An unprecedented Ru-catalyzed directasymmetric reductive amination of α-keto amides with ammonium salts has been achieved. This protocol provides an efficient and practical way for the synthesis of diverse enantioenriched α-aryl- or alkyl-substituted N-unprotected unnatural α-amino acids and N-unprotected β-branched α-amino acids. Further follow-up transformations enable access to drug intermediates