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Korean keto guide

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Korean food
402 dishes146 keto as served126 with a photo

Keto friendliness

Korean cuisine can be adapted to keto with careful menu selection and specific modifications, focusing on protein-rich dishes and avoiding starch and sugar.

Top ingredients

Excellent traditional keto ingredients include grilled meats like samgyeopsal (pork belly) and unmarinated beef, kimchi (in moderation), eggs, and some fresh leafy green banchan.

Danger zones

The primary carb traps are ubiquitous rice, noodles, sugary marinades (e.g., bulgogi, galbi), gochujang-based sauces, and many banchan that contain hidden sugars or starches.

Best for

This cuisine is best for experienced keto dieters comfortable with assertive ordering and those prioritizing high protein and savory, unmarinated grilled meats.

What to drink

Drinks you will see at Korean restaurants, cafés and stalls, rated the same way as the food.

Order these

Skip these

402 dishes · page 1 of 7

Ggongchi Gui
Grilled Pacific Saury
Whole Pacific saury grilled to perfection, typically seasoned with just salt. Known for its rich, oily flavor …
Order as-isHigh Protein
0 net0 total0 fibre45 protein25 fat400 kcal
Godeungeo Gui
Grilled Mackerel
Whole mackerel, lightly salted and grilled until the skin is crispy and the flesh is tender and flaky. A simpl…
Order as-isHigh Fat
1 net2 total1 fibre45 protein48 fat600 kcal
명란젓 (Myeongran Jeot)
Salted Pollack Roe
A classic Korean fermented side dish made from pollock roe, seasoned lightly with chili powder and sometimes s…
Order as-isHigh Fat
1 net2 total1 fibre25 protein15 fat250 kcal
Gosari Namul
Fernbrake Salad
A traditional Korean side dish made from blanched and stir-fried fernbrake (gosari), seasoned with soy sauce, …
Order as-isLow Carb Side
2 net5 total3 fibre3 protein12 fat150 kcal
키조개 구이
Grilled Pen Shell (Giant Scallop)
Large, succulent pen shells (a type of giant scallop) grilled in their shell, often with a knob of butter. A p…
Order as-isHigh Protein
2 net2 total0 fibre70 protein40 fat650 kcal
돼지 목살 구이
Grilled Pork Neck
Thick slices of tender pork neck, grilled simply with salt and black pepper. Known for its balanced fat and me…
Order as-isHigh Protein
2 net3 total1 fibre60 protein60 fat800 kcal
Gyukjeon
Pan-fried Egg-Coated Beef Slices
Tender, thin slices of beef, lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, expertly coated in egg, and pan-fried unti…
Order as-isHigh Protein
2 net2 total0 fibre60 protein50 fat700 kcal
Kongnamul Muchim
Seasoned Soybean Sprouts
A ubiquitous Korean side dish (banchan) featuring crisp blanched soybean sprouts, seasoned simply with nutty s…
Order as-isLow Carb Side
2 net6 total4 fibre8 protein8 fat100 kcal
Miyeok Guk
Seaweed Soup (with Beef)
A comforting and nutritious soup made with tender seaweed and typically beef (brisket or sirloin) in a clear, …
Order as-isBalanced Protein/Fat
2 net5 total3 fibre30 protein25 fat350 kcal
Saeu Gui
Grilled Shrimp (Salt & Pepper)
Fresh shrimp grilled simply with salt and pepper, often served with a light dipping sauce. A straightforward a…
Order as-isHigh Protein
2 net2 total0 fibre40 protein15 fat300 kcal
대구 구이
Salt-Grilled Cod
Fresh cod fillet, simply seasoned with salt and grilled until flaky. A naturally keto dish, focusing on the pu…
Order as-isHigh Protein
2 net2 total0 fibre50 protein25 fat450 kcal
우럭 구이
Salt-Grilled Rockfish
Whole rockfish or fillet, seasoned with salt and grilled until the skin is crispy and the flesh is tender. A s…
Order as-isHigh Protein
2 net2 total0 fibre55 protein28 fat480 kcal
Samchi Gui
Grilled Mackerel Pike
A popular grilled fish dish, where a whole or filleted mackerel pike is seasoned with salt and grilled until t…
Order as-isHigh Protein
2 net2 total0 fibre50 protein40 fat600 kcal
Sannakji
Live Octopus
Freshly chopped live octopus tentacles, typically served with a drizzle of sesame oil and sesame seeds. The te…
Order as-isHigh Protein
2 net2 total0 fibre35 protein18 fat300 kcal
Sigeumchi Namul
Seasoned Spinach
A classic Korean banchan made from blanched spinach, gently squeezed to remove excess water, and then lightly …
Order as-isLow Carb Side
2 net5 total3 fibre6 protein7 fat90 kcal
게찜
Steamed Crab
Whole crabs (commonly snow crab or king crab) steamed until perfectly cooked, highlighting their natural sweet…
Order as-isHigh Protein
2 net2 total0 fibre80 protein30 fat600 kcal
Al-jjim
Steamed Fish Roe
A soft and fluffy steamed dish made primarily from fish roe (such as pollock roe) and egg, often mixed with a …
Order as-isHigh Protein
3 net4 total1 fibre40 protein15 fat300 kcal
Ansim Gui
Grilled Beef Tenderloin
Thick slices of premium beef tenderloin, grilled to perfection, usually seasoned simply with salt and pepper. …
Order as-isHigh Protein
3 net3 total0 fibre60 protein55 fat750 kcal
Chadolbagi
Grilled Thinly Sliced Brisket
Very thinly sliced beef brisket, prized for its marbling and rich flavor, quickly grilled, often at the table.…
Order as-isHigh Fat
3 net5 total2 fibre60 protein75 fat850 kcal
Chaekkeutsal Gui
Grilled Beef Striploin
Well-marbled beef striploin, grilled over charcoal or on a hot plate. Typically seasoned lightly with salt and…
Order as-isHigh Protein
3 net3 total0 fibre65 protein60 fat800 kcal
Deunggalbi
Grilled Pork Back Ribs (Salt-Grilled Style)
Savory pork back ribs, grilled until tender and slightly crispy. Best ordered in 'sogeum gui' (salt-grilled) s…
Ask for a tweakHigh Fat
3 net3 total0 fibre60 protein75 fat900 kcal
Deungsim Gui
Grilled Sirloin or Ribeye
Thick-cut, unmarinated sirloin or ribeye steak grilled over charcoal or on a griddle. Served simply with salt,…
Order as-isHigh Protein
3 net5 total2 fibre75 protein45 fat700 kcal
Doraji Namul (Keto Modified Bellflower Root Salad)
Keto Bellflower Root Salad
A unique Korean side dish made from blanched and seasoned bellflower roots, known for their slightly bitter an…
Ask for a tweakLow Carb Side
3 net7 total4 fibre2 protein15 fat180 kcal
Gopchang Gui
Grilled Beef Small Intestines
Beef small intestines, often marinated lightly with salt, garlic, and pepper, then grilled to a crispy exterio…
Order as-isHigh Fat
3 net3 total0 fibre50 protein68 fat800 kcal
건해삼 구이
Grilled Dried Sea Cucumber
Rehydrated and grilled dried sea cucumber, often prized for its unique texture and mild flavor. Usually simply…
Order as-isHigh Protein
3 net3 total0 fibre35 protein6 fat200 kcal
Gyeopdegi Gui
Grilled Pork Rind
Grilled strips of pork rind, often chewy and crispy, seasoned simply and cooked over charcoal. Served hot, tra…
Ask for a tweakHigh Fat
3 net3 total0 fibre40 protein45 fat550 kcal
Jangeo Gui (Sogeum Gui Style)
Salt-Grilled Eel (No Sweet Sauce)
Fresh eel, butterflied and grilled to perfection, usually seasoned simply with salt. Known for its rich flavor…
Ask for a tweakHigh Fat
3 net3 total0 fibre45 protein75 fat850 kcal
키토 깻잎장아찌 (설탕 무첨가)
Keto Marinated Perilla Leaves (Sugar-Free)
A popular banchan made from perilla leaves (similar to shiso) marinated in a savory and often slightly sweet s…
Ask for a tweakLow Carb Side
3 net5 total2 fibre2 protein6 fat80 kcal
Keto Saengseon Jeon
Pan-fried Fish Fillets (Egg-battered, Flour-Free)
Delicate white fish fillets (e.g., cod, pollock, hairtail) are seasoned lightly, then coated purely in an egg …
Ask for a tweakHigh Protein
3 net3 total0 fibre50 protein38 fat550 kcal
Kkotsal Gui
Grilled Boneless Short Rib
Highly marbled boneless short ribs, often called 'flower meat' due to its appearance. Grilled to a tender fini…
Order as-isHigh Protein
3 net3 total0 fibre60 protein75 fat900 kcal
Kongnamul Guk
Clear Bean Sprout Soup (No Rice)
A light, refreshing, and clean-tasting soup made primarily from bean sprouts in a clear, savory anchovy or veg…
Order as-isLow Carb Side
3 net5 total2 fibre5 protein3 fat80 kcal
Ori Gui
Grilled Duck
Succulent duck meat, typically sliced and grilled over charcoal or on a hot plate. Often seasoned simply with …
Order as-isHigh Fat
3 net4 total1 fibre70 protein75 fat900 kcal
Saengseon Hoe
Assorted Raw Fish Sashimi
Fresh, thinly sliced raw fish (e.g., rockfish, flounder, tuna) served simply with a sugar-free soy dipping sau…
Order as-isHigh Protein
3 net4 total1 fibre60 protein15 fat400 kcal
Seolleongtang
Ox Bone Soup
A milky white soup made by slow-simmering ox bones for many hours, resulting in a rich, collagen-infused broth…
Order as-isHigh Protein
3 net5 total2 fibre50 protein45 fat650 kcal
Baeksuk
Plain Boiled Chicken Soup
A whole chicken slowly boiled in water until tender, creating a clear, rich broth. Traditionally served with s…
Ask for a tweakHigh Protein
4 net5 total1 fibre80 protein40 fat700 kcal
Daepeusamgyeopsal Gui
Grilled Thin-Sliced Pork Belly
Thinly sliced pork belly grilled to crispy perfection. This cut cooks quickly and offers a delightful chewines…
Ask for a tweakHigh Fat
4 net8 total4 fibre60 protein65 fat800 kcal
Dubu Buchim
Pan-fried Tofu
Firm tofu slices pan-fried until beautifully golden brown, lightly seasoned with salt. A versatile dish often …
Order as-isBalanced Protein/Fat
4 net8 total4 fibre40 protein45 fat550 kcal
Dwaeji Guk (No Rice)
Pork Soup (No Rice)
A hearty, milky white pork bone broth slow-cooked with tender slices of pork. Often seasoned with salted shrim…
Ask for a tweakHigh Protein
4 net5 total1 fibre50 protein38 fat550 kcal
갈매기살 구이 (Galmaegisal Gui)
Grilled Pork Skirt Meat
Tender, flavorful pork skirt meat, typically grilled at the table. It's naturally low-carb when seasoned simpl…
Order as-isHigh Protein
4 net5 total1 fibre60 protein50 fat700 kcal
Gyeran Guk
Egg Drop Soup
A light, savory soup made with beaten eggs streamed into a clear broth (usually anchovy or beef-based), often …
Order as-isBalanced Protein/Fat
4 net5 total1 fibre15 protein18 fat250 kcal
Gyeran Jjim
Steamed Egg Custard
A popular savory side dish or light meal, consisting of fluffy, soufflé-like steamed eggs often cooked in a ho…
Order as-isHigh Protein
4 net5 total1 fibre25 protein20 fat350 kcal
Hanjungsal Gui
Grilled Pork Jowl
A premium cut of pork jowl, distinguished by its unique, tender yet chewy texture and rich marbling. It's typi…
Order as-isHigh Fat
4 net4 total0 fibre80 protein95 fat1150 kcal
Keto Geopjeori
Fresh Kimchi Salad (Sugar-Free)
A fresh, unfermented kimchi salad made with napa cabbage, seasoned with chili flakes (gochugaru), garlic, fish…
Ask for a tweakLow Carb Side
4 net8 total4 fibre5 protein10 fat150 kcal
키토 닭꼬치 (간장/소금 양념)
Keto Grilled Chicken Skewers (Plain/Soy-Marinated)
Skewered chicken pieces (often chicken thigh for juiciness) grilled until tender and juicy, typically seasoned…
Ask for a tweakHigh Protein
4 net5 total1 fibre65 protein35 fat600 kcal
Keto Mun-eo Sukhoe (Boiled Octopus Slices with Sugar-Free Dipping Sauce)
Keto Boiled Octopus Slices
Tender boiled octopus slices, thinly cut and served chilled or at room temperature. Prized for its slightly ch…
Ask for a tweakHigh Protein
4 net5 total1 fibre60 protein10 fat350 kcal
Makchang Gui
Grilled Pork Abomasum
Grilled pork abomasum (fourth stomach), known for its chewy texture and rich, savory flavor. Usually served wi…
Ask for a tweakHigh Fat
4 net5 total1 fibre55 protein65 fat800 kcal
Samgyeopsal Gui
Grilled Pork Belly
Thick slices of fresh pork belly, often grilled tableside to a crispy perfection. Typically served simply with…
Order as-isHigh Fat
4 net7 total3 fibre55 protein85 fat950 kcal
Daktongjip Bokkeum
Chicken Gizzard Stir-fry
A savory stir-fry dish made with chicken gizzards, typically seasoned with garlic, ginger, green onions, and c…
Order as-isHigh Protein
5 net7 total2 fibre50 protein25 fat420 kcal
Gul Guk
Oyster Soup (No Rice)
A clear and refreshing soup featuring fresh oysters, often with tofu, kelp, and a light seasoning. Served with…
Order as-isHigh Protein
5 net6 total1 fibre35 protein10 fat280 kcal
Gyeran Mari
Rolled Omelette
A popular banchan (side dish) made by rolling thin layers of cooked egg, often with finely chopped vegetables …
Order as-isHigh Protein
5 net6 total1 fibre30 protein25 fat350 kcal
Jeonbok Gui
Grilled Abalone
Fresh abalone, typically grilled whole or sliced, often with a knob of butter or simple seasoning like salt. K…
Order as-isHigh Protein
5 net5 total0 fibre40 protein25 fat400 kcal
Keto Ganjang Saewoo
Soy Sauce Marinated Raw Shrimp (Keto-Modified)
Fresh, raw shrimp meticulously marinated in a cold, umami-rich, and subtly sweet (using keto sweetener) soy-ba…
Ask for a tweakHigh Protein
5 net6 total1 fibre50 protein15 fat350 kcal
Keto Hwangtae Gui (Grilled Dried Pollack with Sugar-Free Sauce)
Keto Grilled Dried Pollack
Grilled dried pollack, a lean fish with a unique texture and concentrated flavor. The keto version features a …
Ask for a tweakHigh Protein
5 net6 total1 fibre65 protein10 fat380 kcal
Keto Jeonbok Jjim
Steamed Abalone (Keto-Modified)
Succulent whole abalone, delicately steamed until tender, presented with a refined, savory, and sugar-free soy…
Ask for a tweakHigh Protein
5 net5 total0 fibre40 protein12 fat300 kcal
Keto Oi Muchim
Spicy Cucumber Salad (No Sugar)
Crisp cucumbers are sliced and tossed in a vibrant, tangy, and spicy dressing. This refreshing banchan feature…
Ask for a tweakLow Carb Side
5 net7 total2 fibre2 protein6 fat80 kcal
Keto Pyo Go Beoseot Jeon
Stuffed Shiitake Mushroom Jeon (Egg-battered, Flour-Free)
Earthy shiitake mushroom caps are carefully stuffed with a savory mixture of minced meat (typically beef or po…
Ask for a tweakBalanced Protein/Fat
5 net8 total3 fibre35 protein32 fat450 kcal
Kimchi Bokkeum (Sugar-Free)
Stir-fried Kimchi (No Added Sugar)
Fermented kimchi stir-fried with a touch of oil, garlic, and sometimes pork belly for added flavor. This keto-…
Ask for a tweakLow Carb Side
5 net8 total3 fibre5 protein18 fat200 kcal
Saeng Galbi Gui
Unmarinated Grilled Beef Short Ribs
Thickly sliced, unmarinated beef short ribs, typically grilled at the table. Served simply with salt, pepper, …
Order as-isHigh Fat
5 net6 total1 fibre90 protein120 fat1400 kcal
Sundubu Jjigae (No Rice)
Soft Tofu Stew (No Rice)
A bubbling hot stew featuring silky soft tofu, often with choice of meat (beef, pork, seafood), an egg, and ve…
Ask for a tweakBalanced Protein/Fat
5 net8 total3 fibre35 protein30 fat450 kcal
Al Ttang
Spicy Fish Roe Stew
A flavorful and spicy stew featuring various fish roe (such as pollock roe), tender tofu, and assorted vegetab…
Order as-isHigh Protein
6 net8 total2 fibre45 protein30 fat450 kcal

Questions people ask

What can I eat at a Korean restaurant on keto?

Good orders that are keto as served include Ggongchi Gui (0g net carbs), Godeungeo Gui (1g net carbs), Myeongran Jeot (1g net carbs), Gosari Namul (2g net carbs), Grilled Pen Shell (2g net carbs) and Grilled Pork Neck (2g net carbs). Of the 402 Korean dishes in this guide, 146 are keto as served.

Is Korean food keto-friendly?

Keto Atlas rates Korean food "Navigable" for keto. Korean cuisine can be adapted to keto with careful menu selection and specific modifications, focusing on protein-rich dishes and avoiding starch and sugar.

What Korean dishes should I avoid on keto?

The primary carb traps are ubiquitous rice, noodles, sugary marinades (e.g., bulgogi, galbi), gochujang-based sauces, and many banchan that contain hidden sugars or starches. Dishes to skip include Maeun Galbijjim (21g) and Galbi Jjim (18g).

How do I order Korean food keto-style?

Many dishes become keto with one small request. For Deunggalbi: say "For Deunggalbi, I'd like 'sogeum gui' or plain, unmarinated ribs with just salt and pepper. No sweet glazes or sauces." For Doraji Namul: say "For Doraji Namul, please ensure no sugar is added."

What can I drink at a Korean restaurant on keto?

Keto-friendly as served: Barley Tea and Corn Tea. Fine with a small request (usually no sugar or syrup): Scorched Rice Water and Ginseng Tea. Skip sugary drinks such as Five-Flavor Berry Tea, Ginger Tea and Whipped Coffee.