It’s Taco Tuesday…but that doesn’t mean your keto diet needs to go the way of the piñata. Pack in all the bold flavors you crave (sans the extra carbs) with these 20 ketogenic Mexican-inspired recipes that are equal parts low-carb and delicious. Now, let’s get the fiesta started: Where’s that keto-friendly margarita?
20 Ketogenic Mexican-Inspired Recipes That Boast All the Meat, Cheese and Veggies
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Published Mar 30, 2022
1. Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
- Time Commitment: 7 hours and 15 minutes
- Why We Love It: slow cooker recipe, low carb, keto-friendly, high protein, crowd-pleaser
A few pantry staples transform pork shoulder into something spectacular. Skip the tortillas to keep it low-carb and save the leftovers for tomorrow’s breakfast hash.
Photo: Eric Moran/Styling: Erin McDowell
2. Skillet Chicken Fajitas
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why We Love It: one pan, make ahead, high protein
Nix the tortillas (or substitute low-carb ones) and you're in the clear. Prep ahead by seasoning the chicken and veggies in the morning, so all you have to do at dinnertime is pop them in the oven.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
3. Mexican Street Corn Deviled Eggs
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, low-carb, keto-friendly, special occasion-worthy
All the flavor of an elote with minimal carbs (and bonus protein from the eggs).
Robert Billington/Ciudad de Mexico
4. Classic Guacamole
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why We Love It: no cook, <10 ingredients, kid friendly
No party spread is complete without it. Serve the guac with low-carb chips or vegetables for dipping.
Photo: Mark Weinberg/Styling: Erin McDowell
5. Low-carb Zucchini Enchiladas
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Why We Love It: low carb, crowd-pleaser, high protein
Strips of zucchini stand in for traditional tortillas to make this dinner keto-friendly. Skip the black beans to keep the carbs to a minimum.
A New Way to Food
6. Whole Roasted Chipotle Chicken
- Time Commitment: 3 hours and 50 minutes
- Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, one pan, crowd-pleaser
Canned chipotle peppers in adobo go a long way in the flavor department. Serve the chicken with cauliflower rice or a side salad.
Esteban Castillo/Chicano Eats
7. Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo (shrimp In Garlic Sauce)
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, <30 minutes, pescatarian, special occasion-worthy
This lightning-fast shrimp dish is best served alfresco with lemon wedges for spritzing. Go ahead and spring for low-carb dinner rolls too—you won't want to waste a single drop of the butter sauce.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
8. Flank Steak Tacos With Cucumber Salsa
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 50 minutes
- Why We Love It: high protein, special occasion-worthy
The citrusy, cilantro-laced salsa couldn't be any more refreshing. Plate the flank steak atop low-carb tortillas or skip them altogether in favor of cauliflower rice.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
9. Skillet Nacho Dip
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, high protein
Ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, pickled jalapeños and two types of cheese—the gang's all here. All that's missing is a generous dollop of sour cream.
The Minimalist Kitchen
10. Chicken Tinga Tacos
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: high protein, beginner-friendly
How can you pull off this classic dish in just half an hour, you ask? Chalk it up to shredded store-bought rotisserie chicken.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
11. Cauliflower Tortillas
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why We Love It: low carb, kid-friendly, keto-friendly, <10 ingredients
Taco Tuesday is within reach, thanks to this flour-free tortilla alternative.
12. Keto Cheese Shell Taco Cup
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, low carb, keto-friendly
Crispy browned vessels made of colby jack cheese > tortillas. It's just a fact.
13. Keto Chicken Enchilada Bowl
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why We Love It: high protein, low carb, keto-friendly
Don't sweat the wrap-less bowl—the filling is the best part anyway. If you want to make it more satisfying, serve the toppings over cauliflower rice.
14. Low-carb Chicken Fajita Salad
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why We Love It: high protein, low carb, keto-friendly
Now that's our kind of salad. Save some time by buying pre-mixed fajita seasoning instead of making your own.
Low Carb Yum
15. Keto Salsa
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why We Love It: no cook, low carb, vegetarian, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients
Spoon it over grilled fish, pile it onto steak tacos, mix it into guacamole or scoop it up with pork rinds.
Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa
16. Authentic Beef Birria Stew
- Time Commitment: 7 hours
- Why We Love It: high protein, crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy
This Jalisco delicacy has made major waves stateside, so we tapped a Mexican chef for the real-deal recipe. Use the meat in sandwiches, burrito bowls, tacos or quesadillas.
Carlsbad Cravings
17. Chipotle Salmon With Mango Salsa
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, pescatarian
Helloooo, omega-3s. Go easy on the mango salsa to keep the carbs low (but don't sweat the honey—it'll only cost you a few grams if you split the salmon six ways).
Wholesome Yum
18. Low-carb Keto Nachos
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why We Love It: low carb, high protein, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
Complete with spicy chicken and savory cheese crisps instead of tortilla chips. You'll want to bookmark these nachos for your next game day gathering.
The Recipe Critic
19. Sizzling Steak Fajita Roll-ups
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, high protein
Think spiced, sautéed fajita veggies wrapped in strips of juicy flank steak. Grill them on the barbecue instead of on the stove if the weather permits.
Recipe Tin Eats
20. Queso Dip
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why We Love It: <30 minutes, gluten free, vegetarian, crowd-pleaser
You can drizzle it onto just about any protein or veggie imaginable. Might we suggest zhuzhing it up with ground chorizo?
For even more great recipes, check out our first cookbook, Only the Good Stuff.
