The most challenging aspect of starting any new diet or eating regimen is discovering meals that not only align with your nutritional goals but also tantalize your taste buds. Embarking on the keto diet, whether for weight loss, blood sugar management, or appetite regulation, presents the daunting task of uncovering delectable low-carb, keto-friendly options that you genuinely enjoy. But fear not, as we've curated a collection of mouthwatering keto dinner recipes guaranteed to pique your palate.
What Defines a Keto-Friendly Recipe
While specifics may vary based on individual health considerations discussed with your healthcare provider or nutritionist, keto recipes universally adhere to being low in carbohydrates and high in fat. As a general guideline, a ketogenic diet typically comprises around 55-60% fat, 30-35% protein, and 5-10% carbohydrates. For instance, if your daily caloric intake is approximately 2,000 calories, you'd aim to restrict your carb consumption to roughly 20-50 grams per day.
Considering this, you'll seek out dishes that boast high fat content, a moderate level of protein, and minimal carbohydrates. Naturally, the degree to which you adhere to these proportions hinges on your personal objectives. However, staying mindful of these ratios can aid you in selecting fresh keto recipes to experiment with.
Continue reading to discover 25 enticing new keto dinner recipes that we adore, spanning soups, casseroles, poultry, beef, seafood, and beyond.
1) Keto Zucchini Noodles With Bacon Vinaigrette
NUTRITION (PER SERVING):
CALORIES: 296
FAT: 22 g (Saturated Fat: 8 g)
SODIUM: 637 mg
CARBS: 9 g (Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 5 g)
PROTEIN: 16 g
While zucchini noodles align perfectly with keto guidelines, they may lack excitement without a flavorful sauce. Fortunately, this bacon vinaigrette comes to the rescue, featuring bacon, mustard, red wine vinegar, and fragrant herbs for a tantalizing twist.
2) Keto Creamy Ham and Broccoli Soup
NUTRITION (PER SERVING):
CALORIES: 530
FAT: 46 g (Saturated Fat: 28 g)
SODIUM: 1,524 mg
FIBER: 2 g
SUGAR: 4 g
PROTEIN: 22 g
Ham, broccoli, and cheddar cheese in a bowl of soup? Count us in! With 46 grams of fat, 22 grams of protein, and just 2 grams of sugar, this soup not only offers comforting indulgence but also seamlessly integrates into a keto meal plan.
3) Bloody Mary Skirt Steak
NUTRITION (PER SERVING):
CALORIES: 270
FAT: 11 g (Saturated Fat: 4.5 g)
SODIUM: 450 mg
Resembling a festive tomato cocktail but in steak format, this Bloody Mary Skirt Steak bursts with flavor and suits even novice chefs' grilling skills. Its marinade, comprising spicy tomato juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco, infuses robust taste, while the skirt steak provides fat and protein without adding any carbohydrates to your keto regimen.
4) Prime Rib with Italian Herb Sauce
NUTRITION (PER SERVING):
CALORIES: 450
FAT: 29 g (Saturated Fat: 10 g)
SODIUM: 670 mg
While prime rib often takes center stage during holiday gatherings, its rich flavors make it a delightful option year-round. Seasoned with aromatic rosemary and garlic and accompanied by a vibrant herb sauce featuring parsley, mint, mustard, capers, anchovies, lemon, olive oil, and red wine vinegar, this dish is a symphony of taste. Its high fat content, at 29 grams, and minimal carbohydrates make it an excellent choice for a keto main course.
5) Pesto Chicken With Mozzarella
NUTRITION (PER SERVING):
CALORIES: 834
FAT: 56 g (Saturated Fat: 26 g)
SODIUM: 1,235 mg
FIBER: 9 g
SUGAR: 8 g
PROTEIN: 66 g
Finding a pesto dish lacking in flavor is nearly impossible. This Pesto Mozzarella Chicken upholds that tradition, boasting rich flavors. With 56 grams of fat and just 8 grams of sugar, it perfectly aligns with the keto diet.
6) Scallops with Chimichurri
NUTRITION (PER SERVING):
CALORIES: 200
FAT: 11 g (Saturated Fat: 1.5 g)
SODIUM: 480 mg
Try our recipe for Scallops with Chimichurri.
These delectable scallops elevate any dinner occasion. Ideal companions for zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or your preferred vegetables, they contribute to a satisfying and well-rounded keto meal. The chimichurri, crafted from fresh parsley, garlic, pepper, and red wine vinegar, infuses the scallops with irresistible flavor.
7) Chicken Scaloppine
NUTRITION (PER SERVING):
CALORIES: 280
FAT: 11 g (Saturated Fat: 3.5 g)
SODIUM: 460 mg
Indulge in Chicken Scaloppine—a savory delight featuring chicken wrapped in prosciutto and cooked in a quick, two-minute sauce. This recipe is a dream for those following the Keto diet, offering a low-carb option packed with flavor. With its swift preparation, it's perfect for individuals with busy schedules who still prioritize homemade meals.
8) Buffalo Wings
NUTRITION (PER SERVING):
CALORIES: 310
FAT: 21 g (Saturated Fat: 6 g)
SODIUM: 680 mg
Surprisingly, buffalo wings can constitute a healthy meal when prepared correctly. This recipe opts for baking the wings instead of deep-frying them, significantly reducing calorie intake by avoiding frying oil. Despite the chicken, this meal still provides around 21 grams of fat and very few carbs, making it an excellent fit for a keto diet plan.
9) Sweet And Spicy Beef
NUTRITION (PER SERVING):
CALORIES: 300
FAT: 13 g (Saturated Fat: 5 g)
SODIUM: 570 mg
Navigating takeout options can be challenging on a more restrictive diet like keto, but fear not—this Sweet and Spicy Beef recipe offers the comfort of your favorite takeout without compromising your dietary goals. Simply swap out the white rice for cauliflower rice, or enjoy it as is. For those aiming for even fewer carbohydrates, omitting the sugary hoisin sauce is an easy adjustment.
10) Grilled Flank Steak With Vegetables and Spicy Aioli
NUTRITION (PER SERVING):
CALORIES: 572
FAT: 38 g (Saturated Fat: 8 g)
SODIUM: 992 mg
CARBS: 16 g (Fiber: 6 g, Sugar: 6 g)
PROTEIN: 43 g
Flank steak boasts a delectable flavor profile and offers ample fat and protein, making it an ideal choice for keto enthusiasts. When the weather permits outdoor grilling, this straightforward grilling technique provides an opportunity to impress your loved ones with a delicious meal.
11) Spanish Beef Stew With Olives
NUTRITION (PER SERVING):
CALORIES: 328
FAT: 21 g (Saturated Fat: 4 g)
SODIUM: 965 mg
CARBS: 9 g (Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 3 g)
PROTEIN: 27 g
This stew features a rich blend of parsley, thyme, bell pepper, dry red wine, cayenne, olives, and Spanish smoked paprika, ensuring a burst of flavor with every spoonful. To maintain its keto-friendly status, opt for dry wines such as cabernet sauvignon, which typically contain less sugar.
12) Slow-Cooker BBQ-Flavored Pork With Creamy Slaw
NUTRITION (PER SERVING):
CALORIES: 385
FAT: 22 g (Saturated Fat: 17 g)
SODIUM: 604 mg
CARBS: 6 g (Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 2 g)
PROTEIN: 40 g
While many barbecue dishes are laden with sugar-laden sauces (fortunately, healthier, low-sugar barbecue sauces are available), this BBQ-flavored Pork stands out with just 2 grams of sugar per serving. Slow-cooked to perfection, the meat retains its moisture and texture, complemented by a keto-friendly slaw featuring cream, mayo, lemon juice, vinegar, jalapeño, and shredded cabbage.
13) Butter-Baked Salmon and Asparagus
NUTRITION (PER SERVING):
CALORIES: 586
FAT: 52 g (Saturated Fat: 16 g)
SODIUM: 721 mg
FIBER: 3 g
SUGAR: 3 g
PROTEIN: 26 g
Cooking salmon with butter not only enhances its texture and flavor, but it also boosts your fat intake, aiding in achieving your keto objectives.
14) Lamb Chops and Cauliflower Mash
NUTRITION (PER SERVING):
CALORIES: 740
FAT: 54 g (Saturated Fat: 26 g)
SODIUM: 1,617 mg
CARBS: 11 g (Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 3 g)
PROTEIN: 52 g
Lamb often flies under the radar, and its distinctive flavor isn't for everyone. However, if you relish lamb chops, this recipe, paired with cauliflower mash, delivers the comforting essence of a meat and mashed potato dish while keeping carb intake in check.
15) Thai Scallop Curry With Zucchini Noodles
NUTRITION (PER SERVING):
CALORIES: 463
FAT: 31 g (Saturated Fat: 27 g)
SODIUM: 1,367 mg
CARBS: 23 g (Fiber: 4 g, Sugar: 12 g)
PROTEIN: 19 g
Scallops excel at absorbing seasonings and marinades, making them incredibly versatile. These Thai Curry Scallops, infused with curry powder, ginger, fire-roasted tomatoes, and coconut milk, showcase the immense flavor potential of scallop dishes.
16) Paprika Roast Chicken With Savory Green Beans
NUTRITION (PER SERVING):
CALORIES: 752
FAT: 54 g (Saturated Fat: 16 g)
SODIUM: 780 mg
CARBS: 10 g (Fiber: 4 g, Sugar: 4 g)
PROTEIN: 56 g
With a substantial 54 grams of fat and just 10 grams of carbs, this roast chicken dish is a clear winner for a keto dinner option. Plus, the indulgence of butter-cooked green beans wrapped in bacon adds an extra layer of delight.
17) Sheet-Pan Italian Pork Chops
NUTRITION (PER SERVING):
CALORIES: 702
FAT: 52 g (Saturated Fat: 9 g)
SODIUM: 832 mg
CARBS: 16 g (Fiber: 6 g, Sugar: 4 g)
PROTEIN: 47 g
Ideal for those hectic weeknights when time and energy are in short supply, these Sheet-Pan Pork Chops offer a convenient meal solution. Providing 52 grams of fat, 47 grams of protein, and just 16 grams of total carbs, this keto-friendly dish can be prepared in advance and reheated throughout the week for additional convenient meals.
18) Tandoori Chicken Legs and Roasted Cauliflower
NUTRITION (PER SERVING):
CALORIES: 984
FAT: 73 g (Saturated Fat: 27 g)
SODIUM: 1,101 mg
CARBS: 22 g (Fiber: 6 g, Sugar: 7 g)
PROTEIN: 22 g
This chicken dish boasts a medley of enticing flavors, including lemon, ginger, garlic, chili, basil, and garam masala. Pairing it with cauliflower offers a delicious, low-carb side option, allowing you to maintain a lower overall carbohydrate intake.
19) Seared Ginger-Cumin Swordfish With Blueberry-Avocado Salsa
NUTRITION (PER SERVING):
CALORIES: 392
FAT: 23 g (Saturated Fat: 4 g)
SODIUM: 536 mg
FIBER: 6 g
SUGAR: 3 g
PROTEIN: 35 g
While salmon and tuna often steal the show, don't underestimate swordfish! Packed with healthy fats and simple to cook, pairing it with this Blueberry-Avocado Salsa creates a memorable dish you won't soon forget.
20) Instant Pot Keto Cheeseburger Soup
Nutrition information is not provided.
Cheeseburgers, sans the bun, are often relished on a keto diet. But what if you're seeking a variation? Enter Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup. This delightful creation features all the beloved burger ingredients—ground beef, onions, bacon crumbles, and cheddar cheese—but takes it up a notch with the addition of heavy cream and sour cream, transforming it into a luxurious, keto-friendly soup.
21) Keto Instant Pot Chili
Nutrition information is not provided.
Traditional chili recipes often feature various types of beans, which, although nutritious and fiber-rich, aren't particularly suitable for a keto diet due to their high carb content. For individuals seeking the comforting warmth of chili that aligns with their low-carb lifestyle, this recipe offers the perfect solution.
22) Cheesy Keto Pizza Cups
Nutrition information is not provided.
Embarking on the keto diet doesn't mean bidding farewell to pizza; it simply calls for a bit of creativity. These Keto Pizza Cups, crafted from cheese, mini pepperoni, cream cheese, pizza sauce, and an almond flour/coconut flour crust, offer a satisfying solution to your cravings while keeping you aligned with your nutrition goals.
23) Crunchy Popcorn Chicken with Spicy Chipotle Aioli
Nutrition information is not provided.
When the term "popcorn chicken" comes to mind, it often evokes images of nuggets coated in a white flour batter, a no-go for most keto plans. However, fret not, as this popcorn chicken recipe utilizes almond flour and spelt flakes to produce a crunchy, lower-carb coating. With the addition of homemade chipotle aioli, you'll find it hard to resist snacking on this delectable chicken.
24) Cheeseburger Casserole
Nutrition information is not provided.
We love an easy casserole you can make and enjoy throughout the week, and when it's both delicious and keto-friendly, that's a win all around! The ground beef, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese will up the fat content while keeping the total carbs low, and it still gives you room to add in some cauliflower rice if you'd like.
25) Hasselback Kielbasa with Three Dipping Sauces
Nutrition information is not available.
The classic Hasselback Kielbasa recipe from The New York Times typically involves cooking the sausage on a sheet pan, but our version introduces a twist. With just a cast iron skillet and a generous amount of butter, you can achieve perfectly cooked kielbasa. Offering 15 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, and 2 grams of carbohydrates per serving, kielbasa sausage emerges as an excellent choice for a keto-friendly meal.