This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
High-protein, low-carb dinner recipes are something my readers ask for again and again—especially when they want meals that feel satisfying, flavorful, and easy to make at home. This roundup brings together tried-and-true dinners from my kitchen that focus on protein-forward dishes and simple cooking methods.
These are recipes I cook on repeat and ones readers come back to because they’re practical, family-friendly, and full of flavor. If you’re looking for high-protein, low-carb dinners that fit into real life—not trends—this list is a great place to start.
How these recipes were selected
For this roundup, I pulled together dinner recipes that are clearly protein-focused and lighter in carbs. To keep the list consistent, each recipe provides about 20 grams of protein per serving and keeps net carbs on the lower side (around 12 grams or less). They’re also all weeknight-friendly, with most ready in around 30 minutes. The recipes are grouped by protein—beef, chicken, and seafood—so it’s easy to scan and find dinners that fit what you’re in the mood for.
Tip
Optional sides: Most of these dishes pair well with shirataki fried rice, broccoli fried rice, or simple sticky rice made in the microwave or rice cooker white rice.
Table of Contents
High-protein beef recipes
These beef dinners are bold, satisfying, and naturally protein-forward, making them great options when you want something hearty without a long cook time. From quick ground beef dishes to steak and short ribs, this section includes flavorful beef recipes that work well for easy, everyday dinners.
A fast, easy version of bulgogi made with ground beef, so it cooks quickly and stays juicy. Bold, savory flavors that work well on their own or with simple sides.
Tender steak bites cooked in a simple garlic butter sauce that comes together in minutes. This is one of those dinners that feels special but is actually very easy to pull off on a busy night.
Panda Express Beef and Broccoli (Homemade)
A takeout-style classic made at home with crisp broccoli and tender beef in a savory sauce. It’s satisfying and familiar, but lighter and more balanced than the restaurant version.
Thinly sliced beef stir-fried with garlic, chilies, and lots of fresh basil for big, punchy flavor. This dish is naturally bold and satisfying, making it great when you want something fast with serious flavor.
A Thai-style minced beef salad that’s bright, savory, and full of herbs. It’s refreshing but still filling, and works especially well when you want something lighter that doesn’t feel boring.
Juicy steak cooked with onions and a fragrant black pepper sauce inspired by Chinese restaurant flavors. It’s rich, deeply savory, and great when you’re craving something hearty without a long cook time.
Short ribs cooked in the air fryer until tender and caramelized, without the need for long braising. This is a great option when you want a high-impact beef dinner that’s mostly hands-off.
Thinly sliced beef stir-fried with sha cha sauce for a deep, savory seafood-forward umami flavor. It’s bold, aromatic, and pairs well with simple sides if you want to round out the meal.
High-Protein Chicken Recipes
These chicken dinners are easy to prepare, big on flavor, and naturally protein-forward. You’ll find a mix of comforting classics, fresh herb-driven dishes, and simple stir-fries that work especially well for everyday dinners.
A simple, comforting dish where the chicken stays juicy and tender thanks to gentle steaming. Bone broth flavors and minimal prep make this one especially nice when you want something light but still satisfying.
A bright, herb-packed chicken dish with lime, chili, and fresh aromatics. It’s flavorful and refreshing, and pairs well with sticky rice when you want to round out the meal.
Taiwanese Soy Marinated Chicken
Chicken marinated in Taiwanese thick soy sauce until deeply savory and fragrant. This is a great make-ahead option that works well warm or at room temperature.
Scallion Ginger Chicken Skewers
Juicy chicken skewers coated in a classic scallion ginger sauce. They’re quick to cook and perfect for simple dinners or easy protein prep.
Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and mostly hands-off thanks to the air fryer. This is a reliable dinner option when you want something hearty without much effort.
Chicken skewers with a creamy, lightly spicy bang bang sauce that adds big flavor. Great for switching things up when you’re tired of plain grilled or roasted chicken.
Juicy chicken cooked to extra crispy with lots of scallions for a simple, savory dish that’s comforting and easy to make. A great option when you want familiar flavors without a long ingredient list.
A fast stir-fry with tender chicken and napa cabbage that cooks quickly and stays light. This is one of those dependable dinners that’s easy to make on repeat.
Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
A classic combination with tender chicken and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce. Familiar, balanced, and always a crowd-pleaser for the family.
High-Protein Seafood Recipes
These seafood dinners are flavorful, easy to cook, and naturally protein-forward. You’ll find a mix of salmon, trout, cod, and shrimp dishes that come together quickly and work well for simple, satisfying everyday dinners.
A simple baked steelhead trout recipe with miso butter that keeps the fish moist and tender with minimal prep. Deep, umami rich flavor that works well when you want an easy seafood dinner without a lot of fuss.
Salmon coated in a savory-sweet gochujang glaze and baked until flaky and caramelized. Bold flavor with very little effort.
Frozen shrimp cooked straight from the freezer in the air fryer with a simple buttery seasoning. Fast, reliable, and full of flavor, this is one of the easiest seafood dinners when you need something quick without any prep.
Crispy salmon bites tossed in a creamy, lightly spicy bang bang sauce. Fun to eat, full of flavor, and great when you want something a little different from a standard fillet.
A no-thaw-needed salmon recipe that goes straight from the freezer to the air fryer. Reliable, quick, and perfect for nights when you need dinner without planning ahead.
Salmon glazed with a light citrus sauce that’s bright and savory without being heavy. A nice option when you’re craving something fresh but still comforting.
Salmon cut into bite-sized pieces and coated in a glossy gluten-free teriyaki sauce. Fast-cooking and packed with flavor, these are great for quick dinners or easy protein prep.
A Chinese takeout–style classic made at home with tender shrimp in a savory, silky sauce. Comforting, familiar, and surprisingly easy to make.
Looking for more dinner ideas?
If you’d like to keep browsing, you can explore all of my low-carb recipes for lighter dinner options, or check out my full collection of main dishes for everyday meals that are easy to cook and big on flavor.
Made a dish and loved it? Please rate the recipe and leave a comment in the section below! It helps my blog grow organically, allowing me to continue sharing free and awesome content with you. Thank you!
Wow, this is a wealth of low-carb planning information! I’m loving the idea of the canned tuna hand rolls, I always have several cans of tuna in the pantry and this would be a way more exciting option than another tuna salad! Planning to try this week for lunch
Thank you so much!
This is so handy! I love that pantry estimator!
Thank you!
So many amazing ideas! Can’t wait to try them out. Thank you!!
Thank you!
This is perfect! I sorely need to get better at meal prepping & getting organized 🙂 Thanks
Happy to help!
This is amazing!!! Thank you!!!
Thanks so much, Leah!