Asian ginger dressing is a popular choice for those who enjoy an oriental twist to their salads. But is it keto-friendly? The short answer is yes, but with some caveats. While many Asian salad dressings contain sugar and carbs, there are ways to make your own keto-friendly version at home. This can be achieved by substituting certain ingredients for low-carb alternatives, such as coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and using a sugar substitute.
What You'll Learn
Keto Asian ginger dressing ingredients
Asian ginger salad dressing is often not keto-friendly, as it typically contains a lot of sugar and carbs. However, you can easily make your own keto-friendly version at home.
- Rice vinegar: Use unseasoned rice vinegar, as seasoned rice vinegar usually contains added sugar.
- Coconut aminos: A great low-carb substitute for soy sauce that is also gluten, grain, and dairy-free.
- Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is best, but bottled juice can also be used.
- Ginger and garlic: Minced fresh ginger and garlic add a nice kick to the dressing. You can also use jarred or frozen minced garlic and ginger or ginger paste if you prefer.
- Salt and pepper: These ingredients are essential for balancing the classic Asian salad flavour.
- Oil: Use a combination of sesame oil and extra virgin olive oil for a balanced, flavoursome dressing.
- Sweetener: A small amount of sweetener can be added to balance out the acidity of the vinegar and lime juice. Swerve is a popular choice.
To make the dressing, simply combine all the ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. You can also whisk the ingredients together by hand, but the dressing may be less creamy.
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Nutritional value of keto Asian ginger dressing
Asian ginger salad dressing is often loaded with sugar and carbs, but there are keto-friendly alternatives. A keto Asian ginger dressing can be made with ingredients such as ginger, garlic, gluten-free soy sauce, rice vinegar, avocado oil, and almond butter. This type of dressing is not only keto-friendly but also gluten-free and sugar-free.
A keto Asian ginger dressing is typically loaded with healthy fats from oils such as avocado oil and sesame oil. It also contains nutrients from ginger, which has anti-inflammatory and medicinal qualities.
- Calories: 55
- Calories from Fat: 54
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
The following is the nutritional information for a keto sesame ginger dressing with tuna steak salad:
- Calories: 452
- Fat: 18.1g
- Carbs: 0.9g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Protein: 2.1g
- Net Carbs: 0.8g
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How to make keto Asian ginger dressing
Asian salad dressings often contain a lot of sugar and carbs, so they are not keto-friendly. However, you can easily make your own keto-friendly Asian ginger dressing at home. Here is a recipe for a keto Asian ginger dressing:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of raw ginger, peeled and minced
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 2 tablespoons of low-sodium, gluten-free soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos)
- 1/4 cup of rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of almond butter (or miso)
- 2 teaspoons of allulose (or another sweetener of your choice)
- 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions:
- Using a food processor: Put the ginger and garlic in the food processor and pulse a few times to mince. Then, add the soy sauce, vinegar, avocado oil, toasted sesame oil, almond butter, and allulose to the food processor. Process until smooth. Finally, add the sesame seeds and pulse once to stir them in.
- Without a food processor: Whisk the ginger, garlic, and almond butter together. Slowly add the soy sauce, whisking continuously. Gradually whisk in the avocado oil, and then the vinegar. Whisk in the remaining ingredients.
This dressing can be served immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best to shake it before using.
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Keto Asian ginger dressing alternatives
Asian ginger dressing is typically not keto-friendly due to its high sugar and carb content. However, there are several alternatives with similar flavours that can be enjoyed on a keto diet:
Olive Oil and Vinegar
A simple mixture of olive oil and vinegar can serve as an effective low-carb dressing. Adding fresh or ground ginger will give it a similar flavour to Asian ginger dressing. Olive oil has zero carbs per 100g, while vinegar has approximately 1.9g of net carbs.
Avocado Oil and Lemon Juice Dressing
Avocado oil, like olive oil, has zero carbs, while lemon juice has about 6g of net carbs per 100g. Adding fresh or ground ginger to this mixture will give it an Asian-inspired kick.
Homemade Keto-Friendly Ginger Dressing
For those who want to get creative in the kitchen, a homemade keto-friendly ginger dressing is a great option. Use ingredients like grated fresh ginger, a keto-friendly sweetener, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil. This way, you can control the amount of sweetener and the overall carb content.
Low-Carb Sesame Ginger Dressing
This dressing incorporates real ginger and garlic, blending them with gluten-free soy sauce (or coconut aminos) and rice vinegar for a zesty tang. Avocado oil and almond butter add healthy fats and a creamy texture. This dressing can be easily whipped up in a food processor or blender and is perfect for those on a keto, gluten-free, or sugar-free diet.
Keto Sesame Ginger Dressing
This dressing is perfect for those who love the flavour of sesame. It includes soy sauce, apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar, olive oil, fresh cilantro, grated fresh ginger, toasted sesame oil, and a brown sugar sweetener. This dressing is sugar-free and perfect for a keto or low-carb diet.
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Keto Asian ginger dressing storage
Keto Asian ginger dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 7 to 14 days when stored properly. It is recommended to shake or stir the dressing before using it, as the ingredients may separate over time.
To make a keto Asian ginger dressing, you will need ingredients like ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, a sweetener, oil, and soy sauce or coconut aminos. Some recipes also include almond butter, lemon juice, and sesame seeds. The ingredients are blended together in a food processor or blender until smooth.
The dressing can be used on various types of salads, such as romaine lettuce, spring mix, or Iceberg Lettuce. It can also be used as a marinade for meat or seafood.
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Frequently asked questions
Asian ginger dressing typically includes ginger, garlic, vinegar, oil, and a sweetener. Some recipes also include soy sauce, coconut aminos, and mustard.
While some Asian ginger dressings may be keto-friendly, many contain added sugar and carbs. It's important to check the ingredients and nutrition information to ensure it fits within your keto diet.
There are several keto-friendly alternatives to Asian ginger dressing, including ranch, poppy seed, Caesar, blue cheese, and Italian dressing. You can also find recipes for keto-friendly Asian dressings online.