Are you new to the keto diet and looking for some delicious and easy-to-make recipes to get started? You’re in luck! We’ve got a collection of 18 mouth-watering keto recipes that are perfect for beginners. From savory dishes like steak bites and cauliflower fried rice, to sweet treats like chocolate avocado mousse, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these recipes are designed to be easy to follow and require minimal ingredients. And the best part? They’re all keto-friendly, so you can indulge in your favorite foods without worrying about blowing your diet.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of our favorite keto recipes for beginners. From classic dishes with a keto twist to innovative uses for common ingredients, these recipes are sure to inspire and delight. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Elevate your veggie game with this decadent and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 6 slices of bacon, cut in half
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Wrap each asparagus spear with a bacon half, securing with a toothpick if needed.
4. Place the wrapped asparagus on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the asparagus.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Elevate your meal with this simple and flavorful recipe that combines tender steak bites with a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef sirloin or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
3. Add steak bites; cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium; add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook until melted.
5. Add garlic; cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
6. Stir in Worcestershire sauce; season with salt and pepper.
7. Return steak bites to skillet; toss to coat with garlic butter sauce.
8. Transfer to a baking dish; bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until cooked to desired doneness.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad
Elevate your salad game with this creamy, flavorful recipe that combines the richness of avocado and chicken with a tangy dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 2 ripe avocados, mashed
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, mashed avocado, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Mix until smooth.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Divide the mixed greens among four plates.
4. Top each plate with the chicken-avocado mixture, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese (if using).
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
Transform your favorite pasta dish into a light and refreshing summer delight with this easy recipe for Zucchini Noodles with Pesto.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1/4 cup pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions:
1. Preheat your spiralizer or mandoline to create zucchini noodles.
2. Slice the zucchinis into long strands and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the zucchini noodles over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender.
4. Stir in pesto sauce and season with salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (including spiralizing time)
Enjoy your quick and delicious Zucchini Noodles with Pesto!
Keto-Friendly Cauliflower Fried Rice
A delicious and innovative take on traditional fried rice, this recipe replaces grains with cauliflower for a keto-friendly twist. This dish is perfect for low-carb enthusiasts looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 tablespoons coconut oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked chicken or pork, diced
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce (make sure it’s sugar-free)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem.
2. Pulse the cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice.
3. Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the garlic, chicken or pork, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
6. Add the processed cauliflower “rice” and stir-fry for an additional 4-5 minutes, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Satisfy your cravings with these addictive cauliflower bites tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce and baked to perfection!
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
– 1/4 cup ranch dressing
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: crumbled blue cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. Spread the cauliflower mixture on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until tender and lightly browned.
5. In a separate bowl, mix Frank’s RedHot sauce and ranch dressing.
6. Remove cauliflower from oven and toss with buffalo sauce mixture until evenly coated.
7. Serve hot, topped with crumbled blue cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon
A flavorful and healthy seafood dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes! This recipe is a perfect combination of bright citrus, savory garlic, and tender salmon, all cooked to perfection in one pan.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a large skillet or oven-safe pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin side up (if they have skin).
5. Pour the lemon juice and white wine (if using) evenly over the fish.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
8. Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Low-Carb Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers
Low-Carb Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed peppers, these low-carb taco-stuffed bell peppers are a delicious and nutritious meal option.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound ground beef or turkey
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef or turkey until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add onion, cilantro, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning to the skillet. Cook until the mixture is heated through.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the meat mixture and top with 1/4 cup shredded cheese.
6. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
7. Remove foil and top each pepper with remaining 3/4 cup shredded cheese. Return to oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: Approximately 40-45 minutes
Keto Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken
This recipe combines the creamy richness of feta cheese with the earthy flavor of spinach, all wrapped up in a tender chicken breast. Perfect for a low-carb dinner that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, feta cheese, and garlic.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each breast with the spinach-feta mixture, dividing it evenly among the four breasts.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Easy Eggplant Parmesan
Eggplant parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. This recipe yields a crispy, cheesy delight with minimal fuss.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for greasing
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip each eggplant slice into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place coated eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Assemble the parmesan by spreading marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, followed by a layer of eggplant slices, then mozzarella cheese. Repeat this process one more time.
7. Top with additional mozzarella cheese and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Creamy Tuscan Garlic Shrimp
A rich and flavorful Italian-inspired seafood dish, Creamy Tuscan Garlic Shrimp is a perfect combination of succulent shrimp, savory garlic, and creamy sauce. Serve with linguine or fettuccine for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Freshly ground nutmeg to taste (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and fully cooked.
4. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Stir until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat with the creamy sauce.
7. Serve immediately over linguine or fettuccine.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Keto Broccoli Cheddar Soup
A creamy and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a low-carb diet. This recipe combines the best of broccoli and cheddar cheese for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth (make sure it’s low-carb)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (sharp or extra sharp work well)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
2. Add broccoli and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until broccoli is tender.
3. Use an immersion blender (or transfer soup to a blender) to puree the mixture until smooth.
4. Stir in heavy cream and grated cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Avocado Stuffed with Tuna Salad
A refreshing twist on traditional tuna salad, this recipe combines the creaminess of avocado with the savory flavor of canned tuna, making for a healthy and delicious snack or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados
– 1 can of tuna (drained)
– 1/4 cup of low-fat mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit.
2. In a bowl, mix together the canned tuna, mayonnaise, and chopped parsley until well combined.
3. Stuff each avocado half with the tuna salad mixture, dividing it evenly between the two.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Baked Parmesan Crusted Zucchini
A flavorful and healthy twist on the classic zucchini recipe, this baked parmesan crusted zucchini dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish for your next family gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the zucchinis into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
3. In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
4. Dip each zucchini round into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
5. Place the coated zucchini slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Butter Garlic Chicken Thighs
A flavorful and aromatic twist on classic chicken thighs, this recipe combines the brightness of lemon, richness of butter, and pungency of garlic for a mouthwatering main course.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice, melted butter, garlic, and thyme.
3. Place chicken thighs in a baking dish and brush the lemon-butter mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Low-Carb Mexican Cauliflower Rice
Elevate your low-carb game with this flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional rice! This recipe uses cauliflower instead of grains, making it a perfect option for those following a keto or paleo diet.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem. Cut it into florets.
3. In a food processor or blender, pulse the cauliflower until it resembles rice.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional minute.
6. Add the cauliflower “rice” to the skillet, stirring well to combine with the spice mixture.
7. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender but still slightly firm.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Keto-Friendly Chocolate Avocado Mousse
This decadent dessert is a game-changer for keto dieters, offering a creamy and rich treat that’s surprisingly low-carb. With the help of avocados and dark chocolate, you can satisfy your sweet tooth without sacrificing your dietary goals.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe avocados
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/4 cup granulated sweetener (such as Swerve or Erythritol)
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 8 ounces heavy cream, chilled
– 1/4 cup melted dark chocolate chips (at least 85% cocoa)
Instructions:
1. Peel and pit the avocados, then place them in a blender or food processor.
2. Add the cocoa powder, sweetener, and vanilla extract to the blender.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
4. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
5. Fold the whipped cream into the avocado mixture until well combined.
6. Melt the dark chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 10-second increments.
7. Fold the melted chocolate into the avocado mixture until smooth.
8. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a chilled dessert.
Simple Garlic Butter Mushrooms
Elevate your meals with this straightforward recipe that combines the earthy flavor of mushrooms with the richness of garlic butter. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish for special occasions.
Ingredients:
• 1 pint cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start browning, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and well combined with the mushroom mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Get started with keto with these easy and delicious recipes! From breakfast to dinner, and even desserts, this collection has something for everyone. Try cheesy bacon-wrapped asparagus or garlic butter steak bites for a savory start. For lunch, whip up creamy avocado chicken salad or zucchini noodles with pesto. And don’t forget about dinner options like keto-friendly cauliflower fried rice or spicy buffalo cauliflower bites. And for dessert, indulge in keto-friendly chocolate avocado mousse! With these 18 recipes, you’ll be well on your way to a low-carb lifestyle.
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