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If you’re a committed meat-lover or simply exploring new dietary frontiers, the carnivore diet may pique your interest with its back-to-basics approach.
Rooted in the principle of consuming primarily animal products, this eating style focuses on high-quality proteins, healthy animal fats, and minimal (or zero) carbohydrates.
Proponents claim benefits such as increased energy, reduced inflammation, and effortless meal prep—while critics emphasize the need to carefully monitor micronutrient intake.
As always, consult with a healthcare professional before making drastic changes to your diet.
Below, you’ll find a tantalizing list of recipe ideas to get you started, or to keep you inspired if you’re already a carnivore diet devotee.
1. Simple Seared Ribeye with Herb Butter
A perfectly seared ribeye is at the heart of carnivore cooking—rich, buttery, and unbelievably tender. In this recipe, you’ll enhance the steak’s natural flavors with a pat of herb butter (featuring carnivore-friendly herbs like thyme or rosemary), added right at the end for extra moisture and taste.
Whether you’re pan-searing or grilling, aim for a beautiful crust on the outside while keeping the inside as juicy as possible.
2. Garlic-Infused Lamb Chops
Succulent lamb chops are a decadent carnivore favorite, offering a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with garlic.
Marinate the chops in melted butter and minced garlic for a few hours, then sear them until a crust forms. Serve them with a light sprinkle of salt or rosemary for extra aroma.
Get the Garlic-Infused Lamb Chops recipe.
3. Bunless Bacon Cheeseburgers
Satisfy your burger cravings by wrapping a juicy beef patty in crispy bacon and topping it with melted cheese. Skip the bun entirely—or, if you want some extra crunch, use lettuce leaves as a wrap. Perfectly simple, high in protein, and delicious.
Get the bunless bacon hamburger recipe.
4. Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Crispy Skin
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are hard to beat for juicy meat and a crispy golden exterior. Season generously with salt (and a dash of pepper if you allow it) before pan-searing until the skin is crackling.
Finish in the oven to ensure thorough cooking and serve with a side of broth or extra pan drippings.
Get the Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Crispy Skin.
5. Slow-Cooked Beef Short Ribs
Tender, fall-off-the-bone beef short ribs are an excellent option for batch cooking. Brown them first, then let them simmer in beef broth for hours. The result is a comforting dish loaded with natural fat and protein that’s perfect for chilly evenings or meal prep.
Get the Slow-Cooked Beef Short Ribs recipe.
6. Butter-Basted Filet Mignon
Elevate any evening with a melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon. Season lightly with salt, then pan-sear the steak in butter, frequently spooning the hot butter over the meat. For a hint of extra flavor, add garlic cloves or fresh herbs to the butter as it cooks.
Get the Butter-Basted Filet Mignon recipe.
7. Crispy Pork Belly Bites
Pork belly offers a perfect balance of tender meat and crunchy crackling. Rub the skin with salt and let it dry out in the fridge overnight before roasting. Once it’s crispy, cut it into bite-sized pieces. These indulgent bites are fantastic as a main dish or even a midday carnivore snack.
Get the Crispy Pork Belly Bites recipe.
8. Beef Liver Pâté
Organ meats pack a serious nutrient punch. Beef liver pâté, blended with plenty of butter, yields a silky-smooth spread bursting with vitamins and minerals. Season it simply with salt (and optional mild spices) to keep it carnivore-friendly, then enjoy it on its own or with crispy cheese chips.
Get the Beef Liver Pâté recipe.
9. Carnivore Meatballs in Broth
Combine ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork) with an egg for binding. Roll into meatballs and simmer in beef or bone broth until cooked through. This dish is a comforting, one-pot wonder—great for a nourishing, protein-rich meal.
Get the Carnivore Meatballs in Broth recipe.
10. Roasted Bone Marrow
Bone marrow is a carnivore superfood—rich, buttery, and loaded with healthy fats. Roast beef marrow bones until the marrow softens and starts to bubble. Scoop it out with a spoon and enjoy it as-is, or spread it over a thin slice of cooked meat for a luxurious bite.
Get the roasted bone marrow recipe.
11. Classic Bone Broth
A cornerstone of many low-carb diets, bone broth is both comforting and nutrient-dense. Simmer beef, chicken, or pork bones for several hours (or overnight) with water and optional seasoning like salt or mild herbs. The resulting broth is full of collagen and minerals.
Get the classic bone broth recipe.
12. Grilled Salmon with Lemon-Butter Drizzle
While red meat dominates the carnivore diet, fish is a fantastic option for omega-3 fatty acids. Season salmon fillets with salt and grill them until the skin is crispy. Finish with a drizzle of melted butter mixed with a squeeze of lemon to brighten the flavor.
Get the Grilled Salmon with Lemon-Butter Drizzle recipe.
13. Carnivore Breakfast Casserole
Combine beaten eggs, crumbled bacon or sausage, and shredded cheese (if you allow dairy) in a casserole dish. Bake until the eggs are set and the cheese is bubbly. It’s an easy make-ahead breakfast that’s protein-packed and satisfying.
Get the Carnivore Breakfast Casserole recipe.
14. Braised Oxtail
Oxtail is a flavorful cut that becomes incredibly tender when braised low and slow. Brown the oxtail segments, then simmer them in beef broth with salt for a few hours. Serve the meltingly soft meat with its savory gravy.
Get the braised oxtail recipe.
15. Pan-seared scallops in Ghee
Another excellent seafood option, scallops turn golden and slightly sweet when pan-seared in ghee. Keep the heat high for a perfect crust, and season simply with salt (or a pinch of white pepper if allowed). They cook quickly, making this a great meal for busy evenings.
Get the pan-seared scallops recipe.
16. Grilled Chicken Wings
Wings are ideal for carnivore snacking or a quick meal. Coat them in salt or a basic dry rub (minus the sugar), then grill or bake until the skin is crispy. Dip them in melted butter for extra richness.
Get the Grilled Chicken Wings recipe.
17. Braised Pork Shoulder
Juicy pork shoulder, also known as pork butt, is forgiving and flavorful. Sear the outside, then cook it slowly in a Dutch oven or slow cooker until it easily shreds with a fork. The rendered fat keeps the meat moist and succulent.
Get the braised pork shoulder recipe.
18. Duck Confit
Duck confit involves cooking duck legs in their fat, resulting in tender, flavor-packed meat. The process can be time-intensive, but it yields an indulgent dish perfect for a special dinner. Crisp the skin right before serving for a crackly finish.
19. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus (If Including Minimal Veg)
For those who allow the occasional low-carb vegetable, asparagus spears wrapped in bacon are a light break from heavier dishes. Grill or bake until the bacon is crispy. If you’re strictly zero-carb, skip the asparagus and just enjoy the bacon.
Get the Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus recipe.
20. Carnivore Chili (No Tomatoes)
Traditional chili typically includes tomatoes and beans, but a carnivore-friendly version can focus on ground beef and slow-cooked fatty cuts like chuck roast, seasoned with meat broth and salt. Let it stew until the flavors meld into a hearty, spoonable dish.
Get the Carnivore Chili recipe
21. Prime Rib Roast
A show-stopping cut for holidays or a hearty weekend feast. Season a prime rib roast generously with salt, then cook low and slow until it reaches your desired doneness. Finish with a high-heat sear to form a flavorful crust. Serve sliced thick with the pan juices.
