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.
11 matching dishes
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
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