This Keto Stir Fry Ruined My Kitchen

This Keto Stir Fry Ruined My Kitchen is a medium Asian Fusion recipe that serves 2. 870 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking With Dave on YouTube.

Prep: 27 min | Cook: 17 min | Total: 54 min

Cost: $7.97 total, $3.98 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 medium Zucchini (sliced into half‑moons, salted to draw moisture)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (for sweating zucchini)
  • 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce (regular or low‑sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon Water (bottled or tap)
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (helps tenderize chicken (velveting))
  • 2 teaspoons Sesame Oil (1 tsp in sauce, 1 tsp for finishing)
  • 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken (cut into thin strips; thighs or breasts work)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for stir‑frying)
  • 0.5 medium Onion (sliced thin)
  • 2 cups Broccoli Florets (fresh preferred; frozen can be used but may be soggy)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger (grated)
  • 0.5 cup Chicken Broth (low‑sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce (adds umami)
  • 1 tablespoon Alulose Sweetener (low‑carb sweetener; can use erythritol)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Xanthan Gum (thickens sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon Rice Vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (finishes sauce)
  • 2 stalks Green Onions (chopped for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Salt the Zucchini

    Slice the zucchini into half‑moon pieces, place them in a colander, sprinkle with 1 tsp salt, toss, and let sit to draw out moisture.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Prepare the Velveting Sauce

    In a mixing bowl combine 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp water, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Stir until the baking soda dissolves.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Slice and Velvet the Chicken

    Trim any excess fat from the chicken, slice into thin strips, and toss with the velveting sauce. Let rest for 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  4. Prep Remaining Vegetables

    Thinly slice half an onion, mince 2 garlic cloves, grate 1 tsp fresh ginger, chop green onions, and if using frozen broccoli, steam for 1 minute then drain.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Dry the Veggies

    Spread the salted zucchini and steamed broccoli on paper towels and pat dry until no surface moisture remains.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Stir‑Fry the Chicken

    Heat the skillet over high heat, add 2 tbsp olive oil, then add the chicken with its velveting sauce. Stir‑fry until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 7 minutes.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: high heat

  7. Set Chicken Aside

    Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and keep warm.

    Time: PT1M

  8. Stir‑Fry Zucchini and Onion

    Add a quick dash of olive oil if the pan looks dry, then add the zucchini and sliced onion. Stir‑fry for 2 minutes until they begin to soften.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: high heat

  9. Add Garlic and Ginger

    Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

    Time: PT0.5M

    Temperature: high heat

  10. Build the Sauce

    Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 0.5 cup chicken broth, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp alulose, 0.25 tsp xanthan gum, and 1 tsp rice vinegar. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium‑high heat

  11. Combine Chicken and Broccoli

    Return the cooked chicken and the dried broccoli to the pan, toss to coat in the sauce, and cook for another 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium heat

  12. Finish with Butter and Sesame Oil

    Add 1 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 tsp sesame oil, stirring until the butter melts and the sauce becomes glossy.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium heat

  13. Plate and Garnish

    Transfer the stir‑fry to a serving bowl, sprinkle chopped green onions on top, and serve immediately.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
870
Protein
45 g
Carbohydrates
9 g
Fat
58 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Keto, Low‑Carb, Gluten‑Free (if tamari used), Paleo‑Friendly (omit soy sauce)

Allergens: Soy, Sesame, Dairy

Last updated: April 2, 2026

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This Keto Stir Fry Ruined My Kitchen

Recipe by Cooking With Dave

A low‑carb, Asian‑inspired stir‑fry featuring chicken, zucchini, and broccoli tossed in a savory soy‑sesame sauce. Made by Cooking With Dave, this recipe is designed for keto diets and uses simple pantry staples while emphasizing dry vegetables for the best texture.

MediumAsian FusionServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
18m
Prep
25m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
53m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.97
Total cost
$3.98
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Salting and thoroughly drying the zucchini and broccoli to prevent sogginess.
  • Velveting the chicken with baking soda mixture for a tender texture.
  • Avoiding burnt garlic by adding it only after vegetables have softened.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken with separate cutting board and wash hands thoroughly.
  • Hot oil can splatter; use long tongs and keep face away from the pan.
  • Steam from broccoli can cause burns; open microwave bag carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of keto stir fry in Asian cuisine?

A

Stir‑frying originated in China as a quick way to cook vegetables and protein over high heat. The keto adaptation replaces high‑carb staples like rice or noodles with low‑carb vegetables, keeping the technique authentic while fitting modern low‑carb diets.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of stir fry in Chinese cuisine?

A

Different regions use distinct sauces: Cantonese stir‑fries favor soy and oyster sauce, Sichuan adds doubanjiang and chilies, while northern styles often include vinegar. This recipe leans toward a Cantonese‑style flavor profile.

cultural
Q

How is the authentic traditional way to serve stir fry in Chinese households?

A

Traditionally, stir‑fry is served hot, directly from the wok, over steamed rice or alongside rice noodles. For a keto version, it’s served on its own or over cauliflower rice.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is stir fry traditionally associated with in Chinese culture?

A

Stir‑fry is a everyday family dish but is also common at gatherings because it can be prepared quickly for large groups, making it popular during Lunar New Year and family reunions.

cultural
Q

What makes the world's best keto stir fry special or unique in Asian cuisine?

A

The use of a velveting technique with baking soda gives the chicken a tender, almost fried texture without deep‑frying, while the combination of soy, oyster sauce, alulose, and xanthan gum creates a glossy, low‑carb sauce that mimics traditional stir‑fry richness.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the world's best keto stir fry?

A

Common errors include not drying the vegetables, overcrowding the pan which steams instead of sears, and over‑marinating the chicken with baking soda which can make it mushy. Follow the drying and high‑heat steps closely.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use baking soda for velveting the chicken instead of a traditional cornstarch slurry?

A

Baking soda raises the pH of the meat surface, weakening protein bonds and creating a softer texture without the need for a flour or cornstarch coating, keeping the dish keto‑friendly.

technical
Q

Can I make the world's best keto stir fry ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Prepare the sauce and cut the vegetables up to 24 hours ahead, storing them separately in airtight containers. Cook the chicken and combine everything just before serving; leftovers reheat best on the stovetop.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making the world's best keto stir fry?

A

The vegetables should be bright and slightly crisp, not soggy; the chicken should be golden‑brown on the edges and juicy inside; the sauce should coat everything with a glossy sheen.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cooking With Dave specialize in?

A

Cooking With Dave focuses on approachable, often experimental home‑cooking videos that blend humor with practical recipes, especially targeting low‑carb and keto-friendly meals.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cooking With Dave's approach to Asian cooking differ from other Asian cooking channels?

A

Cooking With Dave emphasizes improvisation, low‑carb adaptations, and candid commentary rather than strict traditional techniques, offering a relaxed, relatable take on Asian‑style dishes.

channel
Q

What other keto recipes is the YouTube channel Cooking With Dave known for?

A

Dave’s channel features keto‑friendly versions of classics like cauliflower fried rice, keto pizza crusts, and low‑carb breaded chicken, all presented with his signature humor and trial‑and‑error style.

channel

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