Cheap Low Carb Meals You Can Make in Under 30 Minutes

I’ll admit it: I’m a sucker for quick, cheap, and low-carb meals. It started when I was on a mission to cut carbs without cutting corners in my budget—or my time.

With a busy schedule and an ever-shrinking wallet, I found myself diving headfirst into the world of quick, low-carb cooking.

What did I learn? It’s not only doable but also downright delicious. Below, I’ll share some of my favorite recipes, complete with ingredient lists, steps, and tips to keep costs low.

1. Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Chicken

This dish is the ultimate low-carb comfort food that won’t cost a fortune. Think of it as a healthier version of your favorite takeout.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

Steps

1. Spiralize the zucchinis or use pre-packaged zucchini noodles to save time.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked.
4. Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together with soy sauce and sesame oil.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the noodles are tender but not soggy.
6. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a bit of heat and serve hot.

2. Egg Roll in a Bowl

Who needs the wrapper when the filling is the best part? This low-carb egg roll in a bowl is packed with flavor and easy on the wallet.

Ingredients (Serves 2-3)

Steps

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground pork or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
3. Stir in ginger and soy sauce, followed by cabbage and grated carrot.
4. Cook until the cabbage softens, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Sprinkle green onions on top and serve.

3. Garlic Butter Shrimp with Cauliflower Rice

Fancy, fast, and frugal—this dish tastes like a restaurant-quality meal but comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

Steps

@thezachrocheleau 200 Cal Cauliflower Shrimp Fried Rice 🔥 #dinnerrecipe #healthyrecipe #cauliflower #easyrecipe #fatlossrecipe #lowcalorierecipe ♬ original sound – Zach Rocheleau

1. Thaw the shrimp if frozen. Pat dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through.
4. In another skillet, cook the cauliflower rice according to package instructions. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve the shrimp over cauliflower rice with a squeeze of lemon for a zesty finish.

4. Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps

This is my go-to lunch when I need something quick, cheap, and satisfying. It’s like a sandwich—minus the bread.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

Steps

This easy tuna salad recipe is bright, fresh, and classic for a reason. Serve it on sandwiches, with crackers, or use in lettuce wraps!
https://t.co/pbx1rymSwD#wellplatedrecipes #tunasalad #recipes pic.twitter.com/xoGAN2oyub

— Erin Clarke (@WellPlated) September 11, 2024

1. Drain the tuna and mix it with mayonnaise, mustard, celery, onion, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Spoon the tuna mixture onto lettuce leaves, wrap them up, and enjoy.
3. For extra flavor, sprinkle some paprika or squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the wraps.

5. Quick Turkey and Spinach Skillet

This recipe is proof that healthy doesn’t have to mean boring. Plus, it’s one pan, so cleanup is a breeze.

Ingredients (Serves 2-3)

Steps

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
2. Add ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
3. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add spinach and cook until wilted about 2 minutes.
4. Serve as is or with a side of cauliflower rice for a heartier meal.

6. Avocado Egg Salad

Egg salad gets a creamy, low-carb twist with avocado. It’s perfect as a snack, a light meal, or even breakfast.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

Steps

1. Peel the hard-boiled eggs and chop them into small pieces.
2. In a bowl, mash the avocado with lime juice and mayonnaise until smooth.
3. Mix in the chopped eggs, salt, and pepper. Serve on its own, in lettuce wraps, or with low-carb crackers.

Final Thoughts

These recipes saved me when I was juggling work, budgets, and the need for fast meals that didn’t skimp on taste. Not only are they low-carb and affordable, but they’re also versatile.

Feel free to swap out proteins, experiment with spices, or use what you already have in your kitchen. Cooking this way has shown me that eating healthy doesn’t mean spending a fortune—or endless hours in the kitchen.