Introduction
The carnivore diet has gained widespread popularity for its simplicity and focus on animal-based foods, making it one of the most straightforward ways to shed fat, build muscle, and maintain energy. It may be proper if you’re tired of complex meal plans and want a diet emphasizing meat, fish, and animal products. Whether new to this approach or a seasoned pro, these 15 carnivore diet recipes are designed to keep your meals exciting and satisfying without deviating from your dietary goals.
This comprehensive guide will dive into delicious, easy-to-make, carnivore-friendly dishes that require minimal ingredients and preparation. By the end of this article, you’ll have a range of recipes to add to your meal plan, from breakfasts to dinners, all crafted to fit seamlessly into your carnivore lifestyle.
15 Carnivore Diet Recipes
1. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
This recipe offers a fantastic mix of crispy bacon and tender asparagus, creating a nutrient-dense meal that sticks to the carnivore principles.
Ingredients:
– 10 stalks of asparagus
– 10 slices of bacon
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wrap each asparagus stalk with one slice of bacon.
3. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.
Why it Works:
While asparagus isn’t strictly carnivore, it’s a low-carb vegetable that pairs beautifully with bacon for those on a more flexible carnivore plan. Bacon provides high fat and protein, making this a satiating snack or side dish.
2. Ribeye Steak with Herb Butter
A juicy ribeye steak is a carnivore favourite. Add herb butter, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 2 ribeye steaks
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 tsp garlic (optional)
– Fresh thyme (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season the steaks with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a skillet over high heat and sear the steaks on each side for 3-4 minutes.
3. Melt the butter in the skillet, and add garlic and thyme for extra flavour.
4. Spoon the butter over the steak and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Why it Works:
Ribeye is rich in healthy fats, protein, and flavour. Herb butter elevates the taste without adding carbs, keeping you within the carnivore guidelines.
3. Carnivore Egg Muffins
These bite-sized, protein-packed egg muffins make a perfect grab-and-go breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
– 6 eggs
– 1/2 cup ground beef
– 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the ground beef in a skillet, then distribute it evenly into a muffin tin.
3. Beat the eggs and pour them over the beef.
4. Top with cheese (if using) and bake for 15-20 minutes.
Why it Works:
Eggs and ground beef are staple carnivore foods. They provide a high-quality protein and fat ratio that keeps you full for hours.
4. Lamb Chops with Garlic Butter
Lamb chops are tender, flavorful, and rich in healthy fats, making them an excellent choice for dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 lamb chops
– 3 tbsp butter
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– Fresh rosemary (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season the lamb chops with salt and pepper.
2. Sear them in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side.
3. Add butter, garlic, and rosemary to the pan and cook for another minute while spooning the butter over the chops.
Why it Works:
Lamb is naturally high in healthy fats and nutrients like zinc and iron, making it perfect for a carnivore diet.
5. Beef Liver Pate
Though liver might not be for everyone, it’s one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet and ideal for carnivore eaters.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 lb beef liver
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 4 tbsp butter
– 1 garlic clove (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Sauté the liver in butter until fully cooked.
2. Blend the liver, cream, and garlic in a food processor until smooth.
3. Season with salt and pepper, and serve with more butter or cheese.
Why it Works:
The liver contains essential vitamins like B12, A, and folate. Adding butter and cream enhances the fat content and makes it more palatable.
6. Carnivore Bone Broth
Bone broth is an excellent way to boost collagen and support gut health on the carnivore diet.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef bones
– Water
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cover the bones in a large pot with water.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 12-24 hours.
3. Strain and season the broth before serving.
Why it Works:
Bone broth is rich in collagen, amino acids, and minerals that promote joint, gut, and skin health while being fully compliant with the carnivore diet.
7. Pork Belly Bites
These crispy pork belly bites are a delicious, high-fat snack or appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly, cut into cubes
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the pork belly cubes with salt and arrange them on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 30-40 minutes, turning once, until crispy.
Why it Works:
Pork belly is one of the fattiest cuts of pork, providing ample energy and keeping you satiated on the carnivore diet.
8. Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter
Seafood can be a refreshing change from red meat on the carnivore diet. This grilled salmon recipe is quick, easy, and full of flavour.
Ingredients:
– 2 salmon fillets
– 2 tbsp butter
– Lemon slices
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
2. Season the salmon fillets with salt and place them on the grill for 4-5 minutes per side.
3. Melt butter and drizzle over the salmon before serving with lemon slices.
Why it Works:
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making it a great option for carnivores who want to include more healthy fats in their meals.
9. Bacon and Eggs
Bacon and eggs are a quick, satisfying breakfast or snack. They are simple, classic, and a carnivore staple.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bacon
– 4 eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then remove and set aside.
2. Use the bacon fat to fry the eggs, seasoning with salt and pepper.
Why it Works:
This meal is packed with protein and fat, perfect for staying full and energized throughout the day.
10. Cheeseburger Bowl
Skip the bun and enjoy this carnivore-friendly burger in a bowl.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 4 slices of cheese
– 2 tbsp butter
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the ground beef in a skillet, seasoning with salt.
2. Melt cheese on the beef and serve in a bowl with butter.
Why it Works:
This recipe satisfies your burger cravings without the carbs, offering a high-fat, high-protein meal.
11. Chicken Thighs with Crispy Skin
Chicken thighs are an excellent option for a high-fat, high-protein carnivore meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 chicken thighs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Season the chicken thighs and roast them skin-side up for 35-40 minutes until the skin is crispy.
3. Serve with butter for extra fat.
Why it Works:
Chicken thighs have a higher fat content than chicken breasts, making them more suitable for the carnivore diet.
12. Beef Brisket
Beef brisket is slow-cooked to perfection in this hearty carnivore meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef brisket
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the brisket with salt and pepper.
2. Slow cook on low for 8-10 hours or until tender.
Why it Works:
Brisket is rich in fat and protein, making it a perfect choice for a slow-cooked carnivore meal that melts in your mouth.
13. Shrimp Skewers
These simple shrimp skewers are perfect for a light yet protein-packed meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tbsp butter
– Lemon wedges
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Skewer the shrimp and grill for 2-3 minutes per side.
2. Drizzle with melted butter and serve with lemon wedges.
Why it Works:
Shrimp is a lean source of protein and pairs well with butter to add healthy fats, keeping it a carnivore friendly.
14. Carnivore Meatballs
These meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for meal prepping.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 lb ground pork
– 1 egg
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Mix the ground meats, eggs, and seasonings in a bowl.
2. Form into meatballs and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Why it Works:
These meatballs are versatile, packed with protein, and can be made in batches for easy meals throughout the week.
15. Carnivore Fried Chicken
Indulge in this crispy, delicious fried chicken without the carbs.
Ingredients:
– 4 chicken drumsticks
– Pork rinds, crushed (for coating)
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Dip the chicken drumsticks into the beaten eggs, then coat with crushed pork rinds.
2. Fry in hot oil until golden and crispy, about 8-10 minutes per side.
Why it Works:
This fried chicken is crispy and flavorful without the need for flour, staying true to the carnivore principles.
Conclusion
The carnivore diet doesn’t have to be boring. These 15 carnivore diet recipes allow you to enjoy various meals while sticking to your nutritional goals. Whether you’re craving steak, seafood, or crispy bacon, these recipes are designed to be simple, satisfying, and flavoured. Give them a try and experience the benefits of the carnivore diet while enjoying every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What did Joe Rogan eat on his carnivore diet?
Joe Rogan ate primarily red meat like beef, elk, and bison, along with eggs, and some bacon during his carnivore diet, focusing on animal-based foods exclusively.
How do carnivores lose weight fast?
Carnivores lose weight fast by consuming high-protein, low-carb meals that promote fat burning, improve metabolism, and reduce hunger, which can lead to a calorie deficit.
Is broth OK on a carnivore diet?
Yes, bone broth is OK on a carnivore diet as long as it’s made from animal bones and doesn’t contain added vegetables, herbs, or seasonings not allowed on the diet.
Is Frank's hot sauce ok on a carnivore diet?
Frank’s hot sauce is generally not recommended on a strict carnivore diet due to its ingredients like garlic powder and cayenne pepper, which are plant-based.
Mouthwatering carnivore diet recipes vegetarian
A carnivore diet is inherently animal-based, so vegetarian options don’t align with it. However, focusing on nutrient-rich egg-based recipes may offer a middle ground for those transitioning.
Mouthwatering carnivore diet recipes chicken
Delicious carnivore chicken recipes include grilled chicken thighs, chicken wings with salt, butter-fried chicken breasts, or slow-cooked chicken legs seasoned with just salt for a simple, tasty meal.