Eating keto doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. The ketogenic diet focuses on low-carb, high-fat foods that help you reach your health goals while enjoying delicious meals.
These 21 best keto recipes provide tasty options that are quick to prepare and packed with nutrients your body needs while keeping carbs low.
You’ll find a variety of meal ideas that fit perfectly into your keto lifestyle without sacrificing flavor. From breakfast to dinner, these recipes use simple ingredients and straightforward cooking methods.
Many can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. They’re ideal for busy weeknights when you want to stay on track with your keto plan.
1. Keto Breakfast Pancakes with Almond Flour
Almond flour pancakes make a perfect keto breakfast option when you crave something fluffy and satisfying. These pancakes require just a few simple ingredients you likely have in your keto pantry.
You’ll need blanched almond flour (not almond meal), a pinch of salt, and eggs as your base ingredients. Some recipes add baking powder for fluffiness.
For the best texture, whisk your eggs well before adding the dry ingredients. This creates air pockets that help your pancakes rise.
Cook these pancakes in coconut oil over medium heat until golden brown on both sides. They’re filling, low-carb, and a great gluten-free alternative to traditional pancakes.
2. Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry
Cauliflower rice stir-fry is a versatile keto option that replaces traditional rice with low-carb cauliflower. It’s packed with flavor and you can customize it with your favorite proteins and vegetables.
The base is simple—riced cauliflower serves as an excellent substitute for rice or noodles. Add bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and broccoli for extra nutrients and color.
For protein, chicken breast works well, but you can also use pork for variety. The sauce typically combines soy sauce, sesame oil, and optional seasonings like garlic or ginger.
This dish cooks quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It provides a satisfying meal that’s hearty enough to serve as a main course.
3. Keto Avocado Egg Salad
Keto Avocado Egg Salad blends protein and healthy fats for a perfect low-carb meal. This creamy dish is both satisfying and nutritious.
To make it, use hard-boiled eggs, ripe avocados, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper. Some recipes include bacon for extra flavor and crunch.
Simply combine chopped hard-boiled eggs with mashed avocado. Mix in a couple tablespoons of mayonnaise and a dash of mustard for creaminess.
You can enjoy this versatile dish on its own or serve it on keto-friendly lettuce wraps. It makes an excellent quick lunch option that keeps you full while maintaining ketosis.
4. Zucchini Noodle Alfredo
Zucchini Noodle Alfredo is a keto-friendly alternative to traditional pasta dishes. It uses spiralized zucchini instead of carb-heavy pasta.
The dish combines crisp zucchini noodles with a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce made with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. Some versions include chicken for added protein and flavor.
You can prepare this meal in about 25 minutes, making it great for busy weeknights. The zucchini provides a light texture while the sauce adds satisfying richness.
Don’t overcook your zucchini noodles—they should remain slightly firm to prevent becoming soggy. Fresh Italian herbs like parsley make a flavorful garnish.
5. Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken is a delicious keto-friendly dish that takes just 30 minutes to prepare. This meal features tender chicken cooked in a rich, creamy sauce with plenty of garlic and parmesan.
You can use either chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Chicken thighs tend to be juicier, while breasts offer higher protein content at 51g per serving.
The sauce combines heavy whipping cream (6.6g carbs per cup), chicken broth, and parmesan cheese (2g carbs per half cup). Some recipes include Dijon mustard for extra flavor.
This one-pan meal contains minimal carbs while delivering maximum flavor. The combination of butter, garlic, and lemon creates a sauce you’ll want to enjoy to the last drop.
6. Keto Meatloaf
Keto meatloaf offers a delicious low-carb alternative to the traditional recipe. Instead of breadcrumbs, use almond flour as a binder to keep it keto-friendly.
The best keto meatloaf recipes produce tender, juicy results. Enhance the flavor with minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, and pepper.
Try versions like Mexican meatloaf cupcakes, mini meatloaves, or bacon-wrapped spicy meatloaf for variety. Some recipes include cheese for extra flavor and fat.
You can cook keto meatloaf in different ways—traditional oven baking, Instant Pot, or slow cooker. Most recipes top it with a keto-friendly sweet and tangy glaze.
7. Low-Carb Taco Bowl
Taco bowls are a perfect keto option when you crave Mexican flavors without the carbs. By skipping tortillas and beans, you enjoy a satisfying meal that stays within your low-carb goals.
The base of your keto taco bowl can be cauliflower rice seasoned with Mexican spices. Add ground beef cooked with taco seasoning for protein and flavor.
Top your bowl with keto-friendly ingredients like diced tomatoes, green onions, sour cream, and plenty of cheese. Some people create edible cheese bowls by baking cheese until crispy.
Customize your taco bowl with avocado, spicy taco sauce, or any low-carb toppings you prefer. It’s a versatile meal that feels indulgent while keeping carbs in check.
8. Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole is a perfect keto-friendly side dish that’s both simple and satisfying. This ultra-rich dish requires just a few basic ingredients.
You’ll need cauliflower florets, shredded cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and seasonings. Some recipes also include butter and garlic for extra flavor.
If you follow keto strictly, use unsweetened almond milk instead of regular milk. Combine the ingredients and bake until the cauliflower is tender and the cheese is bubbly.
This casserole makes excellent leftovers that last throughout the week. It’s an easy way to enjoy a low-carb comfort food that feels indulgent while staying on your keto plan.
9. Salmon en Papillote with Ginger & Soy
Salmon en papillote is a perfect keto dish that steams fish in a parchment paper pouch. For this recipe, use skinless salmon fillets, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, grated ginger, and garlic.
Mix the soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, and garlic with some black pepper in a bowl. Add the salmon fillets to marinate briefly.
Place each salmon fillet on parchment paper, pour the marinade over, and fold to create a sealed packet. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 15 minutes.
This cooking method keeps the salmon moist while infusing it with Asian-inspired flavors. Serve over spiralized low-carb vegetables for a complete keto meal.
10. Peanut Butter Chicken
Peanut butter chicken is a quick and flavorful keto option that comes together in under 10 minutes. The dish features tender chicken pieces coated in a rich peanut sauce.
To make this recipe, use chicken breast, olive oil, peanut butter, and seasonings. Some versions add red bell peppers and garlic for extra flavor.
The sauce typically combines peanut butter with coconut milk, coconut aminos, ginger, and other Thai-inspired ingredients. This creates a sweet and savory profile without adding carbs.
Serve your peanut butter chicken over cauliflower rice. You’ll enjoy a complete low-carb meal that tastes like takeout but fits your keto lifestyle.
11. Keto Burgers with Lettuce Wraps
Keto burger lettuce wraps offer a delicious low-carb alternative to traditional buns. They’re easy to make and perfect for your keto diet.
To create these wraps, use large lettuce leaves as your “buns”—iceberg or butter lettuce works well for this. Stack two patties for extra protein and flavor.
Add shredded cheddar cheese between the patties for a melty surprise. Top with keto-friendly ingredients like tomatoes, onions, pickles, and mushrooms.
A special sauce made with mayo adds moisture and flavor. These burgers satisfy your cravings while keeping carbs low.
12. Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup
Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup is a creamy, low-carb alternative to traditional potato soup. It’s thick, velvety, and packed with cheesy flavor.
This keto-friendly soup comes together quickly in your Instant Pot. Use cauliflower florets, garlic, onion, and stock as your base ingredients.
For a loaded version, top your soup with crispy bacon, sour cream, and perhaps some green bell pepper. Many people say it tastes just like loaded potato soup without all the carbs.
It only takes a few minutes to make. Add your ingredients, seal the lid, and let the Instant Pot work its magic.
13. Cheesy Chicken Fritters
Cheesy Chicken Fritters are a delicious keto-friendly dish that combines ground chicken with cheese for a satisfying meal. These crispy fritters make excellent appetizers, snacks, or even main dishes.
You can make them with simple ingredients like chicken, mozzarella cheese, eggs, and almond flour. Some recipes include bacon for extra flavor and crunch.
Season your fritters with herbs like basil, chives, and parsley. Garlic powder, salt, and pepper enhance the taste without adding carbs.
Heat oil in a pan and cook the fritters until they’re golden brown. They pair perfectly with your favorite low-carb dipping sauce or dressing.
14. Keto Ding Dong Cake
Keto Ding Dong Cake brings back nostalgic flavors without the carbs. This dessert features tender layers of chocolate cake with a creamy filling, all covered by a rich sugar-free chocolate glaze.
You can make this cake using coconut flour, which keeps it low in carbs. The recipe typically uses Swerve or another keto-friendly sweetener instead of sugar.
For a quicker option, try the mini version that serves just two to four people. It’s perfect for satisfying chocolate cravings without making a full-sized cake.
Some versions include a whipped cream filling that complements the chocolate cake layers. The chocolate ganache topping adds that classic Ding Dong finish.
15. Chocolate Protein Muffins
Chocolate protein muffins are a perfect keto-friendly treat that satisfies your sweet cravings while keeping you on track. These muffins pack about 12 grams of protein per serving.
The basic recipe includes whey protein isolate, cocoa powder, eggs, and a keto sweetener like allulose. Some versions even hide vegetables for extra nutrients.
These muffins taste like brownies but won’t spike your blood sugar. They’re quick to make—just blend the ingredients and bake.
These chocolatey treats contain healthy fats and fiber, making them both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for breakfast or a post-workout snack.
16. Keto Smoothie with Spinach and Avocado
Keto smoothies offer a quick way to pack nutrients into your diet while keeping carbs low. This spinach and avocado combo creates a creamy, satisfying drink that supports your keto lifestyle.
To make this smoothie, blend coconut milk, water, ice cubes, avocado, spinach, a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol, and optional MCT oil. You can customize with additions like strawberries in small amounts.
The avocado provides healthy fats that keep you full, while spinach adds vitamins without many carbs. This smoothie works great as a breakfast replacement or post-workout refuel.
17. Loaded Cauliflower with Cheese and Bacon
Loaded cauliflower is a perfect keto alternative to potato dishes. It gives you all the flavors of loaded potato skins without the carbs.
This dish combines cauliflower with butter, sour cream, chives, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. The result is a creamy, cheesy side that even picky eaters enjoy.
You can make this as a casserole or as mashed cauliflower. It’s simple to prepare and satisfies comfort food cravings.
For extra flavor, try using different cheese varieties or add a sprinkle of garlic powder. This dish pairs well with grilled meats or stands alone as a filling meal.
18. Low-Carb Sesame Chicken
Sesame chicken is a Chinese takeout favorite you can enjoy on a keto diet with a few simple modifications. This low-carb version delivers the same distinct flavors without the carbs and gluten.
The dish features tender chicken pieces coated in a savory sesame and soy sauce blend. At only about 3 net carbs per serving, it’s a perfect option for staying in ketosis.
Pair this flavorful chicken with crisp stir-fried broccoli for a complete meal. The combination is satisfying and nutritious.
Make keto sesame chicken at home quickly and easily, saving money compared to takeout. You control the ingredients, ensuring it stays truly low-carb.
19. Thai BBQ Pork Salad
This delicious Thai BBQ Pork Salad is perfect for your keto meal plan. With only 8.15g net carbs per serving, it fits easily into your daily carb limit.
The recipe combines 10 ounces of tender pulled pork with crisp romaine lettuce, fresh cilantro, and colorful red bell pepper. These ingredients create a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and flavorful.
Each serving provides 458.75 calories, 33.22g of healthy fats, and 28.9g of protein. This balance helps you stay full and energized throughout the day.
The tangy sauce includes lime juice that gives this dish its authentic Thai flavor profile. Prepare this for lunch or dinner when you want something different from standard keto fare.
20. Salmon Wasabi
Salmon is a fantastic choice for keto dieters because it’s rich in healthy omega-3 fats and has zero carbs. This dish pairs the natural flavors of salmon with the sharp kick of wasabi.
Roast salmon fillets in the oven until they’re flaky and tender, which typically takes about 15-20 minutes at 400°F. The wasabi cream sauce is simple to make.
Mix mayonnaise with wasabi paste, a splash of lime juice, and a bit of soy sauce or coconut aminos. Serve this dish with low-carb vegetables like cauliflower rice or a simple side salad.
With only about 2g net carbs per serving, it’s perfect for keeping your keto goals on track.
21. Keto Brownies
Keto brownies are a perfect treat for those following a low-carb lifestyle. These desserts satisfy chocolate cravings without the sugar spike.
Most recipes use almond flour or coconut flour instead of regular flour. A typical keto brownie contains between 2-3g net carbs per serving, making them a guilt-free option.
Key ingredients often include unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar substitutes, and butter or coconut oil. Some recipes add dark chocolate for extra richness.
Make them fudgy or cakey depending on your preference. Many store-bought mixes are now available, offering convenience without compromising your keto goals.
Keto Cooking Tips
Success on the keto diet depends on mastering a few essential cooking techniques. Having the right ingredients and preparation strategies makes all the difference when trying to maintain ketosis while enjoying delicious meals.
Selecting Low-Carb Ingredients
Start by stocking your kitchen with keto-friendly foods. Focus on proteins like eggs, chicken, beef, and fatty fish such as salmon.
These form the foundation of many keto meals. Choose vegetables with the lowest carb counts – cauliflower, zucchini, spinach, and avocados are excellent options.
Avocados also provide healthy fats that are essential for keto. Select full-fat dairy products like butter, heavy cream, and hard cheeses.
For sweeteners, replace sugar with erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit. These provide sweetness without the carbs.
Read labels carefully because many “low-carb” products contain hidden sugars or starches. Invest in quality oils and fats like olive oil, coconut oil, and ghee for cooking and adding flavor to dishes.
Meal Prep Strategies for Busy Lifestyles
Batch cooking saves tremendous time on a keto diet. Dedicate a few hours each weekend to prepare proteins and low-carb vegetables that you can mix and match throughout the week.
Pre-portion meals into grab-and-go containers to avoid the temptation of higher-carb options when you’re busy. This strategy helps maintain ketosis even during hectic days.
Keep hard-boiled eggs, pre-cooked bacon, and cut vegetables ready in the refrigerator for quick snacks or meal additions. Utilize kitchen tools like slow cookers and pressure cookers to create hands-off keto meals.
These appliances transform tough cuts of meat into tender meals while you focus on other tasks. Freeze extra portions of keto-friendly soups, stews, and casseroles for emergency meals when cooking isn’t possible.
Balancing Nutrition on the Keto Diet
The ketogenic diet requires careful attention to nutritional balance to maintain health while achieving ketosis. Proper nutrient intake ensures you feel energized and avoid common pitfalls of restrictive eating.
Incorporating Healthy Fats and Proteins
On keto, fats should make up 70-80% of your daily calories. Focus on quality sources like:
- Avocados and avocado oil
- Olive oil and coconut oil
- Grass-fed butter or ghee
- Nuts and seeds (especially macadamias and almonds)
Protein should comprise about 20% of your intake. Choose nutrient-dense options such as eggs, fatty fish, and grass-fed meats.
Too much protein can interfere with ketosis, while too little may cause muscle loss. Include low-carb vegetables with every meal to ensure adequate fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, and zucchini provide essential nutrients without excessive carbs.
Managing Electrolytes and Hydration
Keto diets naturally increase water loss. This process can flush out essential electrolytes.
You’ll need to intentionally replenish:
Sodium: Add pink salt to foods. Drink bone broth daily.
Potassium: Incorporate avocados, mushrooms, and leafy greens.
Magnesium: Eat leafy greens and nuts. You may also consider supplements.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for at least 8-10 cups.
Your hydration needs increase on keto due to glycogen depletion and reduced water retention.
Watch for signs of electrolyte imbalance like headaches, fatigue, or muscle cramps. These symptoms often indicate you need to adjust your mineral intake.
