Flavourful and Fast: 5 Low-Carb Weeknight Dinners for Busy Days

July 24, 2023

Finding quick and easy weeknight dinner ideas that are both low in carbs and high in flavour can be a challenge especially one that satisfies the whole family. But fear not, as we've got you covered! We’ll share five delicious low carb weeknight dinners that are perfect for busy evenings. From comforting casseroles to zesty stir-fries, these recipes are not only satisfying but also easy to prepare, making them ideal for any day of the week.

Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Salmon 

Tender and flaky salmon fillets infused with zesty lemon and garlic butter are a weeknight dinner dream. This dish is bursting with freshness and takes minimal effort to prepare.

Ingredients: 

• 4 salmon fillets 
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest 
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
2. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, and lemon zest. 
3. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and season with salt and pepper. 
4. Brush the lemon garlic butter mixture over each salmon fillet. 
5. Bake in the preheated oven at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and easily flakes with a fork. 
6. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this delightful and healthy low carb dinner!

Tender Beef with Mac n’ Cheese 

A delicious twist on mac n’ cheese. Tender roast beef, mixed with creamy macaroni, and fresh broccoli florets. A dish that everyone in the family will love!

Ingredients:

1. 4 oz pulled braised beef (you can also substitute with ground beef to save time!) 
2. 6 oz cooked macaroni noodles
3. 3 oz broccoli 
4. 3 oz cheese sauce
5. 1 oz cheddar cheese

Cheese Sauce: 

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 2 1/2 cups half and half
• 2 cups shredded medium sharp cheddar cheese 
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese 
• 1/2 Tbsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. paprika

 

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.  Sprinkle in flour and whisk to combine.  Cook for approximately 1 minute, whisking often.  Slowly pour in about 2 cups or so of the half and half, while whisking constantly, until smooth.  Slowly pour in the remaining half and half and the whole milk, while whisking constantly, until combined and smooth.
2. Continue to heat over medium heat, whisking very often, until thickened to a very thick consistency.  
3. Remove from the heat and stir in spices and 1 1/2 cups of the cheeses, stirring to melt and combine.  Stir in another 1 1/2 cups of cheese, and stir until completely melted and smooth.

Instructions: 

1. Prepare beef with your preferred cooking method. We love using pulled braised beef, but this dish is also delicious with ground beef, which will save time. 
2. Prepare cheese sauce and leave on low heat until the other ingredients are prepared. 
3. Boil noodles according to cooking instructions on the package, until al dente- around 7 minutes. 
4. Steam broccoli for 4-5 minutes, until fork tender. 
5. Grate cheddar cheese
6. Combine all ingredients (beef, noodles, broccoli, cheddar cheese and cheese sauce)  together in a large bowl and mix until well combined. 
7. Enjoy! 

 

Cauliflower Fried Rice

A low-carb twist on a classic takeout favourite, cauliflower fried rice is a delicious way to sneak in extra veggies and loads of flavour. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 medium cauliflower head, riced (use a food processor or grater) 
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil 
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell peppers, etc.) 
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) 
• 2 large eggs, beaten 
• Green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish

Instructions: 

1. In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. 
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. 
3. Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and cook until they start to soften. 
4. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. 
5. Scramble the eggs until cooked. 
6. Combine the scrambled eggs with the vegetables and add the cauliflower rice to the skillet. 
7. Stir in the low-sodium soy sauce, mixing everything well to combine. 
8. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cauliflower is tender and the flavours meld together. 
9. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving. 
10. Enjoy this low-carb version of a Chinese takeout classic!

Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this elegant and satisfying Caprese stuffed chicken breast. Bursting with fresh flavours, this dish is sure to impress without much effort.

Ingredients: 

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 
• 4 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced 
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves 
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze 
• Salt and pepper to taste 
• Toothpicks

Instructions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). 
2. Using a sharp knife, cut a slit horizontally in each chicken breast to create a pocket. 
3. Season the inside of the pockets with salt and pepper. 
4. Stuff each chicken breast with cherry tomato halves, fresh mozzarella slices, and fresh basil leaves. 
5. Secure the openings with toothpicks to keep the filling intact. 
6. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. 
7. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. 
8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted. 
9. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the stuffed chicken breasts before serving. 
10. Enjoy this mouthwatering and sophisticated low carb dinner!

Zucchini Noodle Alfredo 

Indulge in creamy comfort food without the guilt with this zucchini noodle alfredo. This low-carb version of the classic pasta dish is rich, velvety, and oh-so-satisfying.

Ingredients: 

• 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized 
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 
• 1 cup heavy cream 
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 
• Salt and pepper to taste 
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions: 

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. 
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant. 
3. Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a simmer. 
4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce thickens. 
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 
6. Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss them in the alfredo sauce until they are coated. 
7. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the zucchini noodles are tender but not overly soft. 
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. 
9. Enjoy this low-carb twist on a classic comfort food!

These five delectable low-carb weeknight dinners offer a wide range of flavours and are perfect for those busy evenings when time is of the essence. From the zesty Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Salmon to the elegant Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast, each recipe is designed to delight your taste buds and keep you on track with your low-carb lifestyle. Whether you're in the mood for a light and refreshing Cauliflower Fried Rice or a comforting Mac n’ Cheese with Tender Beef, these easy-to-make dinners will make your weeknights a breeze. So, head to the kitchen and whip up these satisfying low-carb meals for a flavourful and stress-free week ahead! If you want to skip the prep work try LiveFit Foods for the best low-carb weeknight dinners delivered right to your door!

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