Lunch on the carnivore diet can be both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. When following a strict meat-based diet, it’s important to keep your meals varied and exciting while ensuring they meet your nutritional needs. Whether you’re at home, meal prepping, or need something quick to take to work, there are plenty of delicious options that don’t require plant-based ingredients or carbs.
In this guide, I’ll share a variety of carnivore lunch ideas that are simple to make, high in protein, and packed with the fats and nutrients needed to sustain you through the afternoon. Whether you prefer something grilled, baked, or even fried, these options will help you stay satisfied and energized.
Why Choose Carnivore Lunch Ideas?
Having a variety of carnivore-friendly lunch ideas can help:
- Prevent Food Boredom: Staying creative with your lunch menu ensures you don’t get bored of eating the same thing every day.
- Keep Energy Levels Stable: Protein and fat are essential for maintaining energy levels, especially during busy afternoons.
- Meet Nutritional Needs: A well-balanced carnivore meal helps you get essential vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients.
Carnivore Lunch Ideas
Below are some carnivore-approved lunch ideas that will keep you full, satisfied, and excited for your next meal!
1. Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter
A juicy ribeye steak cooked to perfection makes for a classic carnivore lunch that’s both simple and packed with flavor. Pair it with garlic butter for an extra burst of richness.
- How to Make: Season the ribeye with salt and pepper and cook it in a hot skillet or on the grill until it reaches your preferred doneness. Top with garlic butter made from melted butter and minced garlic.
2. Carnivore Bacon Cheeseburger (No Bun)
Who needs a bun when you’ve got a burger loaded with crispy bacon and melted cheese? This carnivore bacon cheeseburger is satisfying and perfect for lunch.
- How to Make: Form ground beef into patties, season with salt, and cook them on a skillet until done. Top with cheddar cheese and bacon strips. Serve it as-is, or wrap it in lettuce if you’re more lenient with carnivore rules.
3. Crispy Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are a budget-friendly carnivore option that are packed with flavor thanks to their higher fat content. The crispy skin makes this dish extra delicious.
- How to Make: Season bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy.
4. Seared Lamb Chops
Lamb chops are tender, juicy, and have a unique, rich flavor that’s perfect for a mid-day meal. Lamb is also higher in healthy fats, making it ideal for carnivore lunches.
- How to Make: Season the lamb chops with sea salt and black pepper, and sear them in a hot skillet with butter until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked to your liking.
5. Beef Liver and Onions (Carnivore Style)
Beef liver is one of the most nutrient-dense meats you can eat. Cooking it with a little butter gives it a rich flavor that makes it much more enjoyable.
- How to Make: Slice beef liver into thin pieces, season with salt, and cook in butter on medium heat until browned. Add a bit of bacon fat for extra flavor if desired.
6. Shrimp Cooked in Garlic Butter
Shrimp is quick and easy to make, making it an ideal lunch option for a carnivore diet. Cooking them in garlic butter brings out incredible flavors.
- How to Make: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat, add minced garlic, and cook until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque.
7. Egg and Sausage Scramble
Eggs are versatile, nutritious, and quick to cook, making them a great base for a carnivore lunch. Adding sausage makes it even more filling.
- How to Make: Cook breakfast sausage in a skillet until browned. In a separate bowl, beat eggs and pour them into the skillet with the sausage. Scramble until cooked through.
8. Pork Belly Bites
Pork belly is rich, tender, and full of flavor. These pork belly bites make for a hearty lunch that’s easy to prepare and delicious.
- How to Make: Cut pork belly into bite-sized pieces, season with salt, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes until crispy.
9. Carnivore Meatballs
Meatballs are perfect for meal prep and make a convenient lunch option. They are easy to make in large batches and can be served alone or with melted cheese.
- How to Make: Mix ground beef, ground pork, salt, garlic powder, and an egg. Form into balls and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked.
10. Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese
Smoked salmon paired with a dollop of cream cheese is a light yet protein-packed option for a carnivore lunch. It’s simple but sophisticated.
- How to Make: Lay smoked salmon on a plate and add small dollops of cream cheese. Sprinkle with sea salt and serve.
11. Grilled Rib Tips
Grilled rib tips are flavorful and tender, perfect for a hearty lunch. They are high in fat, which makes them an excellent energy source.
- How to Make: Season rib tips with salt and pepper. Grill over medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally until tender and crispy.
12. Egg Muffins with Bacon and Cheese
Egg muffins are like portable omelets, making them great for lunch on-the-go or meal prep. Adding bacon and cheese makes them extra tasty.
- How to Make: Beat eggs and mix in cooked bacon pieces and shredded cheese. Pour into greased muffin tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
13. Carnivore Surf and Turf
Combine steak with grilled shrimp for a decadent carnivore-style surf and turf. This combination is great for when you need a bigger, protein-packed lunch.
- How to Make: Grill a sirloin steak to your desired doneness, and pair it with grilled shrimp cooked in butter and garlic.
14. Tuna Salad (Carnivore Version)
Tuna salad can be easily adapted to be carnivore-friendly by skipping the vegetables and sticking to tuna, eggs, and mayonnaise.
- How to Make: Mix canned tuna with hard-boiled egg, salt, and mayonnaise. This makes for a creamy and filling lunch.
15. Bone Marrow on Toasted Cheese
Bone marrow is rich and full of nutrients, making it a perfect carnivore lunch. Pairing it with toasted cheese creates a tasty contrast.
- How to Make: Roast bone marrow in the oven at 450°F (230°C) for 15-20 minutes. Pour the melted marrow over cheese crisps for an elegant and rich dish.
Tips for Preparing Carnivore Lunches
- Batch Cooking: Prepare larger quantities of meat during the weekend, such as steak, chicken thighs, and ground beef, to make lunch prep during the week quick and easy.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Choose grass-fed beef and pasture-raised poultry whenever possible to maximize nutrients and flavor.
- Keep It Simple: The carnivore diet is inherently straightforward, so focus on simple, flavorful cooking methods like grilling, searing, or baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There Any Dessert on a Carnivore Diet? The carnivore diet doesn’t allow traditional desserts because they contain high amounts of carbohydrates, sugars, and plant-based ingredients. Carnivore-friendly desserts are possible, but they require creativity and strict adherence to animal-based ingredients. Explore our Carnivore Dessert ideas recipes.
Can I prepare these carnivore lunches ahead of time? Yes, many of these carnivore lunches are perfect for meal prepping. Dishes like meatballs, chicken thighs, pork belly bites, and egg muffins can be made in large batches and stored in the refrigerator for several days.
How can I store leftovers? Store any leftover meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, place in a skillet or oven until warmed through.
Are these lunch ideas keto-friendly as well? Most of these carnivore lunch ideas are also keto-friendly, as they are low in carbs and high in fats and protein. You can add small amounts of low-carb vegetables or cheese to adapt them for keto.
What can I drink with my carnivore lunch? The best drinks for a carnivore diet are water, bone broth, or black coffee. Electrolyte supplements can also be beneficial to help maintain proper hydration.
How do I keep these lunches interesting? Vary the types of meat you use and experiment with different cooking methods, such as grilling, roasting, or searing. You can also use different carnivore-approved seasonings like garlic powder, smoked salt, or paprika.
What Can I Have for Lunch on the Carnivore Diet? Popular carnivore-friendly meals include Beef Wellington, and Meatloaf. Explore more carnivore options like Carnivore Pizza , Carnivore Cheesecake, Carnivore Casserole Recipe, Carnivore Desserts Recipe Ideas .
Conclusion
Lunch on the carnivore diet doesn’t have to be boring or repetitive. From juicy ribeye steaks and crispy pork belly to bacon cheeseburgers and shrimp in garlic butter, there are countless ways to create satisfying, protein-packed meals that keep you energized throughout the day. Whether you’re preparing for the week or whipping up something quick at home, these carnivore lunch ideas will help you stay full, healthy, and fully committed to your meat-based lifestyle.
So, try these recipes, experiment with different types of meats and cheeses, and enjoy the simplicity and flavor of a well-crafted carnivore lunch!
