I’m so excited to share 20 of the best low-carb Thai food ideas that are a perfect match for your keto diet and just right for the summer! This collection includes fresh appetizers, spicy soups, and many more dishes – all filled with authentic flavors.
Each recipe is designed to be doable for every home cook, with easy step-by-step instructions and images.
Before we go through the list of recipes, I’d love to give you a fun explanation about Thai food and carbohydrates!
For those who have traveled to Thailand, it’s no secret that rice plays a significant role in our lives and eating habits.
Many Thai families, including my own, have their own rice fields and eat rice they’ve produced themselves every year. Here is a fun photo of one of my family’s rice fields!
Rice is, of course, one of the main foods to avoid on a keto diet, just like wheat and oats, all of which are rich in carbohydrates.
Although we have many dishes that are traditionally eaten with jasmine rice, such as the classic street food pad kra pao (holy basil stir-fry) and nam tok beef, which is often paired with Thai sticky rice, it’s perfectly possible to enjoy these dishes without the rice to keep them low-carb.
Nam tok beef is traditionally served with rice, but it can also be paired with a low-carb alternative.
So, to answer whether Thai food can be low carb: yes, it certainly can. Many Thai dishes are naturally low in carbohydrates, and for those that aren’t, you can easily omit the rice or swap the noodles for a low-carb alternative.
You can enjoy Thai food on a keto diet as long as you choose dishes low in carbohydrates. Opt for options like steamed fish and avoid rice and noodles to maintain to your keto regimen.
What Thai food is low carb?
Some popular low-carb Thai food options include tom yum soup, som tum Thai (green papaya salad), vegetable stir-fries like pad pak boong, and Thai chicken wings. These dishes use fresh ingredients, making them ideal for a healthy low-carb diet.
If you’re on a low carb diet, some dishes to avoid at a Thai restaurant include fried rice, pad Thai, and drunken noodles. These popular options are high in carbohydrates, making them less suitable for a keto-friendly meal plan.
Low carb Thai food ideas
This collection of keto-friendly Thai food is perfect for eating healthy without compromising on deliciousness!
1
Thai Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
Make a quick and delicious meal with these Thai shrimp lettuce wraps. They're packed with juicy shrimp and nestled in crisp, fresh lettuce for a nutritious, low-carb meal that's full of flavor. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
My grandmother's recipe for low-carb Thai peanut sauce (without peanut butter) is a great addition to your favorite appetizers. This rich, creamy sauce is perfect for dipping fresh vegetables or drizzling over grilled meats, adding a nutty flavor to any meal.
This authentic recipe for papaya salad is on my weekly dinner rotation. It's a refreshing, healthy salad combining crisp papaya shreds with tomatoes, beans, and a spicy lime dressing. It's a staple in Thai cuisine that offers a light, nutritious meal perfect for any day of the week.
Thai curry is keto-friendly when served over cauliflower rice! Try this saucy dish that combines tender chunks of pork simmered in a homemade green curry paste and creamy coconut milk. (Feel free to switch up the protein!)
Tom yum is my favorite low-carb Thai soup of all time. This delicious recipe makes a spicy and sour soup filled with fresh seafood like shrimp and squid. Infused with herbs such as lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, this soup is a flavorful, low-carb option that never disappoints.
Try this plant-based version of the traditional meat-based larb. This Thai Tofu Larb is made with crispy tofu seasoned with lime juice, fish sauce, chili, and fresh herbs. It's a light yet spicy dish that serves well as a main or a side, with traditional flavors of Thai cuisine in a form perfect for vegetarians.
This is a low carb Thai chicken salad that combines grilled chicken with fresh vegetables like tomatoes and carrots, all tossed in a spicy dressing with a hint of honey. This salad is not only refreshing, but also a low-carb option that keeps things tasty and wholesome – perfect for summer and meal prep!
Treat yourself to these irresistible sweet Thai chili wings, where each wing is generously coated in a homemade spicy chili sauce, then sprinkled with sesame seeds and green onions. These wings are a fantastic treat that fits perfectly into a low-carb diet, making them ideal for gatherings or party's. (Bonus: you can use the spicy sauce on chicken breast too!)
Thai tea is every Thai person's favorite summer drink! It's a refreshing beverage that's quick and easy to make at home and rich in flavor with a creamy texture. Serve sweetened and over ice during hot days.
This stir-fried cabbage recipe is sautéed with tofu, garlic, and a delicious stir-fry sauce. It's a low-carb option that can serve as a light dinner or a delicious side, full of taste and easy to make.
Fresh, crisp vegetables wrapped in spring roll wrappers, served with a delicious sauce. They make a fantastic appetizer or a light meal, especially if you're looking for something that's both delicious and suited for a keto diet.
Pla pao is a simple yet amazing dish featuring whole fish grilled over charcoal, stuffed with lemongrass for extra flavor. It's traditionally served with a spicy dipping sauce and fresh vegetables, making it a healthy choice for a weeknight dinner.
There’s nothing like the smoky flavor of grilled Thai chicken satay, served with a creamy homemade peanut sauce. This dish is perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a tasty snack.
Thai beef jerky is a flavorful snack made by marinating slices of beef and drying them until they're chewy but still tender. It's packed with bold flavors, perfect for snacking on the go or adding a protein boost to your low-carb diet.
Hat yai fried chicken, a specialty from Southern Thailand, is known for its incredibly crispy skin and juicy meat, seasoned with a blend of Thai spices. Although it's fried, you can enjoy it in moderation on a low-carb diet. Just pair it with a fresh salad instead of rice.
Tom kha gai is a creamy coconut chicken soup that’s infused with the flavors of galangal and lemongrass. It's a soothing, flavorful soup that's also easy on the carbs, perfect for a chilly day.
Looking for something quick and tasty? Try this Thai vegetable stir-fry, with a colorful mix of veggies cooked in a light, fragrant sauce. It’s a versatile dish that goes well with any protein, making it a perfect, quick low-carb meal.
Thai pomelo salad is a refreshing blend of sweet pomelo segments tossed with a spicy-sweet dressing and sprinkled with coconut shreds. It's full of flavors and textures, ideal for a surprisingly delicious light lunch or a side dish during the warmer months.
One of the best orders at any Thai restaurant is fried pork belly! Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it’s a rich dish that’s surprisingly low-carb, making it a great choice for those who don’t want to skimp on taste while following their dietary goals.
This amazing Thai steamed fish is gently cooked with lime and garlic to infuse it with incredible flavor. This dish is as healthy as it is tasty, offering a protein-rich, low-carb option that's easy to digest and perfect for any meal.
Enjoying low-carb Thai food is perfectly doable on a keto diet. Focus on dishes rich in proteins and fresh ingredients, avoid rice and noodles, and enjoy the flavors of Thai cuisine while maintaining your healthy eating habits.
What’s your favorite low calorie Thai food? Let me know in the comments! Follow me on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
I owned my own Thai restaurant and have years of experience in various other Thai restaurants. I've been whipping up classic Thai dishes by my mother's and grandma's side since I was just a little girl. Now I'm sharing my deep-rooted passion with my authentic Thai recipes on this Thai food blog.
