Keto Shish Barak (Meatballs in Yogurt Sauce)
Yes, with a tweak: ensure no cornstarch or flour is used to thicken the yogurt sauce; request xanthan gum or simply omit thickener. About 11g net carbs per serving, on the higher side for Jordanian food, so watch the portion.
What it is
A traditional Jordanian dish reimagined for keto. Instead of dough-based dumplings, seasoned ground lamb or beef meatballs are gently simmered in a rich, garlicky yogurt sauce. The sauce is typically thickened with cornstarch, which must be omitted or replaced with a keto-friendly alternative. The dish is usually garnished with fresh mint and toasted pine nuts. Served without rice or bread.
Key ingredients
Ground lamb or beef, finely chopped onions, garlic, fresh mint, plain full-fat yogurt, egg (for tempering yogurt sauce), ghee/butter, pine nuts (sparingly), salt, pepper, optional spices (e.g., coriander, allspice).
How to make it keto
Ensure no cornstarch or flour is used to thicken the yogurt sauce; request xanthan gum or simply omit thickener. Confirm meatballs contain no breadcrumbs or other fillers. Served strictly without rice or any bread.
Say this to the waiter (Arabic)
للكيتو شيش برك، من فضلك لا تستخدم نشا أو دقيق لتكثيف صلصة الزبادي؛ أو استغنِ عن المثخن. يجب أن تكون كرات اللحم بدون حشوة. وبدون أرز أو خبز.
For Keto Shish Barak, please use no cornstarch or flour in the yogurt sauce; omit thickener if possible. Meatballs must be filler-free. No rice or bread, please.
Watch out for
Hidden cornstarch/flour in yogurt sauce, quantity of pine nuts, onions, potential for added sugar in industrial yogurt if not specified. Restaurant portion sizes can lead to higher carb count from sauce/onions.
Macros are estimates for a typical serving and vary by restaurant. Confirm ingredients with staff, especially if you have allergies. Our ingredient lists are generated automatically and describe how a dish is typically made.
More on the Jordanian menuAll 474 Jordanian dishes ›
