10+ easy higher-protein recipes to keep you full throughout the day
From brunch options to dinnertime favourites, here are our favourite recipes rich in protein. Whether you’re plant-based or a meat eater, there’s something for everyone.
Protein: it isn’t just for body builders. Eating a higher protein diet can help balance blood sugar, keep you energised and balance hormones. But how much exactly do we need? The NHS recommends around 0.75 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, as part of a balanced diet. This translates to roughly 55g for men and 45g for women, based on average body weights. On your plate, this looks like two palm-sized portions of meat, fish, tofu, nuts, or pulses.
‘Protein is needed to help grow and repair muscle mass, support the immune system and balance blood sugar, which means it keeps you fuller for longer,’ says GH health editor Sarah Maber. And eating enough protein is even more important as you grow older; studies suggest that boosting protein intake over the age of 65 helps ward off frailty.
So, what should we be eating? Lean meats, eggs, yogurt, beans and pulses are all great sources of protein. Here are our favourite recipes that use these ingredients.
Edamame fish cakes recipe
Edamame beans and cod are both brilliant sources of protein.
Recipe: Edamame fish cakes recipe
Cod and spicy beans recipe
This easy traybake contains over half of your recommended protein intake.
Recipe: Cod and spicy beans recipe
Kung Pao turkey wrap recipe
A portion of this contains almost all of your recommended daily protein intake.
Recipe: Kung Pao turkey wrap recipe
Spring shakshuka recipe
This shakshuka is a little different from the traditional North African version using tomatoes, as we’ve boosted the seasonal greens and added lentils for a protein punch.
Recipe: Spring shakshuka recipe
Teriyaki turkey meatballs with soba noodles recipe
Lean meats like turkey are great sources of protein.
Lentil Imam Bayildi recipe
A protein-boosted version of this veggie Ottoman classic.
Recipe: Lentil Imam Bayildi recipe
Kipper, herby yogurt and zesty rosti recipe
Containing 42g of protein, this brunch or light dinner option is an absolute winner.
Turkish poached eggs recipe
Our Turkish poached eggs sit on a bed of yogurt, making it a very high protein brunch or breakfast option.
Recipe: Turkish Poached Eggs
Vegan lentil and butternut tagine with courgette couscous recipe
Lentils are a great source of protein if you’re on a plant-based diet.
Recipe: Vegan lentil and butternut tagine with courgette couscous
Mexican chicken salad recipe
With a whopping 38g of protein per serving, this salad will help you on your way to achieving your daily protein goals.
Recipe: Mexican Chicken Salad Recipe
Courgette mezze with chickpea flatbread recipe
For a vegetarian alternative, swap the vegan yogurt for Greek yogurt to up the protein even more.
Mung dahl tadka recipe
Skinned and split mung beans (moong) are a wonderfully rich protein source and create a hearty, comforting vegetarian meal.
Recipe: Mung dahl tadka recipe
Charred spring onion flatbreads recipe
Asparagus yellow curry recipe
Cheesy broccoli bean bake recipe
The tastiest Biscoff refrigerator cake recipe
