Are you looking for some delicious and healthy low carb recipes for dinner? If you are, then you are in the right place. In this article, I will share with you 10 low carb recipes that are easy to make, satisfying, and good for your health.
Whether you are following a keto, paleo, or low carb diet, or you just want to reduce your sugar intake, these recipes will help you enjoy your dinner without feeling guilty or deprived.
Why Low Carb Recipes?
Low carb recipes are dishes that contain less carbohydrates than the typical Western diet. Carbohydrates are one of the three macronutrients that provide energy to our body, along with protein and fat. However, not all carbohydrates are created equal. Some carbohydrates, such as refined sugar, white bread, pasta, and rice, are quickly digested and absorbed by our body, causing a spike in blood sugar and insulin levels. This can lead to weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems.
On the other hand, some carbohydrates, such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. These carbohydrates are slowly digested and absorbed by our body, providing a steady source of energy and keeping us full for longer. They also have many health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol, blood pressure, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
Therefore, low carb recipes aim to reduce the intake of refined and processed carbohydrates and increase the intake of natural and wholesome carbohydrates. They also tend to include more protein and healthy fat sources, such as meat, fish, eggs, cheese, butter, olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado. These macronutrients help to build and repair our muscles, organs, skin, hair, nails, hormones, and enzymes. They also support our immune system, brain function, mood, and appetite regulation.
By following low carb recipes for dinner, you can enjoy many benefits such as:
- Losing weight and maintaining a healthy body composition
- Improving your blood sugar and insulin levels
- Reducing your risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome
- Lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Enhancing your cognitive performance and mental clarity
- Boosting your energy and mood
- Preventing or managing various chronic diseases
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How to Make Low Carb Recipes for Dinner
Making low carb recipes for dinner is not difficult or complicated. You just need to follow some simple guidelines and tips:
- Choose lean cuts of meat or poultry or fatty fish as your main protein source. Avoid processed meats such as bacon, ham, sausage, hot dogs, etc., as they contain added sugar, salt, nitrates, and other preservatives that can harm your health.
- Use healthy oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, butter, or ghee for cooking or dressing. Avoid vegetable oils such as corn oil, soybean oil, canola oil, etc., as they are high in omega-6 fatty acids that can cause inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Add plenty of non-starchy vegetables to your plate. They are low in carbs but high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. They also add color, texture, and flavor to your dish. Some examples of non-starchy vegetables are broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, spinach, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, zucchini, eggplant, mushroom, pepper, onion, garlic, etc.
- Limit your intake of starchy vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, peas, carrots, beets, etc., as they are higher in carbs than non-starchy vegetables. If you do eat them, choose smaller portions and eat them with protein and fat to slow down their digestion and absorption.
- Replace grains such as rice, pasta, bread, cereal, etc., with low carb alternatives such as cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, almond flour bread, coconut flour pancakes, etc. You can also use nuts, seeds, or cheese as a crunchy topping or a binder for your dish.
- Avoid added sugar and artificial sweeteners in your food and drinks. They can spike your blood sugar and insulin levels and trigger cravings and overeating. They can also disrupt your gut microbiome and cause inflammation and other health issues. If you need some sweetness in your dish or drink, use natural sweeteners such as stevia, monk fruit extract, erythritol, xylitol, etc., in moderation.
- Spice up your dish with herbs and spices such as basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, parsley, cilantro, mint, ginger, turmeric, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, etc. They can enhance the taste and aroma of your food and also provide various health benefits such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties.
- Drink plenty of water or herbal tea to stay hydrated and flush out toxins from your body. Avoid sugary drinks such as soda, juice, sports drinks, energy drinks, etc., as they are loaded with calories and carbs that can sabotage your weight loss and health goals. You can also drink coffee or tea in moderation, but avoid adding sugar or creamer to them. You can use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk instead.
- Plan ahead and prepare your ingredients and tools before you start cooking. This will save you time and prevent you from making unhealthy choices when you are hungry or in a hurry. You can also batch cook your meals and store them in the fridge or freezer for later use.
- Experiment with different recipes and ingredients and find what works best for you and your taste buds. You can also modify or adapt any recipe to suit your preferences and needs. There are many online resources and cookbooks that offer low carb recipes for dinner that you can try.
10 Low Carb Recipes for Dinner That You’ll Love
Now that you know how to make low carb recipes for dinner, here are 10 examples that you can try tonight. They are all easy to make, delicious, and nutritious. They will also keep you full and satisfied until the next morning.
1. Keto Chicken Parmesan
This is a classic Italian dish that is keto-friendly and gluten-free. It features crispy chicken breasts coated with almond flour and parmesan cheese, topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, and baked in the oven until golden and bubbly. You can serve it with a green salad or some roasted vegetables on the side.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce (sugar-free)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a shallow bowl, mix almond flour and parmesan cheese.
- In another shallow bowl, whisk egg with a fork.
- Dip each chicken breast in the egg, then coat with the almond flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for about 4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with basil leaves and serve.
Serves: 4
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 447
Fat: 27 g
Protein: 44 g
Carbs: 8 g
Fiber: 2 g
Net Carbs: 6 g
2. Low Carb Beef Stroganoff
This is a hearty and comforting dish that is low carb and keto-friendly. It features tender beef strips cooked in a creamy mushroom sauce, flavored with onion, garlic, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, sour cream, and parsley. You can serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450 g) beef sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces (225 g) mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (sugar-free)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions:
- Season beef strips with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet over high heat, melt butter. Add beef strips and cook for about 3 minutes per side, or until browned. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- In the same skillet over medium heat, add onion, garlic, mushrooms, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until sauce is slightly thickened.
- Stir in sour cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return beef strips and any juices to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Sprinkle parsley on top and serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Serves: 4
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 334
Fat: 19 g
Protein: 34 g
Carbs: 9 g
Fiber: 2 g
Net Carbs: 7 g
3. Low Carb Salmon Patties
This is a simple and tasty dish that is low carb and keto-friendly. It features flaky salmon mixed with almond flour, egg, onion, celery, dill, lemon juice, and mustard, formed into patties and fried until golden and crisp. You can serve it with a creamy dill sauce or a tangy lemon mayo on the side.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (14.75 ounces or 418 g each) salmon, drained and flaked
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons celery, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or ghee
- Fresh dill sprigs, for garnish
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine salmon, almond flour, egg, onion, celery, dill, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well and shape into 8 patties.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil or ghee. Cook patties for about 4 minutes per side, or until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
- Garnish with dill sprigs and serve with a creamy dill sauce or a tangy lemon mayo.
Serves: 4
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 354
Fat: 23 g
Protein: 32 g
Carbs: 4 g
Fiber: 1 g
Net Carbs: 3 g
4. Low Carb Chicken Curry
This is a spicy and flavorful dish that is low carb and keto-friendly. It features chicken pieces cooked in a rich and creamy coconut curry sauce, seasoned with onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and cilantro. You can serve it with cauliflower rice or naan bread made with almond flour.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds (680 g) chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or ghee
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch (2.5 cm) ginger, peeled and grated
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Directions:
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet over high heat, heat oil or ghee. Add chicken pieces and cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- In the same skillet over medium heat, add onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently, or until onion is soft and golden.
- Add chicken broth and coconut milk and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until sauce is slightly thickened.
- Return chicken pieces and any juices to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Sprinkle cilantro on top and serve over cauliflower rice or naan bread.
Serves: 4
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 489
Fat: 35 g
Protein: 37 g
Carbs: 10 g
Fiber: 3 g
Net Carbs: 7 g
5. Low Carb Taco Salad
This is a fresh and satisfying dish that is low carb and keto-friendly. It features ground beef cooked with taco seasoning, served over a bed of lettuce, tomato, avocado, cheese, sour cream, and salsa. You can also add some black olives, jalapeños, or cilantro for extra flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (sugar-free)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups lettuce, shredded
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 avocado, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup salsa (sugar-free)
- Optional toppings: black olives, jalapeños, cilantro, etc.
Directions:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef for about 15 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, or until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning, salt, and pepper and stir to combine.
- In a large salad bowl, toss lettuce with salsa. Divide among four plates. Top with ground beef, tomato, avocado, cheese, and sour cream. Add optional toppings if desired.
Serves: 4
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 483
Fat: 35 g
Protein: 31 g
Carbs: 12 g
Fiber: 6 g
Net Carbs: 6 g
6. Low Carb Eggplant Lasagna
This is a cheesy and delicious dish that is low carb and keto-friendly. It features layers of eggplant slices, ground beef, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and marinara sauce, baked in the oven until bubbly and golden. You can also add some spinach, basil, or oregano for extra flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick rounds
- Salt, to taste
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce (sugar-free)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional additions: spinach, basil, oregano, etc.
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
- Sprinkle salt over eggplant slices and let them sit for about 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef for about 15 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, or until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- In a small bowl, whisk ricotta cheese and egg together.
- To assemble the lasagna, spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange a single layer of eggplant slices over the sauce. Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over the eggplant slices and spread evenly. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat with another layer of sauce, eggplant, ricotta, and mozzarella. Top with the remaining sauce and mozzarella cheese. Add optional additions if desired.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serves: 8
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 316
Fat: 20 g
Protein: 24 g
Carbs: 9 g
Fiber: 3 g
Net Carbs: 6 g
7. Low Carb Cauliflower Pizza
This is a fun and tasty dish that is low carb and keto-friendly. It features a pizza crust made with cauliflower, cheese, and egg, topped with tomato sauce, cheese, pepperoni, and any other toppings you like. You can bake it in the oven or cook it in a skillet on the stove.
Ingredients:
- For the crust:
- 1 medium cauliflower head, cut into florets
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, oregano, basil, etc.
- For the toppings:
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce (sugar-free)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup pepperoni slices
- Optional toppings: mushrooms, olives, onions, peppers, ham, pineapple, etc.
Directions:
- To make the crust:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place cauliflower florets in a food processor and pulse until they resemble rice. Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for about 10 minutes, or until soft. Let it cool slightly, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible with a cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel.
- In a large bowl, combine cauliflower rice, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings. Mix well and form into a ball.
- Place the ball on the prepared baking sheet and press it into a thin circle, about 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden and firm.
- To make the toppings:
- Spread tomato sauce evenly over the crust. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. Add pepperoni slices and optional toppings as desired.
- Bake for another 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cut into slices and serve.
Serves: 4
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 325
Fat: 21 g
Protein: 24 g
Carbs: 9 g
Fiber: 3 g
Net Carbs: 6 g
8. Low Carb Chicken Alfredo
This is a creamy and decadent dish that is low carb and keto-friendly. It features chicken breasts cooked in a rich and cheesy alfredo sauce, flavored with butter, cream, garlic, parmesan cheese, and parsley. You can serve it over spaghetti squash or shirataki noodles for a low carb pasta alternative.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions:
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add chicken breasts and cook for about 15 minutes, turning once, or until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- In the same skillet over low heat, add garlic and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, or until fragrant. Add heavy cream and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until slightly thickened.
- Stir in parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return chicken breasts and any juices to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Sprinkle parsley on top and serve over spaghetti squash or shirataki noodles.
Serves: 4
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 533
Fat: 38 g
Protein: 43 g
Carbs: 5 g
Fiber: 0 g
Net Carbs: 5 g
9. Low Carb Pork Chops with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This is a savory and satisfying dish that is low carb and keto-friendly. It features juicy pork chops cooked in a creamy mushroom sauce, flavored with onion, garlic, thyme, chicken broth, cream cheese, and sour cream. You can serve it with some roasted asparagus or green beans on the side.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces (225 g) mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 ounces (113 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
Directions:
- Season pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet over high heat, heat oil. Add pork chops and cook for about 4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- In the same skillet over medium heat, add onion, garlic, mushrooms, thyme, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until onion is soft and mushrooms are tender.
- Stir in cream cheese and sour cream and whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Return pork chops and any juices to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Sprinkle thyme leaves on top and serve with roasted asparagus or green beans.
Serves: 4
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 489
Fat: 34 g
Protein: 37 g
Carbs: 9 g
Fiber: 2 g
Net Carbs: 7 g
10. Low Carb Shrimp Scampi
This is a light and zesty dish that is low carb and keto-friendly. It features succulent shrimp cooked in a lemony garlic butter sauce, flavored with white wine, parsley, and red pepper flakes. You can serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low carb rice alternative.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- Juice of one lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Red pepper flakes (optional), for garnish
Directions:
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet over high heat, melt butter. Add shrimp and cook for about 3 minutes per side, or until pink and curled. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- In the same skillet over medium heat, add garlic and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, or until fragrant. Add white wine (if using) and lemon juice and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until slightly reduced.
- Return shrimp and any juices to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Sprinkle parsley and red pepper flakes (if using) on top and serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Serves: 4
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 214
Fat: 9 g
Protein: 25 g
Carbs: 4 g
Fiber: 0 g
Net Carbs: 4 g
Conclusion
These are some of the low carb recipes for dinner that you can try. They are all easy to make, delicious, and nutritious. They will also help you lose weight, improve your health, and enjoy your food. You can also experiment with different ingredients and flavors to suit your preferences and needs. I hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please feel free to leave them below. I would love to hear from you. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!