Animal Based Diet Recipes to Try | 30 Irresistible Ideas

Whether you’re new to this approach or a seasoned pro, we’ve gathered 30 delicious and easy-to-make animal based diet recipes that will inspire your meal prep. From savory meats to nutrient-rich eggs and fish, these recipes will help you stay energized and satisfied while nourishing your body the natural way.

Let’s Explore 30 Tasty Animal based Meal Ideas

Whether you’re just starting with an animal based diet or you’re already a pro, having a variety of simple and tasty meals makes the journey even better. These recipes focus on high-quality animal proteins, healthy fats, and essential nutrients to keep you energized and satisfied.

Each recipe is packed with flavor, easy to make, and naturally nourishing. Let’s get started…

Key Points

• These recipes focus on animal based ingredients like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy, which may support muscle health and energy levels.
• All recipes exclude pork to meet your dietary preferences.
• Research suggests animal based diets can aid weight loss and mental clarity for some, but long-term effects are debated due to potential nutrient gaps.
• Each dish is designed to be nutrient-dense, flavorful, and easy to prepare.

Why Animal Based Diets?

Animal based diets prioritize foods rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. They may help with energy and digestion for some, though experts note potential risks like missing fiber or vitamins from plants.

How to Use These Recipes

Choose high-quality ingredients like grass-fed beef or wild-caught fish for maximum benefits. Adjust seasonings to taste, and for a stricter animal based approach, omit plant based ingredients like vegetables or herbs.

Sample Recipe

Below is one example to show the format; the full list follows in the detailed section.

Grilled Chicken Thighs with Lemon & Garlic

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Mix garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Coat chicken thighs with marinade and rest for 10–15 minutes.
4. Grill for 6–7 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Let rest briefly, then serve.

Health Note: Chicken thighs provide protein and selenium, supporting muscle repair and immune health. Lemon and garlic add antioxidants without extra calories.

Detailed Recipes

As a health-focused chef with over 30 years of experience, I’ve rewritten these 30 animal based diet recipes to exclude pork, ensuring they’re nutrient-dense and delicious. Each follows a standard format with ingredients, instructions, and a health note, emphasizing the benefits of high-quality animal products.

1. Grilled Chicken Thighs with Lemon & Garlic

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Combine garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make a marinade.
3. Coat chicken thighs thoroughly and let rest for 10–15 minutes.
4. Grill thighs for 6–7 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Remove, rest for 5 minutes, and serve hot.

Health Note: Chicken thighs are rich in protein and B vitamins, aiding muscle repair and energy production. Lemon and garlic offer antioxidants, and grilling reduces fat content for a heart-healthy meal.

2. Egg Scramble with Spinach & Cheese

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp butter
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Whisk eggs, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth.
2. Melt butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
3. Add spinach and sauté for 1–2 minutes until wilted.
4. Pour in eggs and scramble gently until fully cooked, about 3–4 minutes.
5. Stir in cheese and cook until melted, about 1 minute.
6. Serve immediately.

Health Note: Eggs provide high-quality protein and choline, supporting brain health. Spinach adds vitamins A and K, while cheese offers calcium, making this a balanced, nutrient-packed breakfast.

3. Ground Beef Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic, onion, and bell pepper; sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft.
4. Add soy sauce and cook for 2 more minutes.
5. Serve hot, optionally over cauliflower rice.

Health Note: Grass-fed beef is high in protein, iron, and omega-3s, supporting muscle and heart health. Bell peppers provide vitamin C, and olive oil adds healthy fats for a well-rounded dish.

4. Salmon with Avocado Salsa

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 avocado, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
4. Mix avocado, tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl.
5. Top salmon with salsa and serve.

Health Note: Wild-caught salmon is rich in omega-3s, which may reduce inflammation and support heart health. Avocado provides monounsaturated fats, and tomatoes offer lycopene, an antioxidant.

5. Chicken Caesar Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
• 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• ¼ cup Caesar dressing (homemade preferred)
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Grill chicken breasts until cooked through, about 6–8 minutes per side; slice thinly.
2. Toss romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing in a large bowl.
3. Top with chicken slices and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
4. Serve immediately.

Health Note: Chicken breast is a lean protein source, ideal for muscle maintenance. Romaine lettuce provides vitamins A and K, and Parmesan adds calcium, making this a light yet nutrient-dense meal.

6. Beef Taco Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
• 12 large lettuce leaves
• ½ cup salsa
• ½ cup shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, about 5–7 minutes.
2. Add taco seasoning and cook per packet instructions.
3. Spoon beef into lettuce leaves.
4. Top with salsa and shredded cheese.
5. Serve as wraps.

Health Note: Beef provides protein and zinc, supporting immune health. Lettuce wraps reduce carbs, and cheese adds calcium, making this a low-carb, high-protein option.

7. Shrimp & Avocado Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 avocado, diced
• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook shrimp for 3–4 minutes per side, until pink.
3. Toss mixed greens with lemon juice and olive oil.
4. Top with shrimp and avocado.
5. Serve immediately.

Health Note: Shrimp is low-calorie, high-protein, and rich in selenium. Avocado offers healthy fats, and greens provide vitamins, creating a light, nutrient-rich salad.

8. Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• ½ cup almond flour
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups tomato sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix turkey, almond flour, egg, and garlic in a bowl.
3. Form into meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until cooked through.
5. Heat tomato sauce in a saucepan, add meatballs, and simmer for 5–10 minutes.
6. Serve hot.

Health Note: Turkey is lean and protein-rich, supporting muscle health. Almond flour adds healthy fats, and tomato sauce provides lycopene, which may support heart health.

9. Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic, ginger, and broccoli; cook for 5–7 minutes until tender.
4. Add soy sauce and cook for 1–2 minutes.
5. Serve immediately.

Health Note: Chicken offers lean protein, and broccoli is high in fiber and vitamin C. Ginger may aid digestion, making this a balanced, anti-inflammatory dish.

10. Lamb Chops with Herb Butter

Ingredients:

• 4 lamb chops
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season lamb chops with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chops for 3–4 minutes per side.
3. Reduce heat, add butter, rosemary, thyme, and garlic; baste chops for 1–2 minutes.
4. Remove, rest for 5 minutes, and serve.

Health Note: Lamb is rich in protein, iron, and zinc, supporting immunity and energy. Butter provides healthy fats, and herbs add flavor without extra calories.

11. Duck Breast with Crispy Skin

Ingredients:

• 2 duck breasts
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp thyme

Instructions:

1. Pat duck breasts dry and score the skin in a crosshatch pattern.
2. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Place skin-side down in a cold skillet, then heat to medium; cook for 6–8 minutes until crispy.
4. Flip and cook for 3–4 minutes.
5. Rest for 5 minutes, slice, and serve.

Health Note: Duck is high in protein and iron, supporting muscle and blood health. The crispy skin provides healthy fats, making this a satisfying, nutrient-dense dish.

12. Bone Marrow Roasted with Garlic

Ingredients:

• 4 beef marrow bones, cut lengthwise
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Arrange marrow bones on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Roast for 15–20 minutes, until marrow is soft and bubbling.
5. Serve with a spoon.

Health Note: Bone marrow is rich in healthy fats and collagen, which may support joint and skin health. Garlic adds immune-boosting properties.

13. Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter

Ingredients:

• 1 ribeye steak (1-inch thick)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Bring steak to room temperature and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a skillet over high heat and sear steak for 3–4 minutes per side.
3. Reduce heat, add butter and garlic, and baste steak for 1–2 minutes.
4. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Health Note: Grass-fed ribeye is high in protein and omega-3s, supporting heart health. Butter adds flavor and healthy fats, ideal for an animal based diet.

14. Sardines in Olive Oil & Lemon

Ingredients:

• 1 can sardines (or fresh, grilled)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. If using fresh sardines, grill for 2–3 minutes per side.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Sprinkle with minced garlic.
4. Serve immediately.

Health Note: Sardines are packed with omega-3s and calcium, supporting heart and bone health. Lemon and olive oil enhance flavor and provide antioxidants.

15. Liver & Onions

Ingredients:

• ½ lb beef liver, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onions and sauté until golden, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Add liver slices and cook for 2–3 minutes per side.
4. Serve with onions on top.

Health Note: Liver is a superfood, rich in vitamin A, iron, and B12, supporting vision, blood health, and energy. Butter adds healthy fats for satiety.

16. Scrambled Duck Eggs with Butter

Ingredients:

• 4 duck eggs
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Beat duck eggs with salt in a bowl.
2. Melt butter in a skillet over low heat.
3. Pour in eggs and stir gently until just set, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Serve immediately.

Health Note: Duck eggs are higher in protein and omega-3s than chicken eggs, supporting muscle and brain health. Butter enhances flavor and provides energy.

17. Carnivore Pizza (Meat Crust Pizza)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup shredded cheese
• ¼ cup sugar-free tomato sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Press ground beef into a pizza shape on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 10 minutes, then drain excess fat.
4. Spread tomato sauce (if using) and top with cheese.
5. Bake for 5 more minutes, slice, and serve.

Health Note: This grain-free pizza is high in protein and iron from beef. Cheese adds calcium, making it a satisfying, low-carb meal.

18. Creamy Shrimp in Butter Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side.
4. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Serve hot.

Health Note: Shrimp provides protein and selenium, while heavy cream and butter offer healthy fats, supporting energy and satiety in an animal based diet.

19. Roasted Duck Legs with Crispy Skin

Ingredients:

• 2 duck legs
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Score duck leg skin and season with salt and pepper.
3. Place on a baking rack and roast for 1.5 hours, flipping halfway.
4. Serve crispy and hot.

Health Note: Duck legs are rich in protein and healthy fats, supporting muscle and energy needs. The crispy skin adds flavor without carbs.

20. Beef Tallow Fried Eggs

Ingredients:

• 3 eggs
• 2 tbsp beef tallow
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Heat beef tallow in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Crack eggs into the pan and cook to desired doneness, about 2–4 minutes.
3. Season with salt and serve hot.

Health Note: Eggs are nutrient-dense, providing protein and choline. Beef tallow is a stable cooking fat, rich in vitamins A and D, ideal for animal based diets.

21. Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp butter
• Juice of ½ lemon
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium heat.
2. Season salmon with salt and brush with butter.
3. Grill for 4–5 minutes per side.
4. Drizzle with lemon juice and serve.

Health Note: Salmon’s omega-3s support heart and brain health. Butter and lemon enhance flavor while adding healthy fats and antioxidants.

22. Butter Basted Filet Mignon

Ingredients:

• 2 filet mignon steaks
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Season steaks with salt.
2. Sear in a hot skillet for 3–4 minutes per side.
3. Add butter and garlic, basting for 1–2 minutes.
4. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Health Note: Filet mignon is lean yet protein-rich, supporting muscle health. Butter provides healthy fats, making this a decadent yet nutritious choice.

23. Cheesy Omelet with Beef Tallow

Ingredients:

• 3 eggs
• 2 tbsp beef tallow
• ¼ cup shredded cheese
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Heat beef tallow in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Whisk eggs with salt and pour into the pan.
3. Sprinkle cheese over eggs and fold omelet in half.
4. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then serve hot.

Health Note: Eggs and cheese provide protein and calcium, while beef tallow adds healthy fats, creating a filling, nutrient-dense breakfast.

24. Grilled Chicken Wings with Butter Glaze

Ingredients:

• 10 chicken wings
• 3 tbsp butter
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium heat.
2. Season wings with salt and grill for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally.
3. Brush with melted butter and grill for 1 more minute.
4. Serve hot.

Health Note: Chicken wings are protein-rich and satisfying. Butter adds healthy fats, making this a flavorful, low-carb option for an animal based diet.

25. Bone Broth with Beef Shank

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef shank
• 8 cups water
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Place beef shank and water in a pot.
2. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 6–8 hours.
3. Strain, season with salt, and serve warm.

Health Note: Bone broth is rich in collagen and minerals, which may support gut and joint health. Beef shank adds protein and flavor.

26. Baked Chicken Wings with Honey Mustard Sauce

Ingredients:

• 12 chicken wings
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season wings with salt and pepper; place on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Mix honey, mustard, and olive oil in a bowl.
5. Toss wings in sauce and serve.

Health Note: Chicken wings provide protein, and olive oil adds healthy fats. Honey is a natural sweetener, but use sparingly for strict animal based diets.

27. Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ onion, chopped
• 12 lettuce leaves

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté garlic and onion until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Add turkey and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
4. Stir in soy sauce and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Spoon into lettuce leaves and serve.

Health Note: Turkey is lean and protein-rich, supporting muscle health. Lettuce wraps keep it low-carb, ideal for animal based diets.

28. Beef and Zucchini Stir Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef, thinly sliced
• 2 zucchinis, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and zucchini; cook for 5–7 minutes.
4. Add soy sauce and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Serve hot.

Health Note: Beef provides protein and iron, while zucchini adds fiber and vitamins. Sesame oil offers healthy fats, enhancing flavor and nutrition.

29. Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• ½ cup almond flour
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix almond flour and Parmesan in a bowl.
3. Dip chicken in egg, then coat with flour mixture.
4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, top with marinara and mozzarella.
5. Bake for 5 more minutes until cheese melts.

Health Note: Chicken is lean and protein-rich, while almond flour reduces carbs. Parmesan and mozzarella add calcium, making this a hearty, nutrient dense dish.

30. Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 bunch asparagus, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side; remove from skillet.
3. Add asparagus and cook for 4–5 minutes.
4. Return shrimp, add lemon juice, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute.
5. Serve hot.

Health Note: Shrimp is high in protein and low in calories, while asparagus provides fiber and folate. Olive oil adds healthy fats, supporting heart health.

Nutritional Overview

Why Choose These Recipes?

These dishes emphasize animal based ingredients, which are rich in bioavailable nutrients like protein, iron, and omega-3s. Research suggests such diets may support weight management and energy for some, but long-term effects vary, and some experts recommend monitoring nutrient intake to avoid deficiencies).

Tips for Success

• Source Quality Ingredients: Opt for grass-fed beef, pasture-raised poultry, and wild-caught fish to maximize nutritional benefits.
• Strict Animal Based Option: Omit plant based ingredients like vegetables or herbs if following a stricter carnivore-style diet.
• Meal Prep: Many recipes, like bone broth or meatballs, can be made in bulk for convenience.

Key Citations

There you go, These 30 delicious and easy-to-make animal based recipes cover a variety of meats and flavors, perfect for a wide range of tastes and preferences. You can enjoy these meals throughout the week with minimal prep time, and they all bring a perfect balance of protein and flavor.