Discover the Ultimate Keto Mexican Food Recipes You’ll Love
What is the Lowest-Carb Food to Eat at a Mexican Restaurant?
👉 The lowest-carb option to consider at a Mexican restaurant is typically a salad with grilled meat. Request the salad without tortilla strips, beans, rice, or high-carb dressings. Opt for a side of guacamole or salsa for added flavor without high net carbs.
Craving the vibrant and mouthwatering flavors of Mexican cuisine while staying true to your keto lifestyle? In this culinary journey, we’ll show you how to enjoy the rich and spicy tastes of Mexico without compromising your low-carb diet.
One of the great things about keto Mexican food is its adaptability. Whether you’re dining out at a local Mexican restaurant or whipping up a fiesta at home, you have the power to make keto-friendly choices without sacrificing the essence of these delectable dishes.
When dining out, we’ll guide you through the art of modifying your restaurant orders. We’ll also delve into the world of crafting your very own keto Mexican food at home. From sizzling fajitas to cheesy enchiladas, we’ve got you covered with recipes that are not only delicious but also keto-approved.
Get ready to embark on a flavor-packed journey as we explore the best of keto Mexican food!
Table of Contents
- What Keto Mexican Food Can You Eat on a Diet?
- 10 Keto Mexican Recipes
- Keto Mexican Food Substitutions
- Keto Mexican Food FAQs
- Final Thoughts
What Keto Mexican Food Can You Eat on a Diet?
Although dining at Mexican restaurants on a keto diet may initially seem challenging due to the high-carb ingredients like tortillas, rice, and beans, Mexican cuisine actually offers a diverse range of delicious, nourishing, and keto-friendly options.
You can still eat Mexican food while on keto. From sizzling fajitas packed with flavorful grilled meats and veggies to mouthwatering guacamole and cheesy low-carb tortillas, there are numerous ways to enjoy Mexican food while adhering to your dietary goals.
Additionally, if you choose to prepare certain dishes in the cozy comfort of your own home, you have even more control over the ingredients and can easily customize meals to suit your keto lifestyle.
So, don’t fret! With a little creativity and conscious choices, you can still savor those vibrant Mexican flavors and stay in line with your keto journey with these keto Mexican food recipes.
10 Keto Mexican Recipes
Enjoying the deliciousness of keto Mexican food is now easier than ever with a wide variety of keto-friendly recipes that stay true to the traditional flavors.
Indulge in the delightful crunch of keto tacos on your upcoming taco night. These delectable treats are wrapped in low-carb tortillas and perfectly paired with the vibrant flavors of pico de gallo and guacamole.
If you’re in the mood for sizzling goodness, whip up some chicken fajitas or tender carnitas. For a hearty and customizable option, dive into burrito bowls brimming with flavor without the carb overload.
Keto quesadillas and enchiladas redefine cheesy perfection with low-carb alternatives, and the keto tortilla chips offer a delightful twist on a beloved snack. For a lighter option, the keto taco salad combines all the taco goodness in a bowl, minus the carbs.
These dishes prove that you don’t have to sacrifice taste to stick to your keto goals—these keto Mexican food recipes bring the vibrant, mouthwatering essence of Mexican flavors to your low-carb kitchen.
Keto Tacos
Keto tacos are a delicious twist on traditional tacos that fit into the ketogenic diet. Instead of flour tortillas, you can use lettuce wraps, cheese taco shells, or low-carb cauliflower or corn tortillas. The filling typically consists of meat and fresh vegetables.
Prepare the taco meat of your preference, then sprinkle it with taco seasoning. Fill the tortillas and serve alongside your desired toppings. Complete instructions can be found here.
Keto Pico De Gallo
Pico de gallo is an easy, low-carb side dish to pair with your favorite keto Mexican food. All you need is a few simple ingredients for this bright and flavorful condiment:
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 1 Tbsp cilantro leaves, finely chopped
- 2 tsp (10mL) lime juice
- salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Blend together tomato, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and seasonings.
Consume right away or refrigerate for a maximum of one week to relish the freshness.
Keto Guacamole
Guacamole, the quintessential Mexican delight, is not only delicious but also a low-carb option. So, here’s a delightful and easy guacamole recipe that is sure to satisfy your taste buds:
- 2 avocados
- 1/4 cup red onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp (15mL) lime juice
- 1/4 tsp cumin powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare delectable guacamole by mashing together avocados, onions, garlic, lime juice, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve alongside your preferred low-carb chips or fresh veggies. Remember to enjoy it promptly to prevent any browning.
Keto Chicken Fajitas
Chicken fajitas make for a quick and easy low-carb meal for those hectic weeknights. Below, you’ll find a delightful yet easy chicken fajita recipe that is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds.
- 2 lbs skinless chicken breast
- 1 medium green pepper
- ½ medium red pepper
- ½ medium yellow pepper
- ½ medium onion
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoon taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 400F.
Cut the chicken into strips. Thinly slice the peppers and onions.
Spread the chicken and veggies evenly on a baking sheet. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with taco seasoning. Toss well to combine and spread evenly again on the baking sheet.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Keto Carnitas
Carnitas is a Mexican dish that is traditionally cooked with pulled pork. This easy keto version requires the following ingredients:
- 1/2 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 onion
- 2 bay leaves
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Use this mixture to rub onto the pork shoulder.
In a large oven-safe pot, put the pork shoulder and onion. Add enough water to reach 1 inch below the top of the pot, then throw in the bay leaves.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 hours, flipping the pork halfway through.
You can also make this recipe with an Instant Pot or slow cooker.
Keto Burrito Bowls
Typically, burritos are not deemed keto-friendly because of the high-carb tortilla wraps. However, you can still relish the delectable burrito fillings by enjoying them in a bowl. Follow this recipe for a flavorful alternative:
- 1 lb steak
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 4 tomatoes
- 1/4 red onion
- 1 avocado
- 1/4 cup sour cream
INSTRUCTIONS
In a big bowl, mix the steak with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lime juice, and taco seasoning. Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers.
Add the steak in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s browned on both sides.
Serve on a bed of cauliflower rice.
Keto Quesadillas
These keto quesadillas are a low-carb, gluten-free version of the classic Mexican favorite. They offer a delightful combination of meaty and cheesy goodness. Similar to keto tacos, you choose your favorite taco meat filling and toppings.
Spread the filling on one side of the tortilla and sprinkle it with shredded cheese. Fold it and cook in a pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on one side. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
Keto Enchiladas
These keto enchiladas offer a low-carb variation of the classic Mexican dish. They consist of tortillas filled with grilled chicken, veggies, cheese, and keto enchilada sauce baked with an extra layer of cheese.
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 3 cups shredded chicken
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup cilantro
INSTRUCTIONS
Heat oil in a pan, then add garlic and chicken. If desired, add your favorite veggies (bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach).
Combine with half of the enchilada sauce and spoon into low-carb corn tortillas. Roll them up and place them in an oven-safe baking dish.
Sprinkle with remaining enchilada sauce and cheese. Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Keto Tortilla Chips
Making keto tortilla chips at home is a quick and easy process that takes only 20 minutes. With this simple recipe, you can have a delicious and healthy snack perfect for any occasion. All you need are some common pantry ingredients:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, melted
INSTRUCTIONS
Mix the dry ingredients then gradually add the egg and mozzarella to form a dough. Roll out to 1/16-inch thickness.
Cut into triangles and arrange in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake the chips until crispy and golden brown. Serve with your favorite low-carb dips.
Keto Taco Salad
Whip up a scrumptious and nutritious taco salad with perfectly seasoned ground beef and a zesty dressing in just 20 minutes! This easy-to-follow keto Mexican food needs only a few common ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp avocado oil
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 8 oz Romaine lettuce
- 1 1/3 cup grape tomatoes
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese
- 1 avocado
- 1/2 cup green onions
- 1/3 cup salsa
- 1/3 cup sour cream
INSTRUCTIONS
Heat oil in a skillet and brown the beef for 7-10 minutes. Add taco seasoning and mix well. Combine the remaining ingredients in a bowl and toss everything together with the beef.
Can’t get enough? Try this taco soup next!
Keto Mexican Food Substitutions
To fully enjoy keto Mexican food at home, make your own seasoning blends to avoid unnecessary carbs found in a premade taco or fajita seasoning. Simply combine chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
Remember to opt for low-carb tortillas when enjoying burritos and tacos. Substitute high-carb foods like rice and black beans with cauliflower rice and black soybeans.
At a Mexican restaurant, you can request to skip the tortilla chips as they are high in carbs. Instead, opt for fajitas without the tortillas, which can be a great keto meal.
Choosing a simple meat entree that is high in fat and protein can also help you stay keto-friendly without too many special requests. Additionally, consider replacing rice and refried beans with a side salad and guacamole to avoid the carb-loaded options.
Consider our guides for eating keto Mexican food at Del Taco, Chili’s, and Taco Bell.
Keto Mexican Food FAQs
Can You Eat Mexican Rice on a Low-Carb Diet?
No, Mexican rice is typically not suitable for a low-carb diet. It is primarily made from white rice, which is high in carbohydrates. If you’re following a low-carb diet, it’s best to opt for alternatives like cauliflower rice or to enjoy a similar texture and flavor without the carb content.
Can You Eat Mexican Cheese on Keto?
Yes, you can eat Mexican cheese on keto. Many Mexican cheeses, such as queso fresco, queso blanco, and cotija, are naturally low in carbs and high in fat, making them suitable for a keto diet. Just be mindful of portion sizes, as some cheeses can still be calorie-dense.
Final Thoughts
Our exploration of keto Mexican food has been a deliciously vibrant journey for your taste buds. We’ve combined the authentic, spicy flavors of Mexico with the principles of a ketogenic diet, showing that you can savor the best of both worlds.
Whether you alter your restaurant orders or cook at home, the options for enjoying keto Mexican food are unlimited. Each dish showcases the rich and diverse Mexican culinary tradition. These recipes have revolutionized how we can relish Mexican flavors while maintaining our dietary goals.
As you embark on your own keto Mexican food adventure, remember that the key ingredients are creativity, adaptation, and a zest for flavor. With these tools in hand, you can continue to delight in the essence of Mexican cuisine while maintaining your low-carb lifestyle.
Unleash your culinary creativity and indulge in the delightful flavors of keto Mexican food. It’s more than just a diet, it’s a vibrant celebration of taste and tradition!