Overview: Why settle for bland when you can keto with flair? Break free from the myth of tasteless meals with our dynamic selection of keto recipes. Let’s do this!
The ketogenic diet, or keto, has taken the culinary world by storm, offering a unique approach to nutrition that emphasizes low-carb, high-fat eating. The key principle behind keto is to reduce carbohydrate intake and replace it with healthy fats, putting the body into a state of ketosis. While some may find it challenging to adapt to a low-carb lifestyle, exploring international cuisine offers a delightful array of keto-friendly options that make the journey enjoyable and flavorful.
Keto diet not only aids in weight loss but also provides numerous health benefits. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the essence of keto and explore a collection of mouthwatering international recipes that adhere to this wholesome lifestyle.
Understanding Keto
At its core, the ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that prompts the body to enter a state of ketosis. In this metabolic state, the body efficiently burns fat for energy, leading to weight loss and improved overall health. By minimizing carbohydrate intake and focusing on healthy fats and proteins, keto enthusiasts enjoy stable energy levels and enhanced mental clarity.
You might find this interesting >> Ketogenic Diet 101: A Complete Scientific Guide to Keto
Delicious International Keto-Friendly Foods
Does the Keto diet have to be boring?
Not at all!
While the ketogenic diet is known for its focus on low-carb, high-fat foods, it doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or variety. The world of keto is full of creative and delicious options. From flavorful grilled meats and seafood to vibrant low-carb vegetables, there’s a diverse range of delicious keto-friendly recipes to keep you full and contended!
Let’s cook some delicacies together!
Zucchini Noodles with Pesto (Italy)
Ingredients:
◻ 2 medium-sized zucchinis, spiralized
◻ 1 cup fresh basil leaves
◻ 1/3 cup pine nuts
◻ 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
◻ 2 cloves garlic
◻ 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
◻ Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Spiralize the zucchinis using a spiralizer to create thin noodle-like strips.
In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped. With the food processor running, slowly pour in the extra-virgin olive oil until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency.
Season the pesto with salt and pepper according to your taste. In a large bowl, toss the spiralized zucchini with the freshly made pesto until the noodles are evenly coated.
Serve immediately, and if desired, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Spicy Cauliflower Bites (India)
Ingredients:
◻ 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
◻ 1/2 cup almond flour
◻ 2 tsp curry powder
◻ 1 tsp chili powder
◻ 1/2 tsp cumin
◻ 2 eggs, beaten
◻ Salt and pepper to taste
◻ Cooking oil for frying
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine almond flour, curry powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Dip each cauliflower floret into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are fully coated. Roll the egg-coated cauliflower in the almond flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.
Heat cooking oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the cauliflower until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Carefully remove the cauliflower bites and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving, and optionally, pair them with a keto-friendly dipping sauce.
Do you love sauces? Here are 12 Best Keto Sauces and Low Carb Condiments you might like!
Greek Salad with Feta and Olives (Greece)
Ingredients:
◻ 1 cucumber, diced
◻ 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
◻ 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
◻ 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
◻ 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
◻ 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
◻ 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
◻ 1 tsp dried oregano
◻ Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and Kalamata olives.
In a small bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are coated.
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, give the salad a final toss and garnish with additional feta, olives, and a sprinkle of oregano if desired.
Salmon Teriyaki Skewers (Japan)
Ingredients:
◻ 1 lb salmon fillets, cut into cubes
◻ 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
◻ 2 tbsp sesame oil
◻ 2 tbsp erythritol (or your preferred keto-friendly sweetener)
◻ 2 cloves garlic, minced
◻ 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
◻ Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, erythritol, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create the teriyaki marinade.
Thread the salmon cubes onto skewers and place them in a shallow dish. Pour the teriyaki marinade over the skewers, ensuring all sides of the salmon are coated.
Marinate the salmon for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the salmon skewers for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through and caramelized on the edges.
Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the skewers before serving.
Avocado and Shrimp Ceviche (Mexico)
Ingredients:
◻ 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined, cooked and chopped
◻ 2 avocados, diced
◻ 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
◻ 1 cup cucumber, diced
◻ 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
◻ Juice of 3 limes
◻ Salt and pepper to taste
◻ Jalapeño slices for extra spice (optional)
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine chopped shrimp, diced avocados, finely chopped red onion, diced cucumber, and chopped cilantro.
Squeeze the juice of three limes over the mixture.
Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure an even distribution of lime juice.
Season the ceviche with salt and pepper to taste. For an extra kick, add optional jalapeño slices.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the ceviche for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Before serving, give the ceviche a final stir and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve chilled, either as a refreshing appetizer or a light main course.
>> Related Reading: Easy Mexican Inspired Keto Recipes
In Summary
Starting on a keto journey doesn’t mean sacrificing the rich and diverse flavors of international cuisine. These recipes offer a glimpse into the vast array of delicious, keto-friendly options that will tantalize your taste buds while keeping your health goals in check.
Whether you’re craving the vibrant spices of Thai cuisine or the comforting warmth of Mediterranean flavors, these detailed recipes are sure to make your keto experience both flavorful and fulfilling. So, put on your chef’s hat, and let’s explore the world of Delicious International Keto-Friendly Foods together!
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You’re missing on a great deal of taste and health if you haven’t tried our keto-store already! Visit our store and let flavors do the talk!