For individuals following a low-carb diet, there are plenty of different low-carb recipes out there.
But if flavorful pork recipes are what you’re looking for, this article provides five nutrient-rich, low-carb pork recipes.
For each one, you can see its nutritional values per serving, which were calculated using Cronometer, based on USDA data.
Each of these low-carb pork recipes provides:
- Calories: Fewer than 600 calories per serving
- Protein: At least 30g per serving
- Carbohydrates: Less than 35g per serving
Important Note: The content in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. It should not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider.
Table of contents
1) Low-Carb Pork, Almond, and Vegetable Stir-Fry
This tasty, simple low-carb stir-fry combines flavorful vegetables and seasonings with pork.
This dish contains less than 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (680g) pork loin, lean, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 large leek, sliced
- 1 cup cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups spinach
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3.5 oz (100g) sliced almonds
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp grated garlic
Allergens present: Major allergens included in this recipe include sesame, soy, tree nuts, and it may include wheat, depending on the specific soy sauce used.
Step-by-step Instructions
- Heat the olive and sesame oil over a medium-high heat in a skillet. Then add the diced pork and cook until it has browned on each side.
- Add the sliced leeks, onions, mushrooms, garlic, and ginger, while constantly stir-frying until the vegetables soften.
- When the dish is nearly fully cooked after 12-13 minutes, add the soy sauce and spinach for the last two minutes. Cook for a further minute or two until the spinach wilts, then serve.
- Separate into four servings and then top each one with sliced almonds.
Key Details and Nutritional Information
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Nutritional values per serving (318g):
- Calories: 492 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 14.27g
- Fiber: 5.05g
- Sugars: 4.03g
- Fat: 29.23g
- Saturated fat: 5.28g
- Monounsaturated fat: 16.06g
- Polyunsaturated fat: 6.05g
- Protein: 44.49g
- Sodium: 567 mg
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
2) Pork and Butternut Squash Curry
A comforting, mild curry that’s full of flavors and easy to make.
This dish contains less than 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Ingredients
- 1 lbs (454g) pork loin, lean, diced
- 1/2 can (7 fl oz) light coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 4 cups (560g) butternut squash, cubed
- 1.5 cups (177g) edamame, from frozen
- 2 oz (56g) cashew nuts
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Allergens present: Major allergens include soy and tree nuts, and may also include fish/shellfish from the red curry paste. Please check the nutrition label of the red curry paste because ingredients will vary by brand.
Step-by-step Instructions
- Heat the olive over medium-high heat, add the diced pork loin, and cook until it has browned.
- Add the curry powder, red curry paste, salt, and pepper, and stir the ingredients in.
- Add the light coconut milk, cubed butternut squash, edamame, and a cup of water, and bring to the pot to a simmer while stirring.
- Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and allow to cook for around 20 minutes, or until the butternut squash is soft.
- Serve into four portions and top each one with cashews.
Key Details and Nutritional Information
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Nutritional values per serving (438g):
- Calories: 444 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 32.6g
- Fiber: 10.49g
- Sugars: 7.21g
- Fat: 21.65g
- Saturated fat: 6.61g
- Monounsaturated fat: 9.02g
- Polyunsaturated fat: 2.34g
- Protein: 34.57g
- Sodium: 847 mg
- Cholesterol: 67 mg
Note: This recipe is relatively high in sodium.
3) Pork and Celeriac Casserole
A hearty casserole featuring pork, celeriac, and flavorful ingredients like pork broth, almond flour, leeks, and mushrooms.
This dish contains less than 23 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (680g) pork loin, diced, lean
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups (624g) celeriac, cubed
- 1 large leek, sliced
- 4 medium shallots
- 1 cup cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli raab
- 1 cup pork broth
- 1 tbsp (7g) almond flour
Allergens present: Major allergens include tree nuts from the almond flour. If using commercial broth, remember to check the ingredients label to ensure allergens like soy or wheat aren’t present.
Step-by-step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 356°F (180°C).
- Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe pot, add the pork, and cook until it browns.
- Add the leeks, mushrooms, and shallots, then saute for 5 minutes until they soften.
- Add the broccoli raab, mix it in, and then transfer the pot to the oven and bake for 40 minutes.
- While baking, boil the celeriac in a second pot until it softens. At this point, drain the water away and mash the celeriac with a small amount of broth.
- Serve the pork casserole on four separate plates and top each one with the celeriac mash.
Key Details and Nutritional Information
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Nutritional values per serving (474g):
- Calories: 417 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 22.58g
- Fiber: 4.66g
- Sugars: 5.47g
- Fat: 17.89g
- Saturated fat: 4.46g
- Monounsaturated fat: 9.93g
- Polyunsaturated fat: 2.28g
- Protein: 41.80g
- Sodium: 379 mg
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
4) Oregano Parmesan Pork Cutlets
These tasty pork cutlets have an abundance of flavor from ingredients including almond flour, oregano, and Parmesan cheese.
This dish provides fewer than 11 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Ingredients
- 4x 6 oz (159g) boneless pork loin chops, lean
- 1 cup (112g) almond flour
- 1/2 cup dried Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 large asparagus spears
- 4 cups of spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
Allergens present: This recipe contains the allergens dairy and tree nuts.
Step-by-step instructions
- Make a breading mixture by mixing the almond flour, oregano, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Press each side of the pork cutlets into the breading mixture.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook each side of the cutlets for approximately 4 minutes, or until fully cooked and browned as suits your preference.
- In a separate pan, cook the asparagus in some olive oil. Turn the asparagus spears as they cook to ensure they’re fully cooked on all sides. Once done, add the spinach and saute for 1 minute until it wilts.
- Serve a cutlet, three asparagus spears, and some spinach on each plate.
Key Details and Nutritional Information
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Nutritional values per serving (309g):
- Calories: 553 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10.79g
- Fiber: 5.15g
- Sugars: 3.26g
- Fat: 31.47g
- Saturated fat: 6.13g
- Monounsaturated fat: 17.29g
- Polyunsaturated fat: 5.27g
- Protein: 58.90g
- Sodium: 356 mg
- Cholesterol: 37 mg
5) Mediterranean Pork Salad
This recipe provides a low-carb pork salad full of nutrient-rich ingredients.
Ingredients
- 13 oz (369g) lean pork loin, diced, cooked
- 8 cups mixed lettuce leaves
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 1 avocado (201g), sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives
- 1 medium apple (97g), sliced
- 4 tbsp (56g) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt to taste
Allergens present: This recipe does not contain any of the ‘big 9’ common allergens.
Step-by-step instructions
- Mix the lettuce leaves, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, avocado, and apple in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt for a dressing with a smooth consistency.
- Add the cooked pork to the salad.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and mix it in well, then serve.
Key details and nutritional information
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Nutritional values per serving (393g):
- Calories: 482 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20.0g
- Fiber: 7.01g
- Sugars: 9.26g
- Fat: 32.37g
- Saturated fat: 6.70g
- Monounsaturated fat: 20.33g
- Polyunsaturated fat: 3.33g
- Protein: 30.0g
- Sodium: 278 mg
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Summary
You now have a variety of nutrient-rich, low-carb pork recipes to try.
Each contains a variety of nutrient-rich, plant-based foods in combination with the pork, with additional seasonings to enhance the taste.
As the time requirements to make these recipes indicates, eating well can be both simple and satisfying.