4 net carbs

Asian meatball soup

A satisfying and nutritious alternative to wonton soup, our low-carb Asian meatball soup features tender pork meatballs in a flavorful broth with fresh vegetables, all in a quick and easy recipe.

Recipe last updated: September 13, 2024

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Asian meatball soup

Name: Low-carb Asian meatball soup [Keto]
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1½ pounds ground pork; 3 tablespoons soy sauce ((or coconut aminos)); 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon fish sauce; 1 teaspoon oyster sauce; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated); 2 cloves garlic (minced); ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 2 green onions (chopped); 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil; 8 cups chicken broth; 2 cups water; 2 tablespoons soy sauce ((or coconut aminos)); 2 tablespoons fish sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 2 teaspoons fresh ginger (grated); ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 8 ounces baby bella or cremini mushrooms (sliced); 6 green onions (thinly sliced); 14 ounce bag of coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage

Last Updated: September 13, 2024
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Low-carb Asian meatball soup [Keto]

Total Diabetes Wellness

Our low-carb Asian meatball soup is a great alternative to traditional wonton soup, giving you the same comforting warmth and taste without the extra carbs. It combines pork meatballs with a rich, savory broth, along with fresh vegetables and simple seasonings. This soup is both satisfying and nutritious, and it’s easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want something cozy and wholesome. Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or just looking for a healthier take on a classic, this soup delivers all the flavors you love while supporting your dietary goals.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 25

Total Time 45

Course Soup

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 10 servings

Net Carbs 4 g

*Net carbs are per serving

Ingredients

Meatballs

1½ pounds ground pork
3 tablespoons soy sauce, (or coconut aminos)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon fish sauce
1 teaspoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil

Broth

8 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
2 tablespoons soy sauce, (or coconut aminos)
2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
8 ounces baby bella or cremini mushrooms, sliced
6 green onions, thinly sliced
14 ounce bag of coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage

Instructions

In a large bowl, add the ground pork, egg, soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, and green onions. Mix with a large spoon or your hands until well combined. Divide and shape the meat into bite-sized meatballs, about 1 tablespoon in volume each.
Heat the sesame oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs to the pot in an even layer. Cook the meatballs, turning every couple of minutes, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set aside. *Depending on your pot size, you may need to cook the meatballs in 2 batches.
Add the chicken broth, water, soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Add the mushrooms, coleslaw mix, and meatballs to the pot. Simmer for 5 more minutes. Enjoy!

Video

Equipment

Dutch oven

Glass mixing bowls

Keywords Keto Asian soup, keto meatball soup, keto wonton-less soup, low-carb Asian soup, low-carb wonton-less soup

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Top view of ingredients to make low-carb Asian meatball soup.

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Close-up top-view of low-carb Keto Asian meatball soup showing the detail of the meatballs, mushrooms, broth, and green onions.

Notes

Meatball alternatives

If you prefer, you can make this recipe with ground pork browned on the stovetop instead of forming meatballs. This is a great option if you don’t want meatballs or if you prefer smaller bites of pork.

Making meatballs

For easy and consistent meatballs, you can use a tablespoon-sized scoop to portion the meat mixture. This ensures evenly sized meatballs that cook at the same rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this low-carb Asian meatball soup recipe Keto?

Yes! This recipe makes about 10 servings; each serving size is approximately 2 cups. One serving has 4 net carbs, which makes our Asian meatball soup a great option if you’re following a strict Keto diet.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, our low-carb Asian meatball soup is gluten-free. Just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos, as some brands of soy sauce contain wheat. Always check the labels on sauces, broths, and oils to confirm they are gluten-free.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Make ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble the soup when ready to cook.
Storing leftovers: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing instructions: You can freeze the soup in individual portions. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months.
To reheat: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave individual portions on medium power until hot.

Additional Details

Our low-carb Asian meatball soup is a great way to enjoy the flavors of traditional wonton soup without the extra carbs. This recipe is designed with people with diabetes in mind, offering a delicious and satisfying meal that helps keep blood sugar levels in check.

This soup takes inspiration from classic wonton soup, a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. Wonton soup usually includes dumplings made from flour wrappers filled with pork or shrimp, served in a savory broth. While it’s delicious, the flour wrappers can be high in carbs, which isn’t ideal for people watching their blood sugar.

Our low-carb version skips the wrappers and replaces them with pork meatballs. This change keeps all the rich flavors you love but cuts down on the carbs, making it a better fit for a low-carb or diabetes-friendly diet.

Details about ingredients

Each ingredient in this soup has been chosen to provide both flavor and nutrition. Here’s a closer look at what makes this dish work:

Ground pork: This is the main ingredient for the meatballs. Pork is not only flavorful but also a good source of protein, which helps keep you full and supports muscle health.
Soy sauce or coconut aminos: These add a deep, savory flavor to both the meatballs and the broth. Coconut aminos are a good option if you need to avoid soy.
Fish sauce and oyster sauce: These sauces are commonly used in Asian cooking to boost the umami, or savory taste, of dishes. They give the soup a rich flavor without needing to add extra salt.
Ginger and garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic give the soup a warm, aromatic flavor. They also have health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.
Green onions: These add a mild onion flavor that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.
Mushrooms: Baby bella or cremini mushrooms add a hearty texture to the soup. They’re low in carbs and high in nutrients, making them a healthy addition.
Coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage: This ingredient adds crunch and fiber to the soup without adding many carbs. Cabbage is also good for digestion and helps with blood sugar control.

Variations

This soup is flexible and can be adapted to suit your tastes or dietary needs:

Different proteins: If you don’t have ground pork, you can use ground chicken, turkey, or beef instead. Each one will give the soup a slightly different flavor.
Extra vegetables: Feel free to add more low-carb veggies like bok choy, spinach, or zucchini. This will boost the nutrition and add more texture to the soup.
Spice level: If you like a bit more heat, you can add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can be sprinkled on top before serving for a fresh, bright flavor.

Serving pairings

While this soup is satisfying on its own, you can pair it with other low-carb dishes to make a complete meal:

Cauliflower rice: Serve the soup over cauliflower rice to add a little more substance without adding carbs.
Low-carb stir-fry: A side of vegetable stir-fry made with low-carb veggies like broccoli or bell peppers can add more fiber and nutrients to your meal.
Asian-inspired salad: A crisp salad with a sesame dressing can be a refreshing side that complements the warm soup.

Benefits for people with diabetes

This soup is especially good for people with diabetes because it’s low in carbs and high in protein. Here’s why it’s a smart choice:

Low carbs: By using meatballs instead of wonton wrappers, this soup keeps the carbs low, which helps keep your blood sugar stable.
High protein: The ground pork in the meatballs provides a good amount of protein, which helps you feel full and satisfied.
Nutrient-rich: The ingredients in this soup, like cabbage, mushrooms, and garlic, are packed with vitamins and minerals that support overall health.

Tips

To get the best results, keep these tips in mind when making your soup:

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ginger, garlic, and green onions will give you the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh, you can use dried, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant.
Cook meatballs in batches: When cooking the meatballs, don’t overcrowd the pot. If necessary, cook them in batches to make sure they brown evenly.
Simmer the broth: After you assemble the broth, keep it at a low simmer. This allows the flavors to meld without overcooking the vegetables.
Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste the broth and adjust the seasonings if needed. You might want to add a bit more soy sauce or fish sauce, depending on your taste.

Our low-carb Asian meatball soup is a delicious and healthy option for anyone following a low-carb or diabetes-friendly diet. It’s full of flavor, easy to make, and can be adapted to suit your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a cozy meal on a cold day, this soup is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the benefits of a nutritious meal that doesn’t skimp on taste.