The ketogenic diet is all the rage, but on this protein-rich, high-fat, and low-carb diet, it’s easy to find yourself in a boring “meat and steamed vegetable” rut. It doesn’t have to be that way. To stay in ketosis—the body’s metabolic state of burning fat for energy—don’t be afraid of a little culinary creativity. Check out these ideas for keto-friendly meals and snacks to inspire you on your keto journey:
1. Breadless sandwiches
What dieter doesn’t dream of diving into a decadent Philly cheesesteak? Don’t despair—you can have all the flavor without missing the bread. In a skillet, sauté up a pile of thinly sliced rib-eye steak with some sliced mushrooms, green peppers, and jalapeños. Don’t forget the salt and pepper. When it’s caramelized, put a few slices of provolone cheese on top and then put the whole skillet under the broiler. When it’s golden brown, it’s ready. One taste and you’ll swear it’s a cheat day.
2. Keto salad
Maybe a turkey club sandwich is more your speed. Why not make it a salad? Toss together some Iceberg lettuce and cherry tomatoes with a generous helping of ham and turkey strips. Add shredded American and cheddar cheese and don’t forget the crispy crumbled bacon. Top your salad with some creamy buttermilk dressing and you’ll think you’ve died and gone to club sandwich heaven.
3. Stuffed zucchini
Zucchini, bell peppers and mushrooms are perfect vehicles for any number of delicious, keto-friendly stuffings. Cheesy Mexican stuffed bell peppers are a great example. Add Mexican seasoning to ground beef or chicken and sauté with a little chopped onion, jalapeños or green chilies. Toss the cooked mixture with softened cream cheese to bind and stuff into pre-baked, halved bell peppers. Top each pepper with shredded Monterey Jack and bake until cheese is melted. Serve with diced tomatoes, avocado slices or hot sauce. Yum!
3. Italian sausage and spinach stuffed mushrooms
How do spicy Italian sausage and spinach stuffed mushrooms sound? Sauté sausage with chopped spinach, diced mushroom stems and shallots. Then add a generous amount of grated parmesan cheese. Voila! A perfect stuffing for pre-baked mushrooms. Throw them in the oven and bake until lightly browned. Stuffed mushrooms make the perfect snack or, if you add a salad, a delectable meal.
4. Meatballs
So easy and so versatile, keto meatballs are a dieting game changer. Use any meatball recipe, with any ground meat, and make it keto-friendly by simply replacing the bread crumb binder with shredded mozzarella cheese. Make chicken meatball parmesan by drizzling your chicken meatballs with no-sugar tomato sauce and smothering them with mozzarella and parmesan.
5. Asian inspired soup
Try meatballs in soup for a little something different. Adding pork meatballs to an Asian-spiced chicken broth is just the ticket for anyone craving hot and sour soup. Chop up a few mushrooms and scallions and add rice wine vinegar and red pepper flakes to complete that familiar take-out flavor profile.
When looking for ketogenic recipes, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and be adventurous. Alter any recipe to fit your own taste and experiment with ingredients. There’s no reason keto-friendly recipes can’t be exciting and surprising.
