Hey friends, it’s Samad 👋
Let me tell you when I first started experimenting with high protein low carb recipes, I thought I was doomed to dry chicken breast and boiled eggs every day. Boring, right? But after testing and tweaking a bunch of meals (with Lina as my honest food critic 😅), I found a rhythm that actually works and tastes great.

Table of Contents
Why High Protein Low Carb Recipes Work So Well
This isn’t some random trend. It’s a smart lifestyle shift that delivers results. Here’s why:
- Protein keeps you full – It cuts cravings and keeps you satisfied longer.
- Low carb means low sugar – Say goodbye to blood sugar spikes and that 3 PM crash.
- Build muscle + burn fat – Whether you’re active or just trying to eat cleaner, your body thrives.
- Time-saving – These high protein low carb recipes are quick, fridge-friendly, and taste even better the next day.
I’ve seen real results more energy, fewer cravings and Lina loves the variety (even though she’s not even trying to cut carbs).
What Ingredients You Should Always Have for High Protein Low Carb Recipes
Before we jump into cooking, let’s talk kitchen basics. With these staples on hand, you’ll be able to whip up easy high protein low carb recipes in 30 minutes or less:
- Proteins: Chicken breast, turkey, eggs, Greek yogurt, tofu, tuna
- Veggies: Broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, zucchini, bell peppers
- Healthy fats: Olive oil, avocado, nuts, natural peanut butter
- Spices: Paprika, cumin, garlic powder, chili flakes, turmeric
- Low-carb swaps: Cauliflower rice, zoodles (zucchini noodles), almond flour, coconut milk
Trust me these ingredients are your meal-prep best friends.
7 High Protein Low Carb Recipes You’ll Want on Repeat
Now let’s get to the good stuff.
Today, I’m sharing the best high protein low carb recipes I’ve tested, refined, and cooked again and again. Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week or trying to eat cleaner at dinner, these meals are game-changers. No fancy stuff—just real food, bold flavors, and clean fuel for your body.t our table and they’re all under 10g of net carbs per serving.
1. Creamy Garlic Chicken with Zoodles
Creamy Garlic Chicken with Zoodles
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium chicken breasts sliced thin
- 2 medium zucchinis spiralized
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken and cook until golden and cooked through.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the cream and simmer for 5 minutes. Add Parmesan (if using), and stir until smooth.
- Add zucchini noodles and toss to coat. Cook for 2–3 minutes until just tender.
- Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
You won’t miss pasta after this one I promise.
I season chicken breast with salt, pepper, and paprika, then pan-sear it in olive oil until golden. Next, I make a simple garlic cream sauce with almond milk and a little Parmesan, then toss in zucchini noodles just before serving. The zoodles soak up that creamy goodness like a sponge.
Quick tip: Don’t overcook your zoodles. They only need 2 minutes any more and they turn soggy.
This dish has saved many weeknights at our house.
2. Spicy Shrimp Cauliflower Rice Bowl
Lina loves this one after workouts. It’s got lean protein, crunch, and spice and it’s light enough to eat and still feel energized.
Here’s what I do:
- Sauté shrimp with garlic, cayenne, and olive oil.
- Stir-fry cauliflower rice with green onions, scrambled egg, and sesame oil.
- Combine them, squeeze fresh lime over the top, and sprinkle sesame seeds.
Optional: If you’re like me and like a kick, add chili flakes or hot sauce.
3. Baked Turkey Meatballs with Spinach
These are juicy and full of flavor not dry like most “healthy” meatballs.
I mix ground turkey, chopped spinach, garlic, almond flour, and one egg. Roll into balls and bake until golden. Then I toss them in a low-carb tomato sauce for a cozy, protein-packed meal.
Samad’s Prep Hack: Make a double batch and freeze half. They reheat beautifully, and you’ll thank yourself next week when you’re too tired to cook.
4. Keto Egg Muffins (Perfect for Meal Prep)
I’ve made these every Sunday for the past year. They’re that good.
Just whisk together:
- Eggs
- Diced bell peppers
- Spinach
- Shredded cheese
- Cooked sausage or turkey bacon
Pour into muffin tins and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes. Let them cool, then store in the fridge. Microwave for 30 seconds and you’ve got a hot, protein-packed breakfast anytime.
5. Beef Stir Fry with Green Beans
This one’s a staple. It’s fast, simple, and full of flavor.
I slice flank steak thin and sear it in a hot pan with garlic, soy sauce, and a splash of rice vinegar. Then I toss in fresh green beans and mushrooms, stir-fry it all for 10 minutes, and dinner is done.
Samad’s Tip: Use coconut aminos if you want a soy-free, low sodium alternative it still gives great umami flavor.
Serve it as is, or over cauliflower rice if you want something extra.
This is one of my go-to high protein low carb recipes when I’m short on time but still want something satisfying and bold.
6. Tofu and Broccoli in Peanut Sauce
Don’t sleep on this one seriously.
I know tofu doesn’t excite everyone, but when it’s pan-fried until crispy and tossed in a homemade peanut-lime sauce, it becomes something special.
I sauté broccoli until tender, then mix everything together and top with crushed peanuts for a bit of crunch. Lina swears it’s better than takeout and that’s saying something, because she’s picky when it comes to tofu.
It’s one of those high protein low carb recipes that even plant-based eaters will love flavorful, filling, and packed with clean ingredients.
7. Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Butter
This is my go-to when I want something fast but fancy.
I rub salmon fillets with garlic, lemon zest, and smoked paprika, then air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, I melt butter with more garlic and a splash of lemon juice.
Drizzle the garlic butter over the salmon, serve with roasted cauliflower or sautéed greens, and boom restaurant-quality dinner in under 20 minutes.
This is one of those high protein low carb recipes that even guests will rave about.
Samad’s Kitchen Tips for Success
Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up from cooking these meals over and over again. They’re the reason these high protein low carb recipes actually work for real life, not just Instagram:
- Cook once, eat twice: Always double recipes that freeze well like meatballs, stir-fries, and muffins. Future-you will be grateful.
- Flavor is everything: Use garlic, fresh herbs, lemon zest, and spices like smoked paprika to keep meals exciting.
- Protein-rich snacks matter: Keep boiled eggs, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and jerky in the fridge. You’ll be way less tempted to reach for junk when hunger hits.
- Balance fat and protein: Add a little healthy fat (like avocado or olive oil) to help you feel full and fuel your body longer.
These little habits make your kitchen a powerhouse for consistently great high protein low carb recipes without getting bored or burned out.
Want More?
📌 I’ve put together a printable PDF of all these recipes + a free 7-day high protein low carb meal plan.
We’ll dive into:
- More 8 high protein low carb recipes
- Real FAQs from readers
- Nutrition breakdowns
- Final call-to-action for internal linking & engagement
More High Protein Low Carb Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed Part 1, you’re going to love these next ones. These are the kind of meals that make eating healthy feel like a treat, not a chore. I’ve tested these with family, friends, and even picky eaters and they pass the taste test every time.
These are exactly the kinds of high protein low carb recipes I keep on rotation every week. Easy, tasty, and guilt-free.
8. Cheesy Stuffed Bell Peppers (Low Carb Edition)
These are a go-to in our house. I swap rice for cauliflower, and the flavor still hits hard.
- Ground turkey + garlic + onions
- Riced cauliflower + tomato paste
- Stuff into halved bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake
They’re colorful, hearty, and perfect for meal prep.
One of the most family-friendly high protein low carb recipes I’ve ever made.
9. Chicken Bacon Ranch Lettuce Wraps
Lina’s favorite lunch recipe. It’s crunchy, creamy, and packs over 30g of protein.
- Grilled chicken, crispy turkey bacon, ranch dressing
- All wrapped in big romaine or butter lettuce leaves
- Add avocado slices if you want some healthy fats in there too
It’s one of those high-impact meals that proves high protein low carb recipes don’t have to be boring or bland.
10. Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups
You’ll be surprised how satisfying these are.
Instead of pasta, I slice zucchini into long thin strips, fill them with ricotta, spinach, and ground beef, roll them up, and bake in marinara sauce.
Trust me: no one misses the noodles especially not when it tastes this good and fits perfectly into your list of high protein low carb recipes.
11. Sausage & Cauliflower Hash
Perfect for breakfast or dinner.
- Brown Italian sausage
- Add diced cauliflower, bell peppers, onions
- Finish with an egg on top
Samad Tip: Add chili flakes for a kick and drizzle with a little avocado oil.
12. Keto Buffalo Chicken Bowls
If you love wings, you’ll love this.
Shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, laid over shredded lettuce or cauliflower rice. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or ranch and top with celery for crunch.
High protein, low carb, spicy, and satisfying.
13. Greek Turkey Burgers with Feta and Cucumber Sauce
Juicy burgers without the bun? Yes, please.
I mix ground turkey with oregano, garlic, and crumbled feta. Grill or pan-fry, then serve in lettuce wraps with cucumber yogurt sauce.
Add sliced tomato and red onion chef’s kiss
14. Baked Cod with Lemon & Capers
Light, flaky, and fast.
- Season cod with salt, pepper, lemon zest
- Top with capers, garlic, olive oil
- Bake until fork-tender (about 15 minutes)
Serve with steamed broccoli or roasted zucchini.
15. Low Carb Chili (No Beans!)
This one’s perfect for cold nights or football Sundays.
Ground beef, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and all the classic spices without the beans. Simmered until rich and thick.
Lina likes hers with a spoon of sour cream and shredded cheddar on top.
Nutrition Breakdown (Why These Recipes Work)
Here’s why these meals keep you full and fueled:
Recipe | Protein (g) | Net Carbs (g) | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Chicken Garlic Zoodles | 35g | 7g | Creamy, light dinner |
Spicy Shrimp Cauli Bowl | 30g | 6g | Low carb, high spice |
Keto Egg Muffins | 20g | 3g | Great for breakfast on-the-go |
Beef Stir Fry | 38g | 9g | Quick dinner |
Buffalo Chicken Bowl | 33g | 4g | Perfect post-gym |
Greek Turkey Burgers | 36g | 5g | High protein, full flavor |
All these recipes average 25–40g of protein per serving and under 10g net carbs, which makes them excellent for keto, low carb, or high-protein diets.
FAQs About High Protein Low Carb Recipes
Q1: What can I eat that’s high protein but no carbs?
You can go for grilled meats, eggs, tofu, and fish. Pair them with low-carb veggies like spinach, broccoli, or cauliflower.
Q2: Can I lose weight eating high protein low carb meals?
Yes many people see great results with this combo. It keeps you full, reduces cravings, and supports fat loss without sacrificing muscle.
Q3: How many high protein low carb meals should I eat per day?
That depends on your goals, but 2–3 well-balanced meals with snacks like eggs, nuts, or Greek yogurt can help you stay on track.
Q4: Are these meals good for diabetics?
They’re often ideal low carb keeps blood sugar stable, and protein supports energy and muscle maintenance. Just double-check with your doctor.
Final Thoughts from Samad
If you’ve been stuck eating plain chicken and steamed broccoli every day stop. These high protein low carb recipes are proof that healthy doesn’t mean boring.
They’ve helped me stay fit, fuel workouts, and enjoy what I eat. And Lina? She’s always asking, “Are you making the shrimp bowl again tonight?” 😄
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📌 Download Your Free Meal Plan PDF + Recipe Cards
Includes:
- 7-day low carb high protein meal schedule
- Shopping list
- Printable versions of every recipe
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