Introduction
Keto crispy sesame beef is a low-carb twist on a popular takeout favorite, delivering bold flavor and irresistible crunch without the added sugars or starches. This dish proves that following a keto lifestyle does not mean sacrificing texture or taste. I started making this recipe when I was craving something crispy and saucy but wanted to stay within low-carb guidelines, and it quickly became a staple. Thin strips of beef are coated, fried until golden, and tossed in a rich sesame sauce that is savory, slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying. Everything comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something exciting but still keto-friendly. Served with cauliflower rice or sautéed vegetables, this dish feels indulgent while staying completely on track.
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Keto Crispy Sesame Beef – Crunchy, Savory, and Low-Carb Delicious
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Keto crispy sesame beef made with tender beef strips coated in a low-carb crust and tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sesame sauce without added sugar.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Oil for frying
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar-free sweetener
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp sliced green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Season sliced beef with salt and pepper.
- Beat egg in a bowl.
- In another bowl, mix almond flour, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder.
- Dip beef slices into egg, then coat with almond flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry beef in batches until crispy and golden; drain on paper towels.
- In a saucepan, combine coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sweetener, garlic, and ginger.
- Simmer sauce for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add crispy beef to sauce and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying.
- Adjust sweetener to taste.
- Serve immediately for best crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers authentic takeout-style flavor with a keto-friendly ingredient list. The beef stays crispy even after being tossed in sauce. It is quick to prepare and uses simple substitutions that do not compromise taste. The sauce is bold, savory, and perfectly balanced.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Flank steak
Flank steak is ideal for this recipe because it slices thinly and cooks quickly, staying tender when cut against the grain.
Eggs
Eggs help the coating adhere to the beef and create a crispy exterior when fried.
Almond flour
Almond flour replaces traditional flour, keeping the recipe low-carb while providing a light, crunchy coating.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan adds extra crispness and savory depth to the coating.
Avocado oil
Avocado oil is ideal for high-heat frying and keeps the flavor clean and neutral.
Garlic
Garlic builds aromatic depth and enhances the savory profile of the sauce.
Soy sauce
Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami to the sesame sauce.
Sesame oil
Sesame oil provides rich, nutty flavor that defines the dish.
Rice vinegar
Rice vinegar adds acidity, balancing the richness of the beef and oil.
Keto-friendly sweetener
A low-carb sweetener adds subtle sweetness without spiking carbohydrates.
Sesame seeds
Sesame seeds add texture and a classic finishing touch.
Green onions
Green onions provide freshness and color, balancing the richness of the dish.
Directions
Begin by slicing the flank steak thinly against the grain and patting it dry with paper towels. In a bowl, whisk the eggs. In a separate bowl, combine almond flour and Parmesan cheese. Dip each piece of beef into the egg, then coat evenly in the almond flour mixture.
Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated beef in batches until golden and crispy on both sides. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
In a clean skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add garlic, cooking briefly until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and keto-friendly sweetener. Simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened. Return the crispy beef to the skillet and toss quickly to coat. Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, cooking time is 15 minutes, and total time is around 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to restore crispness. Microwaving is not recommended, as it softens the coating.
Variations and Customizations
You can substitute beef with chicken thighs for a different protein option. For extra heat, add chili flakes or a splash of chili oil to the sauce. Broccoli or zucchini can be added to the skillet for a complete one-pan meal. I have also tried adding grated ginger to the sauce, which added warmth and complexity without affecting carbs.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Keto crispy sesame beef is high in protein and healthy fats while remaining low in carbohydrates. Using almond flour and keto-friendly sweeteners keeps it suitable for low-carb and ketogenic diets. Portion size and sides can be adjusted to fit individual macros.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Slice Beef Thinly
Thin slices cook quickly and stay tender.
Do Not Overcrowd the Pan
Fry in batches to maintain crispness.
Sauce Quickly
Toss the beef briefly to keep the coating crunchy.
FAQs
Is this recipe fully keto-friendly?
Yes, all ingredients are low in carbohydrates.
What sweetener works best?
Monk fruit or erythritol blends work well.
Can I air fry the beef?
Yes, air frying reduces oil while keeping crispness.
Why is my beef not crispy?
Oil may not be hot enough or the pan may be overcrowded.
Can I use coconut flour?
Almond flour works best, but coconut flour can be used sparingly.
What can I serve with this dish?
Cauliflower rice or sautéed greens pair well.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Omit Parmesan and increase almond flour slightly.
Does the sauce thicken naturally?
Yes, simmering reduces it slightly.
Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, simply reduce or omit spicy elements.
Conclusion
Keto crispy sesame beef delivers everything you want from a comfort-style takeout dish while staying low-carb and satisfying. With its crunchy coating, bold sesame flavor, and quick preparation, it is a reliable recipe for anyone looking to enjoy indulgent flavors without breaking their keto routine.
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