These Keto Asian Meatballs with Thai Basil Sauce are a low-carb, flavor-packed twist on a classic favorite. They are made with tender, juicy meatballs. The meatballs are seasoned with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. They deliver an irresistible umami flavor in every bite. Perfectly suited for a keto or low-carb lifestyle, these meatballs are gluten-free and naturally satisfying without any added sugar or breadcrumbs.
The star of the dish is the Thai basil sauce. It is a fragrant, slightly spicy, and savory sauce. It complements the meatballs beautifully. Fresh Thai basil, garlic, fish sauce, and a hint of chili come together to create a sauce that’s aromatic and bright, giving the dish an authentic Asian flair. Drizzle it over the meatballs or serve it on the side for dipping.
Ideal as a weeknight dinner, appetizer, or meal prep choice, these meatballs are quick to make and versatile. You can serve them with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep it keto-friendly. Alternatively, pair them with steamed vegetables for a wholesome, low-carb meal. Each bite bursts with rich flavors, aromatic herbs, and satisfying texture, making this dish a guaranteed crowd-please.
All right. Let’s talk floral Thai basil flavor. Let’s talk spicy ginger. Let’s talk tangy pickled onions. Wait. Enough talk! Let’s make and eat these tender and tasty Asian-style meatballs!
Ingredients for Keto Asian Meatballs with Thai Basil Sauce
Meatballs
- 1 ¼ lbs (550g) ground beef
- ½ yellow onion, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 4 tbsp butter or coconut oil
- 1 ¼ lbs green cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 oz. butter or coconut oil
Pickled onion salad
- 1 oz. scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp water
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 red chili flakes, thinly sliced
Thai basil sauce
- 2 oz. radishes, minced
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh Thai basil, finely chopped
Instructions for Keto Asian Meatballs with Thai Basil Sauce
- Pre-heat the oven to °F (100°C).
Pickled onion salad
- Slice the chili pepper and scallions for the pickled onion salad. Combine the rice vinegar, water and salt in a small bowl. Add chili and scallions and set aside for 5 – 10 minutes.
Thai Basil sauce
- Chop radishes finely and mix with the Thai basil and mayonnaise. Add salt and pepper to taste. Reserve.
Meatballs
- Mix all meatball ingredients. Using wet hands, shape into 1″ balls, which should make about 30 – 34 balls.
- On medium heat, fry meatballs in oil or butter until thoroughly cooked and golden brown. Transfer to oven-proof dish and keep warm in the oven.
- Using the same pan, increase the heat to medium high. Add the shredded the cabbage and stir occasionally until the cabbage is browned, but still chewy. Season with salt and pepper
- Plate the cabbage with the meatballs on top and serve the sauce and pickled onions on the side.
Notes & Tips section for Keto Asian Meatballs with Thai Basil Sauce:
- Meat options: The Asian flavors in these versatile meatballs taste just as good with ground poultry. Use either chicken or turkey; both work beautifully.
- Binders: Instead of breadcrumbs, use almond flour or crushed pork rinds to keep it keto-friendly.
- Cooking techniques: Meatballs can be baked, pan-fried, or air-fried. Baking is hands-off and healthier, while pan-frying gives a nice crispy exterior.
- Sauce variations: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili. A touch of lime juice can add a fresh zing.
- Make-ahead: Meatballs can be made in advance. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Alternatively, they can be frozen for up to 2 – 3 months. Reheat gently before serving.
- Serving suggestions: Serve over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or alongside steamed vegetables for a full keto meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are these meatballs keto-friendly?
Yes! They are low-carb, gluten-free, and made without sugar or traditional breadcrumbs, making them perfect for a keto diet.
2. Can I use different meats?
Absolutely! Ground beef, pork, chicken, or a combination all work. Pork gives extra juiciness, while chicken is lighter.
3. How can I bind the meatballs without breadcrumbs?
Use almond flour, crushed pork rinds, or a small amount of coconut flour to keep them keto-friendly.
4. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge, or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently before serving.
5. What’s the best way to cook them?
You can bake, pan-fry, or air-fry the meatballs. Baking is easy and healthier, while pan-frying gives a crispy exterior.
6. How spicy is the Thai basil sauce?
It has a mild to medium spice level. You can adjust by adding more or less chili according to your preference.
7. What can I serve with these meatballs?
They pair perfectly with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or steamed vegetables for a finished low-carb meal.
8. Can I substitute Thai basil?
If you don’t have Thai basil, regular basil can work. Even fresh cilantro can work as a substitute. The flavor will be slightly different.
Keto Asian meatballs with Thai basil sauce
These Keto Asian Meatballs with Thai Basil Sauce are a low-carb, flavor-packed twist on a classic favorite. Made with tender, juicy meatballs seasoned with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, they deliver an irresistible umami flavor in every bite. Perfectly suited for a keto or low-carb lifestyle, these meatballs are gluten-free and naturally satisfying without any added sugar or breadcrumbs.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1¼ lbs (550g) ground beef
- ½ yellow onion, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 4 tbsp butter or coconut oil
- 1¼ lbs green cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 oz. butter or coconut oil
Pickled onion salad
- 1 oz. scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp water
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 red chili flakes, thinly sliced
Thai basil sauce
- 2 oz. radishes, minced
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh Thai basil, finely chopped
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to °F (100°C).
Pickled onion salad
- Slice the chili pepper and scallions for the pickled onion salad. Combine the rice vinegar, water and salt in a small bowl. Add chili and scallions and set aside for 5 - 10 minutes.
Thai Basil sauce
- Chop radishes finely and mix with the Thai basil and mayonnaise. Add salt and pepper to taste. Reserve.
Meatballs
- Mix all meatball ingredients. Using wet hands, shape into 1" balls, which should make about 30 - 34 balls.
- On medium heat, fry meatballs in oil or butter until thoroughly cooked and golden brown. Transfer to oven-proof dish and keep warm in the oven.
- Using the same pan, increase the heat to medium high. Add the shredded the cabbage and stir occasionally until the cabbage is browned, but still chewy. Season with salt and pepper
- Plate the cabbage with the meatballs on top and serve the sauce and pickled onions on the side.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 983Total Fat: 85gSaturated Fat: 34gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 44gCholesterol: 205mgSodium: 1311mgCarbohydrates: 12gNet Carbohydrates: 9gFiber: 4gSugar: 6gProtein: 42g
**Nutritional information on HRCookery is provided as a courtesy. We can't guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on the site. these figures should only be considered as estimates.
