Try this Asian-inspired, gluten-free, kelp noodle recipe with a side of spicy pork! It's a really healthy keto stir fry dish that is very quick and easy to prepare.
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There are so many low-carb alternatives to noodles. Spiralized vegetables seem to have gotten really popular as a healthy grain-free alternative to pasta.
I probably don't use my spiralizer as often as I should. Spaghetti squash is another great low-carb noodle that has become more readily available year-round. Lately, though, my favorite is kelp noodles!
Kelp noodles are perfect for Asian-inspired meals. I recently prepped some pork loin in the Instant Pot and added a bit of spice to add to the noodles.
Add a few slices of fresh cucumbers to the pan as it cooks and you have a healthy delicious noodle dish!
Why you’ll love it
This kelp noodles recipe has such an authentic flavor. Make this one time, and you'll see why it is one of my favorite kelp noodle recipes of all time.
My parents happened to stop by when I was getting ready to make this recipe. Lucky for me, my father is an expert in cooking Asian dishes since he was born and raised in the Philippines, so he gave me some tips.
He was also interested in the kelp noodles and wanted to try them. They reminded him of the thin rice noodles used in the Philippines for pancit dishes.
In fact, this recipe is made very similar to pancit, which I have made low carb by using spaghetti squash noodles.
I'll have to try pancit made with kelp noodles!
Ingredients
You are going to love the combination of spices on this pork tenderloin. Here is a bit more information about what I used to make this spicy pork and kelp noodles dish.
Pork tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is the best type of meat to use because it comes out tender and is delicious and light meat. You can also use chicken breast as a pork loin substitute.
to keep up with the Asian flavors, try making some of this Chinese char siu BBQ pork!
Cucumber
Use your favorite type of cucumber. I like to use English cucumbers for that extra crunch! You can also add other types of fresh vegetables too like bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, and carrots.
Kelp noodles
The reason kelp noodles have no net carbs is that they are basically made from the jelly-like extract that is left behind when you steam edible kelp. They are made without any grains or flour.
Spices
I just love to flavor my meals with garlic, so I always include it. Plus, garlic can help ward off infections with its antibacterial and antiviral properties.
In addition to the garlic, I also used red pepper flakes, rice vinegar, sesame oil, coconut aminos (or soy sauce), and fresh ginger.
Please note: Check out the recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients used to make this low-carb recipe.
Tips
- Cut diagonally. You'll want to slice up a medium cucumber with diagonal cuts.
- Follow the package directions. Some kelp noodles need to be soaked in water first, other types do not.
- Kelp noodles might be crunchy as some varieties have that kind of texture. If you don't want them to be crunchy, add them to water to soften them.
Instructions
This kelp noodles recipe is a super-simple skillet meal that you can make in minutes. Here's a bit more information about how to make it!
Slice and brown the pork
The first thing you'll want to do is brown the thinly sliced pork loin. I cooked the pork in olive oil in the cast-iron skillet with a little bit of minced garlic.
Stir in kelp noodles
The great thing about Asian kelp noodles is that they don't require any cooking other than to warm them up. However, some types of kelp noodles should be soaked in water first.
I didn't bother soaking these as the directions on the package didn't say to soak first. They did come out a bit crunchy, but I kind of like them that way.
Add the cucumber
Toss in your sliced cucumber. I used half of a long English cucumber which is equal to about one regular medium-sized cucumber.
️ Serving suggestions
These spicy kelp noodles are an entire meal in one dish. There are some similarly tasting recipes that you can serve with it to make it even more filling.
Add your favorite soup to the side! I love this keto egg drop soup because it is so light. If you want something more filling, make easy keto vegetable beef soup.
Keto orange chicken is always a popular side dish with this recipe. The sweetness pairs really well with the spiciness of the sauce mixture in the kelp noodles.
Finally, you just can't go wrong with serving keto sushi rolls! The light freshness of the rolls tastes great alongside the noodles and pork.
It all tastes amazing!
FAQs
Before we get to the printable recipe card, here are some questions people often ask about how to make this kelp noodles recipe.
Yes, they have the same texture as angel hair pasta but have 0 grams net carbs. Kelp noodles taste like ramen noodles with a slightly nuttier undertone.
This spicy pork with kelp noodles dish can be made mild if you prefer. Just adjust the amount of red pepper flakes that you use.
I personally love spicy foods, so I sprinkled more pepper over the dish before eating. The cucumbers help mellow out the spicy flavor of the dish.
Other sliced low-carb vegetables like zucchini noodles or squash could be used in the dish instead to change it up. Asian stir fry dishes with noodles have always been a favorite of mine.
This recipe for kelp noodles is fantastic to add to your meal prep. These noodles can dry out, so I suggest only making as many noodles as you will eat in one sitting.
Store the cooked pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top. You can also drizzle some chili garlic paste on top of all of it. I've heard of adding tahini sauce on top of kelp noodles, but they are higher in carbs.
You can also garnish with sliced scallions.
Related recipes
Do you want more easy one-pan dishes? Check out these delicious keto dinners that you can make in one casserole dish, skillet, or pot. They make dinner time a breeze!
- Mexican Zucchini And Ground Beef Skillet is an entire meal with protein, veggies, and healthy fats.
- Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole only has 2 grams net carbs and is a cheesy delight!
- Ground Beef And Cabbage Stir Fry is another Asian dish that tastes just like the inside of an egg roll.
- Easy Thai Chicken Salad is a budget-friendly meal that you can eat for lunch or dinner.
- Pepper Steak Stir Fry is a low-carb meal that tastes like you ordered it from your favorite restaurant.
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Recipe
Spicy Pork with Kelp Noodles
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds pork tenderloin sliced thin
- 1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium cucumber sliced
- 12 ounce package kelp noodles
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon coconut aminos or soy aminos
- ½ teaspoon ginger minced
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown sliced pork in skillet with oil and garlic.
- Stir in sliced cucumber and kelp noodles.
- Season with pepper flakes, vinegar, sesame oil, aminos, ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook another 5-7 minutes.
Notes
Low Carb Sweeteners | Keto Sweetener Conversion Chart
Nutrition
Additional Info
Notes on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts as it has been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Copyright
© LowCarbYum.com - Unauthorized use of this material without written permission is strictly prohibited unless for personal offline purposes. Single photos may be used, provided that full credit is given to LowCarbYum.com along with a link back to the original content.
First Published: October 2, 2015… Last Updated: February 15, 2022, with new photos and additional recipe information.
Emily Kemp
Yum, this sounds so delicious!
Kim | Mom, Can I Have That?
This sounds great! I love kelp noodles!
Lisa
Thanks Kim!