Las Penas con Pan son Buenas. In English, it means “All griefs with bread are less”.
In short, all problems are less bothersome when you have food.
Moms and grandmothers usually say this to comfort their kids during challenging times.
But hang on a minute.
What If your problem is literally the bread itself?
Keto dieters can relate!
Let’s not forget: The best Mexican dishes contain a lot of “bread”. (*)
See where I’m going with this?
Enchiladas, Chilaquiles, Tacos, and Tostadas come with a tortilla wrap. It’s one food item that you should avoid when on keto.
Does this mean you can’t eat your favorite cuisine on keto?
Don’t worry. We’ve got the solution you need.
You shouldn’t miss this list of low carb keto Mexican food recipes if you want to satisfy your Mexican cravings the keto way!
Bonus: we even included a few keto versions of the top carb-rich Mexican food items.
Ready? Let’s dive right in!
What Mexican Dishes Are Low Carb Keto Friendly?
This keto Mexican food list proves that breadless dishes can solve your problem!
Meaty Options
Because you can’t go wrong with meat on keto!
Warning: These dishes come with either rice, beans, or tortillas. Skip these to keep the meal low-carb.
1. Carne Asada– for the Steak Lovers.
Since the main star of this dish is the flank or skirt steak, meat lovers will never go wrong with this. (*)
The meat is marinated, grilled, or roasted, then sliced thinly. The juicy and flavorful steak should have a nice charred texture and smoky flavor.
To balance the heaviness, it’s often topped with:
- Green onions,
- Tomatoes,
- Lettuce,
- Guacamole,
- And sour cream
Keto Tip: Skip soy or Worcestershire sauce. Season the steak with garlic, herbs, lime juice, and fresh chilies.
Bonus Point: It’s a staple in most Mexican restaurants!
Get recipe: downshiftology.com
If you love your meals sizzling hot, check out our next suggestion.
2. Fajitas– A Sizzling Hot Meaty Dish
This Mexican meat dish has marinated protein stir-fried with onions and bell peppers.
Before, the primary type of protein used was beef. Nowadays, you can find many fajitas proteins, including chicken and beef.
The seasoning is the highlight of this dish, and it includes:
- Cumin,
- Chili powder,
- Onion,
- And garlic.
In addition to boosting the dish’s flavor, the spices make the meat more tender and juicier.
Bonus Point: The dish is cooked in a cast iron skillet and served sizzling hot.
Get recipe: lowcarbnomad.com
Our next dish features Mexican flavors that you can’t resist.
3. Carnitas– Slow-Cooked to Perfection
One of the tastiest keto Mexican food, carnitas, is a slow-cooked pulled pork dish. It’s pork shoulder cooked for around 3 to 4 hours.
Fun Fact: Slow cooking can bring out the meat’s full flavor. (*)
In the case of carnitas, the fat melts and coats the meat during the cooking process. As a result, it’s more tender, juicier, and tastier.
For added flavor, season the meat with:
- Salt,
- Bay leaves,
- Mexican oregano,
- Cumin,
- Pepper,
- And cinnamon.
Pro Tip: Add milk or lime juice to tenderize the meat.
After slow cooking, the meat is pulled using a fork and then pan-fried for a crispier texture. It’s often topped with cheeses and served with your choice of dip.
Bonus Point: This is freezer-friendly, so that you can make it in large batches.
Get recipe: joyfilledeats.com
4. Birria– the Trending Mexican Dish
This trending Mexican dish is a goat meat stew seasoned with avocado leaves and chilies.
What makes this dish unique is it’s served with consommé. It’s the braising liquid which the meat is cooked, and it’s made with:
- Adobo sauce,
- Beef stock,
- Dried chilies,
- Apple cider vinegar, (*)
- Dfferent spices,
- A velvety sauce made from pureed cooked onion, garlic, and tomatoes.
Both the meat and the consommé are great keto-friendly options.
Disclaimer: Don’t confuse birria with barbacoa, as these are two different dishes. (*)
If you’re on a “see-food” diet, you’ll love our following selection.
Seafood Choices
Since they are high in fatty acids and low in carbs, seafood dishes should be at the top of your list. (*)
Heads up, our first seafood recommendation is not for the faint of heart.
5. Camarones a la Diabla– For Spicy Lovers
Known as Mexican deviled shrimp, this is one seafood dish spicy lovers shouldn’t miss out on. One look at the dish, and you’ll understand why it’s called that way.
The dish features large juicy shrimps that are fully coated with a bright red chile pepper sauce. It got its color from the following ingredients:
- Guajillo and chile de arbol peppers,
- Roma tomatoes,
- Onion,
- Garlic,
- And salt.
The result is a spicy, flavorful, and highly addictive sauce that packs heat.
Keto Tip: Skip the rice and beans. Opt for a side salad or guacamole instead. These low-carb options can help temper the dish’s heat.
The next dish is not for everyone, but it’s an excellent option for raw fish lovers.
6. Ceviche– Fresh, Light, and Citrusy
While it originated in Peru, ceviche is a typical dish you can find in Mexican restaurants.
It features raw fish cubes or shrimps marinated in a mixture of lemon and lime juice. The juices’ citric acid facilitates the curing process. In addition, it causes the seafood to become opaque and dehydrated.
Before serving, the brined seafood is mixed with:
- jalapeño,
- cilantro,
- onion,
- tomatoes,
- and vegetables like corn kernel and cucumber.
Keto Tip: Decrease the amount of onions and tomatoes to reduce the calorie count further.
Check out the next section if you want to take a break from the greasy and heavy meat dishes.
Healthier Picks
For light and refreshing Mexican dish options, here are our recommendations:
The first item is a healthier twist on a Mexican dish favorite.
7. Taco Salad– Tacos Made Healthy
If you’re dying to enjoy the flavors of tacos, the taco salad is a healthier keto-friendly version.
It delivers all the flavors of a taco because it contains most of its ingredients like:
- lettuce,
- tomato,
- sour cream,
- guacamole,
- and ground meat (chicken or beef).
Keto Tip: Consume this without taco shells, tortilla chips, or refried beans.
Get recipe: wholesomeyum.com
Our next dish is just like tacos—but with more fiber!
8. Mexican Lettuce Wraps– Fiber-rich Taco Version
For a taco-like eating experience minus the carbs, go for Mexican Lettuce Wraps.
Instead of a flour or corn shell, this recipe uses lettuce as the wrap for your taco fillings. Keep things low carb and simple by sticking with only the basics:
- ground meat
- cheese,
- and green onions.
If you’re looking for the perfect breakfast dish, check out the following recipe.
9. Huevos a la Mexicana– Eggs Made Flavorful
Because you can never go wrong with eggs on keto, Huevos a la Mexicana should be included in your list.
This simple breakfast dish features scrambled eggs mixed with:
- onions,
- diced tomatoes,
- and jalapeño.
It’s easy to prepare, delicious, and, most of all– incredibly filling. (*)
The next options are perfect for the winter season!
Warm and Comforting Dishes
Here are the dishes that will keep you warm and toasty during the colder months:
For a thicker and more flavorful chicken soup, check out this dish.
10. Chicken Enchilada Soup– A Chicken Soup Like No Other
Thick, hearty, and flavorful—the enchilada soup is unlike any other chicken soup you’ve tried.
Instead of a clear and thin broth, this soup has an orange to reddish color and a thicker consistency. It’s also made creamier, tastier, and spicier with the addition of:
- tomato paste,
- chili powder,
- Mexican spices,
- sour cream,
- and chopped jalapeños.
Pro Tip: Use chicken thigh or breast to achieve the best texture.
If you don’t like spicy soups, here’s a refreshing one.
11. Mexican Lime Soup– Chicken Soup with a Zesty Twist
Also known as Sopa de lima, this chicken soup is unique. It has a light flavor with a slight citrus taste, a breath of fresh air from the usual soups.
Aside from having a zesty twist, it’s also packed with many surprising textures and flavors.
Aside from the chicken flakes, the soup also contains:
- Habanero chili,
- Ground cinnamon,
- Cloves,
- Crushed tomatoes,
- Chicken stock,
- Dried oregano,
- Lime juice,
- Cilantro,
- And avocado slices.
Keto Tip: Skip the tortilla chips.
You need to check out our next selection because no Mexican dish will ever be complete without it.
Dips and Toppings
Below are the dips and toppings that add a punch of flavor to your favorite Mexican dishes:
Let’s start with everyone’s favorite healthy dip.
12. Guacamole – Creamy Dipping Sauce
The ultimate Mexican dip is a creamy dipping sauce that uses pureed avocado as its base. Since avocadoes are low in carbs and high in fats, it’s one of the best ingredients for keto.
Aside from avocadoes, the dip also contains:
- lime juice,
- onion,
- jalapeño,
- cilantro,
- and tomatoes.
Pro Tip: You can also use this as a topping for meaty dishes or a salad ingredient.
Get recipe: livingchirpy.com
For a tangy twist, check out our next dip.
13. Salsa– Healthy and Tangy
Salsa means sauce, and it’s Mexican cuisine’s most versatile condiment. More than a dip or sauce, you can also use it as a topping for stews, meat, and egg dishes.
Packed with vitamins and minerals, it’s one of the healthiest condiments you can use. Its ingredients are:
- crushed tomatoes,
- onions,
- cilantro,
- dried red chilies,
- spices,
- and jalapeños.
Other recipes include mangoes and avocadoes for an added fruity flavor.
Get recipe: thebigmansworld.com
Cheese lovers, the next dip is for you.
14. Queso– A Cheesy Affair
Cheese makes everything better, and this dip will surely do!
The best thing about this dip is it’s easy to make. Its base is made up of only two ingredients—cheese and jalapeño.
Not only that, but you can also customize it to your liking.
Some people add cream cheese or heavy creamy to boost its milky taste and creamy texture. On the other hand, others add water for a thinner consistency.
Keto Tip: For a tasty appetizer, serve this with pork rinds.
Get recipe: castironketo.net
If you think you can never eat tacos or tamales on keto, the next section will prove you wrong.
Bonus: Carb-heavy Mexican Dishes Made Keto
Surprise: You can make keto-friendly nachos and tamales with a few tweaks.
The low-carb nacho/ taco version might even be better than the original recipe!
15. Low Carb Nachos/ Taco Shells– A Cheesy Alternative
Instead of flour or corn, low-carb nachos are made with *drumrolls please*—cheese!
Make these at home by baking grated cheddar cheese. (*) Add a few spices like cumin and chili pepper flakes for more flavor.
Pro Tip: Serve this with fajitas, carne asada, or any of your favorite low-carb Mexican dishes.
If you’ve been craving tamales, the next recipe solves your dilemma.
16. Beef Tamales– A Meaty Delight
Due to tamales’ cornmeal mixture, it’s a big no-no for keto dieters. But we’ve found a simple hack to make it low carb.
Instead of masa harina, use almond flour and flaxseed meal in making the tamales dough. (*)
It’s that simple. With this easy tweak, you can enjoy tamales on keto!
Final Words
Fact: Mexican cuisine comprises juicy meats, fiber-rich vegetables, and flavorful seasonings. All these fit the keto diet.
However, the dishes are often served with a few items that will hold your keto diet back. So if you wish to enjoy your Mexican favorites on keto, you have two options:
- First, skip the high-carb items (rice, beans, and wraps).
- Second, find keto-friendly variations of the said items.
Lucky for you, you can find everything you need to enjoy Mexican keto in this article.
So what are you waiting for? Check out all our keto Mexican food recommendations to enjoy your weight loss journey in the tastiest way possible!
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