low-carb dinner recipes

by summer banks fns, spt on may 12, 2022

eating low carb doesn’t have to be boring or take all day to prepare. with these twenty-five low-carb meals, enjoy dinner quickly and without worry.

cauliflower wraps

cauliflower wraps (1g net carbs)

when you have all the fixings and don’t want to splurge on bread, these cauliflower wraps make a perfect foil for any low-carb dinner recipe.

  • preparation: 10 minutes
  • cook time: 30 minutes
  • serves: 8

ingredients:

  • 2 cups finely grated cauliflower
  • 4 eggs (lightly beaten)
  • 1-2 small cloves of garlic (minced)
  • sea salt
  • fresh ground pepper

directions:

  • though the cauliflower can be grated fine by hand, it is faster to grind to a coarse meal in a food processor.
  • add the garlic, eggs, salt and pepper. blend well.
  • lightly oil a non-stick pan.
  • over medium-low heat, pour 1/8 cup of the mixture and spread to a six-inch diameter.
  • following the same techniques for pancakes or crepes, don’t disturb the tortilla for a few minutes.
  • flip with a spatula when golden brown and cook the other side. keep in a warming dish or a low oven.

tip

cauliflower can be steamed or frozen. however, it must be squeezed through a cheesecloth to remove excess moisture before mixing with the other ingredients.

options

tortillas can be flavored with herbs, spices, caramelized onions, chives, green onion, nutritional yeast, parmesan or other cheeses.

noom offers personalized meal plans that can be quickly adjusted for a low-carb treat. use these mock tortillas in place of any starch. 

beef burrito

burrito scramble (4.2g net carbs)

low-carb meals that feature eggs make you feel full enough that you won’t miss the rice or tortilla.

  • preparation: 10 minutes
  • cook time: 20 minutes
  • serves: 4

ingredients:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 4 tablespoons water
  • 1/2 small red pepper, diced
  • 1/2 small green pepper, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 ounces ham or beef, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon salsa (optional)
  • salt
  • pepper

directions:

  • in a non-stick pan, cook onion, red pepper, and green pepper until onion is caramelized.
  • whisk eggs with water, ham, salt, and pepper.
  • add eggs to the onion mixture.
  • cook until desired doneness has been reached.
  • add cheese and salsa.

tip

for drier, fluffier eggs omit the water. for softer, moister eggs and two additional tablespoons of water.

option

serve on 1g net-carb cauliflower tortilla wrap.

avocado and poached egg

avocado and poached egg (6.4g net carbs)

eggs for dinner? why not. who says low-carb dinner recipes can’t do double duty for breakfast?

  • preparation: 15 minutes
  • cook time: 5 minutes
  • serves: 4

ingredients:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar (for poaching)
  • 8 tablespoons ricotta cheese
  • 4 avocado, mashed
  • 1 green onion, finely diced (optional)
  • 2 plum tomatoes, diced (optional)
  • a handful of greens, wilted
  • hot sauce (optional)
  • salt
  • pepper

directions:

  • crack eggs into four small bowls to make poaching transfer easier.
  • fill a pan with two inches of water and bring to a boil.
  • mince green onion. seed and dice tomatoes.
  • mash avocado and mix with ricotta.
  • spread avocado mixture on four plates.
  • place the greens on top of the avocado spread.
  • add vinegar.
  • turn off heat and add eggs gently. cover and let steam 4-5 minutes.
  • with a slotted spoon, gently remove egg and place on top of the avocado and greens.
  • add salt and pepper to taste.
  • garnish with green onions, tomatoes, and hot sauce of any type (if using).

tip

eggs can be poached in a rice cooker. cottage cheese may replace ricotta.

option

serve on 1g net-carb cauliflower tortilla wrap or gluten-free bread.

avocado is a healthy fat that’s perfect to add to your new lifestyle changes for weight loss. noom can help you stay on track with all the food nutrition information you need. 

fabulous oatmeal flapjacks (20.7g net carbs)

fabulous oatmeal flapjacks

when it’s late and cold, sometimes the cravings come on. these low-carb dinnertime flapjacks can be made into savory “buns” by just omitting the vanilla and sweetener. perfect for piling on the meat and cheese.

  • preparation: 10 minutes
  • cook time: 15 minutes
  • makes: 8 flapjacks
  • servings: 4

ingredients:

  • 1 large egg
  • 3/4 cup applesauce
  • 1 cup quick oats
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil (liquid measure)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

directions:

  • whisk egg. add applesauce, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, and salt.
  • mix well.
  • in a bowl combine quick oats, cinnamon, and baking powder.
  • add liquid ingredients to dry and blend well.
  • for a smoother consistency, mix with a blender.
  • batter should be thick but may be blended with some water to loosen it.
  • pour 1/4 cup of batter into the hot pan and cook until lightly golden brown.
  • flip and cook the other side until done.

tip

omit the sugar and vanilla and these make perfect buns or wraps. spread the batter as necessary. thinner flapjacks cook faster.

option

add chopped raisins, currants, walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter or as a garnish. if adding to the batter, chop fine or use ground nuts for a smoother texture.

hashbrown sausage scrambler (10.4g net carbs)

hashbrown sausage scrambler

the zucchini does some of the heavy lifting in this low carb dinner recipe. the potatoes play second fiddle.

  • preparation: 15 minutes
  • cook time: 35 minutes
  • serves: 8

ingredients:

  • 8 large eggs
  • 12 ounces sausage (ground or finely chopped)
  • 1/2 cup milk or milk substitute
  • 1 pound shredded zucchini and potato
  • 1 cup shredded jack, colby, or cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups chopped spinach or kale
  • 1 – 2 teaspoons of seasoning (italian, herbs de provence, or another seasoning blend)
  • salt
  • pepper

directions:

  • preheat oven to 350 degrees. cook sausage until brown and slightly caramelized. set aside and let cool.
  • next, cook the shredded zucchini and let drain and cool (squeeze out any excess moisture).
  • then cook shredded potatoes with some salt and pepper in a heavy skillet until it begins to get golden and crispy.
  • let cool.
  • next, whisk eggs, milk, seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
  • add shredded kale (or spinach), cooked sausage and potatoes.
  • pour mixture into a casserole, glass dish, or pie pan.
  • top with cheese.
  • cover with a lid or loose foil.
  • bake about 30 minutes or until set.
  • turn up the heat to 425 degrees and cook uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.
  • allow to rest on the counter for 10-15 minutes.

tip

for a looser quiche consistency reduce eggs to six.

option

to reduce moisture, cook the kale or spinach first for a couple of minutes and squeeze to remove excess liquid.

with a personalized weight-loss plan, noom provides custom recipes easily transformed into low-carb entrees with a few simple changes – like zucchini in place of potatoes.

chia seed not-tapioca pudding (0.9g net carbs)

chia pudding

sometimes a low carb dinner needs a dessert sidekick. chia seeds can absorb six times their weight in water and can be used in place of flour-based starches, binders, and thickeners.

  • preparation: 10 minutes
  • set time: 2 hours
  • yield: 2 cups
  • serves: 2

ingredients:

  • 6 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (coconut milk or other nut milk)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • sweeten to taste (sugar substitute to approximate 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup)
  • assorted fruits and nuts as desired

directions:

  • in a bowl or cup, combine all ingredients except optional fruit and nuts.
  • mix very well.
  • let sit five minutes and mix again.
  • cover and refrigerate for two hours or overnight.
  • serve with mix-ins as desired: nuts, seeds, fruits, peanut butter, or nut butter.

tip

add cacao powder for a chocolate version. try kiwi and blackberries, persimmons, peaches and pumpkin spice for toppings.

option

to make more (or less) at a time use 1 cup of liquid for every 3 tablespoons of chia seeds.

mean green bacon salad (5.9g net carbs)

bacon salad

low carb recipes can be simple but pack a powerful protein punch.

  • preparation: 10 minutes
  • cook time: 10 minutes
  • serves: 1

ingredients:

  • 1 avocado (peeled, seeded, chopped)
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs
  • 1 large tomato (seeded, diced)
  • 1/4 cup grilled chicken
  • 1/4 of a lemon
  • 4 pieces crispy bacon (cooked, chopped)
  • 1 cup of romaine lettuce
  • blue cheese (optional)
  • salt
  • pepper

directions:

  • bring a pot of water to a boil and reduce to a simmer.
  • add eggs and cover for ten minutes.
  • meanwhile, prepare and chop avocado, tomato and bacon.
  • cool eggs in an ice bath.
  • peel and chop to roughly the same size as the other ingredients.
  • add eggs, tomato, and avocado to a bowl with salt and pepper (to taste), and very gently mix to combine.
  • squeeze lemon wedge over the mixture and garnish with bacon.
  • serve over a bed of romaine lettuce.

tip

for a soft, hardboiled egg, cook for 9 minutes. if you’re looking for a harder yolk, up the time to 11 minutes.

option

for a kick, sprinkle with sriracha or other hot sauce.

did you know some hot sauces can have hidden carbs? with noom, you can track what you eat and find any hidden carbs so you don’t sabotage your diet.

deviled egg salad (7.8g net carbs)

egg salad

this low carb recipe is more of an angel than a devil and makes a quick, easy dinner.

  • preparation: 10 minutes
  • cook time: 10 minutes
  • serves: 4

ingredients:

  • 8 hard-boiled eggs
  • 1 stalk of celery, diced fine
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 1-2 teaspoons prepared sweet relish
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 green onion (minced)
  • 1 roasted red pepper (optional)
  • 16 large lettuce leaves
  • paprika
  • salt
  • pepper

directions:

  • bring a pot of water to a boil and reduce to a simmer.
  • add eggs and cover. for standard hard yolk let cook 10 minutes. cook 11 minutes for slightly harder yolks.
  • cool in an ice water bath.
  • separate yolks from whites.
  • to one bowl add yolks and mash and to rough chop whites separately.
  • combine celery, green onion, mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, relish, roasted red pepper (if using) salt, and pepper.
  • taste and adjust seasonings.
  • when satisfied, add to the yolks and blend well.
  • add the mixture to the egg whites and gently mix to combine.
  • serve on two lettuce leaves and sprinkle with paprika.

tip

for the best flavor, allow the mixture to rest refrigerated for an hour.

option

for a kick, add jalapeños, sriracha, cayenne pepper, or other hot sauce.

one-to-one porridge (9.4g net carbs)

porridge

grandmas and grandpas ate porridge any time of the day for generations. seeds and nuts make this version a low-carb and guilt-free treat.

  • preparation: 10 minutes
  • cook time: 5 minutes
  • serves: 1

ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon whole flaxseeds
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
  • 1 pinch salt
  • ground cinnamon to taste
  • sugar substitute to taste

directions:

  • in a small saucepan combine all ingredients.
  • bring to a boil then simmer a few minutes until the porridge thickens to the desired consistency.

tip

combine 1 cup of each seed and store in a jar. for a quick fix, shake the jar before use, scoop three tablespoons of mixture, add a pinch of salt, and complete the recipe as usual. add sugar substitute to taste.

option

top with a pat of butter and more milk. add vanilla, fruits and mixed nuts as desired.

we love that apps like noom help men and women adopt healthy lifestyle changes, like switching it up with more complex carbohydrates.

coconut flour hot cereal (8.1g net carbs)

coconut flour porridge

hot cereal for dinner can cure the nighttime nibbles. as far as low-carb dinner recipes go, this one is unusual but remove the sweetener and switch it up.

chicken broth changes this low-carb meal into a powerhouse that fits right alongside soups and stews.

  • preparation: 3 minutes
  • cook time: 10 minutes
  • serves: 1

ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup nut milk or water
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 teaspoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons coconut flour
  • 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
  • 1 tablespoon coconut cream
  • 1 tablespoon sweetener (or to taste)
  • 1 pinch salt

directions:

  • in a small pot over medium heat, combine nut milk (or water), coconut flour, ground flaxseed, and salt.
  • stir with a whisk or spatula.
  • when the mixture comes to a simmer, turn down the heat to low to medium-low and continue to stir.
  • once the mixture thickens remove from heat.
  • temper the egg by adding a few spoons of the porridge to it while whisking vigorously.
  • next, pour the tempered eggs into the cooked cereal mixture and whisk continuously and return the pot to the heat for about a minute.
  • turn off heat and add the butter, sweetener, and coconut cream.

tip

ghee may be substituted for butter. add fruits and nuts for garnish and crunch.

option

for a savory version, omit the nut milks and sugar. substitute with beef, chicken, or vegetable stock or broth.

goji pistachio dinner cookie (3.4g net carbs)

goji berry dinner cookie

instead of cranberry sauce for a side, try a low-carb recipe that can bring back the fun to the low-carb table. lighten up a heavy meal with a little side treat. is it a bread-like muffin or cookie? you decide.

  • preparation: 20 minutes
  • cook time: 30 minutes
  • serves: 20

ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups almond meal
  • 1 cup chopped pistachios
  • 2 ounces unsweetened goji berries
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoons baking powder
  • sweetener to taste (equivalent of 1/2 cup of sugar)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tablespoon almond extract
  • 1 pinch salt

directions:

  • preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • combine almond meal, pistachios, baking powder, and sweetener.
  • whisk together egg, vanilla, and salt.
  • add wet to dry ingredients.
  • mix well to form a sticky dough.
  • fold in cranberries.
  • line a baking sheet or baking pan with parchment paper.
  • spread the dough or form into a rectangular free-form loaf.
  • bake 20-30 minutes until firm and just turning brown.
  • remove from oven and cool about 15 minutes.
  • slice into 20 bars or squares.

tip

substitute cranberries for goji berries

option

for a twice-baked biscotti, place slices on a wire rack and return to a 300-degree oven for an additional 30 minutes until hard and golden brown.

loving your new healthy eating plan? remember to keep track of the foods you eat on a regular basis with an app like noom so you don’t miss logging any carbs.

refrigerator pickle, cold meat, and cheese (3.6g net carbs)

food doesn’t have to be complicated, but it should be delicious. once you learn the low-carb recipes for quick pickles, you can brine anything.

  • preparation: 20 minutes
  • cook time: 10 minutes
  • rest time: 2 days
  • amount: 1 quart
  • serving: 2 oz

ingredients:

  • small cucumbers, cauliflower florets, and pearl onions to fit a 1-quart jar
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon whole peppercorn
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 6 whole allspice
  • 3-4 whole garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dill seeds
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • sweetener to taste.

directions:

  • stuff a 1-quart jar with the pickles, onions, and cauliflower. pickles may be speared, sliced, or gherkin sized.
  • add cloves, allspice, garlic, mustard, dill, peppercorns, and bay leaf.
  • in a saucepan combine water, vinegar, and salt.
  • once simmering, remove from heat and add sweetener. pour brine into the prepared jar.
  • cover tightly and refrigerate at least two days.
  • serve alongside cold ham or roast beef and cheese.

tip

for a different flavor profile, try pickling with other vinegar such as red wine, white, champagne or rice vinegar. for a stronger pickle, make the brine a 1:1 ratio of water to vinegar.

for a kick, add red pepper flakes. other spice options include whole coriander, fresh herbs (rosemary, oregano, dill, thyme), turmeric and smoked paprika.

option

other vegetables may be pickled including red onion, blanched green beans, peeled carrots, sliced summer squash, blanched asparagus, whole grape/cherry tomatoes and ginger.

lovely lox and endive (8.4g net carbs)

lovely lox and endive

lox lends a unique flavor that departs from everyday low-carb recipes. it requires no cooking and is quick to prepare.

  • preparation: 20 minutes
  • rest time: 15 minutes
  • serving: 2

ingredients:

  • 1 cup cream cheese (cold)
  • 6 ounces smoked salmon (lox)
  • 1 cucumber sliced
  • bunch of fresh thyme or dill (destemmed)
  • bunch of endive

directions:

  • roll cream cheese out between two sheets of wax or parchment paper on a cookie sheet.
  • thickness is a matter of preference. sprinkle with fresh thyme or dill.
  • arrange lox on top, recover with wax paper and press gently with a rolling pin.
  • let chill fifteen minutes.
  • cut into squares or fancy shapes.
  • serve on endive leaves with cucumber chips.

tip

to make pinwheels, roll, chill for three hours, then slice.

option

for a spread, soften cream cheese and dice lox. mix with herbs.

if you’re not fond of smoked salmon, switch it up and used cooked salmon. an app like noom can help you track the changes in carb count so you know exactly what you’re taking in.

tuna melt casserole (6.0g net carb)

tuna melt cassarole

eating low carb? nothing says hearty dinner like a casserole.

  • preparation: 15 minutes
  • cook time: 5 minutes
  • servings: 2

ingredients:

  • 1 large zucchini, chopped
  • 1 can of albacore tuna packed in water
  • 1 celery stalk, minced fine
  • 1/2 small red onion, minced
  • a sprig of fresh dill (or about 1/4 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1/2 cup cheese blend (any type)
  • a squeeze of a lemon wedge
  • pepper to taste
  • hot sauce (optional)

directions:

  • preheat the oven for broiling.
  • chop zucchini into small pieces. in a pan, sauté zucchini in butter or oil until cook through with some caramelization.
  • take care not to overcook.
  • the zucchini should be just beyond al dente. set aside to cool.
  • drain tuna and break up the lumps to the desired size.
  • in an oven-safe casserole dish, combine tuna, zucchini, minced celery, red onion, dill, olive oil, lemon juice, and pepper. sprinkle the top with cheese.
  • broil about 3-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. eat as is or serve with crisp greens or on low-carb bread open-faced sandwich.

tip

to remove the “fishiness” of some brands of tuna, place the chunks in a fine mesh strainer and gently rinse. squeeze out the excess water. for a soft, super smooth tuna use fingers to break up the pieces into tiny shreds.

option

feta and parmesan cheese add layers of flavor, and nutritional yeast can be substituted for a dairy-free option. to sweeten and mellow the red onion, cook it with the zucchini.

bahamian tuna (5.2g net carbs)

bahamian tuna

it’s strange but true. tuna and tomato ketchup go together like ginger and stir fry. if you are looking to shake up the menu, try this low carb dinner chameleon.

  • preparation: 15 minutes
  • cook time: 25 minutes
  • servings: 4

ingredients:

  • 20 ounces of albacore tuna packed in water (4 cans)
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced or minced
  • 1 small onion, diced or minced
  • 1-2 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup ketchup (or 1/8 cup tomato paste with water to thin)
  • herbs
  • pepper
  • cayenne pepper (optional)
  • season salt or herbs (optional)

directions:

  • in a skillet, cook onions, green pepper, and garlic until translucent, fragrant, and just turning golden.
  • add ketchup or tomato paste, season salt or herbs, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). simmer and stir about five minutes until color deepens and the flavors blend.
  • in a bowl, add tuna and the hot vegetables and mix to combine. use all the sauce or less as desired.
  • serve in the red bell pepper halves for a fresh crunch.
  • alternately, the red bell peppers can be lightly steamed or roasted first. serve over greens and a crust of gluten-free bread.

tip

to mellow the flavor of the tuna, strain, gently rinse with water, and squeeze out excess water. don’t overwork the fish or the dish will become mushy.

option

tomato sauce can be used in place of the denser ketchup or tomato paste. if the sauce won’t cook down thick enough, add some cornstarch to water a teaspoon at a time and bring to a boil to thicken to desired consistency.

a low-carb diet is clinically proven to help with weight loss, but over time people tend to stop counting carbs or letting a few slip here or there. using the food logging option with noom, you never have to worry about hidden carbs ruining your weight loss.

simple buttery fish (0.4g net carbs)

simple buttery fish

fresh fish cooks quickly and is full of healthy fats and protein. have it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

  • preparation: 10 minutes
  • cook time: 15 minutes
  • servings: 2

ingredients:

  • two 8-ounce fish fillets (flounder, fluke, cod, swai, sole, tilapia, mahi-mahi)
  • 3-4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 4 large eggs
  • paprika
  • salt
  • pepper
  • 1 small green onion, diced
  • fresh or dried parsley
  • grape tomatoes
  • chopped green olives (optional)
  • hot pepper flakes (optional)

directions:

  • preheat oven to 425 degrees. season fish with the desired amount of salt, pepper, paprika, and hot pepper flakes (if using).
  • place fillets and tomatoes in a cast-iron skillet, oven-safe pan, or baking dish.
  • pour melted butter over the fish. depending on the size of the fish, cooking time may vary from 8-20 minutes.
  • cook fish for five minutes and check if it is half cooked.
  • if so determine when to crack the eggs directly to the pan in the spaces between the fish: for hard yolks add before fish is half cooked, for medium add when fish is half cooked, and for runny yolks add when fish is more than half cooked.
  • season eggs as desired with salt, pepper, and paprika.

tip

try different herbs and flavor combinations such as tarragon, lemon juice, dill, garlic, and ginger.

option

capers may be substituted for olives.

keto crepes (3.8g net carbs)

crepes

sweet or savory, crepes can be a staple that replaces bread for all the stuffing of a dinner scramble. turn them into waffles, pancakes, or a wrap.

  • preparation: 10 minutes
  • cook time: 25 minutes
  • servings: 4

ingredients:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 tablespoons milk, nut milk or coconut cream
  • 4 tablespoons coconut flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla (omit for savory crepes)
  • 4 tablespoons granulated sweetener

directions:

  • whisk eggs with milk and vanilla.
  • add sweetener.
  • add coconut flour and baking powder and mix well until smooth.
  • crepe batter is loose but not liquid.
  • add coconut flour one teaspoon at a time if the batter is too runny.
  • if too thick, thin with milk or water.
  • in a hot, non-stick pan add 1/4 cup of batter and swirl the pan to thin the crepe.
  • let cook until it pulls up a bit and is golden on the bottom and flip.
  • cook another side.
  • for bigger crepes use a bigger pan and 1/2 cup of batter.
  • refrigerate or freeze extras.

tip

for a waffle batter, separate eggs and whip the whites to peaks. fold into the yolk batter as the last step. for the pancake batter, thicken it with more coconut flour or add almond flour until the right consistency is reached for thin or thick pancakes.

option

omit the vanilla and reduce the sweetener for a savory option. season with herbs and spices if desired such as chives, garlic, or onions. the crepes can be stuffed with anything including lox, meat, seafood, chicken, cream cheese, and green onion.

we love that weight-loss apps like noom can help you keep track of your carbs and other healthy habits, so your success is closer than ever.

no guilt hash browns (8.7g net carbs)

no guilt hashbrownseating can low carb can be a challenge when certain favorites are missed.

this copycat low-carb recipe uses root vegetables to round out the meal.

  • preparation: 10 minutes
  • cook time: 10 minutes
  • servings: 2

ingredients:

  • 1 large egg
  • 4 ounces rutabaga/turnip, shredded
  • 1 small onion, julienned
  • 2 ounces of cheese, shredded
  • 1 small clove garlic minced
  • salt
  • pepper

directions:

  • heat a skillet coated with oil on medium-high heat. lightly beat egg, and add cheese, shredded rutabaga, garlic, salt, pepper, and onion.
  • mix well then spread into the pan enough to cover and form a cake.
  • do not put in too much at once or the rutabaga won’t brown.
  • let cook until dark brown then turn and cook the other side.

tip

cauliflower and parsnips also work well for a faux hash brown. for a smoother hash brown, par-cook the root vegetables and mash before frying.

option

add ham or bacon to the mixture and garnish with green onion.

friendly home fries (7.6g net carbs)

when you want something a little different, try daikon. its texture is quite close to the potato with fewer carbs.

  • preparation: 10 minutes
  • cook time: 15 minutes
  • servings: 2

ingredients:

  • 2 cups medium daikon radish or jicama, cubed
  • 1 small onion, julienned
  • paprika
  • salt
  • pepper
  • cayenne pepper (optional)
  • fresh parsley, minced

directions:

  • in a bowl, season the chopped radish and onion with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  • saute’ onion and radish in oil until cooked and browning well.
  • taste and adjust seasoning.
  • garnish with a sprinkling of chopped fresh or dried parsley.

tip

smaller cubes cook faster and more evenly than large chunks. root vegetables can be steamed or parboiled first then dried thoroughly to improve fast crisping over high heat without burning.

option:

ordinary red radishes work if julienned but don’t crisp or brown as well as daikon or jicama.

if a personalized meal plan recipe from noom calls for potatoes, try replacing them with daikon of jicama for a new take.

bacon and water chestnuts

seventies bacon and water chestnuts (9.1g net carbs)

for a pre-dinner or after dinner or anytime pick-me-up, bacon can’t miss. this sweet and savory low-carb recipe packs a little surprise with every bacon bite.

  • preparation: 10 minutes
  • cook time: 25 minutes
  • servings: 6

ingredients:

  • 1 can sliced water chestnuts
  • 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
  • 24 slices of dates, thin

directions:

  • preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • wrap one chestnut slice, and one date slice with bacon.
  • keep seam on the bottom and place on a lined cookie sheet. secure with a toothpick if desired.
  • bake about 20-30 minutes depending on the thickness of bacon and desired crispness.

tip

thick-cut bacon provides more bacon punch than regular.

option

try signature or artisan bacon or season the bacon with pepper or herbs.

sweet potato egg

cottage cheese dinner pudding (7.3g net carbs)

can you really have pudding for dinner? in a manner of speaking, yes. cottage cheese has a lot of protein and is perfect for when you are looking for a light, quick dinner with a hint of sweet without breaking the carb budget.

  • preparation: 5 minutes
  • cook time: 0 minutes
  • servings: 1

ingredients:

  • 1 cup full fat cottage cheese (any curd style)
  • 1/2 cup frozen raspberries (or other fruit)
  • nuts (optional)

directions:

  • in a blender, combine cottage cheese and fruit such as banana or peach.
  • top with nuts if desired.

tip

avoid no-fat cottage cheese. for a thicker unfrozen pudding, thaw and drain raspberries.

option

cottage cheese also mixes well with eggs and mock potato salads, providing a unique tang and creaminess.

sweet potato egg mcnuffins (3.5g net carbs)

these faux-mini quiches are fun and easy to make for a low-carb dinner.

  • preparation: 10 minutes
  • cook time: 20 minutes
  • servings: 6

ingredients:

  • 6 sausage patties or ham, cooked, cubed
  • 1/2 cup grated sweet potatoes
  • 1/2 cup cheese, shredded
  • 6 large eggs
  • tarragon or chives
  • salt
  • pepper

directions:

  • in oil, pan fry shredded sweet potato with a little salt until cooked.
  • add half the cheese and press into pan flat until golden brown and crispy.
  • layer sweet potato, meat and then an egg (cracked whole or scrambled) in muffin cups and bake in a 375-degree oven for about 12-15 minutes.
  • serve the egg cups with any leftover sausage or ham.
  • salt and pepper to taste. garnish with tarragon or chives.

tip

cauliflower, zucchini, jicama, and parsnips can substitute for sweet potato.

option

serve on a plate sandwiched between halved sausage patties with some crispy sweet potatoes, cheese, and fried, scrambled, or poached egg(s).

take any traditional recipe and replace the high-carb ingredients with low-carb alternatives for amazing, new recipes. logging food with noom allows you to see just how many carbs are inside.

fisherman’s egg bake (1.1g net carbs)

out of all the low-carb recipes out there, this fishy little upstart comes with a substantial good-fat boost, tons of minerals, and bunches of protein. believe it or not, anchovies can take center stage and be delicious.

  • preparation: 5 minutes
  • cook time: 12 minutes
  • servings: 2

ingredients:

  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cans low-sodium sardines, chopped
  • pepper
  • chives or green onions
  • cayenne pepper (optional)

directions:

  • saute’ garlic in oil on medium-low heat until fragrant for 1-2 minutes.
  • remove from heat and add sardines and cayenne pepper to taste (if using). mix well and press into a frying pan.
  • scramble eggs and season with pepper.
  • cook and flip like an omelet.
  • alternatively, use an oven-safe pan or baking dish, crack eggs on top and add pepper bake 8-15 minutes depending on the desired consistency of egg yolks.
  • serve garnished with chives.

tip

roasted garlic adds a sweeter, lighter garlic flavor. mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, and/or tomatoes can be added to the garlic and sardine mix.

option

serve over a bed of arugula.

small shrimp being sauteed in a skillet with cherry tomatoes

shrimp ‘n eggs (8.4g net carbs)

for a low-carb meal that brings in the sea, try this shrimp frittata. it’s quick and easy. leftovers can be enjoyed for breakfast, too.

  • preparation: 5 minutes
  • cook time: 10 minutes
  • servings: 2

ingredients:

  • 6 large eggs, whisked
  • 12 large frozen cooked shrimp, thawed, chopped
  • 6 grape tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 small onion, diced
  • fresh parsley, minced
  • cayenne pepper (optional)
  • salt
  • pepper

directions:

  • in a pan over medium-high heat saute’ onions until caramelized.
  • add tomatoes and cook until soft then wilt the spinach for a minute.
  • add the shrimp to heat through.
  • turn the heat to low. add salt, pepper, and cayenne to whisked eggs.
  • pour onto the spinach mixture and use a spatula to combine the ingredients a bit before the eggs set.
  • cover and steam for about 8-10 minutes.
  • garnish with parsley.

tip

substitute other firm fish for a new take on this country classic.

option

instead of whisking eggs. season the mixture with salt, pepper, and cayenne then crack on each egg and cover. cook to the desired consistency of yolk and white.

take noom app with you along the low-carb journey. the virtual community is there to support you when those carbs call and you need the strength to abstain.

green god smoothie (8.4g net carbs)

for those on a juice fast or who need something fast for sipping when they don’t have the time to sit down for dinner, this smoothie is simply a divine low-carb dinner in a glass.

  • preparation: 5 minutes
  • cook time: 5 minutes
  • servings: 4

ingredients:

  • 1 avocado, scooped from the peel
  • 1-2 cups canned coconut milk (full fat)
  • 1/2 cup almond or nut milk
  • 1/2 lemon or lime (squeezed)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh ginger (grated)
  • 2-3 cups crushed ice
  • sweetener to taste

directions:

  • add all ingredients to a blender except for ice until smooth. add enough ice to gain the desired thickness. adjust sweetener as needed.

tip

freeze ginger root to keep it fresh and make it easy to grate even with the skin on.

option

a few spoons of cottage cheese can substitute for coconut milk.

about the author:

summer banks has researched over 5000 weight-loss programs, pills, shakes and diet plans. previously, she managed 15 supplement brands, worked with professionals in the weight loss industry and completed coursework in nutrition at stanford university.

updated: