Iraqi keto guide
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262 dishes145 keto as served105 with a photo
Keto friendliness
Adapting Iraqi cuisine to keto requires constant vigilance against pervasive carb staples, making an authentic full meal challenging without significant modifications.
Top ingredients
Excellent options include grilled lamb, beef, chicken, and fish (like Masgouf), along with full-fat yogurt, olive oil, and non-starchy vegetables such as eggplant, okra, and tomatoes.
Danger zones
The biggest carb traps are ubiquitous rice (biryani, timman), bulgur (kibbeh, tabouleh), all forms of bread (khubz, pita), and hidden sugars in sauces or desserts.
Best for
This cuisine works best for strict keto dieters who are confident requesting modifications, comfortable focusing solely on grilled meats and select vegetables, and willing to forgo traditional starchy accompaniments.
67 matching dishes · page 1 of 2
Araq
Grilled Lamb Ribs
Succulent lamb ribs, often simply marinated with salt, pepper, and sometimes lemon juice, then expertly grille…
4 net5 total1 fibre90 protein85 fat1100 kcal
Rosto
Iraqi Style Roast Beef/Lamb (without gravy or potatoes)
A classic Iraqi roast, typically beef or lamb, slow-roasted until tender and flavorful, often seasoned simply …
4 net5 total1 fibre60 protein60 fat800 kcal
Samak Maqli
Pan-Fried Fish (unbreaded, with keto sides)
Fresh white fish fillets, seasoned with Iraqi spices and pan-fried to a golden crisp. Modified by ensuring no …
4 net5 total1 fibre60 protein50 fat700 kcal
Shorbat Laham (Clear Lamb Soup)
Clear Lamb Soup
A comforting and nourishing broth-based soup featuring tender chunks of slow-cooked lamb, lightly spiced with …
4 net5 total1 fibre70 protein35 fat600 kcal
Dajaj Mashwi
Iraqi Roasted Chicken with Keto Sides
A whole roasted chicken, marinated with Middle Eastern spices and herbs, cooked until golden brown and tender.…
5 net7 total2 fibre90 protein60 fat950 kcal
Riyash
Grilled Lamb Chops with Keto Sides
Succulent grilled lamb chops, marinated with traditional Iraqi spices and cooked to perfection. Served with a …
5 net8 total3 fibre70 protein65 fat900 kcal
Shish Tawook
Grilled Chicken Skewers
Tender cubes of chicken breast or thigh marinated in yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and Middle Eastern spices, t…
5 net7 total2 fibre60 protein40 fat650 kcal
Araq O Rouq
Slow-Cooked Lamb Stew (without rice)
A traditional Iraqi slow-cooked lamb stew, featuring tender chunks of lamb (often bone-in), rich in fat and co…
6 net8 total2 fibre60 protein75 fat900 kcal
Keto Arayes (Grilled Meat Patties)
Grilled Lamb & Beef Patties, Arayes-Style
Spiced ground lamb and beef patties, grilled to perfection, reflecting the rich flavor profile of traditional …
6 net8 total2 fibre65 protein55 fat750 kcal
Keto Kubba Shifta
Keto Iraqi Meatballs (Pan-Fried)
Flattened, seasoned ground beef and lamb meatballs, traditionally pan-fried or baked. Modified to be keto by u…
6 net8 total2 fibre65 protein60 fat800 kcal
Keto Makhroota (Stewed Lamb Intestines)
Stewed Lamb Intestines
Carefully cleaned lamb intestines, slow-stewed until exceptionally tender in a rich, savory broth, typically f…
6 net8 total2 fibre60 protein50 fat700 kcal
Quzi
Slow-Cooked Lamb
A celebratory dish featuring a large cut of lamb (often a shoulder or leg), slow-cooked until exceptionally te…
6 net8 total2 fibre100 protein90 fat1200 kcal
Baba Ghanoush
Roasted Eggplant Dip (without bread)
A creamy and smoky dip made from fire-roasted eggplant, blended with tahini (sesame paste), fresh lemon juice,…
7 net15 total8 fibre8 protein40 fat450 kcal
Dujaj Bil Nareng (Keto Modified)
Iraqi Chicken with Bitter Orange Sauce
A distinctive Iraqi dish featuring chicken pieces slowly braised in a fragrant, tangy sauce made from bitter o…
7 net11 total4 fibre65 protein50 fat700 kcal
Katif Ghanam Matbukh (Keto Modified)
Slow-Cooked Lamb Shoulder (Keto)
A large portion of succulent lamb shoulder, slow-cooked until incredibly tender and falling off the bone, seas…
7 net12 total5 fibre80 protein85 fat1000 kcal
Keto Lahm bil Agin (Spiced Meat Bake)
Spiced Lamb & Beef Bake (Lahm bil Agin Style)
A savory baked dish featuring a rich mixture of spiced ground lamb and beef, diced tomatoes, and onions, prepa…
7 net10 total3 fibre70 protein60 fat800 kcal
Kibda
Fried Lamb Liver with Onions (No Bread)
Deliciously pan-fried lamb liver, typically sautéed with onions, bell peppers, and a blend of savory Iraqi spi…
7 net10 total3 fibre50 protein55 fat720 kcal
Kofta B'Tahini (Keto Modified)
Lamb/Beef Kofta in Tahini Sauce (Keto)
Tender spiced lamb or beef kofta patties baked in a rich, tangy tahini sauce with hints of lemon and garlic. T…
7 net12 total5 fibre70 protein70 fat900 kcal
Makhlama
Iraqi Scrambled Eggs with Minced Meat
A popular and hearty Iraqi breakfast dish consisting of scrambled eggs cooked with seasoned minced lamb or bee…
7 net10 total3 fibre60 protein55 fat750 kcal
Shorbat Dajaj
Iraqi Chicken Soup (Keto-Style, No Carbs)
A comforting and flavorful Iraqi chicken broth-based soup, prepared with tender shredded chicken and low-carb …
7 net10 total3 fibre40 protein40 fat550 kcal
Shorbat Feter
Creamy Mushroom Soup
A rich and savory Iraqi-style mushroom soup, prepared with fresh mushrooms, a generous amount of cream, and a …
7 net10 total3 fibre10 protein50 fat550 kcal
Achar
Iraqi Mango Pickle
A spicy and tangy Iraqi pickle, primarily made from unripe mangoes, often with chili, mustard seeds, and fenug…
8 net10 total2 fibre1 protein12 fat150 kcal
Deconstructed Shawarma Plate (Lamb or Chicken)
Deconstructed Shawarma Plate (Lamb or Chicken) with Keto Sides
Thinly sliced, marinated and slow-roasted lamb or chicken shawarma, served without bread. Accompanied by fresh…
8 net12 total4 fibre75 protein58 fat850 kcal
Iraqi Tikka
Grilled Lamb Chunks
Tender chunks of marinated lamb (or sometimes beef), skewered and grilled until juicy and flavorful. The marin…
8 net10 total2 fibre75 protein65 fat900 kcal
Labaniya (Keto Modified)
Iraqi Lamb and Yogurt Stew
A rich and tangy stew of tender lamb pieces slow-cooked in a savory yogurt-based sauce, traditionally seasoned…
8 net10 total2 fibre60 protein65 fat800 kcal
Masgouf
Grilled Carp
A traditional Iraqi dish of slow-grilled carp, often seasoned with salt, lemon, and sometimes tamarind or othe…
8 net10 total2 fibre80 protein75 fat1000 kcal
Shorbat Kusa
Creamy Zucchini Soup
A soothing and creamy soup made with fresh zucchini, typically blended smooth with a rich broth and heavy crea…
8 net12 total4 fibre8 protein45 fat480 kcal
Iraqi Kabab
Grilled Minced Lamb & Beef Skewers
Skewers of finely minced lamb and beef, seasoned with grated onions and traditional Iraqi spices, then grilled…
9 net12 total3 fibre70 protein60 fat850 kcal
Lahm Bil Forn
Iraqi Baked Lamb with Vegetables
Succulent chunks of lamb, slow-baked until wonderfully tender, often prepared with onions, tomatoes, and bell …
9 net15 total6 fibre55 protein70 fat880 kcal
Lisan Ma' Lahm (Keto Modified)
Braised Beef Tongue with Keto Vegetables
Tender beef tongue, slow-braised to perfection in a savory, spiced broth, typically served with a selection of…
9 net15 total6 fibre70 protein75 fat920 kcal
Margat Krafs (Keto Modified)
Celery Stew with Lamb/Beef (Keto)
A fragrant and tangy stew combining tender lamb or beef pieces with celery stalks, onions, garlic, and a hint …
9 net15 total6 fibre60 protein60 fat780 kcal
Sujuk Maqli
Pan-fried Iraqi Sausage
Iraqi Sujuk, a spicy, often garlic-infused sausage, pan-fried to perfection. Served as is, without bread or ri…
9 net10 total1 fibre35 protein55 fat650 kcal
Kishkash (Lamb Meatballs in Tomato Sauce)
Iraqi Lamb Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Flavorful Iraqi lamb meatballs, seasoned with aromatic spices and simmered in a rich, tangy tomato sauce until…
10 net15 total5 fibre50 protein58 fat750 kcal
Ma'alooof
Yogurt-Braised Lamb (Served without Rice)
A savory Iraqi dish featuring tender lamb pieces slowly braised in a creamy, tangy full-fat yogurt sauce, seas…
10 net12 total2 fibre65 protein80 fat1000 kcal
Salata
Iraqi Salad
A refreshing and common side salad in Iraqi cuisine, typically made with finely diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and…
10 net15 total5 fibre3 protein30 fat300 kcal
Samak Bil Forn
Baked Fish with Keto Vegetables
A whole or filleted fish (such as sea bream or bass) baked until flaky, seasoned with lemon, garlic, olive oil…
10 net15 total5 fibre55 protein55 fat720 kcal
Samak Harra
Baked Spicy Fish with Tomato & Walnut Sauce (No Rice)
A whole baked fish (often sea bass or similar white fish) coated in a rich, spicy tomato-based sauce, traditio…
10 net14 total4 fibre70 protein60 fat880 kcal
KAsoon
Kibbeh Nayyeh (Keto Modified, no bulgur)
Spiced Raw Lamb Tartare
A keto adaptation of the classic Levantine dish, featuring very finely minced fresh lean lamb (or beef), seaso…
3 net5 total2 fibre50 protein38 fat550 kcal
KAsoon
Haneeth Ghanam (bidoun Timman)
Slow-Cooked Spiced Lamb (Haneeth-style, without rice)
Exquisitely tender lamb, slow-cooked for hours to achieve a fall-off-the-bone texture. Seasoned generously wit…
4 net6 total2 fibre75 protein65 fat900 kcal
KAsoon
Barg Dajaj Mashwi
Grilled Chicken Fillet/Breast with Keto Sides
Tender, marinated boneless chicken fillet or breast, expertly grilled to perfection. Known for its succulent t…
5 net7 total2 fibre60 protein28 fat520 kcal
KAsoon
Shorbat Makhlouta (Keto Modified)
Clear Mixed Offal Broth
A hearty, clear broth soup made with various types of lean mixed offal (e.g., small pieces of liver, kidney, h…
5 net7 total2 fibre45 protein28 fat450 kcal
KAsoon
Feter bil Laban
Mushrooms in Garlic Yogurt Sauce
A light and refreshing side dish composed of sautéed mushrooms served in a creamy, tangy yogurt and garlic sau…
6 net8 total2 fibre15 protein25 fat300 kcal
KAsoon
Khamoukh Laham (Keto Modified)
Sour Lamb Stew (without fruits)
A distinctive Iraqi stew renowned for its tangy and zesty flavor profile. This keto modified version features …
6 net10 total4 fibre55 protein48 fat650 kcal
KAsoon
Sak Ghanam Matbukh
Braised Lamb Shank (No Rice)
Tender lamb shank, slow-cooked until it falls off the bone. Often braised with a blend of warming Iraqi spices…
6 net8 total2 fibre70 protein58 fat800 kcal
KAsoon
Baydh bil Basal
Eggs with Sautéed Onions
A simple and comforting Iraqi breakfast dish featuring eggs scrambled or fried with richly caramelized onions.…
7 net9 total2 fibre28 protein45 fat550 kcal
KAsoon
Fasoolia Khadra bil Laban wal Laham
Green Beans and Minced Lamb in Yogurt Sauce
A unique Iraqi stew featuring fresh green beans and seasoned minced lamb or beef, cooked in a delicate, tangy …
7 net11 total4 fibre40 protein42 fat580 kcal
KAsoon
Keto Fawaregh (Lamb Intestines Stuffed with Spiced Meat)
A traditional Iraqi delicacy of cleaned lamb intestines, typically stuffed with a spiced ground lamb mixture (…
7 net10 total3 fibre65 protein45 fat680 kcal
KAsoon
Keto Kubba Hamidh
Sour Meatball Soup
A tangy and hearty soup made with savory meatballs cooked in a sour broth, typically flavored with lemon and s…
7 net10 total3 fibre50 protein40 fat580 kcal
KAsoon
Keto Samak Sayadiyah (Spiced Fish Fillet)
Keto Sayadiyah Spiced Fish Fillet
A flavorful and aromatic fish fillet (e.g., cod, snapper, or sea bass) generously seasoned with traditional Sa…
7 net10 total3 fibre60 protein35 fat600 kcal
KAsoon
Kusa bil Laban wal Laham
Zucchini and Minced Lamb in Yogurt Sauce
A creamy and tangy Iraqi stew featuring tender zucchini and savory minced lamb or beef, gently simmered in a r…
7 net10 total3 fibre40 protein48 fat620 kcal
KAsoon
Dukhos Dajaj Matbukh
Slow-Cooked Chicken and Vegetable Stew
A comforting, slow-cooked chicken stew featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, aromatic broth with…
8 net12 total4 fibre48 protein38 fat580 kcal
KAsoon
Keto Dajaj Mahshi
Keto Stuffed Chicken with Cauliflower Rice and Nuts
A whole chicken or large chicken pieces (like thighs/breasts) deboned and stuffed with a flavorful mixture of …
8 net12 total4 fibre60 protein55 fat780 kcal
KAsoon
Keto Khashkhash (Iraqi Baked Egg Frittata with Herbs and Meat)
Keto Iraqi Baked Egg Frittata with Herbs and Meat
A thick, baked Iraqi egg dish, similar to a frittata or a savory baked omelet. This keto-modified version feat…
8 net12 total4 fibre45 protein40 fat600 kcal
KAsoon
Lisan bil Hamod
Lamb Tongue in Tangy Lemon Sauce
Tender pieces of slow-cooked lamb tongue, prepared in a rich and tangy sauce primarily flavored with fresh lem…
8 net10 total2 fibre65 protein75 fat950 kcal
KAsoon
Makali Khodar (بدون بطاطا)
Mixed Fried Vegetables Platter (Keto, no potatoes)
A flavorful platter of assorted low-carb vegetables, such as tender eggplant, zucchini, colorful bell peppers,…
8 net15 total7 fibre5 protein38 fat400 kcal
KAsoon
Margat Bamia bil Laban wal Laham
Okra and Lamb Stew in Yogurt Sauce
A less common but authentic Iraqi stew, this version features tender okra and lamb pieces slow-cooked in a ric…
8 net13 total5 fibre45 protein50 fat650 kcal
KAsoon
Shirkhot
Dried Lamb/Beef Stew
A rich and deeply flavorful Iraqi stew prepared with rehydrated and slow-cooked dried lamb or beef, giving it …
8 net12 total4 fibre60 protein50 fat700 kcal
KAsoon
Iraqi Lamb and Vegetable Stew (No Bread/Rice)
Iraqi Lamb and Vegetable Stew
A hearty Iraqi stew featuring tender chunks of lamb slow-cooked with a selection of low-carb vegetables like z…
9 net14 total5 fibre55 protein55 fat750 kcal
KAsoon
Keto Fatteh without Bread (Lamb/Chicken with Yogurt Sauce)
A deconstructed Fatteh dish, replacing traditional fried bread with tender, spiced lamb or chicken. This is to…
9 net12 total3 fibre50 protein55 fat720 kcal
KAsoon
Tihall Mahshi (Keto Modified)
Stuffed Spleen with Spiced Meat (Keto Modified)
Lamb or beef spleen, carefully cleaned and then stuffed with a highly seasoned mixture of ground meat (often l…
9 net12 total3 fibre75 protein70 fat980 kcal