There’s a four-letter word shaking up the healthcare industry. No, it isn’t “diet.” Well, not exactly.
It’s “keto.”
Short for ketogenic, this is a regimen based on meals that are high-fat, moderate-protein and low-sugar.
Heralded for its ability to help your body burn fat as quickly and effectively as possible, the keto diet has taken the world by storm, becoming the go-to plan for Instagram influencers, fitness stars, and your next-door neighbor, alike.
Are you interested in seeing how your body reacts to being in a state of ketosis? If so, read on. Today, we’re sharing five can’t-miss keto dinner ideas to help you get a taste of it!
Ready to learn more? Let’s dig in!
Basics of the Keto Diet
In general, your body derives its fuel from one of two sources: glucose (blood sugar) or ketos.
When you limit your carbohydrates and sugars, you’re not giving your body the intake it needs to create the levels of blood sugar required for energy. Instead, it turns to your liver, which provides molecules called “ketones” from fat.
When your body’s fuel supply is derived primarily from fat, your fat stores become more accessible. Thus, the keto diet is popular among those looking to lose weight and stay fit.
Yet, it’s also known to improve mental clarity, reduce energy spikes, and curb hunger.
While it might not be an ideal fit for everyone depending on your long-term health goals, it’s worth it to give this plan a try. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to prepare keto-friendly food that is both great for you and tasty. Here are a few of our favorites:
1. Keto Lamb Chops with Lemon Herb Butter
Starting with room-temperature lamb chops. Next, cut a few slits into the meat to prevent the pieces from curling up when you cook them.
Season each chop generously with salt and pepper.
If you prefer to grill the meat, brush each piece with olive oil before placing it on the grill. If you’re frying it, use a pat of butter and dash of olive oil in the pan.
The chops should take around three to four minutes to fry up. If yours is a little thick, expect to extend that time slightly. Lamb can be slightly pink in the middle.
Plate the chops with lemon wedges and herb butter, which can be created by mixing together the following:
- 5 ounces of room temperature butter
- 1 garlic clove, pressed
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
2. Egg Roll in a Bowl
This is one of the most popular keto dinner recipes around. In some circles, it’s also called “Crack Slaw.”
Along with being keto-friendly, this meal is also compatible with the Whole 30 and Paleo diets, as well.
To prepare it, heat up 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Next, add in four cloves of minced garlic and 3 tablespoons of fresh, minced ginger (3/4 tablespoon if you’re using ground ginger).
Saute this mixture for about one minute. Then, mix in one pound of ground beef or turkey. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Cook until the meat is browned throughout, for around 7 to 10 minutes.
Cut your heat to medium and add in a bag of shredded coleslaw mix, along with 1/4 cup of coconut aminos (akin to soy sauce).
Stir everything together to coat it well. Put a cover on the skillet and let everything saute for around 1 minute. Then, remove it from the heat and stir in 2 teaspoons of toasted sesame oil and 1/4 cup of chives.
3. Keto Shrimp Scampi
Worried you’ll miss your beloved pasta when following these keto meal ideas? Don’t fret!
The star of this dish is the ever-versatile summer squash, which serves as an excellent stand-in for traditional pasta.
Using a spiralizer tool, cut two squash into pasta shapes. Spread the shapes in a single layer on a paper towel, and season with salt. Set it to the side for about 20 minutes, then blot the squash to remove excess moisture.
Next, in a frying pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Stir in 1/4 cup chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1/8 teaspoon red chili flakes. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap the chicken broth for white wine.
Once this mixture reaches a light boil, add in 1 pound of deveined shrimp. Return to a simmer. When the shrimp begin to turn slightly pink, reduce the heat to low.
Season the sauce as you prefer with salt and pepper. Next, add in your squash noodles and toss to coat everything together.
4. Pesto Chicken and Veggies
One-pan dinners are ideal for busy weeknights. This is why this keto dinner is such a superstar. Plus, chicken is delicious, economical way to get in your lean protein. You can visit this website for another great keto spin on a classic chicken favorite.
To prepare it, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add in 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced into thin strips.
Sprinkle the thighs with salt, then add in 1/6 cup of drained, chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook everything for about 10 minutes, flipping the chicken every so often to keep it from burning.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the pan, along with the sun-dried tomatoes.
To your pan of oil, add in 1 pound of asparagus, with the ends cut off. If your bunch is large, cut the veggies in half so they’ll cook more evenly. Season with salt, and add in another 1/6 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes, until the asparagus is tender. Remove the asparagus and put it on a plate.
Then, put the chicken back in the skillet. Add 1/4 cup of pesto and stir to coat. Remove it from heat once it’s thoroughly rewarmed.
With the heat off, stir in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes into the chicken mixture. Finally, add this mixture to the asparagus for a bright and colorful meal that’s a feast for both the belly and the eyes.
5. Hamburger Veggie Soup
Hamburger in a soup? Where do we sign up?
This is one of those easy weeknight dinners you’ll be glad to have in your back pocket when everyone is rushing in a million different directions.
To prepare it, brown 1 pound of ground beef in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Use a stock pot for this, as you’ll be filling it up!
To the pot, add 1.5 ounces diced onion, 1.5 ounces sliced green pepper, 1/2 ounce of diced celery, 32 ounces of chicken stock and 1 can of tomatoes and green chiles (14 ounces).
Simmer everything until the veggies become tender.
Add salt to taste, along with other seasonings including 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar and 1 pinch of Stevia powder.
Then, stir in 5 ounces of cabbage, sliced.
Simmer for about 20 minutes, until the cabbage becomes tender. Monitor your stock pot to see if you need to add any more water to thin the liquid out.
Try These Keto Dinner Ideas Tonight
Hungry yet?
If these keto dinner ideas didn’t whet your appetite, you must have read them wrong! These options are packed with flavor and color and reveal that following this new plan doesn’t have to be a bland journey.
Planning a getaway in the near future? Resist the urge to stray off course! Check out our tips on ways to stay on track with your diet while traveling.
