Dim Sum Meatballs

Servings: 1 Total Time: 27 mins Difficulty: Beginner
Steamed pork and shrimp meatballs inspired by classic Cantonese dim sum, made fully keto-friendly.
Steamed keto pork and shrimp dim sum meatballs in a bamboo steamer pinit View Gallery 3 photos

Table of Contents

Craving dim sum flavors while staying keto? These keto dim sum meatballs bring the classic Cantonese pork-and-shrimp taste you love in a simple, low-carb format. They’re tender, juicy, and aromatic, with ginger, scallions, and a touch of sesame oil—just like the steamed dumplings served at your favorite yum cha spot.

What makes this recipe special is how easy it is to prepare. Traditional dim sum fillings take time, but turning them into meatballs keeps all the same flavors with none of the fuss. Steaming gives them that signature soft, bouncy texture, while almond flour or pork panko keeps them keto-friendly.

These meatballs are perfect as a light dinner, quick lunch, or appetizer. They pair beautifully with cauliflower rice, a simple dipping sauce, or steamed greens. They also reheat well, making them a great meal-prep option for busy weeks.

Hand shaping Keto Dim Sum Meatballs on a tray
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Why You’ll Love These Keto Dim Sum Meatballs

  • Authentic Cantonese-inspired flavor made keto-friendly with no wrappers or added carbs.
  • A tender, juicy pork-and-shrimp blend that delivers classic dim sum texture.
  • Steams in minutes for a light yet satisfying meal or appetizer.
  • Simple ingredients and easy prep — no special equipment required.
  • Perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully throughout the week.

Quick Tips: For tender, dim sum–style meatballs, don’t overpack the steamer—leave space so the steam can circulate evenly.

Looking for more quick keto dinners? Visit our Keto Recipes Collection for more delicious low-carb dishes.

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 12 mins Total Time 27 mins
Servings: 1 Calories: 165

Description

Recipe Description

These tender keto dim sum meatballs blend ground pork, minced shrimp, ginger, scallions, and sesame oil for an authentic Cantonese flavor and soft, juicy texture. Steamed until perfectly bouncy, they're low-carb, gluten-free, and simple to prepare for a light dinner or appetizer.

For ingredient conversions, I love using the AllRecipes measurement guide when baking.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Prepare the steamer

    Set up a steamer pot or bamboo steamer over simmering water. Line the steamer with parchment or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.

  2. Mix the pork and shrimp filling

    In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, minced shrimp, egg, almond flour or pork panko, grated ginger, minced scallion whites, coconut aminos or tamari, sesame oil, white pepper, and salt. Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix.

  3. Form the meatballs

    Scoop and roll the mixture into small 1-inch meatballs (about 16 total). Place them on a parchment-lined plate or tray.

  4. Steam the meatballs

    Arrange the meatballs in the steamer, leaving space between each one. Cover and steam for 10–12 minutes, or until the meatballs are firm, juicy, and fully cooked through.

  5. Garnish and serve

    Remove the meatballs from the steamer and sprinkle with the minced scallion greens or sesame seeds. Serve with a low-carb soy-vinegar dipping sauce, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 1

Serving Size 4 meatballs


Amount Per Serving
Calories 210kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 15g24%
Saturated Fat 5g25%
Cholesterol 115mg39%
Sodium 420mg18%
Potassium 335mg10%
Total Carbohydrate 2g1%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Protein 19g38%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Notes

Don’t Overmix the Filling: Mix the pork and shrimp gently. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense instead of tender and bouncy.

Minced Shrimp Matters: Finely minced shrimp helps create that authentic dim sum texture. Make sure no whole shrimp pieces remain.

Use a Bottom Liner Only: Line just the bottom of your steamer with parchment or a cabbage leaf. This prevents sticking while allowing steam to circulate properly.

Check for Doneness: The meatballs are done when they feel firm and springy to the touch. Steaming keeps them juicy, so avoid overcooking.

Keto Binder Options: Almond flour works well, but pork panko creates an even lighter, fluffier texture.

Flavor Boost: A pinch of white pepper or a few drops of sesame oil at the end enhances that classic Cantonese aroma.

Serve With:

  • Cauliflower fried rice
  • Stir-fried bok choy or Chinese broccoli (gai lan)
  • Simple cucumber salad
  • Low-carb soy-vinegar dipping sauce
Keywords: keto dim sum meatballs, keto steamed meatballs, cantonese meatballs, keto pork shrimp meatballs, dim sum meatballs, keto asian recipes, low carb dim sum, keto dinner recipes
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Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I use only pork instead of a pork and shrimp mixture?

Yes. The recipe will still work with all pork, but the texture will be firmer. The minced shrimp adds sweetness and that classic dim sum “bounce,” so the meatballs will be slightly different without it.

Can I air fry these meatballs instead of steaming them?

Yes, but the texture will change. Steaming makes the meatballs soft and tender, while air frying makes them firmer and browned. Both are delicious, but steaming gives the most authentic dim sum feel.

How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure the shrimp is finely minced and mix in the binder (almond flour or pork panko). If the mixture feels too soft, chill it for 10–15 minutes before rolling.

Can I freeze these meatballs?

Yes. Freeze the raw meatballs on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Steam from frozen for an extra 2–3 minutes until cooked through.

What dipping sauce goes well with keto dim sum meatballs?

A simple mix of coconut aminos or tamari with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a little chili crisp is perfect. It adds tangy, savory flavor without adding carbs.

Amya Keto Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Thanks for cooking with me today! I’m always experimenting with keto, low-carb comfort foods, and I love sharing the ones that truly make life easier (and tastier). See you in the next recipe!

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