.

Additional ingredients

Feel free to add these optional ingredients to your dish, making your Asian dish even more delicious!

  • Toasted sesame seeds: For an Asian flair, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds atop the meatballs just before serving.
  • Minced fresh basil: Add some fresh basil to the meatball mix or use it as a garnish.
  • Almond slivers: Garnish the dish with almond silvers for a contrasting texture.

Cooking tools required

To make this Keto Meatballs recipe, you will need the following kitchen tools:

  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Large bowl
  • Whisk
  • 10.5″ cast-iron skillet
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Spatula

Tool substitutes list

  • Cast-iron skillet: If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, use a regular frying pan to cook the meatballs.

How to make Keto Asian Meatballs: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Searing
  • Simmering

Preparation steps

  1. Gather and measure all the ingredients for the recipe.
  2. Wash the veggies with cold tap water.
  3. Mince shiitake mushrooms, fresh cilantro leaves, green onions, and garlic cloves.
  4. Grate a tablespoon of fresh ginger.

Cooking steps

  1. Combine ground meat, minced mushrooms, cilantro, green onions, and garlic in a large bowl. Toss in tamari, fish sauce, salt, and red pepper flakes. Then, roll the mixture into 16 meatballs.
  2. Whisk the BBQ sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
  3. Prepare the noodles according to package directions, and set aside.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons sesame oil in a large 10.5″ skillet.
  5. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer. Sear 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  6. Add the snow peas to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until they start to wilt. Nestle the meatballs back into the skillet and pour the BBQ sauce over the meatballs. Cover and simmer for 3 minutes.
  7. Remove the cover and allow the sauce to continue cooking until reduced by half and thick.
  8. Serve the meatballs and gravy atop the miracle noodles, and enjoy!
Keto Asian BBQ Meatballs in a cast iron skillet with a bowl of noodles to the side

Chef's pro tip

Refrain from overmixing the meatball mixture. When you overwork the meat, the meatballs become tough and chewy rather than tender and juicy. So, mix the ingredients until they're just combined, and enjoy a flavorful meal.

What to serve with low-carb Asian meatballs?

You can serve the keto BBQ meatballs with the shirataki noodles alone or pair them with some side dishes for a comforting meal:

  • Cauliflower Rice: Instead of shirataki noodles, serve the meatballs with cauliflower rice for a perfect low-carb base.
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts' nutty, caramelized flavors pair well with our Asian dish.
  • Stir-fried bok choy: Quick to cook, bok choy adds a fresh contrast to the hearty meatballs.
  • Green Bean Salad: This simple green bean salad offers a crunchy addition to balance out the spice and tang.

How to make it healthier?

  • Opt for low-sodium versions of tamari and fish sauce to reduce sodium content.

Time-saving tips

  • If you're in a crunch, buy a high-quality, keto-friendly BBQ sauce from your grocery store. It will save you time from preparing it from scratch.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • BBQ sauce: Prepare the BBQ sauce a day or two ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
closeup image of Keto Asian BBQ Meatball Noodle Bowl

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage instructions

  • Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature. Then, place the meatballs with gravy and noodles in separate airtight containers.
  • The leftovers will remain tasty and fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • As for the noodles, they will keep for up to a week. Just give them a quick rinse and reheat them when ready to eat.

Best reheating practices

  • Microwave: Place the leftover meatballs and gravy in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat for 1-2 minutes at full power.
  • Stove: Place meatballs and sauce in a skillet and heat over medium-low heat. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of water to retain moisture and prevent burns.

Recipe wrap-up conclusion

All in all, this Keto Asian Meatballs recipe is a low-carb delicacy perfect for a keto diet. Served with shirataki noodles and crisp snow peas, this dish makes the perfect weeknight dinner or impressive party appetizer. And it's easy and quick to make. You can have a hearty dinner ready at your dining table within half an hour.

So what are you waiting for? Gather the ingredients and try this recipe. Let the combo of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors spice up your low-carb lifestyle. Happy cooking!

Don't forget to try the following keto meatball recipes- we're a fan, and so will you!

Frequently asked questions

Yes, shirataki noodles are keto-friendly. They are very low in carbohydrates, making them a perfect alternative to traditional noodles.

Shirataki noodles typically have zero net carbs per serving. They are made from the konjac yam with 97% water and 3% glucomannan fiber.

Most grocery stores have shirataki noodles in their refrigerated section. You can also find them on Amazon or Thrive.

Meatballs are done when their internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). A meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check. Alternatively, you can break one and confirm there's no pink meat inside.

No, meatballs can become tougher the longer they cook. So simmer them just until the sauce reaches your desired level of consistency.

Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Ensure they are keto-friendly and adjust the cooking time to cook them thoroughly.

When you first open the package, the smell is overwhelmingly fishy, but after thoroughly rinsing with cold water, they have a very neutral flavor, making them perfect to enjoy with any dish.

📖 Recipe

Keto Asian BBQ Meatball Noodle Bowl with Asian green beans in the background

Keto Asian BBQ Meatball Noodle Bowl

This Keto Asian BBQ Meatball Noodle Bowl is a great low-carb skillet dinner!
5 from 2 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Keyword: 30-minute, keto asian meatballs, keto bbq meatballs, keto meatballs
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 435kcal

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground meat chicken or turkey
  • ¼ cup minced shiitake mushrooms
  • ¼ cup minced cilantro
  • 2 green onions minced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon tamari
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil

BBQ Sauce

  • ¼ cup tamari
  • ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
  • ¼ cup granulated Swerve
  • 3 tablespoons Sriracha
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic minced

Other

  • 2 packages shirataki noodles miracle noodles
  • 8 ounces snow peas
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Combine ground meat, minced mushrooms, cilantro, green onions, and garlic in a large bowl. Toss in tamari, fish sauce, salt, and red pepper flakes. Then, roll the mixture into 16 meatballs.
  • Whisk the BBQ sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
  • Prepare the noodles according to package directions, and set aside.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons sesame oil in a large 10.5″ skillet.
  • Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer. Sear 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  • Add the snow peas to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until they start to wilt. Nestle the meatballs back into the skillet and pour the BBQ sauce over the meatballs. Cover and simmer for 3 minutes.
  • Remove the cover and allow the sauce to continue cooking until reduced by half and thick.
  • Serve the meatballs and gravy atop the miracle noodles, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Asian BBQ Meatball Noodle Bowl
Amount Per Serving
Calories 435 Calories from Fat 306
% Daily Value*
Fat 34g52%
Saturated Fat 10g63%
Cholesterol 81mg27%
Sodium 1814mg79%
Potassium 551mg16%
Carbohydrates 9g3%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 24g48%
Vitamin A 898IU18%
Vitamin C 45mg55%
Calcium 59mg6%
Iron 4mg22%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

# Hashtag with us!Don't forget to mention @castiron_keto or tag #castironketo on Instagram with your creations! We love seeing what you're making.
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Arielle says

    5 stars
    Really delicious recipe. I used spaghetti squash for the noodles and will definitely make this again!

    Reply
5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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