The carnivore diet may seem simple at first glance, but discovering different cooking methods and techniques can make a world of difference when it comes to keeping things exciting. One of the best ways to elevate your meals and add variety is by firing up the grill or smoker. Whether you’re a strict carnivore or someone who leans more toward a carnivore-ish approach, grilling and smoking can transform simple cuts of meat into flavorful, satisfying dishes that make sticking to the diet a breeze.
In this Grillmaster Edition, we’ll explore a range of recipes that offer something for everyone—whether you prefer minimal seasonings or like to experiment with more keto ingredients. These recipes are perfect for anyone looking to mix up their routine, from seasoned carnivores to those just starting out on their health journey.
From hosting get-togethers and meal-prepping for the week to just craving that smoky, grilled flavor, these recipes will inspire you to make the most of your carnivore-friendly kitchen. So get ready to fire up the grill, explore new techniques, and enjoy all the mouthwatering possibilities the carnivore diet has to offer.
What Is the Carnivore Diet?
The carnivore diet, focused on animal-based foods, offers several variations to suit individual needs and health goals. Here are the key variations:
Beef-Only Carnivore Diet: Focusing on only beef, this approach is known for its simplicity and effectiveness in elimination diets. Ideal for those with autoimmune or chronic health issues, it often serves as a starting point. However, for long-term adherence, incorporating a variety of meats is recommended for nutritional balance.
Lion Diet: This stricter version consists solely of ruminant meats, salt, and water. Often used in elimination protocols, it allows for the gradual reintroduction of other meats. It’s particularly beneficial for individuals with autoimmune and gut healing needs due to its limited scope.
Nose-to-Tail Carnivore Diet: Advocating for the consumption of all parts of the animal, including organ meats, this variation provides a comprehensive nutrient intake. However, caution is needed with liver and kidney consumption to avoid nutrient imbalances, such as vitamin A toxicity, especially for those with liver conditions.
Meat-Only Carnivore Diet: This diet includes all muscle meats from the animal kingdom while excluding organ meats, dairy, and eggs. It’s ideal for those looking for a foundational elimination diet who tolerate all muscle meat well.
Zero-Carb Carnivore Diet: Focusing on foods with zero or nearly no carbohydrates, this diet includes meat, animal fat, dairy, and eggs. Some individuals may use seasonings. This option suits those without autoimmune or chronic health issues who tolerate dairy and eggs.
Carnivore Keto Diet: Combining the ketogenic diet’s principles with the carnivore diet, this low-carb, high-fat approach aims to mimic fasting effects while allowing more dietary variety with low-toxicity plant foods such as avocados and coconut oil. It’s recommended for metabolically healthy individuals who have mostly healed their chronic health issues.
Carnivore-Ish Keto Diet: Offering more flexibility, this diet incorporates ketogenic elements while focusing on animal-based foods. It includes keto sweeteners, some nut products, and other keto-friendly items, maintaining a meat-heavy diet. This is suitable for metabolically healthy individuals without food addiction issues.
Animal-Based Diet: More inclusive than the strict carnivore diet, it centers on animal products but allows for fruit, honey, and raw dairy. Typically, only healthy individuals with high metabolic flexibility and elite athletes thrive on this diet. We generally don’t recommend this variation due to the risks of mixing fruit with high fat.
Personalizing the carnivore diet to your personal wellness goals, health history, and preferences is essential like any other diet.
What Are the Benefits of the Carnivore Diet?
The carnivore diet is known for its remarkable health benefits. Those on the carnivore diet have found that it can lead to significant improvements in various health markers, making it an appealing choice for individuals seeking to optimize their health. Here are some of the many benefits of the carnivore diet and why individuals might want to consider this way of eating.
Simplified Nutrition
One of the most straightforward benefits of the carnivore diet is its simplicity. Focusing solely on animal products allows individuals to eliminate the complexity of balancing macronutrients and meal planning. This simplicity can reduce stress and decision fatigue related to food choices, making it easier for people to adhere to the diet long-term.
Weight Loss and Body Composition
Many people turn to the carnivore diet for weight loss. Animal-based foods are high in protein and fat, both of which are satiating and help control hunger. Protein also has a higher thermic effect, meaning the body burns more calories digesting it compared to carbohydrates and fats. This can lead to a natural reduction in calorie intake and, consequently, weight loss. Furthermore, the diet promotes the preservation of lean muscle mass while reducing body fat.
Reduced Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a precursor to many diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions. The carnivore diet can help reduce inflammation by eliminating common dietary triggers such as refined sugars, seed oils, and processed foods. Individuals have found significant reductions in inflammation-related symptoms such as joint pain, skin issues, and digestive discomfort.
Improved Mental Clarity and Mood
Many individuals on the carnivore diet have shown improved mental clarity and improved mood. The diet’s high-fat content supports brain health, as the brain is composed largely of fat. Additionally, the elimination of sugar and refined carbohydrates helps stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing mood swings and cognitive fog. Studies show that certain amino acids in meat, such as tryptophan, can positively affect neurotransmitter production, further enhancing mood.
Improved Digestion
For those with digestive issues, the carnivore diet is highly beneficial. Plant foods contain fiber and various anti-nutrients such as lectins, oxalates, and phytates, which can irritate the gut lining and impair nutrient absorption. Eliminating these potential irritants helps individuals to experience improvements in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, and general digestive discomfort. Meat is also highly bioavailable, meaning its nutrients are easily absorbed and utilized by the body.
Autoimmune Disease Management
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. The carnivore diet, often used as an elimination diet, can help identify and remove foods that trigger such as autoimmune responses. Many individuals with autoimmune conditions have found significant relief from symptoms when following a strict carnivore regimen, likely due to the reduction in dietary antigens and gut irritants.
Hormonal Balance
Hormones play a crucial role in overall health, affecting everything from metabolism to mood. The carnivore diet’s focus on high-quality animal fats and proteins can support hormone production and balance. For instance, cholesterol, found in animal products, is a precursor to steroid hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. Adequate intake of these nutrients can help optimize hormonal health.
Increased Energy Levels
Many individuals have found sustained energy levels and decreased fatigue on the carnivore diet. The diet provides a steady source of energy through fats and proteins without the blood sugar spikes and crashes associated with carbohydrate consumption. This steady energy can boost physical performance and overall vitality.
Skin Health
Skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis are often linked to diet. The carnivore diet, by eliminating common allergens and inflammatory foods, can lead to clearer skin. The high nutrient density of animal products, including essential vitamins and minerals, supports skin health and repair.
You can learn more about the benefits of the carnivore diet here.
Who Should Try the Carnivore Diet?
The carnivore diet can be an appealing option for many people, offering flexibility to suit various health histories and goals. It is particularly beneficial for those struggling with chronic inflammation, autoimmune disorders, digestive issues, or persistent weight problems.
However, the carnivore diet is not limited to individuals with health concerns. It can also be an excellent choice for those seeking simplicity in their diet, improved mental clarity, and stable energy levels. Athletes and physically active individuals can find that high protein intake supports muscle maintenance and recovery.
Different variations of the carnivore diet allow customization based on individual needs. For instance, the beef-only diet is ideal for those needing a simple elimination approach, while the nose-to-tail diet ensures comprehensive nutrient intake by including organ meats. The lion diet, focusing on ruminant meats, can be beneficial for those with severe autoimmune issues. More flexible options such as the zero-carb or carnivore keto diets can accommodate those who tolerate dairy and eggs or prefer some plant-based foods such as avocados.
Overall, the carnivore diet offers a tailored approach to wellness, making it a viable option for a wide range of individuals.
Our Favorite Grilled and Smoked Carnivore Diet Recipes
Our sizzling selection of grilled and smoked Carnivore recipes is perfect for those who love the robust flavors of meat and seafood. Each recipe serves two, making them ideal for an intimate backyard gathering or a sophisticated dinner for two. We’ve crafted four delectable appetizers and four hearty main courses that showcase the best of what the carnivore diet has to offer.
Fire up the grill and enjoy these carnivore diet-friendly recipes that promise to make your next meal unforgettable!
Carnivore Grilled Chicken Wings With Ranch and Blue Cheese Recipe
Ingredients:
For the chicken wings:
1 lb chicken wings
1 tbsp tallow
1 tbsp smoked mineral salt
For the ranch dressing:
1/4 cup bone broth, chilled
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
For the blue cheese dressing:
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
Salt to taste
Instructions:
Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Season the Chicken Wings: In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with tallow until evenly coated. Redmond’s Real Salt has a great smoked mineral salt option without any artificial ingredients. Sprinkle the smoked salt over the chicken wings, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Prepare the Ranch Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chilled bone broth and sour cream until smooth and well combined. Add the ranch seasoning mix and stir until fully incorporated. Refrigerate the ranch dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Prepare the Blue Cheese Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream and crumbled blue cheese. Add in salt to taste and mix until well combined. Refrigerate the blue cheese dip for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Grill the Chicken Wings: Place the wings on the preheated grill, arranging them in a single layer. Grill the wings for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are crispy and fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
Serve: Remove the wings from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with the homemade ranch dressing.
Enjoy these delicious dips perfectly paired with smoky, savory grilled chicken wings for a carnivore diet-friendly appetizer or meal.
2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 tsp salt or smoked salt
4 slices of bacon
1 tbsp tallow
Skewers (if wooden, soak in water for at least 30 minutes)
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken Thighs: Lay out the chicken thighs on a cutting board and pat them dry with paper towels.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with salt or smoked salt until well combined.
Stuff the Chicken Thighs: Spread an even layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each chicken thigh. Roll up each chicken thigh tightly around the cream cheese filling.
Wrap with Bacon: Wrap two slices of bacon around each rolled chicken thigh, securing them with toothpicks if necessary.
Thread the Skewers: Carefully thread each bacon-wrapped chicken thigh onto a skewer.
Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the skewers lightly with tallow to prevent sticking.
Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the preheated grill.
Grill the skewers for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
Rest and Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
These grilled chicken thigh skewers, stuffed with creamy cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon are a great way to start any meal.
Carnivore Grilled Shrimp and Pork Belly Skewers Recipe
Ingredients:
1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 lb pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tbsp ghee
1 tbsp salt or smoked salt
Skewers (if wooden, soak in water for at least 30 minutes)
Instructions:
Prepare and Season the Shrimp and Pork Belly: Pat the shrimp and pork belly cubes dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear on the grill. In a large bowl, toss the shrimp and pork belly cubes with ghee until evenly coated. Sprinkle with salt or smoked salt, and toss again to coat evenly.
Thread the Skewers and Preheat the Grill: Alternate threading the shrimp and pork belly cubes onto the skewers, ensuring an even distribution. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through, and the pork belly is crispy and golden brown.
Rest and Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy these delicious and satisfying Carnivore-friendly grilled shrimp and crispy pork belly skewers as a side dish or appetizer.
Carnivore Smoked Salmon Crostini Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Smoked Salmon:
1/2 lb salmon fillet
1 tbsp salt
For the Carnivore Bread:
1/2 cup pork rinds, finely ground
2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
1 tbsp ghee (for grilling)
For the Cream Cheese Spread:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 tsp salt
Instructions:
Smoking the Salmon on the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-low heat (about 225°F). Set up a two-zone cooking area, one for direct heat and one for indirect heat. Soak a handful of wood chips (such as apple or cherry) in water for about 30 minutes. Drain them and place them in a smoker box or wrap them in aluminum foil with holes poked in the top.
Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon filet dry with paper towels. Rub salt evenly over the salmon filet.
Smoke the Salmon: Place the wood chips on the hot side of the grill. Put the salmon on the cool side of the grill, skin-side down.
Cover the grill and smoke the salmon for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork.
Make the Carnivore Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, mix the finely ground pork rinds, cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, and cream of tartar until well combined. Pour the batter into a greased small loaf pan or a small baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.
Grilling the Carnivore Bread Crostinis: Slice the carnivore bread into thin slices. Brush both sides of each slice with melted ghee. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the buttered bread slices on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Spread: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the salt until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the Crostinis: Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on each grilled bread slice. Top each slice with a piece of the smoked salmon.
Serve: Arrange the smoked salmon crostinis on a serving platter and enjoy!
These Carnivore-friendly smoked salmon crostinis combine the rich flavors of smoked salmon and creamy cheese on a crispy, grilled crostini, making them a perfect appetizer or light meal for two.
Carnivore Grilled Beef Ribs Recipe
Ingredients:
2 lbs beef ribs
Salt or smoked salt to taste
Optional: 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions:
Prepare the Beef Ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the beef ribs for better seasoning penetration and tenderness.
Pat the ribs dry with paper towels to ensure a good crust when grilling.
Season the Beef Ribs: Generously sprinkle salt or smoked salt all over the ribs, ensuring even coverage. If using optional seasonings, mix the garlic powder and onion powder with the salt before applying. Let the ribs sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the salt to penetrate the meat.
Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat, about 275°F, setting up for indirect grilling. This means turning on one side of the grill and leaving the other side off, creating a cooler zone for the ribs.
Grill the Beef Ribs: Place the ribs on the cool side of the grill (indirect heat), bone side down. Close the grill lid and cook the ribs slowly for about 2.5 to 3 hours, maintaining a consistent temperature. This slow cooking will help break down the connective tissues, making the ribs tender. Check occasionally and add more charcoal or adjust the gas as needed to maintain the temperature.
Finish the Beef Ribs: After 2.5 to 3 hours, the ribs should be tender and the meat should start to pull back from the bones. For a nice crust, move the ribs to the hot side of the grill (direct heat) for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Rest and Serve: Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for about 10 minutes before cutting. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful meat. Slice between the bones and serve the tender beef ribs hot.
These tender, flavorful grilled beef ribs are seasoned simply with salt and optional spices, perfect for any carnivore diet or barbecue enthusiast.
Carnivore Grilled Pork Chops Recipe
Ingredients:
2 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
1 tbsp salt
2 tbsp ghee, melted
Instructions:
Prepare the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear on the grill. Generously sprinkle the salt on both sides of each pork chop, ensuring even coverage. Let the pork chops sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will allow the salt to penetrate the meat and ensure even cooking.
Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F to 400°F.
Set up the grill for direct cooking.
Grill the Pork Chops: Brush the grill grates with a little melted ghee to prevent sticking. Place the pork chops on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Be sure to watch for flare-ups from the melting ghee. During the last minute of cooking on each side, brush the pork chops with the melted ghee to bring out the flavor and moisture.
Rest and Serve: Remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result. Serve these simple yet delicious grilled pork chops hot, straight off the grill.
The combination of salt and ghee highlights the natural flavors of the pork, making for a mouthwatering meal.
Carnivore Grilled Chicken With Yogurt Marinade Recipe
Ingredients:
2 skin-on chicken quarters
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 tbsp ghee, melted
1 tbsp salt
Instructions:
Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, melted ghee, and salt or smoked salt until well combined.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken quarters to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated with the marinade.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F to 400°F. Set up the grill for indirect cooking by turning on one side of the grill and leaving the other side off, creating a cooler zone for the chicken.
Grill the Chicken Quarters: Remove the chicken quarters from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the chicken quarters on the cool side of the grill (indirect heat), skin side up. Close the grill lid and cook the chicken for about 35-45 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is crispy and golden brown. For the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, move the chicken quarters to the hot side of the grill (direct heat) to crisp up the skin even further. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken quarters from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Serve the grilled chicken quarters hot, paired with your favorite carnivore-friendly sides.
Enjoy these flavorful and juicy grilled chicken quarters, marinated in a simple yet delicious blend of yogurt and ghee, perfectly seasoned with salt. This dish makes for a satisfying and delicious meal for two!
Carnivore Grilled Swordfish and Scallops Recipe
Ingredients:
2 swordfish steaks (about 6 oz each)
8 large sea scallops
3 tbsp ghee, melted
1 tbsp salt
Instructions:
Prepare the Seafood: Pat the swordfish steaks and scallops dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear on the grill. Brush the swordfish steaks and scallops with melted ghee, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle salt evenly over both sides of the swordfish steaks and the scallops.
Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F. Set up the grill for direct cooking.
Grill the Swordfish: Place the swordfish steaks on the grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Brush with additional melted ghee during grilling, if desired, for added flavor.
Grill the Scallops: Place the scallops on the grill. Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are opaque and slightly firm to the touch. Brush with additional melted ghee during grilling, if desired, for added flavor.
Rest and Serve: Remove the swordfish steaks and scallops from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve the grilled swordfish and scallops hot, drizzled with any remaining melted ghee.
This simple yet elegant Carnivore-friendly meal of grilled swordfish and scallops is a great way to spice up your seafood favorites.
Closing Thoughts on Carnivore Diet Grilling Recipes
Exploring different cooking techniques is a fantastic way to bring creativity and variety to your carnivore diet. Grilling and smoking are just two examples of how you can transform simple ingredients into mouthwatering meals that keep your taste buds excited and your routine fresh. Whether you’re just starting out or have been following the carnivore diet for years, learning new methods such as these opens up a world of possibilities for preparing flavorful, satisfying dishes.
We’ll continue to share even more ways to prepare your carnivore-friendly meals, from slow cooking to sous vide, and beyond. There are so many creative recipes to explore that can help you add variety to your meals, whether you’re cooking for yourself, introducing others to the carnivore way of eating, or planning for a special occasion.
The carnivore diet is more versatile than it seems at first glance, and with the right techniques, you’ll always have something new and exciting to try. Stay tuned for more delicious recipes and methods that will inspire you to keep enjoying this way of eating, while keeping things interesting and delicious.
Work With Our Trusted Carnivore Diet Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioners
The Nutrition with Judy practice is honored to be a trusted carnivore diet practitioner support serving clients from around the globe. We’re passionate about helping our clients achieve root-cause healing in order to lead the best quality of life possible that’s nearly symptom-free. Our team is dedicated to providing unique recipes to help make this way of eating sustainable. We welcome you to explore our free resources and are always available to support you through personalized protocols. Our Symptom Burden Assessment (SBA) is the perfect starting point for discovering your root cause and is required to work with our team— you can learn more in-depth about this powerful tool here.
Start your root-cause healing journey today and contact us any time with any questions or concerns.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational purposes only. While we are board-certified in holistic nutrition and are nutritional therapy practitioners, we are not providing medical advice. Whenever you start a new diet or protocol, always consult with your trusted practitioner first.