10+ Keto Easy Recipes for Beginners: Simple and Delicious Meals to Get You Started
If you are new to the ketogenic diet, finding simple and tasty recipes can make your journey much easier. This diet focuses on low-carb meals that help you lose weight while enjoying delicious foods. With easy keto recipes for beginners, you can enjoy satisfying meals without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
Starting out on a keto diet doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You can create meals that are not only nutritious but also fun to prepare. With a little guidance, you can transform your cooking routine and discover flavorful dishes that fit your new lifestyle.
Avocado Egg Salad
Avocado egg salad is a tasty, healthy option for lunch or a snack. It’s simple to make and packed with nutrients. The combination of creamy avocado and protein-rich eggs makes it a satisfying meal.
To start, you just need a few ingredients. You can easily add your favorite seasonings or vegetables to customize the flavor. This salad is low in carbs, making it perfect for a keto diet.
You can enjoy this salad on its own or in a lettuce wrap for added crunch. It’s a quick recipe that takes just about 15 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 large avocado, peeled, pitted, and finely diced
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon red onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mash the avocado until smooth.
- Add chopped eggs, mayonnaise, and red onion.
- Mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
2) Cauliflower Fried Rice
Cauliflower fried rice is a tasty and easy keto dish. It gives you the familiar flavors of fried rice without the carbs. This meal is perfect for beginners and can be made quickly.
You start by grating cauliflower to create rice-size pieces. This vegetable acts as a low-carb alternative. You can stir-fry it with your favorite veggies and proteins.
For added flavor, include things like garlic, ginger, peas, and carrots. Season with soy sauce or coconut aminos. This dish can be on the table in just about 10 minutes.
You’ll love how it satisfies without the extra carbs!
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Grate the cauliflower.
- Heat coconut oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
- Add onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until soft.
- Stir in cauliflower and frozen vegetables.
- Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Push veggies to the side and add beaten eggs.
- Mix everything together; season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!
3) Cheesy Bacon Broccoli
Cheesy Bacon Broccoli is a tasty dish that’s perfect for beginners on the keto diet. This recipe combines tender broccoli with crispy bacon and a creamy cheese sauce. It’s simple and quick to make.
Start by cooking the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove it and use the bacon drippings to sauté garlic. Once it’s golden, mix in cream cheese and cheddar until melted and smooth.
Add the cooked broccoli to the skillet and stir until it’s well coated in the cheesy mixture. Finally, crumble the crispy bacon on top for added flavor and crunch.
This dish makes a great side or a light main meal. You’ll enjoy the combination of cheesy goodness and smoky bacon.
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 slices bacon
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 clove garlic
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove and crumble.
- Sauté garlic in bacon drippings until golden.
- Add cream cheese and cheddar. Stir until melted.
- Mix in broccoli until well coated.
- Top with crumbled bacon. Bake for 15 minutes. Enjoy!
4) Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, are a great low-carb alternative to regular pasta. They are easy to make and full of flavor. You can enjoy them with a delicious pesto sauce that enhances their taste.
To prepare the zoodles, use a spiralizer to turn fresh zucchini into noodles. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle some olive oil in the pan, then add the zoodles. Cook for about 3-4 minutes to warm them up.
For the pesto, blend together fresh basil, garlic, nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until smooth. Combine the cooked zoodles with the pesto sauce and toss until evenly coated.
This dish is quick and fits perfectly into your keto meal plan!
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchinis
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Spiralize the zucchinis to make noodles.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat (375°F or 190°C).
- Drizzle olive oil in the skillet.
- Add zoodles and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Blend basil, garlic, nuts, cheese, and olive oil for pesto.
- Toss zoodles with pesto and serve.
5) Keto Chicken Stir Fry
Keto Chicken Stir Fry is a quick and tasty dish perfect for beginners. It’s low in carbs and packed with flavor. You can whip it up in under an hour.
To make this dish, start by gathering your ingredients and preparing the sauce. Marinating the chicken adds extra flavor. Use a mix of your favorite low-carb vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli.
When you’re ready, heat some oil in a pan. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown. Add the vegetables and stir-fry everything together. This meal is colorful and appetizing.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix chicken with soy sauce. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
- Heat coconut oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
- Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add bell pepper and broccoli. Stir-fry for another 5-6 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving. Enjoy your meal!
6) Almond Flour Pancakes
Almond flour pancakes are a great choice for a keto breakfast. They are fluffy, easy to make, and full of flavor. Plus, they are gluten-free and low in carbs, making them perfect for your diet.
To start, you will need more baking powder than regular recipes due to the weight of almond flour. If you only have baking soda, you can use it with an acidic ingredient, like vinegar or lemon juice, to help them rise.
Adding a bit of apple cider vinegar can make your pancakes fluffier. This is a simple trick that can make a big difference.
These pancakes cook quickly, making them a convenient option for busy mornings. Enjoy them with sugar-free syrup or fresh berries for a delicious treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Pinch of salt
- Water or almond milk (as needed)
Cooking Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the eggs and vinegar, mixing until smooth.
- If needed, add water or almond milk to reach desired consistency.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
- Pour batter to form pancakes and cook until bubbles form, then flip.
7) Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Buffalo cauliflower bites are a delicious and spicy snack that’s perfect for anyone on a keto diet. They are simple to make and full of flavor. These bites are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.
To get started, you will need a medium head of cauliflower. Cut it into bite-sized florets. Then, toss the florets in your favorite keto-friendly buffalo sauce. This adds the spicy kick you want.
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until the bites are golden and crispy.
Serve your buffalo cauliflower bites hot with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese for a cool contrast. Enjoy this tasty, guilt-free snack at your next gathering or as a satisfying treat!
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
- Toss the florets in buffalo sauce.
- Spread on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and crispy.
8) Cream Cheese Pancakes
Cream cheese pancakes are a tasty and simple breakfast option for keto beginners. They are low in carbs and high in flavor, making them a great choice.
You just need a few ingredients to get started. The batter is easy to mix, and you can cook them quickly in a skillet. These pancakes are fluffy and have a creamy texture that many people enjoy.
To make them, heat your nonstick skillet to medium-low heat (about 300°F or 150°C). Pour in the batter and let them cook until bubbles form, then flip.
Here’s what you need:
Ingredients
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon sweetener (e.g., erythritol)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cooking Instructions
- Blend cream cheese, eggs, sweetener, and vanilla until smooth.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat.
- Pour about 3 tablespoons of batter for each pancake.
- Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden brown.
9) Garlic Butter Shrimp
Garlic Butter Shrimp is a delicious and quick meal that’s perfect for your keto diet. This recipe combines juicy shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce. You can have this meal ready in under 30 minutes.
To make it, you will need fresh or frozen shrimp. Sauté them in a mix of olive oil and unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Finish with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for flavor.
This dish is not only tasty but also low in carbs. Serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It’s a wonderful option for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) raw shrimp, thawed, deveined, and peeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F / 180°C).
- Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink.
- Stir in butter, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
10) Spaghetti Squash Carbonara
Spaghetti Squash Carbonara is a tasty and low-carb dish that’s perfect for beginners. It replaces traditional pasta with spaghetti squash, making it keto-friendly. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare.
To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the spaghetti squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Place it cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 40-50 minutes, until it’s tender.
While the squash is baking, prepare the carbonara sauce. Cook diced pancetta or bacon in a pan until crispy. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, parmesan cheese, and black pepper.
Once the squash is done, scrape the insides with a fork to create strands. Combine the squash with the cooked pancetta and mix in the egg mixture. The heat of the squash will cook the eggs gently, creating a creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash
- 4 oz pancetta or bacon
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Black pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half and scoop out the seeds.
- Place the squash cut-side down on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes until tender.
- Cook pancetta or bacon in a pan until crispy.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, parmesan, and black pepper.
- Scrape the squash to create strands.
- Mix the squash with the pancetta and egg mixture.