If you miss ordering Chinese takeout, this low carb and keto lo mein is going to be your new favorite recipe. With a few common ingredients, zero carb konjac noodles, and a scorching hot pan, you can make this copycat keto lo mein recipe!
This recipe originally appeared on January 7, 2019. Updated photos and video on July 7, 2020.
Surprise! Another Asian-inspired recipe! This post is all about marinated konjac (shirataki) noodles. If you were a habitual orderer of lo mein on Chinese take-out nights, then you’re in for a treat with these keto lo mein noodles.
As I have said in other posts, pasta can be a hard replacement on a low carb diet.
We have spaghetti squash, zucchini noodles, homemade egg noodles, but that’s really it in the way of “pasta”.
This easy keto lo mein recipe mimics the take-out variety really well! They’re a great accompaniment to my Beef and Broccoli, Pork Fried Rice, or Sugar Free Yum Yum Sauce.
The konjac noodles have a nice bite to them which is reminiscent of rice noodles. Since konjac (shirataki) noodles are an Asian product/plant, they are the perfect substitute in this dish.
Don’t be afraid to try a new ingredient to make this low carb lo mein. I will walk you through how to avoid any funky smells, tastes, and textures. Readers have really enjoyed this keto lo mein since I originally posted it and I know you will too!
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You Are Going To Love This Keto Lo Mein
And here’s why:
- Easy to prepare
- Budget friendly
- Dairy free & Paleo
- Only 3 net carbs per serving
- Common ingredients (yes, even the noodles)
- Tastes JUST like your local takeout restaurant
- Add a protein (chicken, shrimp, beef, egg) for a full meal
- Kid friendly
- Freakin’ delicious
What You Need To Know About Konjac (Shirataki) Noodles Before Making Keto Lo Mein
Have you heard of konjac, or shirataki, noodles before? They are a Japanese noodle made from the konjac plant. When cooked properly, konjac noodles are a fantastic substitute because they’re zero carb, low calorie, and gluten free.
There are many different brands you can buy. Some are infinitely better than others. In fact, until I first made this recipe, I struggled to find one I cared for.
I have used both NuPasta and Healthy Noodle in this recipe with great success. I have them both linked down in the recipe card for you.
I feel like this recipe should come with a few warnings, if you will, about working with konjac noodles for the first time:
- Some brands smell to the high heavens. I’m not kidding when I say hold your breath when you open the package. I’m not sure why they have a bad odor, but they do, and it reeks!
- Rinse, rinse,rinse. You have to rinse the heck out of the noodles prior to marinating and cooking to eliminate that fishy (or sometimes waxy) smell.
- Do not boil them! Konjac noodles are different than flour based noodles and do not require a boil. 99.9% of packages will tell you (as will I in the recipe) to pan fry them.
Okay, you’ve been warned. Moving on…
Making Your Keto Lo Mein At Home
I got the idea to marinate the noodles from my bestie Lisa (@queencitylisa on Instagram).
She shared that she did that one night for supper and the lightbulb immediately went off in my head. Genius idea, my sweet friend.
Watch the video in this post to see just how easy it is to prepare your own keto lo mein!
First, remember to rinse, rinse, rinse your noodles. Then, pour your simple marinade over them (in a bowl, of course) and let them soak in the refrigerator for as long as possible.
When you’re ready to cook, get a nonstick skillet screaming hot, add some sesame oil, and pan fry the noodles. They will pop, crack, and sizzle just like rice crispies!
If you want saucey low carb lo mein, (who doesn’t, right?), then strain your marinade and thicken it up in the pan with some xanthan gum. Remember, xanthan gum is a gluten free way to thicken things up.
If you’re extra like me, order these chinese take-out boxes and serve your low carb lo mein in them with some chopsticks. Your people will think you called the local takeout restaurant!
Here Are Some More Keto Copycat Recipes To Try:
Marinated konjac noodles make the perfect Keto Lo Mein. An easy recipe for all of your keto Chinese cravings. Only 3 net carbs per serving. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Keto Lo Mein
Ingredients
Instructions
Recommended Products
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 50Total Fat: 2.8gCarbohydrates: 6.7gFiber: 3.7gProtein: 2.8g
milena
Friday 31st of December 2021
THIS IS AMAZING!!! We decided to order Chinese so I wanted splurge on chicken but wanted to keep some things low carb. This totally hit the spot! Thank you!!!
Jill Stacey Smith
Friday 19th of March 2021
Hello
Do you think this would work well with the hearts of palm noodles?
Anna Hunley
Friday 19th of March 2021
I haven't tried that so I can not say for certain. I don't know if hearts of palm noodles will absorb the flavors as well as konjac but, since they are a plant based noodle too, I imagine it would be fine. If you try it, come back and let me know how it goes!
Ginger Ammon
Tuesday 23rd of February 2021
This recipe was great, thank you so much. I wouldn’t thicken up the sauce at the end if I made it again though. It got too slimy for me. But I really loved the flavor and will definitely make these again.
Lucy
Friday 1st of January 2021
Can I use spaghetti squash for the noodles
Anna Hunley
Sunday 3rd of January 2021
I don't really think spaghetti squash would work well in this recipe. The texture isn't consistent with lo mein.
Elaina
Monday 4th of May 2020
Just made this with YUHO Shirataki Konjac Angel Hair Pasta and added some shrimp it’s good, feels like you having the real thing.