Wondering what to make for dinner or need high protein meal ideas? We all know eating protein is good for us. Research has shown that a higher protein diet can help with weight loss and other health benefits. But, what can you make that incorporates healthy proteins? Here a some of my easy, go-to recipes, all centered around healthy, lean proteins. Bookmark these high-protein meal ideas!
Make these in larger batches, giving you options when life gets busy. Almost all of these high-protein meal ideas will last 2-5 days, but you can always stock your freezer.
Most of these recipes are versatile and can be used in some many different ways!
- Bowls
- Wraps
- Stir fry
- Fajitas
- Tacos
- Salads
- Soups
- Stews
Chicken Breast
My Favorite Baked Chicken Recipe
My Thai Inspired Marinade Recipe
Ground Turkey (93%)
Cook up a couple of pounds of ground turkey with your favorite seasoning, or try Trader Joe’s Umami seasoning.
Turkey Meatball Muffins Recipe (great for meal prep!)
Tilapia or Cod
I always try to have a bag of frozen white fish, like tilapia or cod, on hand. I take out what I need and put the individual wrapped fillets in a pot of water to defrost—season with lemon pepper or your favorite seasoning. Bake at 400 for 10 minutes until flaky. Make extra to save for fish tacos.
Fish Stew (make with any white fish or stew- so good!)
Pork Tenderloin
Keep it simple, season generously with your favorite spices, and put it into the crockpot on low for 6-8 hours.
Herb Marinade Recipe (an Ina Garten favorite!)
My Thai Inspired Marinade Recipe
Salmon
My One Ingredient Salmon Recipe (ready in 10 min!)
Brown Sugar Salmon Recipe (entertaining worthy!)
Bison or Lean Ground Beef
Cook up 2-3 pounds like the ground turkey mentioned above. Or, make into patties for burgers or meatballs to add to red sauce.
My Spicy Mexican Beef Wrap Recipe
Flank Steak
Flank steak is one of the healthiest beef cuts. It’s very lean and has a lot of flavor. Keep this high-protein meal idea simple, season the steak with salt and pepper, and throw it on the grill!
My Family’s Flank Steak Marinade (entertaining worthy!)
Shrimp
I always have a bag of frozen shrimp on hand. They are one of the healthiest high-protein meal options. Make a spicy shrimp marinara with zucchini noodles or grill, and add to anything!
Sheet Pan Shrimp Oreganata Recipe
Eggs
Having a carton of liquid eggs white on hand is a no-brainer high-protein meal idea. You can whip up an omelet or frittata in no time! I like making them in muffin tins, so I have easy grab-and-go breakfast or lunch options. Spray muffin tins with non-stick spray. Pour liquid egg whites into the muffin times about 3/4 of the way full—season with salt and pepper. Dice up tomatoes or veggies on hand and sprinkle into muffin time. Bake at 350 for about 15-20 min.
Let me know what recipes you love or share your favorites in the comments.
I notice that you use egg whites a lot. Why are the yolks so often left out? That’s where all the flavor is.