No Time to Prep? No Problem! 10 Fast & Simple Keto Dinners That Will Blow Your Mind
June 7, 2023
The Ketogenic Diet has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason! There are countless benefits, with its focus on low-carb, high-fat foods, it can help you lose weight while also improving your overall health. But let’s be honest – who has time to prep all their meals from scratch? Luckily, there are plenty of quick and easy recipes that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters without breaking the bank or taking up too much time. Read on to discover 10 fast and simple keto dinners that will blow your mind!
Why Keto?
Keto is a type of low-carbohydrate diet that encourages the body to burn fat instead of glucose as fuel. This process, known as ketosis, can have numerous benefits such as improved blood sugar control, increased energy levels, and reduced appetite. By following a keto diet, you may experience better sleep quality, mental clarity, and an overall improvement in your physical and emotional wellbeing. Plus, with so many delicious keto-friendly recipes out there, what’s not to love?
Quick & Easy Recipes for Busy Nights
Sometimes life gets busy, and cooking a full meal seems like an impossible task. But never fear – we’ve got you covered! Here are some super-fast and incredibly tasty keto dinner ideas:
a) Grilled Steak Salad Bowl – All you need is a few ingredients (steak, greens, avocado, cheese, etc.) and a grill to make this mouthwatering salad bowl. It’s perfect for those hot summer nights when you want something light but satisfying.
b) Creamy Cauliflower Soup – A creamy soup made with cauliflower, coconut milk, and spices is just what you need on a chilly winter evening. Serve it with some crusty bread for an extra touch of comfort.
c) One Pan Chicken Fajitas – Who says fajitas have to be complicated? Not us! Simply toss everything into one pan, stir occasionally, and voila – dinner is served. Top with sliced avocado, cilantro, and lime juice for added flavor.
d) Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken – This is a one-skillet meal that is ready in less than 20 minutes. You’ll need chicken breasts, butter, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and sear it in butter until golden. Then, add the garlic, broth, cream, cheese, spinach, and tomatoes and simmer until the sauce is thickened and the chicken is cooked through. Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a complete keto meal.
e) Easy Air Fryer Lemon Chicken – This is a crispy and juicy chicken dish that only takes 5 minutes to cook in the air fryer. You’ll need chicken thighs, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley. Marinate the chicken with the oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, salt, and pepper for at least 15 minutes. Then, place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 5 minutes, flipping halfway. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with a green salad or roasted vegetables.
f) Best Ground Beef Taco Recipe – This is a low-carb version of the classic Mexican dish that is packed with flavor and spice. You’ll need ground beef, onion, garlic, taco seasoning, tomato sauce, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, avocado, sour cream, and cilantro. Brown the beef with the onion, garlic, and taco seasoning in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spatula. Then, stir in the tomato sauce and simmer until slightly thickened. Spoon the beef mixture over lettuce leaves and top with cheese, tomato, avocado, sour cream, and cilantro. You can also use low-carb tortillas or taco shells if you prefer.
g) Keto Chicken Pot Pie – This is a comforting and hearty keto meal that has a crust made with almond flour. You’ll need butter, onion, celery, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, xanthan gum, salt, pepper, thyme, chicken, peas, carrots, almond flour, baking powder, egg, and cheddar cheese. Melt the butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion, celery, and garlic until soft. Then, add the broth, cream, xanthan gum, salt, pepper, and thyme and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in the chicken, peas, and carrots and remove from the heat. In a small bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking powder, egg, and cheese. Drop the batter by spoonfuls over the chicken mixture and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Low-Carb, High Fat Dinners to Try Tonight!
Now that you know how easy it is to whip up a keto-approved meal, here are some more recipe ideas to try tonight:
a) Baked Salmon with Mushroom Ragout – Salmon is always a crowd pleaser, especially when paired with earthy mushrooms and a creamy sauce. Just bake until tender and serve with some roasted veggies on the side.
b) Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Shrimp – If you miss traditional pasta, don’t worry – zucchini noodles are a great substitute! Toss them with pesto, grilled shrimp, and cherry tomatoes for a delicious low-carb twist on classic Italian cuisine.
c) Beef Stroganoff – This Russian favorite is rich, hearty, and oh-so-comforting. Use grass-fed beef for maximum nutritional benefit and serve over a bed of sauteed spinach or kale OR, if you prefer, you can serve with zucchini noodles as a substitute for the traditional pasta noodles.
Health Benefits of a Ketogenic Diet
There are countless reasons why someone might choose to follow a keto diet, but here are a few key health benefits to consider:
a) Weight loss – When your body enters ketosis, it starts burning stored fat rather than carbs for energy. This can lead to rapid weight loss if done correctly.
b) Improved insulin sensitivity – Following a keto diet can improve your body’s ability to use insulin effectively, which can reduce your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
c) Reduced inflammation – Chronic inflammation is linked to numerous diseases including cancer, Alzheimer’s, and autoimmune disorders. By reducing carb intake, you may be able to lower systemic inflammation and improve your overall health.
d) Increased energy – As mentioned earlier, keto can provide you with sustained energy throughout the day by keeping your blood sugar stable and avoiding crashes associated with sugary snacks.
Conclusion
So there you have it – 10 fast and simple keto dinners that will blow your mind! Whether you’re looking to lose weight, improve your health, or simply find new ways to enjoy your favorite foods, the keto diet has something for everyone. Don’t forget to check back soon for more keto inspiration and recipe ideas!
