7 Easy Keto Recipes for Beginners (with Popular Ingredients)
If you’re just starting your keto journey, figuring out what to cook can feel overwhelming. Low-carb, high-fat meals don’t have to be complicated, expensive, or time-consuming.
In fact, some of the easiest keto dishes use ingredients you probably already have at home. Today, I’m sharing 7 easy keto recipes for beginners, all using simple, popular ingredients, so you can start enjoying keto meals without stress or fuss.
1. Creamy Scrambled Eggs with Butter
Scrambled eggs are a classic breakfast, but on keto, the secret is to make them creamy, buttery, and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped chives or cheese
How to Cook:
- Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk until smooth.
- Heat a nonstick pan over low-medium heat and melt the butter.
- Pour in the eggs and let them sit for a few seconds. Then gently stir with a spatula, forming soft folds.
- Cook until they are just set but still creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and optional toppings.
Tips:
- Low and slow is key. High heat can make eggs rubbery.
- Add cheese or avocado slices to keep it extra keto-friendly and filling.
Scrambled eggs like this are perfect for busy mornings, and they pair wonderfully with bacon, sausage, or a small side of sautéed greens.
2. Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet
This is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is super simple. You can make it in one pan, and it’s packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Cook:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Place chicken in the skillet and cook 6–7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
- Garnish with parsley and serve with steamed broccoli or zucchini noodles.
Tips:
- You can swap chicken for shrimp or pork chops for variety.
- For extra flavor, squeeze a little lemon juice over the cooked chicken before serving.
This recipe is a lifesaver for weeknight dinners, and the garlic butter sauce makes it feel like restaurant quality without the effort.
3. Cheesy Omelet with Vegetables
Omelets are a great way to pack in low-carb veggies while staying keto-friendly. Plus, they’re super customizable.
Ingredients:
- 2–3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
- 1/2 cup chopped low-carb vegetables (spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Cook:
- Whisk the eggs with heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a nonstick pan and add a little butter or oil. Sauté the vegetables until slightly tender.
- Pour in the eggs and let them cook undisturbed for a minute. Sprinkle the cheese on top.
- Once the eggs are mostly set, fold the omelet and cook for another 30 seconds.
Tips:
- Add cooked bacon, sausage, or smoked salmon for extra protein.
- Don’t overcook. Omelets should be soft and slightly runny inside for the best texture.
This cheesy omelet is a perfect grab-and-go breakfast or quick lunch, and it’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables in your fridge.
4. Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon
Salmon is a keto superstar, rich in healthy fats, protein, and omega-3s. This recipe is simple but feels indulgent.
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
How to Cook:
- Pat the salmon dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4–5 minutes. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until flaky.
- Squeeze lemon over the salmon before serving.
Tips:
- Serve with sautéed spinach or roasted asparagus for a complete keto meal.
- If you like crispy skin, press the salmon gently with a spatula for the first 30 seconds of cooking.
This pan-seared salmon is quick, healthy, and perfect for those nights you want a light but filling dinner.
5. Zucchini Noodles with Cream Sauce
Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” are an easy pasta replacement for keto beginners. Pair them with a creamy sauce for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Cook:
- Heat butter in a skillet and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add heavy cream and Parmesan, stirring until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss in zucchini noodles and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.
Tips:
- Avoid overcooking zoodles, they can become watery.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a more substantial meal.
This recipe is a beginner-friendly keto pasta alternative that feels rich and indulgent without breaking your carb limit.
6. Keto Avocado Egg Salad
Egg salad is cheap, easy, and perfect for quick meals. The avocado adds creaminess and healthy fat, making it ideal for keto.
Ingredients:
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped celery or chives
How to Make:
- In a bowl, combine mashed avocado, mayonnaise, and mustard.
- Add chopped eggs and mix gently until everything is combined.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs.
Tips:
- Serve in lettuce wraps, on keto bread, or just by itself.
- Make extra and store in the fridge for up to two days for easy lunches.
This egg salad is filling, flavorful, and requires zero cooking besides boiling the eggs, making it perfect for beginners.
7. Quick Keto Beef Stir-Fry
This stir-fry is a fast, satisfying dinner that uses simple ingredients and can be cooked in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 200g beef strips
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
How to Cook:
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds.
- Toss in beef strips and cook 3–4 minutes until browned.
- Add broccoli and bell peppers, stir-fry for another 3–4 minutes.
- Pour in soy sauce or tamari, toss everything together, and cook for another minute.
Tips:
- You can swap beef for chicken or shrimp.
- Serve over cauliflower rice for a complete low-carb meal.
This stir-fry is perfect for weeknights, especially when you want something healthy, fast, and satisfying without reaching for takeout.
Beginner Tips for Cooking Keto Meals
Starting keto can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few tips to make it easier:
- Plan simple meals first: Start with easy dishes like eggs, omelets, and stir-fries before trying complex keto recipes.
- Stock keto staples: Keep eggs, cheese, butter, avocados, chicken, beef, and low-carb vegetables on hand.
- Prep ahead: Chop vegetables or spiralize zoodles in advance to save time during the week.
- Use spices: Even simple meals can taste amazing with garlic, paprika, chili flakes, or fresh herbs.
- Don’t stress: Keto is about low-carb, high-fat meals. There’s room to experiment and make the food your own.
Final Thoughts
Keto cooking doesn’t need to be intimidating. With just a few simple ingredients and a little practice, you can make delicious, low-carb meals that are beginner-friendly and budget-conscious.
From creamy scrambled eggs to pan-seared salmon, zucchini noodles, and egg salad, these 7 recipes show that keto meals can be quick, satisfying, and approachable for anyone starting out.
Remember, the key to keto success is keeping meals simple, flavorful, and consistent. Try one recipe at a time, tweak it to your taste, and before long, you’ll have a rotation of go-to keto meals you actually enjoy cooking and eating.
Cooking keto doesn’t have to be complicated, and with these recipes, you’ll be surprised how easy and enjoyable it can be.
