There are a lot of benefits to eating high-protein foods. Not only do they help you feel fuller longer, but they can also help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of many diseases.
When you think about high-protein meals, what comes to mind?
Probably something like a big juicy steak or maybe a savory chicken dish. While both of those items are definitely high in protein, they’re not the only options.
In fact, there are plenty of healthy and delicious high-protein meals that you can make right in your own kitchen.
HIGH PROTEIN MEALS
Do you find it hard to come up with healthy, nutrient-dense meals that are also high in protein?
Our body needs plenty of protein and here we will see the importance of protein and how to make sure we get enough while eating a diet rich in nutrients.
Whether your goal is muscle building or weight loss, high-protein meals are for everyone.
HOW DOES PROTEIN HELP OUR BODY
Protein is a macronutrient that helps the body perform basic functions, such as building muscle and repairing tissue.
There are many types of protein sources in the diet, including meat, fish, eggs, beans, and soy.
Protein can be found in all foods but some have more than others.
The best way to consume protein is by eating various healthy foods throughout the day.
Check out:
15 HIGH-PROTEIN MEALS
1. GRILLED PORK CHOPS WITH PINEAPPLE
Image from eatingwell.com
This recipe is an easy and flavorful dish to cook for a weeknight meal.
It is also a healthy alternative to the more traditional beef or chicken dishes, with less fat and calories.
The spicy pork chops are served on top of pineapple slices, which create a sweet contrast to the spiciness of the pork.
This dish pairs well with white rice or couscous for added carbohydrates and fiber.
Calories: 337kcal, Protein: 28.1g, Carbs: 42.2g
Recipe from eatingwell.com
2. GARLIC SHRIMP WITH QUINOA
Image from wellplated.com
The name of this dish, Garlic Shrimp with Quinoa, is not just a mouthful to say. It’s also a great meal for any seafood lover.
For those who are looking for a healthy option that has plenty of protein and fiber, this dish is perfect!
Calories: 343kcal, Protein: 32g, Carbs:34g
Recipe from wellplated.com
3. SHEET PAN SHRIMP FAJITAS
Image from cookinglight.com
These fajitas are perfect for your next dinner party because you can make the shrimp and veggies ahead of time, then they need to be warmed up before serving.
This recipe is also great for a weeknight meal because it’s very quick to prepare!
Calories: 446kcal, Protein: 26g, Carbs: 45g
Recipe from cookinglight.com
4. SWEET CHILI SALMON
Image from rasamalaysia.com
We all love salmon and it is the perfect fish for those who are trying to eat healthier and goes well with busy weeknights.
This recipe has an Asian twist with a sweet chili sauce that will leave you wanting more!
The marinade for this dish only takes about 5-10 minutes and provides enough sauce to coat two pounds of fresh salmon fillets.
A little sesame oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and honey create the perfect blend of flavors. You can’t go wrong with this easy dinner idea!
This is a perfect low-carb and high-protein meal.
Calories: 275kcal, Protein: 30g, Carbs: 11g
Recipe from rasamalaysia.com
5. APPLE CIDER CHICKEN SKILLET
Image from wellplated.com
This recipe is for a one-pan meal that you can cook in your oven or on the stove.
It’s an easy dinner idea that is perfect if you’re looking to get in and out of the kitchen as quickly as possible but still want a delicious home-cooked meal.
This apple cider chicken skillet dish has all of the flavors of fall–sweet apples, earthy sage, savory onion and garlic, and tangy vinegar–to make it feel like Thanksgiving year-round!
Calories: 286kcal, Protein 30g, Carbs: 21g
Recipe from wellplated.com
6. HONEY GARLIC SHRIMP BROCCOLI
Image from gimmedelicious.com
A light and healthy dinner that is perfect for a weeknight meal.
Honey garlic shrimp broccoli has only seven ingredients (not including salt, pepper, or any seasonings) and is ready in 10 minutes.
What are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking!
Calories: 190kcal, Protein: 30g, Carbs: 21g
Recipe from gimmedelicious.com
7. SHRIMP TACOS WITH MANGO AND CORN
Image from self.com
Shrimp tacos with mango corn are a twist on the traditional Mexican dish.
The shrimp taco recipe starts by boiling shrimp in water and salt, then adding the cooked shrimp to corn tortillas along with tomato, green onions, jalapeno pepper sauce, cilantro, and lime juice.
Then top it off with diced avocado or guacamole and enjoy!
You can also add goat cheese for a rich source of protein.
Calories: 534kcal, Protein: 32g, Carbs: 59g
Recipe from self.com
8. MAPLE MUSTARD GRILLED CHICKEN
Image from thefitchen.com
The best thing about chicken is that it’s a blank canvas. You can marinate, season, and cook it in any number of ways to get the flavor you want while staying healthy.
This Maple Mustard Grilled Chicken recipe offers just one way to enjoy grilled chicken with some maple mustard flavors for a tasty meal!
This recipe is for a great summer dish that is perfect for the grill.
It’s quick and easy to make, but it tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen. While it takes only 10 minutes to cook.
The combination of maple syrup and dijon mustard gives this dish an extra kick that will have your mouth watering before you even take a bite.
Calories: 150kcal, Protein: 24g, Carbs: 7g
Recipe from thefitchen.com
9. GLUTEN-FREE SWEDISH MEATBALL
Image from lizeeangel.com
This one-pan Swedish Meatball is a hearty meal that’s perfect for chilly winter evenings.
The rich beef gravy coats the tender meatballs and noodles, while the sour cream adds a touch of tanginess to balance out all the flavors.
A bowl of this will keep you warm on even the coldest days!
My go-to comfort food is a warm bowl of Swedish meatball stroganoff.
Recipe from wholelottayum.com
10. KETO JALAPENO POPPER CHICKEN
Image from castironketo.com
This recipe is perfect for those who are on a ketogenic diet but also crave the flavors of their favorite spicy snack.
Jalapeno poppers and buffalo chicken wings have been combined in this dish to create something that will definitely satisfy your cravings.
The ingredients include diced jalapeños, cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This dish is great for dinner or as an appetizer when you have company over!
Calories: 526kcal, Protein: 38g, Carbs: 3g
Recipe from castironketo.com
11. SHEET PAN TURMERIC VEGGIES AND SAUSAGES
Image from thecastawaykitchen.com
I love a good sheet pan dinner, and this recipe is no exception.
I have combined sprouts with bacon for a delicious appetizer that will be sure to please!
From the crispy bacon to the roasted vegetables, these are perfect for any occasion.
These can easily be turned into an entree by serving them over rice or pasta!
Calories: 508kcal, Protein: 24g, Carbs: 19g
Recipe from thecastawaykitchen.com
12. GROUND BEEF VEGGIE SKILLET
Image from primaverakitchen.com
This is a delicious, quick dinner recipe.
A one-pan meal that is low-carb and gluten-free and takes only 30 mins to cook.
This is a great go-to for a busy weeknight meal and doesn’t take much time to prep.
You can make it with ground beef or turkey as well!
Calories: 261kcal, Protein: 29.5g, Carbs: 8.5g
Recipe from primaverakitchen.com
13. SIMPLE TOFU SCRAMBLE RECIPE
Image from diabetesstrong.com
I am not a vegan, but I enjoy cooking tofu scrambles.
It is an easy dish to make and it tastes delicious!
This recipe includes spinach, onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, tomatoes, and cilantro.
The tofu is cubed and then pan-fried until brown on all sides before adding the remaining ingredients.
Calories: 238kcal, Protein: 20.5g, Carbs: 16.6g
Recipe from diabetesstrong.com
14. FETA AND SPINACH PANCAKES
Image from hurrythefoodup.com
This is the perfect dish for a lazy Sunday.
It’s easy to make and great for breakfast full of protein and calcium.
The feta cheese and spinach add some extra flavor that you’ll love!
It’s also easy to customize the ingredients to suit your preferences, so you can always have delicious pancakes every day of the week!
Calories: 589kcal, Protein: 37g, Carbs: 58g
Recipe from hurrythefoodup.com
15. HIGH-PROTEIN RICOTTA PANCAKES
Image from hurrythefoodup.com
The perfect breakfast for a busy morning, these pancakes are protein-packed and will have you feeling energized all day.
They’re also made with ricotta cheese, which is high in calcium to keep your bones strong.
These pancakes can be whipped up quickly and easily in the blender or food processor!
Calories: 319kcal, Proetin: 22g, Carbs: 4g
Recipe from hurrythefoodup.com
My Take on High Protein Meals
If you’ve been feeling like your diet is lacking protein, try one of these high-protein meals. You’ll get all the benefits and none of the guilt!
There are many benefits of a high-protein diet.
If you’re looking to build or maintain your desired body, make sure that you include high-protein foods in your diet on a regular basis and always pair them with plenty of vegetables!
Want some healthy sweet snacks after a high-protein meal?
Related Highly Nutritious Meals
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- 17 High-Fiber Foods to Lose Weight
- 15 Low-Carb Keto Snacks: All Homemade
- 15 Weight Loss Magical Smoothies
- 10 Healthy Smoothie Recipes for a Breakfast
High Protein Meals
15 Best High Protein Meals for Muscle Building
Ingredients
- Grilled pork chops with pineapple
- Garlic Shrimp with Quinoa
- Sheet-pan Shrimp Fajitas
- Sweet Chili Salmon
- Apple Cider Chicken Skillet
- Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli
- Shrimp Tacos with Mango, Corn, and Feta
- Maple Mustard Grilled Chicken
- Low-Carb Swedish Meatballs
- Jalapeno Popper Chicken
- Bratwurst and Brussel Sprouts
- Ground Beef Veggie Skillet
- Tofu Scramble Recipe
- Feta and Spinach Pancakes
- High-Protein Ricotta Pancakes
Instructions
- Choose your favorite high-protein meal.
- Collect the ingredients and follow the instructions.
- Eat healthily, and stay healthy.