I used to think kelp noodles were just a crunchy, seaweed-flavored disappointment. Then I learned how to actually prepare them—so they soak up sauce, soften just enough, and play nice with stir-fried chicken and veggies. This version? It’s chewy, savory, packed with protein, and totally blood sugar-friendly.
You get the classic sesame garlic vibe, crispy-tender veggies, and none of the sluggish carb crash after. Bonus: It’s weeknight-fast and endlessly adaptable.
Why This One Works So Well
Most keto noodle substitutes either taste weird or fall apart in sauce. Not these. Kelp noodles stay firm-but-chewy, soak up flavor like champs, and clock in at zero net carbs. The trick? A quick soak in warm water before cooking—softens them just enough without turning them to mush.
And because coconut aminos bring salty-sweet depth without sugar or soy, the sauce hits that classic Asian flavor without the carb hit.
What I Used (And Why It Worked)
Stir-Fry:
- Kelp noodles (12 oz / 340g) – Virtually no carbs. Rinse and soak to fix the weird texture issue.
- Chicken breast (1 lb / 450g) – Lean protein that sears well in a hot pan.
- Mushrooms (10 oz / 280g) – Adds umami and absorbs sauce. Cook first to release moisture.
- Broccoli (2 cups / 200g) – High fiber, low net carbs. Holds up well to stir-fry.
- Carrots (3 large) – Slightly higher in carbs, but just enough for crunch and color. Sub with bell pepper if needed.
- Olive oil (1 tsp) – Just enough to get the sauté going without overdoing the fat.
Sauce:
- Coconut aminos (1/3 cup / 80ml) – Low-carb soy sauce alternative, with a hint of sweetness.
- Toasted sesame oil (2 tbsp) – Big flavor. A little goes a long way.
- Garlic (2 cloves) – Classic punchy base.
- Sesame seeds (3 tbsp) – Crunch, flavor, and healthy fats.
Keto Swaps That Actually Work
Swap This | For This | Notes |
---|---|---|
Chicken | Shrimp or tofu | Shrimp is ultra-fast. Tofu works if well-pressed and seared. |
Carrots | Bell peppers or zucchini | Cuts carbs if you’re strict keto. Still colorful. |
Coconut aminos | Tamari (gluten-free soy) | Lower carb than soy sauce, but less sweet. Add a pinch of monk fruit if needed. |
Keto Missteps and How I Fixed Them
What Went Wrong | Why It Happens | How to Fix It |
---|---|---|
Mushy kelp noodles | Didn’t rinse or soak them | Soak in warm water 5–10 min before cooking |
Watery stir-fry | Too many veggies at once | Cook mushrooms first, then add the rest |
Bland sauce | Didn’t taste-test | Coconut aminos vary—adjust garlic or sesame oil |
Step-by-Step: How to Make It
- Soak the noodles – Rinse kelp noodles well, then soak in warm water for 5–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook mushrooms first – Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok. Add mushrooms. Sauté 5–8 mins until all moisture is gone.
- Add chicken, carrots, and broccoli – Spread chicken so it touches the pan for browning. Stir-fry 6–8 mins until chicken is cooked but still juicy.
- Mix the sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together coconut aminos, sesame oil, garlic, and sesame seeds.
- Add noodles + sauce – Toss in kelp noodles. Pour in sauce. Stir to coat and cook 5 mins until heated through. Taste before adding salt.

Keto Cooking Tricks That Help
- Pre-soak kelp noodles – Makes all the difference in texture.
- Cook in stages – Mushrooms need their own time to release water. Don’t crowd the pan.
- Portion with a scale – I weigh the whole cooked dish, divide by 4, and log each portion. Keeps tracking dead simple.
How I Store and Track It
- Fridge: Lasts 3 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat: Oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil for 10–15 mins. Stir halfway through.
- Macros after reheating: Barely changes. Just don’t microwave—mushy veg alert.
Keto Cooking What-Ifs (Answered)
Will this spike blood sugar?
Unlikely. Kelp noodles have zero net carbs, and the sauce is sugar-free. Just watch the carrots if you’re ultra-sensitive.
Can I use miracle noodles instead?
You can, but expect a funkier smell and wetter texture. I prefer kelp for chew and taste.
Is coconut aminos keto?
Yes—lower carb than soy sauce and no added sugar. Still salty-sweet, though, so taste before seasoning.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1/4 of the entire recipe
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 283 kcal |
Total Fat | 13g |
– Saturated Fat | 3.4g |
– Trans Fat | 0g |
Cholesterol | 47mg |
Sodium | 399mg |
Potassium | 843mg |
Total Carbs | 17g |
– Dietary Fiber | 5g |
– Sugars | 5g |
Net Carbs | 12g |
Protein | 24g |
Check out More Recipes:
- Low Carb Keto Zucchini Pizza Crust Recipe
- Low Carb Keto Cabbage Roll
- Low Carb Keto Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe

Low Carb Keto Sesame Asian Kelp Noodles Recipe
Description
Chewy kelp noodles, tender chicken, and crisp veggies tossed in a savory sesame garlic sauce—low-carb, keto-friendly, and ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Stir Fry:
Sauce:
Instructions
- Rinse and soak kelp noodles in warm water for 5–10 minutes. Drain.
- Heat olive oil in large skillet or wok. Add mushrooms, sauté until dry (5–8 mins).
- Add chicken, broccoli, and carrots. Stir-fry 6–8 mins until chicken is cooked.
- Mix sauce ingredients in a bowl.
- Add noodles and sauce to pan. Stir and cook 5 more minutes. Taste before salting.
Notes
- Pre-soak kelp noodles – Makes all the difference in texture.
- Cook in stages – Mushrooms need their own time to release water. Don’t crowd the pan.
- Portion with a scale – I weigh the whole cooked dish, divide by 4, and log each portion. Keeps tracking dead simple.