Pei Wei keto options are abundant if you know what to look for. Luckily, we compiled a menu of 29 low carb Pei Wei entrees, sides, and drinks based off their nutritional information to make ordering keto at Pei Wei a breeze.
Additionally, you’ll learn about the foolproof hidden carb hack such as avoiding dressings and other high-carb additives to avoid pesky and unsuspecting carbs in some menu items.
As always, if you’re looking to lose weight then be sure to check the amount of calories of each item and before ordering away!
Can I Eat Keto at Pei Wei?
With restaurants planted on nearly every corner, it’s no wonder followers of keto may have a craving for Asian food every once in a while. While there is no dedicated keto menu at Pei Wei, they do have several offerings that can fit into a low carb lifestyle.
Knowing that daily carb intake should be limited to, at most, 50 grams per day, the top 29 keto options at Pei Wei consist of between 4 and 49 net carbs per serving.1 Beyond those recommended choices, additional secrets are revealed to help diners eat at Pei Wei without worry of being kicked out of ketosis.
Complete List of Pei Wei Keto Options (Pei Wei Low Carb Meals)
Walking into Pei Wei may feel a bit overwhelming, but by planning ahead using the handy guide below separated by starters, entrees, and beyond can help even the pickiest of people find a carb friendly option to enjoy.
If one of the following 29 keto recommendations don’t hit the spot, keep reading to find hacks to help morph other Pei Wei menu items into a keto friendly meal.
Pei Wei Shareables That Are Keto Compliant (Appetizers & Sides)
Just because a menu item is labeled as an appetizer or a side doesn’t mean it can’t be satiating as a meal; so don’t rule out these tasty options based solely on the label.
1. Mongolian Green Beans – 33 Net Carbs
Green beans are an excellent source of fiber and are typically low in carbs. Keep an eye out, though, because Pei Wei stir fries their green beans in a decadent sauce which increases the carb count significantly over fresh green beans.
- Calories – 430
- Fat – 25
- Carbs – 39
- Fiber – 6
- Protein – 4
2. Thai Wonton Soup – 29 Net Carbs
If you’re craving a comforting bowl of soup, this low carb Thai food includes hearty wontons to enhance its richness, though they do contribute to the carb content.
- Calories – 230
- Fat – 11
- Carbs – 29
- Fiber – 0
- Protein – 5
3. Chicken Egg Roll – 24 Net Carbs
An eggroll is a classic accompaniment to a Chinese food meal. Filled with mushrooms, cabbage, scallions, carrots, and chicken and deep fried in an egg roll shell, these are served with sweet chili sauce, but take note before dipping because it adds a hefty amount of carbs.
- Calories – 200
- Fat – 6
- Carbs – 24
- Fiber – 0
- Protein – 10
4. Yum Yum Shrimp – 21 Net Carbs
Seafood enthusiasts curious about shrimp’s impact on weight loss in the context of the keto diet will appreciate this dish. It features shrimp coated in Yum Yum sauce, served on a bed of lettuce, and boasts one of the lowest carb counts among Pei Wei’s keto offerings.
- Calories – 450
- Fat – 32
- Carbs – 27
- Fiber – 6
- Protein – 13
5. Edamame – 20 Net Carbs
A popular snack in Asian cultures, steamed edamame is a significant source of protein, but almost matches carbs gram for gram, so be careful not to mindlessly snack on these yummy pods.
- Calories – 250
- Fat – 11
- Carbs – 20
- Fiber – 0
- Protein – 23
6. Pork Egg Roll – 19 Net Carbs
Pork, cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and scallions fill this version of the crispy Pei Wei egg roll. Like the previous egg rolls, remember that the sweet chili sauce is not included in these nutrition facts.
- Calories – 190
- Fat – 8
- Carbs – 19
- Fiber – 0
- Protein – 6
7. Vegetable Spring Roll – 16 Net Carbs
Whether a snack is in order or as an addition to a meal, a vegetable spring roll can get in some nutrients in the form of vegetables and has a relatively lower carbohydrate and calorie count.
- Calories – 110
- Fat – 5
- Carbs – 16
- Fiber – 0
- Protein – 3
8. Mixed Salad Greens – 14 Net Carbs
Pei Wei adds dressing to their mixed salad greens, so they have several carbs even though they seem like a good option. To make this 0 carbs, make sure to ask for the mixed salad greens with no dressing.
- Calories – 140
- Fat – 7
- Carbs – 18
- Fiber – 4
- Protein – 3
9. Crab Wonton – 12 Net Carbs
A favorite of many diners when it comes to Chinese food, the carb count in Pei Wei’s crab wonton isn’t massive and may easily be able to be worked into a meal, assuming it’s been planned for.
- Calories – 120
- Fat – 6
- Carbs – 12
- Fiber – 0
- Protein – 2
10. Chicken Dumpling – 4 Net Carbs
The chicken dumplings may be steamed, but the filling is similar to the chicken egg roll, and boasts a significantly lower carb count, so it could be a good alternative to one of the carb heavy snacks.
- Calories – 30
- Fat – 1
- Carbs – 4
- Fiber – 0
- Protein – 1
11. Lettuce Cups – 4 Net Carbs
Instead of carb loaded rice to accompany an entrée, it may be smart to replace it with lettuce cups that total 4 net carbs and can give your meal a bit of a crunch.
- Calories – 30
- Fat – 0
- Carbs – 6
- Fiber – 2
- Protein – 2
Lower Carb Entrees at Pei Wei (Main Pei Wei Keto Menu)
Entrees at Pei Wei are prepared in various sauces, as is similar with a majority of fast Asian food. These sauces hold a majority of the carbs in each of the meals below due to added sugars and starches.
It should be noted that the nutrition facts listed below do not include a side of rice and they are for the entrée alone.
12. Beef & Broccoli – 46 Net Carbs
When aiming to incorporate broccoli for weight loss on keto, consider the generous portion in broccoli beef, which provides ample protein and is cooked in a soy sauce base for added flavor and nutrition.
- Calories – 730
- Fat – 38
- Carbs – 50
- Fiber – 4
- Protein – 44
13. Mongolian Steak – 45 Net Carbs
For those who aren’t keen on broccoli, the Mongolian Steak uses green onions and mushrooms to add a zesty flavor to the soy sauce base.
- Calories – 710
- Fat – 38
- Carbs – 45
- Fiber – 0
- Protein – 42
14. Chicken & Broccoli – 43 Net Carbs
If beef doesn’t sound like it will hit the spot, the chicken version is sautéed in the same sweetened soy sauce and served with broccoli and still packs a good punch of protein and a few less carbs.
- Calories – 630
- Fat – 31
- Carbs – 47
- Fiber – 4
- Protein – 38
15. Mongolian Chicken – 43 Net Carbs
Swapping chicken with beef in this Mongolian style entrée will slightly reduce carbs and fat, but this dish won’t be short on flavor.
- Calories – 610
- Fat – 30
- Carbs – 43
- Fiber – 0
- Protein – 36
16. Thai Coconut Curry Chicken – 39 Net Carbs
This slightly spicy combination of steamed chicken, onions, red bell peppers, and broccoli is served in a Thai creamy coconut sauce and can appease those with a curry craving.
- Calories – 770
- Fat – 48
- Carbs – 45
- Fiber – 6
- Protein – 40
17. Spicy Korean BBQ Steak – 36 Net Carbs
If Korean food sounds appealing, this steak entrée is prepared in a spicy Korean sauce and stir fried with onions, garlic, scallions, and red bell pepper.
- Calories – 700
- Fat – 42
- Carbs – 38
- Fiber – 2
- Protein – 42
Pei Wei Keto Approved Salad Bowls
A Pei Wei keto option to consider is a salad because it is easy to customize and adjust based on taste and caloric needs. A salad also ensures that the consumer is getting vitamins and minerals from the added vegetables.
18. Asian Chopped Chicken Salad – 30 Net Carbs
A salad is typically a safe choice for those on keto; however, it is important to pay attention to carb count because they can be hidden in the dressing. The Pei Wei chopped salad has grilled chicken, mixed greens, veggies, wonton strips, and sesame ginger dressing.
While sesame oil is keto-friendly, be cautious of added sugars. To knock the carbs down, pass on the wonton strips and dressing or simply ask for the dressing on the side to reduce the amount used.
- Calories – 400
- Fat – 16
- Carbs – 34
- Fiber – 4
- Protein – 32
Kid’s Wei Meals
A smaller portion of popular entrees, it is vital to remember the nutrition facts do not include the added side of rice. Just because these are labeled for kids, doesn’t make them off limits to all customers.
19. Kid’s Honey Seared Chicken – 49 Net Carbs
The honey seared chicken is battered and deep fried and coated in a sweet honey glaze. The tempura batter as well as the honey can boost the glycemic index of this meal and, even though it is under 50 net carbs, could still boost blood sugar and affect ketosis.
- Calories – 460
- Fat – 19
- Carbs – 49
- Fiber – 0
- Protein – 18
Desserts at Pei Wei
As surprising as it may sound, Pei Wei does have a couple of dessert options that narrowly fit in the window of carbs allowed in keto.
20. Thai Donuts – 42 Net Carbs
This sugar coated dessert will cost as many carbs as a meal, so before caving into this craving, pay close attention to the nutrition facts.
- Calories – 280
- Fat – 10
- Carbs – 43
- Fiber – 1
- Protein – 9
21. Fortune Cookie – 7 Net Carbs
Whether looking to see into the future or just have a bit of a sweet finish at the end of a meal, a fortune cookie is a lower carb way to satiate that sweet tooth.
- Calories – 30
- Fat – 0
- Carbs – 7
- Fiber – 0
- Protein – 0
Pei Wei Sauces
Sauces are notorious for housing carbs and calories; luckily, Pei Wei offers several that have no carbs and go great with a meal.
22. Sweet Chili Sauce – 9 Net Carbs
Unlike the condiments listed below, the sweet chili sauce has a significant amount of sugar for a small amount which boosts its carb count. Be careful before adding it to a meal or there could be unintended consequences.
- Calories – 40
- Fat – 0
- Carbs – 9
- Fiber – 0
- Protein – 0
23. Chili Paste – 0 Net Carbs
For those looking to spice up their meal and curious about the benefits of hot sauce for weight loss, consider this 0-carb chili paste. It packs a bit of a punch and adds some great taste at the same time.
- Calories – 5
- Fat – 0
- Carbs – 0
- Fiber – 0
- Protein – 0
24. Hot Mustard – 0 Net Carbs
Hot mustard is a traditional addition to Chinese takeout, so if it’s been a long time favorite, consumers should be glad to know that it is 0 net carbs.
- Calories – 22
- Fat – 0
- Carbs – 0
- Fiber – 0
- Protein – 0
25. Soy Sauce – 0 Net Carbs
A staple in Asian cooking, soy sauce is in nearly every dish to give it that rich and savory flavor. Thankfully, it is not one of the ingredients adding to the carb count.
- Calories – 5
- Fat – 0
- Carbs – 0
- Fiber – 0
- Protein – Less than 1 gram
Beverage Choices at Pei Wei
An array of beverages are offered self serve style at Pei Wei; just make sure before filling a glass that it isn’t filled with empty calories and carbs.
26. Apple Juice – 9 Net Carbs
Served with the kids meal, apple juice is within daily carb limits, but lacks fiber or fat, so carbs and calories may be spared with a zero calorie drink.
- Calories – 40
- Fat – 0
- Carbs – 9
- Fiber – 0
- Protein – 0
27. Diet Coke – 0 Net Carbs
A traditional accompaniment for many diners watching their calories or carbs, Diet Coke is a great way to partake in a soda without spending valuable macros on a beverage.
- Calories – 0
- Fat – 0
- Carbs – 0
- Fiber – 0
- Protein – 0
28. Mandarin Orange Tea – 0 Net Carbs
Pei Wei features their brewed Mandarin Orange Tea which is unsweetened and, because of that fact, also 0 carbs. If sweet tea is preferred, adding 0 calorie sweetener will add no additional calories or carbs.
- Calories – 0
- Fat – 0
- Carbs – 0
- Fiber – 0
- Protein – 0
29. Water – 0 Net Carbs
A healthy and classic choice, water is the perfect pairing for Asian food because it is typically very high in sodium. So, stay hydrated without adding any carbs during a meal.
- Calories – 0
- Fat – 0
- Carbs – 0
- Fiber – 0
- Protein – 0
How To Order Low Carb at Pei Wei
The above keto options at Pei Wei are a good place to start, but a majority of them still have a hefty amount of carbs and could, especially in combination with the day’s other food choices, push dieters over their macro goals. Below are some additional tips and tricks to help diners reach their food goals while enjoying a tasty meal at Pei Wei.
Choose a Half Portion
Like many restaurants, Pei Wei has large portion sizes that exceed what most people actually need in a single sitting.3 Instead of chowing down on the entire plate of food, ask for a to-go box and save half or consider splitting the entrée with a friend or family member.
The 29 keto-friendly options above will be just half the carbs shown, while the following chart shows additional entrees on the menu that could fit into a keto meal if the portion is halved.
Pei Wei 1/2 Entrée Net Carbs
Menu Item | Net Carbs |
Thai Dynamite Tofu | 29 |
Thai Basil Cashew Chicken | 30 |
Kung Pao Chicken | 32 |
Signature Chicken Lettuce Wraps | 33 |
Thai Coconut Tofu | 34 |
Kung Pao Shrimp | 37 |
Orange Chicken | 40 |
Honey-Seared Chicken | 40 |
Pei Wei Original Shrimp | 43 |
Firecracker Tofu | 43 |
Grilled Bourbon Chicken | 45 |
Honey-Seared Tofu | 45 |
Spicy General Tso’s Tofu | 45 |
Teriyaki Tofu | 46 |
Firecracker Chicken | 48 |
Spicy General Tso’s Chicken | 49 |
Avoid Rice
Briefly mentioned above, avoiding rice at Pei Wei is essential to making a low carb meal. Entrée nutrition facts do not include rice, so if rice is eaten with a meal, it will add between 73 and 102 carbs to the total.
Asking for mixed greens (without dressing) or lettuce cups as a side is a sure fire way to keep macros in check.
Steer Clear of Deep Fried Food
While most entrees are pan fried or sautéed, several are battered and then deep fried which will add on a significant amount of carbs. Even when these meals are halved, they still range between 40 and 50 net carbs, so choosing the non-deep fried option is a better choice.
Don’t Be Scared To Customize
Pei Wei doesn’t list the nutrition facts for entrees without sauces, but without those sauces, we know that sautéed chicken or beef with vegetables is relatively low in carbs. When ordering, build your own low carb meal by asking not to add in the sauce when cooking and serve it on the side to limit carb intake while still enjoying the taste of the dish.
Keep in Control
Going out to eat when ravenous can be dangerous due to not having self control to make good choices.5 Skipping a meal on the day of dining out to reduce carb or calorie intake may seem tempting, but it could lead to overeating and consuming more carbs. Unless you have an emotional eating coach on hand, it’s best to approach dining out with balanced preparation.
Make nutritious choices for other meals during the day, maybe eat a light snack before dining, and have a plan for ordering beforehand to be set up for success.
Does Pei Wei Offer an Allergen Menu or Gluten-Free Options? (Plus Additional Pei Wei Nutrition Data)
Pei Wei does have gluten free options, which are listed below, but does not list other allergen information. The calories listed are the same as the standard menu version.
For those with a gluten allergy, when ordering, ensure it is clear that the gluten free option is desired as well as the importance of cooking it away from foods that contain gluten to prevent cross-contamination.6
- Edamame
- Asian Chopped Chicken Salad
- Grilled Bourbon Chicken
- Beef and Broccoli
- Chicken and Broccoli
- Chicken Fried Rice
- Kung Pao Shrimp
- Kung Pao Chicken
- Mongolian Steak
- Mongolian Chicken
- Pei Wei Original Shrimp
Keto Restaurant Alternatives to Pei Wei
If Asian food is on the menu but finding the right meal at Pei Wei is posing difficulty, it may be worth heading to a different restaurant to satiate the craving. Thankfully, nutritional data is listed for most dining establishments and many can be located online, including the suggestions below, so pinpointing low carb items is a breeze.
Panda Express: Panda Express is a fast-casual Asian cuisine restaurant that allows diners to point and choose entrees and sides. According to their easily accessible online nutrition information, every entree is under 50 net carbs, with a large number under 15 net carbs.
P.F. Chang’s: P.F. Chang’s was the original parent company of Pei Wei, but separated in 2017. While not a fast casual restaurant, P.F. Chang’s has locations worldwide and serves a large variety of Asian food.
The menu consists of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, and desserts and many options are keto compatible with many entrees coming in under 20 net carbs.
Anyone embracing a low carb lifestyle should pay attention to both diet plan meal nutrition and restaurant nutrient profiles. By utilizing the information provided, crafting a Pei Wei keto meal that aligns with your daily carb intake becomes simple.
References
1Harvard Health Publishing | Harvard Medical School. (2020, August 31). Should you try the keto diet? Harvard Health. Retrieved February 6, 2023, from <https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/should-you-try-the-keto-diet>
2Alexandra Tran. “brown bread on white ceramic plate photo – Free Food Image on Unsplash.” Unsplash, 27 November 2020. Accessed 9 April 2023. <https://unsplash.com/photos/UkudQyyeovs>
3Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). How to Avoid Portion Size Pitfalls to Help Manage Your Weight | Healthy Weight, Nutrition, and Physical Activity | CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 8, 2023, from <https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/portion_size.html>
4Pawel Czerwinski. “six round white ceramic bowls photo – Free Hard light Image on Unsplash.” Unsplash, 13 June 2021. Accessed 9 April 2023. <https://unsplash.com/photos/ow4r47WAkm0>
5University Health Services | Berkeley. (n.d.). The Hunger-Satiety Scale. The Hunger-Satiety Scale. Retrieved February 8, 2023, from <https://uhs.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/wellness-hungersatietyscale.pdf>
6Wieser, H., Segura, V., Ruiz-Carnicer, A., Sousa, C., & Comino, I. (2021, June 29). Food Safety and Cross-Contamination of Gluten-Free Products: A Narrative Review. NCBI. Retrieved February 8, 2023, from <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8308338/>