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Easy, Healthy
Barbecue Ideas for Low-Carb Grilling
Succulent pork belly served with sweet sauces and baked potatoes is a well-loved classic for an evening BBQ. But this favourite doesn’t have to be high-calorie and carb heavy. These healthy BBQ ideas are delicious alternatives that taste great and are easy to master.
What does ‘low carb’ actually mean?
A diet that is low in carbohydrates like Atkins and Paleo is considered low-carb. Eating low-carb generally means replacing carbohydrates with fats and proteins, so typically this includes lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, dairy, nuts and seeds. |
Low-carb grilling: which meats can I eat?
According to the low-carb doctrine, meat such as chicken or turkey are suitable for grilling: they are low fat and a great source of protein. Lean fillets and rump steaks are also low-carb approved.
Though meats like pork, sausages and meatballs are not low-carb, you can easily swap fatty cuts and starchy potatoes for slim-line steak and tomato skewers.
Top tip: When you’re craving burgers, go for lighter meatless options. Healthy and hearty.
Fish is also an excellent low-carb grilling choice. White fish, in particular, is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are an important part of a healthy diet. Try these easy but exceptional recipes for smoked trout with lemon or sweet and sticky salmon.
Try our healthy
BBQ fish recipes
Low-carb salads for grilling
Pasta and potatoes are classics but are also rich in carbohydrates. Fresh salads that use lettuce, carrot, cucumber, egg or beetroot are light alternatives that are good for your metabolism.
Low-carb grilling and bread rarely go together. White breads like baguettes and ciabattas are sources of carbohydrates. However, alternatives such as pumpkin bread and coconut or almond-flour-based breads are satisfying substitutes
What about sauces and dips?
Absolutely, but homemade please. Beware of many ready-made products like all-purpose ketchup, which are packed with sugar and hidden fats. The good news is you can easily mix tasty low-carb dips and sauces for grilling using yoghurt as a base. Season with fresh herbs, spices, garlic, mustard or curry, for a fresh taste that can’t be beat.
Vegetable BBQ ideas for the perfect side dish
Low-carb grilled vegetables make the perfect side dish. Vegetables like asparagus, eggplant, zucchini, peppers, tomatoes and mushrooms are particularly low in carbs. On a skewer or in a grill tray, vegetables are at the centre of low-carb grilling. They taste great, too! Though grilled corn on the cob has too many carbohydrates to be included in this tasty lineup, you can try this asparagus and green dip recipe to take your side veg to another level. Get creative with your own healthy BBQ ideas.
Don’t forget dessert
No need to go without dessert when low-carb grilling. Many sweets have a high sugar content, but there are many healthy BBQ ideas if you have a sweet tooth. Yogurt with seasonal fruits is low-carb and tastes delicious. And you have endless choices. Peaches, cantaloupe and coconut, for example, are all low in carbs. Grill them briefly, so they don’t char, and serve with low-fat yogurt and berries. Blackberries, raspberries and strawberries are all excellent low-carb choices.
These satisfying, guilt-free low-carb grill recipes are sure to impress.
