Ten fast, low-carb dinners for two that keep weeknights simple, satisfying, and strictly keto. From sizzling garlic butter steaks and creamy parmesan chicken to 15-minute stir-fries and fresh salad bowls, these recipes deliver big flavor with under 6g of net carbs per serve.
10 Easy Keto Dinners for Two
A collection of 10 complete, low-carb dinners portioned specifically for two people. Every meal comes together in 30 minutes or less with zero complicated substitutions.
1. Garlic Butter Sirloin Steak with Steamed Broccoli
Tender pan-seared sirloin steaks basted in rich garlic butter and served with crisp broccoli florets.
Prep time: 5 mins | Cook time: 15 mins
- Season 400g of sirloin steaks generously on both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until smoking hot.
- Sear the steaks for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Add 40g of garlic butter to the pan during the final 2 minutes, spooning the melted butter over the steaks as they cook.
- While the steaks sear, steam 1 chopped head of broccoli florets for 4 to 5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Rest the steaks for 5 minutes, then serve alongside the broccoli, drizzling any remaining pan juices over the top.
2. Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter Courgettes
Crispy-skinned salmon portions served over tender, buttery sautéed courgette ribbons.
Prep time: 5 mins | Cook time: 10 mins
- Pat 2 salmon portions (approx. 270g total) thoroughly dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Slice 2 medium courgettes into rounds or peel into thin ribbons.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes until the skin is crisp, then flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- In a separate pan, melt 30g of garlic butter over medium heat and sauté the courgettes for 3 to 4 minutes until tender.
- Plate the salmon directly over the buttery courgettes and serve immediately.
3. Bacon, Spinach & Cheddar Keto Omelette
Fluffy folded eggs loaded with crispy streaky bacon, wilted greens, and melted cheddar.
Prep time: 5 mins | Cook time: 10 mins
- Dice 4 rashers (120g) of streaky bacon and fry in a non-stick pan over medium heat until crispy; transfer to a plate.
- In a bowl, whisk 6 eggs with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet over medium-low heat and pour in half of the whisked egg mixture.
- Scatter half the baby spinach (30g), half the cooked bacon, and 40g of grated cheddar onto one side of the eggs.
- Once the base is set, fold the omelette in half and cook until the cheese is fully melted. Repeat for the second omelette.
4. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs
Juicy chicken thighs simmered in a rich garlic cream reduction with melted parmesan and wilted spinach.
Prep time: 5 mins | Cook time: 20 mins
- Season 400g of boneless, skinless chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. Brown in a hot skillet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil for 5 to 6 minutes per side until cooked through, then remove and set aside.
- Lower the pan heat to medium. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in 150ml of fresh cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir through 50g of grated parmesan and 60g of baby spinach until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken to the pan, coating each piece in the sauce, and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes before serving.
5. Loaded Keto Beef Burger Bowls
All the flavor of a classic bacon-and-cheese burger served over crisp greens with fresh avocado.
Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 10 mins
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 500g of beef mince, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, salt, and pepper, breaking it apart until thoroughly browned and cooked through.
- Finely shred 1/2 head of iceberg lettuce and divide evenly between two serving bowls.
- Spoon the hot seasoned beef mince directly over the shredded lettuce.
- Top each bowl with 1 sliced avocado, 90g of halved cherry tomatoes, and 60g of grated cheddar cheese.
- Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of keto-friendly mayonnaise or mustard before serving.
6. Pork Shoulder Chops with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Pan-seared golden pork chops smothered in a buttery button mushroom pan sauce.
Prep time: 5 mins | Cook time: 20 mins
- Season 2 pork shoulder chops (approx. 500g) on both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chops for 4 to 5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate to rest.
- Melt 30g of butter in the same pan, add 200g of sliced button mushrooms, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until golden.
- Pour in 120ml of fresh cream, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened.
- Pour the warm mushroom sauce over the rested pork chops.
7. Keto Egg Roll in a Bowl
A fast, one-pan deconstructed egg roll packed with savory minced pork and tender shredded green cabbage.
Prep time: 5 mins | Cook time: 10 mins
- Finely shred 1/2 head of green cabbage (approx. 400g).
- Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of crushed garlic and 500g of pork mince, breaking it up until browned.
- Add the shredded cabbage to the pan and stir-fry vigorously for 4 to 5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Stir through 2 tablespoons of soy sauce (or tamari) and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
8. Herb Butter Chicken Breast with Roasted Cauliflower
Golden roasted cauliflower paired with pan-seared, herb-basted chicken breast.
Prep time: 5 mins | Cook time: 25 mins
- Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Cut 1 head of cauliflower into florets, toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking tray, and roast for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and caramelized.
- Season 400g of chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano or thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side, adding 40g of butter to the pan for the final 2 minutes to baste the meat until cooked through.
- Slice the chicken breast and serve immediately alongside the hot roasted cauliflower.
9. Greek Herb Chicken & Feta Salad Bowl
Seared oregano chicken tossed with crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, cucumber, and tangy feta.
Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 8 mins
- Toss 450g of diced chicken breast with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Pan-fry in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat for 6 to 7 minutes until cooked through and golden.
- Chop 1 head of fancy green lettuce, slice 1/2 cucumber, and halve 90g of cherry tomatoes.
- Divide the prepared vegetables between two bowls and top with the warm cooked chicken.
- Crumble 100g of feta cheese over the top and dress each bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a splash of lemon juice or red wine vinegar.
10. Creamy Courgette Zoodle Carbonara
Spiralised courgette noodles tossed with crispy bacon, rich egg yolks, cream, and parmesan.
Prep time: 5 mins | Cook time: 10 mins
- Spiralise 3 medium courgettes into noodles (or peel into ribbons) and pat thoroughly dry with paper towels.
- Dice 125g of streaky bacon and fry in a pan over medium heat until crispy, then turn off the heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 egg yolks, 100ml of fresh cream, and 50g of grated parmesan.
- Add the courgette noodles to the pan with the warm bacon and toss for 1 minute just to warm through.
- Remove the skillet completely from the heat source. Pour in the egg mixture and toss quickly to coat the noodles in a silky, creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs. Finish with cracked black pepper.
Shopping List
- Meat & Seafood: 400g sirloin steak, 2 salmon portions (270g), 400g boneless skinless chicken thighs, 500g beef mince, 500g pork shoulder chops, 500g pork mince, 400g chicken breasts, 450g diced chicken breast, 245g streaky bacon
- Produce: 1 head broccoli, 5 medium courgettes, 120g baby spinach, 1 head cauliflower, 1/2 head green cabbage, 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, 1 head fancy green lettuce, 2 avocados, 1/2 telegraph cucumber, 180g cherry tomatoes, 200g button mushrooms
- Dairy & Eggs: 6 large eggs plus 2 extra eggs (for yolks), 70g garlic butter, 70g pure butter, 370ml fresh cream, 140g grated cheddar cheese, 100g grated parmesan cheese, 100g feta cheese
- Pantry Staples: Olive oil, cooking oil, crushed garlic, soy sauce (or tamari), sesame oil, lemon juice or red wine vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, black pepper
Keto Cooking Tips
- Dry your proteins: Always pat steaks and salmon fillets dry with paper towels before pan-searing. Moisture creates steam, which prevents that deep golden crust.
- Prevent watery zoodles: Courgettes release a lot of water when heated. Do not cook them for more than 60 seconds, and always remove the pan from direct heat before tossing in your carbonara sauce.
- Rest your meats: Give beef steaks and pork chops at least 5 minutes on a warm plate before slicing so the juices redistribute instead of running onto the board.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Garlic Butter Steak: 580 kcal | 48g Protein | 42g Fat | 4g Net Carbs
- Pan-Seared Salmon: 520 kcal | 34g Protein | 41g Fat | 3g Net Carbs
- Bacon & Cheddar Omelette: 510 kcal | 36g Protein | 39g Fat | 2g Net Carbs
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs: 610 kcal | 46g Protein | 47g Fat | 3g Net Carbs
- Loaded Burger Bowls: 650 kcal | 52g Protein | 46g Fat | 6g Net Carbs
- Pork Chops with Mushroom Sauce: 590 kcal | 44g Protein | 45g Fat | 3g Net Carbs
- Egg Roll in a Bowl: 490 kcal | 38g Protein | 34g Fat | 6g Net Carbs
- Herb Chicken with Cauliflower: 460 kcal | 48g Protein | 27g Fat | 5g Net Carbs
- Greek Chicken Salad Bowl: 440 kcal | 52g Protein | 23g Fat | 5g Net Carbs
- Zoodle Carbonara: 530 kcal | 26g Protein | 45g Fat | 4g Net Carbs