There are a variety of lifestyles to follow these days, but by far one of the most popular is the keto diet. It is defined by a very high intake of fat (around 55 to 60 percent of calories), a moderate amount of protein, and a very low carbohydrate count (around 20 to 50 grams per day). The goal is to put the body into ketosis, where the body burns fat instead of glucose for energy. Needless to say, looking for keto dinner recipes that fit these requirements can be tricky.
To get to ketosis, your body must first use up any circulating glucose in the bloodstream, says Morgan Porpora, RD, a New York City-based nutritionist. Then it takes about 12 hours for it to use up its stockpile. This can take anywhere from two to four days, but could take up to a week in some cases, notes Allison Koch, RDN, the founder of the Running RDN.
If straight-up keto is too hard, you may be tempted to give lazy keto a shot. It’s a less structured version of the diet that only restricts carb intake to 10 percent or less of total calories. While it sounds easier, it does come with one caveat: “The challenge with lazy keto is that it does not necessarily put the body into nutritional ketosis because protein can still be converted to glucose through a process called gluconeogenesis. A normal keto diet will restrict protein enough to prevent that conversion from happening.”
So, what exactly can you eat? “The key is to look for recipes that have protein, fat, and non-starchy vegetables all at once,” says Samantha Rigoli, RD, a New York City-based nutritionist and the founder of Healthy to the Core. “The non-starchy vegetables—like cauliflower, mushrooms, and zucchini—are especially crucial because they contain the fiber you’ll need in an otherwise high-fat and -protein diet,” she says. Another piece of advice: Be sure to read the nutritional labels on the food you’re buying, and choose foods without any extra additives. “It’s best to keep it as simple as you can,” she says.
The following keto-friendly recipes are just that: simple to the max. Stash these in your (virtual) back pocket for those "what am I gonna have for dinner?!" nights, and you’ll be well on your way to world—er, keto domination.
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Tuscan Butter Shrimp
Just throwing it out there: This dish could totally be on an Italian cooking show.
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Asparagus and Lemon Basil Ricotta-Stuffed Salmon Rolls With Lemon Sauce
Strut your stuff(ed salmon).
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BLT Burgers
These burgers had us at the "B," but the other stuff is worth sticking around for, too.
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Philly Cheesesteak-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
So good you won't even miss the bread.
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Low-Carb Southwest Chicken Salad With Chipotle Ranch Dressing
Yeah, you saw that right: chipotle ranch dressing.
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Cajun Shrimp Kebabs
Is it just us, or does everything taste better when it's eaten off a stick?
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Cheesy Bacon Butternut Squash
This is legit just a big pile of cheesy, bacon-y, butternut-y goodness.
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Keto Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole
It's like your fave appetizer just leveled up.
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Greek Turkey Burgers
Channel the vibes of the Mediterranean with a batch of these low-carb burgers.
They pair perfectly with high-quality fat like feta. “I recommend using the olive oil or pork rinds to keep them keto, then top with some feta or tzatziki, and serve over a Greek salad made with avocado, bell pepper, lettuce, olives, and tomato with some olive oil and salt,” says Porpora.
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Mediterranean Steak Bowls
Did someone say steak? Now you’re talking. This is a great option for another keto-friendly dinner.
“Preparing this steak dish with a generous amount of feta, olive oil, and yogurt makes this a keto-friendly dish, and the non-starchy veggies in the salad ensure that it is also nutritious,” says Porpora.
However, be mindful of the amount of hummus you add because while it’s packed with healthy fat, it is also about 30 percent carbs, which makes it not as keto-friendly as some other toppings.
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Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower rice is a great accompaniment to grilled chicken or steak, says Koch, and is even tastier when it's topped with a store-bought cilantro-lime sauce. If you cannot find a sauce in store, here's an incredibly easy recipe.
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Cilantro Lime Sea Asparagus Chicken Soup
Everyone needs a simple chicken soup recipe, and this checks that box for keto dieters, says Koch. She suggests doubling the recipe and freezing whatever you do not consume within three to five days for a rainy day or when you feel a cold coming on. Your future self will thank you!
Ashley Martens
Journalist
Ashley Martens is a wellness writer based in Chicago. With a lifelong passion for all things health and wellness, Ashley enjoys writing about topics to help people live happier and healthier lives. With a foundation in fitness, food, and nutrition, Ashley covers it all including sexual health and travel topics. Ashley is also a NASM-certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor.
