Navigating a restaurant menu while adhering to a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle can feel challenging, but at a steakhouse like Texas Roadhouse, it’s surprisingly simple. The menu is built around protein-rich meals, providing an ideal foundation for a diet-friendly dinner. Success lies in focusing on the main entree and making smart, strategic choices for your sides and sauces. With a few simple modifications, you can enjoy a full, satisfying meal that keeps you on track with your nutritional goals.
The Low-Carb Entree Foundation
The heart of any Texas Roadhouse meal is its protein, and most of their meats and seafood are naturally low in carbohydrates. However, you must specify how you want them prepared to avoid hidden sugars.
Steaks
- USDA Choice Sirloin (6oz): A safe and lean choice, containing only around 3g of carbs before any additions.
- Fort Worth Ribeye & Dallas Filet: Prime cuts that are also naturally low-carb. Request them plain to avoid any sugary seasonings or sauces.
- Prime Rib (when available): A classic, rich, and flavorful option. Like other steaks, ensure it is served without any high-carb sauce or au jus glaze.
Chicken & Pork
- Grilled BBQ Chicken: The base grilled chicken is a solid protein choice, but be sure to order it with no BBQ sauce, which is high in sugar. A plain grilled chicken breast is a perfect fit for a low-carb meal.
- Herb Crusted Chicken: Order this with caution. While some sources mention it being low-carb, it's safest to verify the specific preparation with your server or simply opt for plain grilled chicken.
- Grilled Pork Chop (Single): This is another excellent low-carb option, but you must ask for it with no sauce. The peppercorn sauce it's typically served with adds unnecessary carbs and fat.
Seafood
- Grilled Salmon: A very low-carb, high-protein entree option. It is typically prepared simply and is a fantastic choice.
- Grilled Shrimp: A great, protein-packed starter that can also serve as a main entree if paired with compliant sides.
Low-Carb Sides and Swaps
This is where you make or break your low-carb meal. Texas Roadhouse is known for its starchy, high-carb sides, so conscious swaps are key.
- House Salad: This is your best bet for a fresh side. Order it with no croutons and get the dressing on the side. Blue cheese or ranch are often lower in carbs than other options, but using a small amount is recommended. You can also bring your own low-carb vinaigrette.
- Steamed Broccoli: A go-to low-carb side. You can order it plain or 'loaded' with cheese and bacon for extra flavor and fat, but be mindful of the added carbs in sauces or seasonings.
- Fresh Green Beans: A solid and simple vegetable choice. These are a great substitute for high-carb items like fries or rice.
- Sautéed Mushrooms & Onions: An excellent flavorful side that pairs perfectly with any grilled protein. Order them steamed or sautéed in butter rather than a sweet glaze.
Comparison of Texas Roadhouse Low-Carb Sides
| Side Item | Approx. Carb Count (Serving Size) | Modifications |
|---|---|---|
| House Salad | ~4-12g (depending on dressing) | Omit croutons, request dressing on the side. |
| Steamed Broccoli | ~12g total carbs (one serving) | Can be loaded with cheese and bacon for more fat; avoid sauces. |
| Fresh Green Beans | ~10g total carbs (one serving) | Ask for simple seasoning, not sugary glaze. |
| Sautéed Mushrooms/Onions | ~7g total carbs (one serving) | Ensure no sugary sauce or glaze is used in preparation. |
How to Order Your Low-Carb Meal
- Politely decline the bread. The famous Texas Roadhouse rolls are delicious but high in carbs and sugar, so it's best to avoid them entirely to stay on track.
- Choose your protein. Select one of the recommended low-carb options, such as a plain grilled steak, salmon, or grilled chicken.
- Specify preparation. Ask for no sauce, glaze, or butter on your protein. Plain seasonings like salt and pepper are best.
- Pick your sides. Opt for two compliant, non-starchy vegetable sides. Double up on a favorite like steamed broccoli if you'd like.
- Modify the salad. If you choose the house salad, ask for no croutons and request your dressing on the side. A good rule is to only use half of the dressing provided.
- Enjoy! The best strategy is to plan ahead. You can look at the Texas Roadhouse nutrition information online before you go to have a solid plan.
Conclusion
Dining out at Texas Roadhouse doesn't mean you have to abandon your low-carb diet. By focusing on simple, grilled proteins and making strategic swaps for high-carb sides and sauces, you can create a satisfying and flavorful meal. Remember to politely decline the bread, order sauces on the side, and choose non-starchy vegetables for your sides. With a little forethought, you can enjoy a classic steakhouse experience while staying fully in control of your nutrition. For more information on making healthy choices at Texas Roadhouse, consult this guide from Verywell Fit: Texas Roadhouse Nutrition: Healthy Options.
What to Avoid on a Low-Carb Diet at Texas Roadhouse
- The Bread Rolls: Their signature item, but loaded with carbs and sugar.
- Steak Fries, Rice, and Mashed Potatoes: All are high-carb side options to avoid.
- Any Fried Items: This includes fried pickles and onion petals, which are coated in flour.
- Sugary Sauces and Dressings: Avoid items with BBQ sauce or sweet glazes. Ask for any sauce on the side.
Low-Carb Ordering at Texas Roadhouse
- Choose your protein: Options like plain grilled steak, salmon, or pork chops are best.
- Get sauces on the side: This allows you to control how much you use, if any.
- Double up on veggies: Swap a carb-heavy side for an extra serving of steamed broccoli or green beans.
- No croutons: A simple request for your house salad makes it a low-carb side.
- Skip the bread: Politely decline the rolls to avoid temptation and excess carbs.
