Finding Keto-Friendly Options at Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse is a popular steakhouse chain known for its hand-cut steaks, ribs, signature bread, and addictive peanuts. But for people following a ketogenic or low-carb diet, the indulgent menu can seem daunting at first glance.
With a bit of know-how, you can enjoy delicious keto-approved meals at Texas Roadhouse. This guide will walk you through the best low carb menu choices, custom ordering tips, helpful resources, and more. We’ll show you how to stick to your keto macros while still indulging in the famous Lone Star hospitality.
Keto Diet Overview
First, a quick recap on the ketogenic diet for those unfamiliar with the concept:
- Very low carb (usually under 50g daily), high fat, moderate protein
- Forces body to burn fats and enter ketosis for energy instead of glucose
- Clinically proven for weight loss, epilepsy, diabetes, and other benefits
- Difficult to sustain long-term due to carb restrictions
- Requires careful tracking of macros (fat, protein, net carbs) with every meal
The extremely low carb intake required makes dining out tricky on keto. But with the right menu choices, you can stay in ketosis while enjoying a nice steak dinner at Texas Roadhouse.
Best Keto Menu Items
Here are some of the top keto-friendly food options available at Texas Roadhouse:
Steaks
As a steakhouse, Texas Roadhouse offers a stellar selection of USDA Choice cuts like sirloin, ribeye, filet mignon, New York strip, and more. Order your steak with no breading or sauce:
- Sirloin (6 oz has under 5g net carbs)
- Ribeye (14 oz has under 5g net carbs)
- Filet mignon (8 oz has 0g net carbs)
- New York Strip (16 oz has under 5g net carbs)
Ribs
Stick to the classic full rack of pork ribs with no sauce. A typical 6-bone rack has about 5g net carbs without sauce or other add-ons.
Burgers
Build a bunless burger using a lettuce wrap or bun-less. Stick to beef patties and limit carb-heavy toppings and sauces. A basic cheeseburger patty has around 2g net carbs.
Salads
Create a custom salad and avoid croutons, sugary dressings, and high-carb ingredients like beans or fruit. Load up on low-carb veggies, meats, eggs, cheese, and dressings like oil and vinegar.
Non-Breaded Sides
Great sides include roasted veggies like asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, etc. Also opt for side salads with keto-friendly dressings and small portions of mashed potatoes.
Customizing Your Meal
Texas Roadhouse makes it easy to substitute higher carb sides and ingredients for more keto-friendly options. Some ways to cut carbs include:
- Sub a vegetable side for fries or baked potato
- Choose a lettuce wrap instead of a bun
- Ask for extra veggies instead of rice or beans
- Skip the bread basket and sugar-laden sauces
- Request butter for your steak instead of sugary marinades
- Ask for olive oil and vinegar instead of creamy dressings
Most locations are very accommodating with special requests. So don’t be afraid to ask your server to tweak an entree to make it more keto-friendly.
Keto-Friendly Drinks
Finding keto-approved beverages at Texas Roadhouse is easy. Stick to unsweetened options like:
- Water
- Unsweetened iced tea
- Diet soda
- Seltzer water
- Dry wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
- Dry spirits like whiskey, vodka, tequila, etc.
Avoid milkshakes, fruit juices, sweet cocktails/wines, and beer as these are very high in carbs.
Desserts and Sides to Avoid
Some of the highest carb menu items to steer clear of on keto include:
- Dinner rolls and bread basket
- Fried sides like fries and fried okra
- Baked potatoes and potato sides
- Sugary sauces like BBQ sauce and honey mustard
- Rice pilaf and bean sides
- Cinnamon butter
- Breaded menu items
- Milkshakes and desserts
Sample carb counts: dinner rolls (15g each), fries (45g), baked potato (37g), bush baked beans (32g).
Keto Meal Ideas
Using the guidelines above, here are some specific keto meal options to enjoy at Texas Roadhouse:
Ribeye Steak Dinner
- 14 oz Ribeye Steak
- Side Caesar Salad with Oil & Vinegar
- Broccoli Side
- Water with Lemon
Bunless Bacon Cheeseburger
- Bacon Cheeseburger in a Lettuce Wrap
- Side of Roasted Asparagus
- Diet Soda
Grilled Chicken Salad
- Grilled Chicken Salad with Ranch
- Sub Mixed Greens for Rice
- No Bread on Salad
- Iced Tea
Keto Macro Tracking
To successfully follow the keto diet at Texas Roadhouse, you’ll need to estimate your meal’s macro nutrients and stay within your daily limits. Here are some tips:
- Check the nutrition info online and use a tracking app
- Ask your server for substitutions or leave off high-carb items
- Moderate protein portions to avoid excess calories
- Include healthy fats like olive oil, butter, avocado, etc.
- Weigh and track any sides and sauces for accuracy
With a little extra planning, you can enjoy steakhouse favorites while not sabotaging your keto diet progress.
Using Their Handy Keto Guides
Texas Roadhouse offers several keto-friendly resources right on their website:
- Keto Guide - Details menu items under 5g net carbs
- Allergen Guide - Filters for gluten free, dairy free, etc.
- Nutrition Calculator - Customizes nutrition info for menu items
- Contact Allergy Specialist - For help accommodating allergies
These make it easy to identify low-carb options, get accurate nutrition details, and request allergy-friendly substitutes. Be sure to take advantage of them when planning your keto meal.
Perfecting Your Keto Roadhouse Experience
Here are some final tips for an awesome keto-friendly visit to Texas Roadhouse:
- Review the menu online and nutrition info beforehand
- Mention any food allergies or diet needs right away
- Build your own salad or burger without carb pitfalls
- Ask for sauces and dressings on the side
- Load up on low-carb veggies for sides
- Say no to bread, chips, rolls, and cinnamon butter
- Stick to simple grilled proteins seasoned with salt and pepper
- Get creative with substitutions like zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash
With the right customizations and smart menu selections, you can certainly find ketogenic meals at Texas Roadhouse. Just be prepared, use their resources, and don't be afraid to ask for help from your server.
The Verdict on Keto Dining at Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse makes an effort to cater to various dietary needs, including low-carb lifestyles like the keto diet. While the menu is not specifically keto-oriented, there are plenty of ways to enjoy steakhouse favorites within your macros.
Skip the obvious carb bombs like bread, potatoes, and desserts. Then build your meal around grilled proteins, salads, and green veggies. Feel free to ask for substitutions or customizations to limit carbs. Also take advantage of their handy online nutrition resources when ordering.
With the right choices and preparation, Texas Roadhouse can be a tasty option for keto and low-carb diners wanting a nice steak meal out. You'll leave satisfied without needing to stress over every menu item derailing your diet!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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