Navigating the Menu: What to Look For
When dining out on a ketogenic diet, the key to success is understanding which core menu items are naturally low-carb and how to modify others to fit your needs. At a restaurant like Texas Roadhouse, the focus is on high-quality protein, which makes your main course selection relatively straightforward. The real challenge often lies with the side dishes, which are frequently packed with starchy carbohydrates. However, with a few simple requests, you can enjoy a full meal without sacrificing your progress.
The Best Keto Side Options at Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse has several side dishes that are either low-carb as-is or can be easily modified to be keto-friendly. Here are your best bets:
- Green Beans: Texas Roadhouse's Southern-style green beans are one of the most reliable keto side dishes on the menu. They are cooked with bacon, which adds flavor and fat. While some copycat recipes add a touch of sugar, Texas Roadhouse's own version is generally considered a safe, low-carb choice. To be certain, you can always ask your server if any sugar is added.
- Fresh Vegetables: This side is often listed as “steamed vegetables” and is usually a medley of broccoli, carrots, and other seasonal vegetables. The most keto-friendly preparation involves asking for steamed vegetables without any butter or seasoning that may contain sugar. You can then add your own butter or ask for a side of butter. Requesting a double portion of this side is a great way to bulk up your meal.
- House Salad: A fresh house salad is a great option, as long as you make two important modifications. First, request no croutons. Second, choose a keto-friendly dressing and ask for it on the side. Some of the best choices include ranch or blue cheese, as these are typically higher in fat and lower in carbs. An olive oil and vinegar mix is another safe alternative.
- Caesar Salad: Similar to the house salad, the Caesar salad is another viable option when ordered without croutons. The Caesar dressing is typically high in fat, making it suitable for a keto meal. Just be mindful that the cheese and dressing can add up in calories, so consume in moderation if that is a concern.
- Sautéed Mushrooms & Sautéed Onions: These can be ordered as a side or as a topping for your main entree. Both are relatively low-carb, but since onions do contain more carbs than other vegetables, you may want to limit the quantity depending on your daily carb allowance.
- Loaded Broccoli: While not an official menu item, some customers have had success requesting a “loaded” broccoli side. This involves asking your server to put bacon, cheese, and sour cream on your steamed broccoli, just like they would for a baked potato. This is a fantastic, high-fat, high-flavor option for a keto diet.
Customization is Key: Pro Keto Ordering Tips
To ensure your Texas Roadhouse meal stays within your macros, consider these expert ordering strategies:
- Avoid the Bread: The famous Texas Roadhouse rolls are a major source of carbohydrates and should be avoided entirely. Politely ask your server not to bring them to your table to remove the temptation altogether.
- Ask for Substitutions: Many servers are accustomed to dietary requests. Don't be afraid to ask for a specific side, such as a double order of steamed vegetables instead of a starchy side like fries or a baked potato.
- Watch the Sauces and Marinades: Some meats, like the BBQ chicken, may come with sugary sauces. Always ask for plain grilled meat or verify with your server that the marinade used is low-carb. Adding extra butter to your steak or steamed vegetables is a great way to increase your fat intake.
Keto vs. Non-Keto Sides at Texas Roadhouse
This table provides a quick reference for choosing your sides at Texas Roadhouse to ensure they fit your ketogenic diet.
| Side | Keto-Friendly? | Why? | Typical Carb Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Beans | Yes | Low in carbs and cooked with bacon. | Minor carbs from the beans. |
| Fresh Vegetables | Yes | Low-carb vegetables when steamed. | Some vegetables like carrots contain small amounts of carbs. |
| House Salad | Yes (with modifications) | Fresh greens are low-carb. | Croutons, dressings with sugar. |
| Caesar Salad | Yes (with modifications) | Romaine lettuce and Caesar dressing are low-carb. | Croutons. |
| Sautéed Mushrooms/Onions | Yes | Low-carb vegetables when not prepared with flour or sugar. | Natural carbs in the vegetables. |
| Steak Fries | No | Fried potatoes are very high in carbs. | Potatoes. |
| Mashed Potatoes | No | High in starchy carbohydrates. | Potatoes. |
| Baked Potato | No | A significant source of starchy carbohydrates. | Potatoes. |
| Buttered Corn | No | Corn is a high-carb starchy vegetable. | Corn. |
| Coleslaw | No | Often contains added sugar in the dressing. | Sugar, cabbage. |
Conclusion: Your Low-Carb Meal Awaits
Eating keto at Texas Roadhouse is completely achievable with some simple planning and clear communication with your server. By focusing on grilled meats and substituting starchy sides for low-carb vegetables or a customized salad, you can enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal that keeps you on track. Remember to explicitly ask for no croutons and request dressings on the side. Texas Roadhouse's signature steak and vegetable options provide an excellent base for a delicious and keto-compliant dining experience. For more detailed nutrition information, you can reference resources like Verywell Fit's breakdown of Texas Roadhouse options.
