Make the juiciest, most succulent keto roasted turkey with crispy skin this holiday season or at any time at all! No more serving dry, tasteless turkey on your holiday table. This recipe will change the way you roast turkey forever!
Turkey is a lean and versatile protein that can be a great addition to a low-carb diet. With minimal carbs and plenty of protein, turkey provides nutrients while keeping carbohydrates low. This makes it an ideal staple when reducing carb intake.
But is turkey low carb? Let’s take a closer look at the carb content of different turkey cuts and parts.
Turkey Breast Is Very Low Carb
Turkey breast is one of the leanest parts of the turkey and an excellent low-carb option. A 3-ounce serving of roasted, skinless turkey breast contains 0 grams of carbohydrates and 26 grams of protein [1]. This macros profile makes turkey breast a perfect high-protein, low-carb food.
Turkey cutlets, tenderloins, and other boneless and skinless turkey breast cuts are carb-free and ideal for a low-carb lifestyle. Ground turkey breast is also low carb, with 0 carbs in a 3-ounce serving [2]
Wings, Legs, and Thighs Are Low Carb Too
While turkey breast is the lowest carb part of the turkey other cuts like legs thighs. and wings are also low in carbs
- A 3-ounce serving of roasted turkey leg or thigh contains around 1 gram of carbs [3].
- A 3-ounce serving of roasted turkey wing contains around 2 grams of carbs [4].
So while dark meat contains slightly more fat and carbs than white breast meat, turkey legs, thighs, and wings can still be incorporated into a low-carb eating plan in moderation.
Watch Out for Processed Turkey
When choosing turkey products, watch out for processed and cured options like turkey bacon, sausage, cold cuts, and pre-seasoned turkey breast. These often contain added sugars and fillers that can bump up the carb count.
For example, while an ounce of plain roasted turkey breast has 0 carbs, the same amount of turkey bacon can have around 1 gram of carbs [5]. Check labels and aim for turkey cuts without unnecessary additives.
Try These Low-Carb Turkey Recipes
Turkey is endlessly versatile, tasting great on salads, in soups and chilis, grilled, roasted, and more. Here are some delicious low-carb turkey recipes to try:
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Turkey Chili – Ground turkey, beans, veggies, and southwest spices make a hearty chili [6]. Skip the beans for an extra low-carb option.
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Turkey Meatballs – Baked Italian-style turkey meatballs are an easy low-carb meal [7]. Serve over zucchini noodles for an extra low-carb boost.
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Turkey Lettuce Wraps – Sautéed ground turkey mixed with water chestnuts and Asian flavors wrapped in lettuce cups [8].
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Turkey Stuffed Peppers – Roasted bell peppers stuffed with ground turkey, vegetables, and cheese make a flavorful low-carb dinner [9].
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Turkey Casserole – Turkey breast, mushrooms, spinach, and parmesan cheese come together deliciously in this keto-friendly casserole [10].
Is Turkey Skin Low Carb?
The skin on roasted turkey contains very minimal carbohydrates. However, turkey skin is high in fat and calories, so enjoy it in moderation on a low-carb diet. Removing the skin altogether keeps the carb content lowest.
Make Your Holiday Meal Low-Carb with Turkey
From Thanksgiving to Christmas, turkey shines during the holidays. Roast turkey breast, serve it on a low-carb veggie platter, or use it in place of chicken in keto casseroles. Whether roasted or fried, with less than 2 grams of net carbs per 3-ounce serving, turkey breast makes the perfect complement to your low-carb holiday plate [11].
Try These Tips for Low-Carb Turkey Meals
- Choose skinless, boneless turkey breast cuts like tenderloin or cutlets for the lowest carb options.
- Ground turkey breast also has minimal carbs, unlike ground turkey which often contains leg meat.
- Watch out for processed turkey products like sausage and bacon which can contain fillers and added sugars.
- Enjoy roasted turkey wings, thighs, and legs in moderation – while not as low carb as breast meat, they can still fit into a low-carb eating plan.
- Skip the gravy, stuffing, crackers, and bread. Pair your holiday turkey with roasted vegetables, cauliflower mash, and sugar-free cranberry sauce instead.
- Get creative with your turkey! Use it in chilis, lettuce wraps, casseroles, soups, salads, and more.
Turkey can be enjoyed as part of many different low-carb and keto lifestyles. With proper choices and preparation, turkey provides low-carb protein for meals and recipes.
References
[1] https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171429/nutrients
[2] https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/173965/nutrients
[3] https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171477/nutrients
[4] https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171500/nutrients
[5] https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168999/nutrients
[6] https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/favorite-turkey-chili/
[7] https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/turkey-meatballs/
[8] https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/asian-turkey-lettuce-wraps/
[9] https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/turkey-stuffed-peppers/
How To Make This Recipe
- First thing, brine the turkey following these instructions for 12hrs or overnight in the fridge. Apart from adding flavor and juiciness to the turkey, brining reduces the overall cook time of the turkey.
- Bring it out of the fridge after you have brined it, then rinse it thoroughly under running water to remove excess salt from the skin.
- Next, pat the turkey dry with paper towels to get rid of excess liquid. The best way to get crispy skin is if you roast a dry turkey.
- Preheat your oven to 450F.
- Place the turkey on a roasting pan. You can also use a large baking pan with handles.
- Chop the veggies into large chunks and cut the lemon into wedges.
- Divide the celery, carrots, lemon, garlic cloves, green onions, and red onions into two parts.
- Loosely stuff one half inside the turkey. Do not overstuff it.
- Add the other half of the veggies and bay leaf to the roasting pan and pour in half a cup of broth.
- If your turkey came with the giblets stuffed inside (neck, gizzards, and liver), take them out and place them in the roasting pan.
- Melt butter and add garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Mix together and rub all over the turkey. Dont forget to rub some spice under the skin of the turkey and inside the cavity of the turkey as well.
- Tuck the turkey wings behind the turkey, so that they dont burn.
- Place turkey in the lower rack of the oven.
- Change the oven temperature to 350F and bake for three hours.
- Using a turkey baster, take some broth from the pan and pour it over the turkey every 45 minutes.
- Check for doneness with a meat thermometer. It should read at least 165F to show its thoroughly cooked and safe enough to eat.
- When the turkey is done, take it out and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
Is turkey keto-friendly?
This is one of my favorite keto Thanksgiving recipes. Turkey is delightfully keto-friendly because it has very few carbs and a good number of nutrients and proteins. Cooked turkey in a 3-ounce serving, whether roasted or fried, has roughly 2 net grams of carbs, so its great for a low-carb diet.
Turkey also does not have as much fat as chicken and some other meats. So, while on a keto diet, you should eat other sources of healthy fats to make up for it.
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To make this keto roasted turkey recipe, youll also need a roasting pan, brining supplies, paper towels, a turkey baster, instant read thermometer, and a carving knife.
- Turkey: I use a 10lb turkey for this recipe. This is enough to feed 10 people. You can use any size of turkey you want of either frozen or fresh turkey. Get your frozen turkey from the meat section of your favorite grocery store.
- Vegetables: Celery, baby carrots, and green onions.
- Aromatics: Garlic cloves, red onions, bay leaf. These add flavor to the turkey.
- Spices: Garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. You only need a few spices for this recipe.
- Butter: Smear some melted and unsalted butter all over the turkey so that the seasoning sticks to it. It also helps to crisp up the turkey nicely. You can use olive oil instead.
- Lemon: Lemon adds a citrusy flavor to the roast turkey.
- Chicken broth: For taste and to prevent drying.
EASY LOW CARB GROUND TURKEY SKILLET | GROUND TURKEY RECIPES | HEALTHY RECIPES | LOW CARB RECIPES
FAQ
Is turkey OK for low-carb diet?
Is turkey high in carbs?
Is deli turkey keto friendly?
Is Turkey a low calorie food?
Turkey tends to be lower in calories and sodium. It also has a slightly higher iron percentage. If you don’t eat the skin, then it’s also one of the lowest fat options. You can make many low-calorie meals using turkey. Below you will find a varied selection of low-calorie recipes. Turkey can be used for breakfasts, light lunches, and main meals.
Can one have turkey and carrots?
Eating turkey and carrots is part of healthy habits. The turkey has meat like chicken and is another healthy poultry option. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, it is a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium and vitamin B3.
Are these low calorie turkey recipes good for weight loss?
These low calorie turkey recipes will help you enjoy a healthy meal on your weight loss diet! Turkey – minus skin – is one of the leanest meats. And it’s not just for Thanksgiving! Ground turkey is great for a quick midweek meal. Turkey breast is excellent for a weekend roast. It’s a meat that is so versatile.
Can you eat ground turkey on a low Cal diet?
By using fat-free cheeses, you can save even more calories. Low fat is a personal choice, however! Using 99% lean ground turkey saves another 70 calories. This a great recipe and an easy meal for getting more veggies into your diet too! Keep full on your low cal diet with these other yummy skinny pasta recipes. 2. Thai Style Turkey Salad