Low-Carb meal planning
Fewer starches, more protein and produce. 101 low-carb recipes below — then personalize the week in the app.
About low-carb
Low-carb meal planning trims bread, rice, and pasta while leaning on proteins, non-starchy vegetables, and smarter sides. It is stricter than classic, looser than keto.
Who it fits
- People reducing refined carbs
- Anyone who feels better with lighter starch portions
- Households okay swapping rice/pasta for veg
Weeknight tip: Swap the starch first (rice → cauliflower or salad), keep the sauce and protein familiar.
Educational content only — not medical advice. Talk with a clinician before using any diet for a medical condition.
Pros
- Clear grocery rules that reduce decision fatigue
- High-satiety dinners from protein + fiber
- Easy to batch grill and roast
- Works across many cuisines with smart swaps
Health notes
- Can help some people steady energy by reducing blood-sugar swings
- Encourages more vegetables when starches shrink
- Protein-forward plates support fullness
Watch-outs
- Not medical advice — talk to a clinician for clinical diets
- Watch fiber if you cut too many legumes and whole grains
- Do not replace carbs only with processed “low-carb” snacks
Pantry staples
- Eggs
- Chicken
- Leafy greens
- Cauliflower
- Olive oil
- Nuts
Showing 101 low-carb recipes
MediumLemon Herb Chicken
Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts finished in a bright lemon-garlic pan sauce with fresh thyme. It's a fast, fuss-free weeknight dinner that tastes like it took much longer, and it pairs well with rice, potatoes, or a simple green salad.
EasySalmon with Roasted Asparagus
A one-pan dinner where salmon and asparagus roast together at high heat until the fish flakes easily and the asparagus tips turn lightly charred. A quick finish of lemon, garlic, and fresh dill keeps it bright without any extra pots to wash.
EasyBeef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Thin-sliced sirloin and crisp broccoli get seared hot and fast, then tossed in a glossy soy sauce that clings to every bite. A quick cornstarch marinade keeps the beef tender even over high heat.
EasyCauliflower Fried Rice
All the flavor of takeout fried rice with a fraction of the carbs — cauliflower rice gets stir-fried with carrot, peas, garlic, and ginger until tender, then finished with a splash of soy and sesame oil.
EasyBaked Cod with Cherry Tomatoes
Mild, flaky cod bakes right alongside cherry tomatoes and garlic, which burst and soften into a light, juicy pan sauce. A finish of fresh basil and lemon makes this simple oven dinner taste far more special than the effort it takes.
MediumPaleo Turkey Meatballs
Tender baked turkey meatballs held together with almond flour instead of breadcrumbs, seasoned simply with oregano, basil, and garlic. They're grain-free, freezer-friendly, and just as good over zucchini noodles as they are on their own.
EasyZucchini Noodles with Cream Sauce
Spiralized zucchini stands in for pasta in this quick, low-carb take on alfredo, tossed in a garlicky parmesan cream sauce. Patting the noodles dry before cooking is the trick to keeping this dish creamy instead of watery.
EasySesame Crusted Tuna Steaks
Sushi-grade tuna gets a crackly sesame crust and a fast, hot sear that leaves the center rare and rosy. Sliced and fanned out with avocado and lime, it looks like restaurant food but takes under 15 minutes start to finish.
EasyPaleo Chicken Salad
A creamy, mayo-free chicken salad made by mashing ripe avocado with lemon juice and olive oil into a rich dressing for diced chicken, celery, and red onion. Ready in minutes using leftover or rotisserie chicken.
MediumGreek Chicken Skewers
Cubes of chicken breast marinate in lemon, garlic, and oregano before hitting the grill alongside red onion and cherry tomatoes. Served over crisp cucumber with crumbled feta, these skewers are bright, juicy, and ready in well under an hour.
EasyHerb Baked Salmon
Salmon fillets and asparagus roast together on one sheet pan with garlic, olive oil, and fresh dill, then finish with a squeeze of lemon. It's a hands-off dinner that turns out flaky, bright, and dinner-party presentable in about 25 minutes.
MediumCheesy Cauliflower Bake
Tender steamed cauliflower is folded into a garlicky mustard-cheddar cream sauce, topped with more cheese, and baked until bubbly and golden. It's a comforting, low-carb take on a classic casserole that works as a side or a light main.
EasyChicken Caesar Wrap
Seared chicken breast is sliced and rolled up with crisp romaine, Caesar dressing, and shaved parmesan in a warm flour tortilla. It's a handheld take on the classic salad that's sturdy enough to pack for lunch.
EasyAvocado Egg Salad
Creamy mashed avocado stands in for most of the mayo in this egg salad, brightened with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and crunchy celery and red onion. It's rich, tangy, and ready to spoon onto toast or scoop with crackers.
EasyWeeknight Beef Tacos
Ground beef browns with onion and garlic, then simmers in taco seasoning until saucy and deeply flavored. Piled into warm corn tortillas with lettuce, cheddar, and salsa, it's a reliable 20-minute dinner the whole table can build themselves.
EasyTurkey Lettuce Wraps
Ground turkey browns with garlic and ginger, then simmers with water chestnuts, soy sauce, and hoisin for a savory, slightly sweet filling. Spooned into crisp butter lettuce cups, it's a light, low-carb dinner that's ready in under 20 minutes.
EasyHerb Lamb Chops
Lamb chops get rubbed with garlic, fresh rosemary, and olive oil, then seared hard in a hot skillet for a deep crust and a rosy, juicy center. A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens the rich lamb in this fast, restaurant-worthy dinner.
MediumCreamy Mushroom Chicken
Seared chicken thighs simmer in a rich pan sauce of browned mushrooms, garlic, cream, and thyme, built from the same skillet the chicken cooked in. It's a bistro-style dinner with deep flavor that comes together in one pan in about 30 minutes.
MediumChicken Karahi
Chicken pieces sear in hot oil, then cook down with tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and green chilies until the sauce thickens and the oil separates to the edges — the classic sign of a proper karahi. Bold, garlicky, and just spicy enough, it's best served with naan to mop up the sauce.
HardBeef Nihari
Beef shank simmers low and slow with caramelized onions, ginger, garlic, and nihari masala until it's fall-apart tender, then gets thickened with a simple flour slurry into a rich, glossy stew. Finished with lemon, cilantro, and green chili, it's a slow-cooked classic worth the wait.
MediumAloo Keema
Ground beef browns alongside softened onion, then simmers with tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and warm spices until saucy. Diced potatoes cook right in the same pan until tender, soaking up all that flavor for a comforting weeknight curry.
MediumChicken Shish Kebab
Cubed chicken breast marinates in yogurt, lemon, garlic, and paprika until tender, then grills on skewers with red onion and bell pepper until charred and juicy. A Turkish grill classic that's just as good with flatbread as it is over rice.
EasyMenemen
Onion and green pepper soften in olive oil, then tomatoes break down into a juicy base spiked with smoky pul biber. Eggs are cracked right in and gently folded through until just set, making this Turkish breakfast staple soft, saucy, and ready in one pan.
MediumPalak Paneer
Silky pureed spinach studded with golden-fried paneer cubes, gently spiced with cumin and garlic and finished with a touch of cream. It's a comforting, mild curry that's ready in well under 30 minutes.
MediumCarne Asada Tacos
Flank steak marinated in lime, garlic, and cumin, then seared hot and fast for a smoky char before being sliced thin against the grain. Piled into warm tortillas with onion and cilantro, this is taco night at its simplest and best.
MediumChicken Shawarma Plate
Chicken thighs marinated in yogurt, lemon, and warm spices, then roasted until deeply caramelized at the edges. Sliced thin and served over salad and rice, it's a fragrant, satisfying plate that tastes like it came from a street cart.
MediumLamb Kofta
Ground lamb blended with grated onion, garlic, and warm spices, hand-shaped onto skewers and grilled until charred outside and juicy within. Serve with a cool yogurt sauce for a fragrant, quick dinner that feels special.
MediumGreen Curry Chicken
Chicken simmered in rich coconut milk with fragrant green curry paste, tender eggplant, and torn Thai basil. Spicy, creamy, and fast enough for a weeknight, this is a bowl that tastes like it came straight from Bangkok.
MediumTom Yum Soup
A hot-and-sour Thai broth infused with lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, packed with plump shrimp and mushrooms. Bright with lime and fiery with chilies, it's a bold, fragrant soup that wakes up every sense.
MediumShakshuka
Eggs gently poached in a simmering, spiced tomato and bell pepper sauce until the whites are just set and the yolks stay soft. A one-pan breakfast or dinner best mopped up with warm crusty bread.
EasyGrilled Halloumi Salad
Squeaky halloumi seared until golden and crisp outside, served warm over a bright, crunchy salad of cucumber, tomato, and mint tossed in lemon and olive oil. A quick vegetarian dish that's satisfying enough for a light meal.
EasyGreek Yogurt Parfait
Creamy Greek yogurt is layered with crunchy granola, fresh berries, and a drizzle of honey for a protein-packed breakfast or snack. It comes together in minutes with no cooking required. Sliced almonds add a satisfying crunch to every spoonful.
EasyVeggie Omelette
Fluffy eggs are folded around sautéed bell pepper, spinach, and melted cheddar for a filling, low-carb breakfast. Cooking the vegetables first keeps the omelette from turning watery, and a gentle fold gives it a classic diner-style presentation.
EasySpinach Feta Scramble
Wilted spinach and juicy cherry tomatoes are folded into softly scrambled eggs with tangy feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired breakfast. It's a fast, low-carb way to work greens into your morning without sacrificing flavor.
MediumChicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken breast simmers in a cumin-spiced broth with tomatoes, black beans, and corn until tender enough to shred right in the pot. Ladled into bowls and topped with crushed tortilla chips, this soup is a warming, one-pot dinner with bold Mexican flavor.
EasyGreek Yogurt Veggie Dip
Thick Greek yogurt is stirred with minced garlic, fresh dill, and lemon juice for a tangy, protein-rich dip. Ready in under 10 minutes with no cooking, it's a light, healthy way to snack on crunchy carrot and cucumber sticks.
EasyCucumber Hummus Bites
Cool cucumber rounds topped with creamy hummus, smoky paprika, and fresh parsley make a light, refreshing appetizer or snack that comes together with no cooking.
EasyParmesan Roasted Asparagus
Tender asparagus spears roasted with garlic and olive oil, finished with a shower of shaved parmesan — a fast, elegant side that works for weeknights or dinner parties.
EasyHoney Garlic Salmon
Pan-seared salmon fillets glazed in a sticky honey, soy, and garlic sauce — a fast, restaurant-quality dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes.
MediumOne-Pan Chicken Fajitas
Sliced chicken breast and bell peppers roasted together on a sheet pan with fajita seasoning, served with warm tortillas — a quick, hands-off weeknight dinner.
EasyThai Basil Beef
Ground beef stir-fried with garlic, chili, and fistfuls of Thai basil in a savory soy-fish sauce blend — a bold, fast weeknight dinner inspired by Thai pad kra pao.
EasyMasala Egg Breakfast Scramble
Fluffy scrambled eggs cooked with sizzling cumin seeds, onion, tomato, and green chili for a bright, spiced start to the day. Serve with toast or a warm paratha to soak up the juices.
EasyVietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Salad
Charred lemongrass chicken sliced over a crunchy cabbage and carrot slaw, tossed in a tangy-sweet fish sauce dressing and finished with peanuts, mint, and cilantro. A light, vibrant lunch bowl-salad.
HardChicken Pozole Verde
A brothy Mexican stew of tender shredded chicken and hominy simmered in a bright, tangy tomatillo-jalapeño salsa verde, topped with shredded cabbage, radish, and lime. Deeply comforting and packed with flavor.
EasyCreamy Cheese Omelet Breakfast
A soft, French-style folded omelet with a molten cheese center and delicate, barely-browned exterior. Quick, rich, and endlessly satisfying for a low-carb morning.
EasySavory Chickpea Flour Chilla Breakfast
Thin, savory pancakes made from chickpea flour batter loaded with onion, tomato, and fresh herbs. Naturally vegan and protein-rich, they cook in minutes and make a satisfying, gluten-free breakfast.
MediumWhite Chicken Karahi Lunch
A creamy, chili-free variation of chicken karahi built on yogurt, cream, and black pepper instead of tomatoes. Rich and mildly spiced, it is a restaurant favorite that pairs beautifully with naan.
MediumTomato Basil Soup Lunch
A velvety soup of slow-simmered tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil finished with a swirl of cream. Cozy and bright, it is perfect on its own or alongside grilled cheese.
HardMutton Karahi
Tender mutton cooked in a wok with tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and freshly crushed spices until the sauce turns thick and glossy. A robust, deeply flavored dish best mopped up with hot naan.
EasyPan-Seared Ribeye Steak
A thick ribeye seared in a screaming-hot skillet and basted with butter, garlic, and thyme for a deeply browned crust and juicy interior. A steakhouse-quality dinner you can make at home in minutes.
MediumBhindi Masala
Tender okra stir-fried with onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices until lightly caramelized and no longer sticky. A beloved dry vegetable dish that pairs beautifully with roti and dal.
MediumHerb Grilled Chicken
Juicy chicken marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs, then grilled until charred and succulent. A clean, protein-packed dinner that works on the grill or a stovetop grill pan.
EasyCreamy Cucumber Raita Side
A cooling yogurt side studded with grated cucumber, roasted cumin, and fresh herbs. It balances spicy curries and biryanis with its refreshing tang.
MediumChapli Kebab Side
Flat, spiced beef patties from the Peshawar region, studded with tomato, coriander seeds, and green chili, then shallow-fried until crisp-edged. A bold, aromatic side or snack served with naan and chutney.
MediumSeekh Kebab Side
Spiced minced beef molded onto skewers and grilled until smoky and juicy. A barbecue classic served as a side or starter with mint chutney and sliced onions.
EasyCreamy Coleslaw Side
Crisp shredded cabbage and carrot tossed in a creamy, tangy-sweet dressing. A cool, crunchy side that goes with burgers, fried chicken, and barbecue.
HardChicken Salan Recipe
This classic, comforting chicken curry is one of those dishes a Pakistani kitchen is incomplete without. This is a versatile and forgiving dish. Use minimal ingredients and whatever spices you have access to to create this hug in a bowl
MediumAloo Palak - Spinach & Potato Curry
A delicious vegetarian Pakistani meal. It's quick, it's easy, it's delicious - and there's not much else to say! You have to try it to understand just how tasty it is! :-)
MediumPalak Chicken - Spinach & Chicken Curry
Palak Chicken - Spinach & Chicken Curry is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. In a pot, heat the ghee and once hot, add the onions, garlic and ginger and fry till brown
HardDal Gosht (Meat & Lentils)
This comforting, hearty Dal Gosht is a classic Pakistani and North Indian dish with a bit of a more-ish touch. The list of instructions may seem long, but cooking this is a relatively straight forward process
HardPakistani Karahi Keema
This is a beautiful and flavoursome curry that is perfect to serve guests or or as a special treat for yourself and your family. For optimal results, use chunky hand-made mince as opposed to machine-made mince. For this particular recipe, I used lamb. Chicken will cook much quicker than lamb, beef or goat mince. Adjust cooking times accordingly. Serve with roti or naan.
MediumAloo Tikki
These potato cutlets are bursting with flavour, thanks to the array of spices and fresh coriander. You can play around with the spices if you so wish - use the following spices and their amounts as a guideline and get creative in the kitchen! This is a great recipe to have on hand when you are short on ingredients but still want to make something more than a standard meal.
HardBhuna Gosht Masala - Lamb Bhuna
This delicious curry is a keeper! Throw everything into a pot and allow it to simmer for 1 hr and when the times up, add in some oil and saute the curry till it's at a consistency you like! So simple and such little effort required for a really tasty dish!
HardBhuna Chicken Masala - Chicken Curry
I love the simpicity of this recipe. It's so easy to make but packs in such flavour! This curry is on the spicy side so adjust the red chilli accordingly if you so wish. Don't miss out the paprika as it is for the red colour.
HardRamadan Recipe: Keema Filling for Samosas, Spring Rolls, Parathas etc
This is my favourite filling! Use this for samosas, spring rolls, parathas. You can even use it for pasta, salads, sandwiches - the list is never ending!
MediumPunjabi Prawn Masala Curry
Punjabi Prawn Masala Curry is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. Heat the oil in a pan.
HardAloo Gosht
Comfort food at its finest. A family favourite worthy of both a quiet night in and for guests at a dinner party. Serve with chapattis or basmati rice (my favourite is rice!)
HardChicken Dopiaza - Indian Restaurant Curry
Chicken Dopiaza - Indian Restaurant Curry is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. Heat the oil in a pot.
HardBaingan Gosht - Aubergine and Lamb Curry
Baingan Gosht - Aubergine and Lamb Curry is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. Heat some oil in a pot and add the sliced onions, garlic and ginger.
MediumPabda Fish 'Bhuna'
Pabda Fish 'Bhuna' is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. First, we take off the head of this fish.
HardPhali Gosht - Green Bean and Meat Curry
Phali Gosht - Green Bean and Meat Curry is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. Quite simply place all your ingredients into a pot (excluding the green beans, oil and garnishing ingredients), add 1/2 cup of water and then cover.
HardMatar Gosht Shorba - Meat & Pea Curry
Comfort food at its finest. This broth-based Pakistani curry is a traditional family favourite and one which is well suited to day-to-day family meals as well as for guests.
EasyPrawn Karahi Masala
Prawn Karahi is a delicious prawn curry cooked in an aromatic tomato, ginger and garlic based gravy. This quick and easy recipe is a godsend of a weeknight dinner!
HardLobia Masala
Comforting, easy and nutritious lobia masala is a hug-in-a-bowl kind of simple. We all need a go-to recipe like that! Enjoy
HardBhindi Gosht Recipe - Okra with Lamb / Mutton Curry
Bhindi Gosht Recipe - Okra with Lamb / Mutton Curry is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. In a deep pot, heat up the oil.
HardDal Chicken Recipe - Chicken & Lentil Curry - Daal Murgh
This Dal Chicken recipe is an absolutely delicious, finger-licking good curry that you'll love to cook over and over again!
HardShaljam Gosht Recipe - Turnip and Meat Curry
Shaljam Gosht Recipe - Turnip and Meat Curry is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. Add all the ingredients aside from the turnips, green chilli, coriander and oil into a pot.
HardThe Best Chicken Jalfrezi!
Chicken Jalfrezi is a popular chicken curry recipe made using boneless chicken pieces and capsicum. This easy and delicious recipe will surprise you with it's flavour!
HardKeema Curry
This classic Keema is something many Pakistanis will have grown up eating. It's super, easy, delicious and so so versatile!
HardPaneer Jalfrezi
A delicious, easy vegetarian curry made using a traditional Indian/Pakistani onion and tomato base
EasyGreen Chicken
A super quick and easy green chicken/Hariyali chicken recipe. This recipe is tangy, fresh-tasting and goes so well with a simple salad and naan! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner
HardPakistani Chicken Korma (Authentic)
An authentic, rich and luxurious korma is perfect to serve on a special occasion or get-together. This recipe is the real deal, with lots of warming spices and deep flavour. Pairs perfectly with some naan, sheermaal or taftaan.
HardShami Kebab (Chicken, Lamb, Mutton & Beef)
This authentic Pakistani Shami kebab recipe is a delicious and crowd-pleasing item that goes well served at chai time and also as part of a proper meal. The texture is meaty yet tender and I urge you to try this recipe!
HardChicken Kali Mirch
This tasty and easy recipe comes together using such simple ingredients but it packs such a delicious punch!
HardMethi Chicken
Methi Chicken is a wholesome and easy recipe made with fresh fenugreek and bone-in chicken. This goes beautifully with some hot buttered roti!
HardMutton Korma Recipe
A classic korma recipe that's perfect for special events such as Eid and weddings!
HardAchari Chicken
An easy, tangy, pickle flavoured chicken curry made using a special achar spice mix you can make at home yourself!
MediumKaleji Masala
Spiced kaleji (liver) masala browned with onions and aromatics — a bold Pakistani main that cooks in about 45 minutes.
EasyMinced Fish Curry/Machli ka Keema
Minced fish curry (machli ka keema) simmered with spices — a quick Pakistani seafood dinner on the table in under 20 minutes.
EasyItalian Herb Frittata Breakfast
A fluffy Italian egg frittata loaded with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. Perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast sliced into wedges at the table.
EasyCacik Yogurt Cucumber Side
Cool Turkish yogurt dip with cucumber, garlic, and dried mint. A refreshing side that pairs with grilled meats, rice dishes, and spicy kebabs.
MediumKung Pao Chicken Dinner
Stir-fried Kung Pao chicken with dried chilies, peanuts, and a glossy soy-vinegar sauce. A classic Chinese dinner with balanced sweet, sour, and spicy notes.
EasyMediterranean Olive Frittata Breakfast
Mediterranean frittata with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta — a protein-rich breakfast that travels well from Cyprus to the Greek islands.
EasyHoriatiki Village Salad Lunch
Authentic Greek horiatiki — chunky tomato, cucumber, olive, and feta salad with oregano and olive oil. The village salad that defines Greek lunch.
EasyClassic Cobb Salad Lunch
Composed Cobb salad with grilled chicken, avocado, tomato, egg, blue cheese, and crisp lettuce dressed in a tangy mustard vinaigrette.
HardTexas Beef Brisket Dinner
Low-and-slow oven brisket with a smoked paprika rub and savory beef drippings. Tender slices with a dark bark inspired by Texas barbecue.
HardBuffalo Chicken Wings Side
Crispy baked chicken wings tossed in spicy Buffalo butter sauce. Serve with cool ranch or blue cheese dip and celery sticks.
EasyShrimp Caesar Salad Lunch
Crisp romaine with garlicky Caesar dressing, Parmesan, croutons, and seared shrimp. A steakhouse-style lunch popular across Canada.
EasyBBQ Garlic Prawns Dinner
Shell-on prawns grilled with garlic butter, lemon, and parsley. An Aussie barbecue favorite that cooks in minutes.
MediumBarramundi Tray Bake Dinner
Barramundi fillets roasted on a tray with cherry tomatoes, lemon, and herbs until flaky. A fresh Australian seafood dinner with almost no cleanup.
MediumOutback Beef Steak Dinner
Thick beef steaks seared hard and finished with garlic herb butter. An outback-inspired steak night with simple sides.
Plan a low-carb week in five minutes.
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