We’ve all been there before: you look up a recipe that actually fits into your low carb or keto diet, only to find that it has 39 ingredients and takes 3 hours to prepare. No one has time for that nonsense!
While I may be exaggerating, the point still stands that simple is often better when it comes to cooking. Why? We’re busy people with busy lives — but we don’t want that to keep us from eating healthy and delicious meals.
So, I’ve rounded up 10 delicious, five ingredient low-carb recipes. You’ll see that I didn’t count basic pantry items like cooking oils or certain seasonings because, let’s be real, we all have those in our pantry. But I did make sure that each of these recipes only require five main ingredients max.
As someone who has struggled with finding time to cook while keeping things low-carb, I can personally attest that these recipes are not only quick and easy but will satisfy all your cravings.
Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive in!
Everyday Ingredients for a Low-Carb Diet
Cooking is always easier when you’ve got all the common ingredients for your low-carb lifestyle stashed and ready to go. It’s a system that will take some time to build, but once you do, things like meal prep, busy weeknight meals, and hosting dinner parties will become a breeze. Not only that, you’ll save money and make fewer stops at the grocery store.
So, what should you have in your kitchen?
- Canned goods: Canned foods like tinned tomatoes and tuna are great convenience items to have in your pantry. They’re versatile and can be included in many low-carb recipes without spending a pretty penny.
- Meat: Stock up on low-carb meats like ground beef, chicken, and fish. These can be easily frozen for future use and are great for making a variety of quick and easy meals.
- Fruits & veggies: Keto-friendly fruits and vegetables, such as berries, avocado, cucumber, zucchini, and cauliflower, should always have a place in your fridge or freezer. They’re great for adding some extra flavor and nutrients to your meals without racking on the carbs.
- Dairy: Eggs, cheese, and Greek yogurt are all staples in a low-carb kitchen. They’re versatile ingredients that can be used in many dishes and are also great sources of protein.
- Low-carb sweeteners: When that sweet tooth kicks in, having a low-carb sweetener like monk fruit extract or stevia on hand can help you satisfy your cravings without derailing your diet. Honey is also a great natural sweetener, but be sure to use it sparingly, as it does contain carbs and sugar.
Shred Happens Favorites
If you’re a fan of my recipes, here’s an ingredient list of what I use most in the kitchen. These are some of my go-to ingredients that make creating my low-carb meals easy and enjoyable:
Kaizen lupin flour
This flour is my own brand and a game changer for anyone on a low-carb diet. Made from 100% Australian Lupini beans, it’s just 1 net carb per serving and packs 12 grams of protein. It’s the perfect alternative to traditional flours and adds a great texture to baked goods.
Kaizen lupini pasta
This is another product of mine that blows all other low-carb pastas out of the water. Made with only four ingredients, it’s packed with 6g net carbs, 20g protein, and just 130 calories per serving.
Kaizen rice
If you’ve been missing your rice-based dishes, my Kaizen rice is here to save the day. It’s low carb, keto, high protein, high fiber, grain-free, gluten-free, soy-free, Kosher-certified, and 100% plant-based.
Other favorites include…
- Sumac: I make a lot of Middle Eastern food, so I always keep sumac on hand for its tangy, lemony flavor. It’s perfect for adding some extra depth to my dishes.
- Tahini: Tahini is a staple in both Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, and for good reason. It’s a great source of healthy fats and adds a rich, nutty flavor to dishes.
- Chili lime seasoning: I put this seasoning on just about everything. It adds a spicy kick and tangy flavor to meats, veggies, and even salads.
- Everything bagel seasoning: Another versatile seasoning that adds a nice salty and savory element to dishes. I love sprinkling it on eggs, avocado toast, or stuffed peppers.
- Pistachios: I love making Mediterranean dishes, so pistachios are a must. They’re full of healthy fats, add a nice crunch to salads, and make a great keto breading for meat.
- Hazelnuts: Another great low-carb nut, hazelnuts make a delicious crunchy topping for all kinds of dishes.
- Lemon: Lemon juice and lemon zest are great for adding brightness and acidity to dishes. I love using it in sauces, marinades, and dressings.
- Arrowroot powder: A great thickening agent for sauces and keto bread alternatives, arrowroot powder is a must-have in my pantry.
- Avocado oil: Avocado oil is a heart-healthy alternative to olive oil and is great for roasting veggies or making salad dressings.
- Feta cheese: Feta cheese is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and adds a nice salty and tangy flavor to salads, meats, and dips.
- Cottage cheese: Protein-packed and low in carbs, cottage cheese is a great addition to keto sweet and savory recipes.
five ingredient low-carb recipes
Now that your kitchen is stocked with all the essentials, it’s time to put them to good use. These quick and easy 5 ingredient low carb recipes require only five ingredients (or less!). They’re just what you need for busy or lazy days when you don’t want to fuss in the kitchen or drive to the store.
1. Fluffy Scrambled Eggs (Without Milk)
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but many of us don’t have time to make a fancy spread. These Fluffy Scrambled Eggs are the perfect quick and easy breakfast, and you don’t even need milk to make them creamy and delicious.
Top it off with some avocado, salsa macha, feta cheese, and everything bagel seasoning for a breakfast that will keep you full and satisfied.
2. Frozen Chocolate Covered Raspberries with Pistachios
Looking for a sweet and salty snack that’s also keto-friendly? These Frozen Chocolate Covered Raspberries with Pistachios are a dessert trio that you’ve been seriously missing out on! Juicy raspberries are stuffed with salty pistachios, covered in melted chocolate, and frozen to create the perfect guilt-free indulgence.
3. Lupin Flour Pizza Crust (Low Carb, High Protein)
This Lupin Flour Pizza Crust will be your new go-to for pizza nights. Perfect for a low-carb diet, this recipe uses my Kaizen lupin flour to create a crispy and flavorful crust that won’t kick you out of ketosis. Top it with your favorite toppings, and you won’t even miss traditional pizza crust.
4. Mutabal Recipe (Middle Eastern Eggplant Dip)
A Middle Eastern classic, this Mutabal Recipe is a must-try for any fan of eggplant. The eggplant is typically roasted over a grill, but I simplify the process by roasting it in the oven, and it doesn’t disappoint! The result is a creamy and smoky dip that pairs perfectly with keto-friendly crackers, pita bread, or veggies.
5. Low-Carb Bell Pepper Sandwich
Put your sandwich drought to rest with this Low-Carb Bell Pepper Sandwich! While the original recipe calls for more than 10 ingredients, a lot of them are optional, as you can make this sandwich as simple or complex as you like.
Crunchy bell peppers, salty pastrami, fresh arugula, tomatoes, avocados, and brie are the star players here, but feel free to add or substitute with your favorite ingredients!
6. Keto Brussels Sprouts
Say hello to the new best way to eat brussels sprouts! The secret to these Keto Brussels Sprouts is blanching them first before roasting them in the oven. This method cooks this tasty side dish perfectly, making every bite a true delight.
Top ’em off with a drizzle of balsamic and a sprinkle of walnuts and Parmesan cheese to take them to the next level.
7. Cheese Stuffed Peppers
This Cheese Stuffed Peppers recipe is one of those quick meals that you can make when time is not on your side. Just stuff the peppers with a mixture of cottage and feta cheese and sprinkle on some Trader Joe’s Everything Bagel Seasoning for a flavorful and filling snack or appetizer. It’s low-carb, high-protein, and oh-so-delicious.
8. Keto Tortilla Recipe
Enjoy low-carb tortillas like never before with this amazing Keto Tortilla Recipe. Made from my Kaizen lupin flour, these tortillas are soft and pliable, just like traditional tortillas. From tacos to wraps, these tortillas make the perfect vessel for all your favorite dishes.
9. Sweet Chilli Halloumi Recipe
Salty, sweet, and spicy, this Sweet Chilli Halloumi Recipe will have you obsessed with halloumi cheese. Grilled and slathered in a spicy sweet chili sauce, this delectable snack is topped with crushed pistachios for the ultimate crunchy addition. It’s a flavor combination that will surely have you coming back again and again!
10. Whipped Cottage Cheese
This Whipped Cottage Cheese will have you saying, “I Can’t Believe it’s not Cottage Cheese!” Creamy, fluffy, and sweetened with a touch of low-carb sweetener, this recipe will be your new go-to when you’ve got a sweet craving.
Top it off with some of your favorite keto-friendly toppings like berries, almonds, and pistachios for a satisfying and healthy treat.
FAQ
What are 5 foods to avoid on a low-carb diet?
To stay within your macro limits, there are certain foods you should limit or avoid while following a low-carb diet. Here are 5 foods that make the list:
- Bread, pasta, & other starchy vegetables
- Grains such as rice and corn
- Milk
- Higher-carb fruits like bananas, grapes, and apples (or enjoy them sparingly)
- Processed snacks and sweet
How do you eat low-carb high protein on a budget?
The low-carb lifestyle is not reserved for the wealthy. In fact, there are many budget-friendly options available to help you stay on track with your low-carb/high-protein diet.
One of the most affordable and versatile sources of healthy fats and proteins is eggs! They are easily accessible, affordable, and can be used in a variety of dishes.
Another way to save money is to buy in bulk. Foods like chicken, lean beef, and nuts can be bought in bulk at a discount and stored for future use.
But what about fruits and vegetables? Aren’t they expensive on a low-carb diet? The key is to shop seasonally and locally. This will not only save you money but also ensure that you are getting the freshest produce available. You can also opt for frozen fruits and vegetables, which are often cheaper and just as nutritious.
What is the most filling low-carb food?
There are honestly too many to choose from! Avocado, broccoli, coconut oil, eggplant, eggs, grapefruit, Greek yogurt, and green beans are just a few examples of amazing low-carb options that can keep you feeling full and satisfied.
I still couldn’t find a low carb salad that you were doing with the red cabbage disappointing
Is it this one on Instagram? https://www.instagram.com/reel/C12cqCJOsuI/