Keto Fusion Favorite: Shirataki Stir Fry Bowl with Chicken

A true favorite among Westerners living in China, the perfectly ketogenic Shirataki Stir Fry Bowl with Chicken Breast is an ideal weeknight meal.

This delicious Asian fusion dish is slightly sweet, peppery, and garlicky, with an irresistible aroma from a touch of Sriracha blended with oyster sauce, cooking rice wine, and coconut aminos. Bamboo shoots add the perfect dose of fiber to support healthy digestion.

We serve this savory delicacy over zero-carb, zero-calorie shirataki noodles made from konjac root.

🐼 Bamboo Shoots

• 🥗 Calories (per ½ cup, boiled): ~13

• 🍃 Net Carbs: ~1.5g

• 🌿 Benefits:

  • High in fiber — supports digestion and gut health

  • Low in fat and sugar

  • Contains plant-based antioxidants (like phenolic acids)

• 🌏 Heritage: A staple in Asian cuisine for over 2,500 years, bamboo shoots symbolize longevity and strength. They're especially beloved in Chinese stir-fries and soups, known for their subtle crunch and clean taste.

🍜 Shirataki Noodles (Konjac Root)

• 🔥 Calories (per 3 oz serving): ~5

• 🌱 Net Carbs: 0g (insoluble fiber – glucomannan)

• 💧 Benefits:

  • Helps support weight loss and blood sugar regulation

  • Feeds good gut bacteria (prebiotic effect)

  • Extremely filling without adding calories

• 📜 Heritage: Made from konjac root, shirataki noodles have been consumed in Japan for centuries under the name "Ito konnyaku." Traditionally used in sukiyaki and oden, they're known as “miracle noodles” for their health benefits and ability to mimic pasta.

• 🥢 Preparation Tip:

  Bamboo shoots can also be pickled for extra flavor and gut-friendly benefits. Try quick pickling them with caramelized monk fruit sweetener (instead of sugar, as demonstrated in the video), garlic, and red chili peppers. The result? A sweet-spicy-savory condiment that adds punch to any stir-fry or bowl.

🦪 Oyster Sauce

• 🔥 Calories (per 1 tbsp): ~9–15

• 🌱 Net Carbs: ~2–4g (varies by brand)

• 💪 Benefits:

  • Adds umami depth with minimal calories

  • Often fortified with trace minerals like iron and zinc

• 📜 Heritage: Accidentally invented in 1888 by a Chinese street vendor in Guangdong, oyster sauce became an instant flavor cornerstone in Cantonese cuisine. Its deep, savory profile enhances everything from greens to grilled meats.

• 🐟 Alternative Option: Fish sauce can be used in place of oyster sauce for a more pungent, salty umami punch.

  • 🔥 Calories (per 1 tbsp): ~10

  • 🌱 Net Carbs: ~0–1g

  • 📜 Heritage: Fish sauce has ancient origins dating back over 2,000 years in Southeast Asia, especially in Vietnamese and Thai cuisines. Made by fermenting anchovies with salt, it’s cherished for its bold, briny depth and ability to enhance both cooked and raw dishes.

• 🥢 Umami Showdown: Oyster Sauce vs. Fish Sauce

Feature	🦪 Oyster Sauce	🐟 Fish Sauce
Calories (per tbsp)	~9–15	~10
Net Carbs	~2–4g	~0–1g
Flavor Profile	Savory, slightly sweet, mellow umami	Salty, pungent, deeply briny umami
Nutritional Benefits	Contains trace minerals like iron and zinc	Naturally rich in sodium and amino acids
Best Used In	Stir-fries, glazes, marinades	Soups, dipping sauces, marinades, salad dressings
Heritage	Invented in 1888 in Guangdong, China as a happy accident when oyster broth overcooked and caramelized into a rich sauce.	Dates back 2,000+ years in Southeast Asia (esp. Vietnam & Thailand); made by fermenting anchovies with sea salt.
Dietary Note	Some brands may contain sugar or starch—check labels for keto-friendliness.	Most brands are zero carb and keto-friendly—look for pure fish and salt only.

🍶 Cooking Rice Wine (Shaoxing or Mirin)

• 🔥 Calories (per 1 tbsp): ~30–45

• 🍚 Net Carbs: ~3–6g

• 🍷 Benefits:

  • Enhances aroma and tenderness of meats

  • Helps eliminate unwanted fishy or gamey odors

• 📜 Heritage: Rice wine has been used in Chinese and Japanese kitchens for thousands of years. Shaoxing wine hails from the Zhejiang province and is a signature in Chinese braises, while Mirin is a sweeter Japanese rice wine key to teriyaki and glazes.

🥥 Coconut Aminos

• 🔥 Calories (per 1 tbsp): ~10

• 🌴 Net Carbs: ~1–2g

• 💪 Benefits:

  • Low glycemic — a great soy sauce alternative

  • Naturally gluten-free and soy-free

  • Contains small amounts of amino acids

• 📜 Heritage: Derived from the fermented sap of coconut blossoms, coconut aminos are a modern health-conscious twist on traditional soy sauce. They gained popularity in paleo, keto, and Whole30 communities for their lower sodium and allergy-friendly nature.

• 🍽️ How to Use Coconut Aminos: It’s the perfect go-to for anyone looking to enhance flavor without compromising clean eating goals. Use coconut aminos to directly replace soy sauce in just about any recipe with a 1:1 ratio.

  • Splash onto steamed vegetables

  • Spritz it over fresh salads

  • Stir into quinoa bowls or vegetable stir-fries

  • Add a savory dash to any keto-friendly savory dish

Bon Appétit

Chef Janine