If you’re looking for a low-carb, tangy, and flavorful dish that satisfies those sweet-and-sour cravings, Keto Sweet and Sour Turnips are a game-changer! These turnips are roasted to perfection and coated in a zesty sweet and sour sauce that’s completely keto-friendly. It’s an unexpected yet delightful way to enjoy turnips, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked. The slightly earthy flavor of turnips, combined with a tangy sauce, creates the perfect balance, and the best part? It’s quick and easy to prepare!
This recipe is ideal for anyone following a ketogenic diet but still craving something delicious and exciting. The turnips take on a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the sweet and sour sauce adds a burst of flavor that elevates the dish from simple to spectacular.
Why You’ll Love Keto Sweet and Sour Turnips
Keto-Friendly: Perfect for anyone following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, this recipe keeps carbs in check while delivering tons of flavor.
Unique & Flavorful: Turnips aren’t your typical vegetable, but when roasted and coated in the tangy sauce, they become the star of the show. It’s a wonderful way to switch up your veggie routine!
Quick & Easy: This dish is as simple as it gets—just roast the turnips, whip up the sauce, and toss them together. It’s great for busy weeknights or when you want to impress at dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Versatile: You can serve these as a side dish with steak, chicken, or fish, or enjoy them on their own for a lighter meal. The sweet and sour flavor profile is the perfect accompaniment to so many main dishes.
Healthy: Turnips are packed with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. They’re also low in calories and carbohydrates, making them a fantastic vegetable for anyone on a low-carb diet.

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Ingredients in Keto Sweet and Sour Turnips
Let’s break down what you’ll need for this flavorful dish:
- Turnips: The base of the recipe, turnips are a perfect low-carb alternative to potatoes.
- Olive Oil: Used for roasting, it adds richness and helps the turnips crisp up nicely.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds that sharp tanginess to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
- Erythritol: A keto-friendly sweetener that gives the sauce its sweetness without the carbs.
- Soy Sauce (or Tamari for gluten-free): Adds depth of flavor and a savory umami kick.
- Garlic Powder: For that delicious, savory flavor that complements the sweet and sour sauce.
- Ginger: A dash of ginger brings a warm, aromatic touch to the dish.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For just the right amount of heat. Adjust based on your spice preference.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste, enhancing the overall flavor of the turnips and sauce.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
1. Roast the Turnips
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel the turnips and cut them into bite-sized cubes. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast the turnips in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and tender.
2. Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
While the turnips are roasting, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the apple cider vinegar, erythritol, soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
3. Toss and Serve
Once the turnips are done roasting, remove them from the oven and toss them in the sweet and sour sauce until they’re well coated. Serve them warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 120
Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 480mg
Total Carbohydrates: 10g - Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
Protein: 1g
Vitamin A: 2%
Vitamin C: 25%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 4%
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Keto Sweet and Sour Turnips
- As a Side Dish: These turnips make an excellent side for grilled meats like steak, chicken, or pork chops.
- With a Salad: Pair them with a fresh green salad for a light but satisfying meal.
- As a Snack: Enjoy them as a healthy, savory snack when you’re craving something crunchy and flavorful.
- With Cauliflower Rice: Serve the sweet and sour turnips with cauliflower rice for a delicious, low-carb meal.
Additional Tips
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop to warm them back up.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can increase the amount of erythritol. Just taste as you go and adjust to your liking.
Make it Spicy: For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Substitute for Turnips: If you can’t find turnips or prefer a different veggie, you can substitute with rutabaga or even radishes for a similar texture.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can prepare the roasted turnips and the sauce separately, then combine them when you’re ready to serve. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready.
Q2: Can I use another sweetener instead of erythritol?
A2: Yes! You can use other keto-friendly sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, or swerve. Just be sure to adjust the quantity to your taste.
Q3: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the sweet and sour turnips for up to 1 month. Reheat them in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.
Q4: Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
A4: Absolutely! Fresh ginger will give the dish a more vibrant flavor. Just use a small amount, finely grated, to replace the ground ginger.
Q5: What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
A5: If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can use regular vinegar or rice vinegar. The flavor may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Q6: How do I know when the turnips are done roasting?
A6: The turnips should be golden brown and fork-tender when done. If they’re still firm, give them a few more minutes in the oven.
Q7: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A7: Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan! Just make sure to use a plant-based sweetener and ensure your soy sauce is vegan-friendly.
Q8: How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
A8: You can easily add other low-carb vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini, or bell peppers to the roasting pan along with the turnips for added flavor and texture.
Q9: Can I make this recipe spicy?
A9: Absolutely! Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some hot sauce to the sweet and sour sauce to give it more heat.
Q10: Is this dish suitable for the Whole30 diet?
A10: Unfortunately, the sweetener used in this recipe (erythritol) is not allowed on the Whole30 diet. You could make a Whole30 version by substituting honey or another compliant sweetener, but keep in mind it will change the flavor profile.
Conclusion
Keto Sweet and Sour Turnips are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional sweet-and-sour dishes. They’re full of flavor, easy to make, and a great addition to your low-carb meals. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, a snack, or pairing them with your favorite protein, this dish is sure to impress. Try it today, and enjoy the tangy-sweet goodness of these crispy turnips!
Print
Keto Sweet and Sour Turnips
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
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Keto Sweet and Sour Turnips offer a flavorful twist on a classic side dish. With a tangy, sweet glaze, these turnips are the perfect keto-friendly alternative to traditional potatoes. Light, satisfying, and full of flavor, they make an excellent accompaniment to any low-carb meal.
Ingredients
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4 medium turnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
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1 tablespoon erythritol (or your preferred keto-friendly sweetener)
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Prepare the turnips:
Peel and cut the turnips into 1-inch cubes. Set them aside. -
Cook the turnips:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the turnips and cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and lightly golden brown on the edges. -
Make the sweet and sour glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, erythritol, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sweetener dissolves completely and the ingredients are well combined. -
Coat the turnips:
Pour the sweet and sour glaze over the cooked turnips and stir to coat. Continue cooking for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken slightly and coat the turnips. -
Serve:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately. These sweet and sour turnips make a perfect side dish for your keto meals!
Notes
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Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of hot sauce to give the dish a little heat.
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Alternative sweeteners: If you prefer a different keto sweetener, you can substitute erythritol with monk fruit sweetener or stevia.
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Turnip alternatives: If you don’t have turnips, you can substitute with rutabaga for a similar taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Keto, Low-Carb
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0g