Keto Shrimp with Sambal and Bok Choy
Keto shrimp with sambal oelek and bok choy is one of the fastest spicy keto dishes you can make. Shrimp need only a few minutes in a screaming-hot wok, and sambal oelek (ground chili paste without sugar) brings serious heat without the carbs. Bok choy is the most keto-friendly Asian leafy green around. Each serving delivers 5 g net carbs, 22 g fat and 24 g protein, and the whole dish is ready in 15 minutes.
Key facts at a glance
- Prep and cook time: approx. 15 minutes – the quickest spicy keto dinner.
- Only about 5 g net carbs and 22 g fat per serving.
- Ingredients: shrimp, sambal oelek, bok choy, garlic, ginger, coconut aminos, sesame oil.
- Perfect for anyone who likes Asian-style spicy cooking, ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
One serving is intended as a light main course. For more fat and calories, add some avocado on the side or serve over cauliflower rice.
| Amount | Ingredient | Note | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shrimp | raw, peeled and deveined, patted dry | |||
| raw, peeled and deveined, patted dry | ||||
| Bok choy | halved or separated into leaves | |||
| halved or separated into leaves | ||||
| Sambal oelek | approx. 1½ tbsp; sugar-free, adjust amount to taste | |||
| approx. 1½ tbsp; sugar-free, adjust amount to taste | ||||
| Coconut aminos | approx. 1 tbsp | |||
| approx. 1 tbsp | ||||
| Sesame oil | approx. 1 tsp; toasted, added at the end | |||
| approx. 1 tsp; toasted, added at the end | ||||
| Coconut oil | approx. 1 tbsp; for searing | |||
| approx. 1 tbsp; for searing | ||||
| Garlic cloves | sliced | |||
| sliced | ||||
| Fresh ginger | grated | |||
| grated | ||||
| Lime | juice to serve | |||
| juice to serve | ||||
| Sesame seeds | toasted, to garnish | |||
| toasted, to garnish | ||||
| Spring onion | 2 spring onions, sliced into rings, to garnish | |||
| 2 spring onions, sliced into rings, to garnish | ||||
How to prepare it
Garlic and ginger are flashed in a hot wok. The shrimp go in next and get a quick sear. Sambal oelek and coconut aminos are stirred through, then the bok choy joins for a brief stir-fry. Finish with sesame oil and a squeeze of lime.
Why shrimp with sambal works on keto
Shrimp are one of the most keto-friendly protein sources you can find: zero carbs, almost no fat and a generous load of high-quality protein. Traditional sambal oelek is made from ground chilies, salt and vinegar, with no sugar or starch, so in its pure form it contributes virtually no carbs. When shopping, watch out for versions with added sugar or tamarind. Bok choy contains around 1 to 2 g of net carbs per 100 g, which makes it one of the lowest-carb leafy greens in Asian cooking. Per serving you end up with 22 g fat, 24 g protein and 5 g net carbs.
Source: USDA FoodData Central – Shrimp
Sambal oelek vs. other sambal varieties
Sambal oelek (raw chili paste) is the most keto-friendly option, just chilies, salt and vinegar. Sambal manis contains sugar and palm sugar. Sambal bajak contains coconut milk. For keto, always reach for sambal oelek or read the ingredient label carefully.
Bok choy: a low-carb leafy green
Bok choy (also called pak choi) contains only 1 to 2 g of net carbs per 100 g, noticeably less than broccoli (3 g) or zucchini (2 g). It cooks in just 2 to 3 minutes and keeps a pleasant bite when handled right.
How to serve it and switch things up
From experience, my main tip is not to overcook the shrimp. Two minutes per side at high heat is plenty; once they curl into a C-shape they are done. If they tighten into a full O-shape, they are already overcooked. The squeeze of lime at the end matters as well, it lifts the heat and brightens the whole dish.
Eat fresh or store for later
Shrimp taste best straight from the pan. They keep in the fridge for 1 to 2 days; reheat briefly in a pan rather than the microwave. Bok choy loses texture in storage, so add it fresh whenever possible.
Chicken or firm tofu variation
The sambal and bok choy base works just as well with chicken breast (cut into strips) or firm tofu. Chicken needs 5 to 6 minutes instead of 2 to 3; press the tofu well first and sear it crisp.
Which tips help with keto sambal shrimp?
- Get the wok or pan ripping hot before the shrimp go in, that is the only way they pick up a real sear.
- Do not crowd the pan with shrimp, they should sizzle, not steam.
- Stir in sambal oelek after the shrimp, not before, otherwise it scorches quickly.
- Add the bok choy stems first with the leaves last so each part cooks correctly.
- Squeeze the lime over just before serving, heat will dull its fresh citrus aroma.
Nutrition values
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per serving | Keto context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | approx. 130 kcal | approx. 310 kcal | Lighter main meal; round it out with extra sesame oil or avocado. |
| Lighter main meal; round it out with extra sesame oil or avocado. | |||
| Fat | approx. 9.2 g | approx. 22 g | Enough for keto; comes from coconut oil, sesame oil and the shrimp. |
| Enough for keto; comes from coconut oil, sesame oil and the shrimp. | |||
| Net carbs | approx. 2.1 g | approx. 5 g | Very low; bok choy and sambal oelek are the main contributors. |
| Very low; bok choy and sambal oelek are the main contributors. | |||
| Sugar | approx. 0.9 g | approx. 2.2 g | Minimal; no added sugar, only the natural sugar in bok choy. |
| Minimal; no added sugar, only the natural sugar in bok choy. | |||
| Protein | approx. 10 g | approx. 24 g | Solid; shrimp are very protein-dense with little fat of their own. |
| Solid; shrimp are very protein-dense with little fat of their own. | |||
| Salt | approx. 0.7 g | approx. 1.7 g | Moderate from coconut aminos and sambal, no extra salt needed. |
| Moderate from coconut aminos and sambal, no extra salt needed. | |||
Note: Nutrition values are estimated averages per 100 g and per serving and may vary depending on ingredients, brands, portion size, and preparation. They do not replace individual nutrition or medical advice.
FAQ
Fresh or frozen shrimp?
Both work well. Thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat them very dry, wet shrimp will steam in the pan instead of searing. Fresh shrimp need no special prep beyond a quick pat dry.
Where can I buy sambal oelek?
Well-stocked supermarkets (Asian aisle), Asian grocery stores or online. Look for the red jar or tub with a short, chili-only ingredient list. Sriracha is not a substitute as it contains sugar.
Can I swap bok choy for spinach?
Yes. Spinach has similarly low carbs and wilts even faster. Broccoli or zucchini also work, though they need a bit more time to cook through.
Is this dish suitable for strict keto?
Yes. All main ingredients are naturally keto-friendly. The one thing to verify is the exact composition of the sambal oelek you buy, since some brands add sugar.