Is jicama keto-friendly? Learn if you can enjoy this crunchy root vegetable on a low-carb diet, along with nutrient information, health benefits, and tasty keto recipes.
Jicama, also known as Mexican turnip or Mexican yam bean, is a delightful, crunchy vegetable commonly used in salads, stir-fries, and simple snacks.
This root vegetable has a subtle flavor with a texture similar to a fresh apple. And because of its neutral flavor, it can be transformed into a variety of recipes, both sweet and savory!
But is jicama keto-friendly?
In this post, I'm sharing all you need to know about this crisp veggie, exploring its health benefits and macronutrients.
Note: Check out my guide on The Best Keto Vegetables For A Low Carb Diet. And for even more food groups, this keto food list is perfect for anyone starting the keto diet.
Is jicama keto-friendly?
Lucky us – jicama is a keto-friendly vegetable!
Jicama carbs are relatively low, with 5.6 grams of net carbs per cup serving.
You can enjoy jicama in a variety of low-carb recipes like baked jicama fries, keto spring rolls, and nutrient-packed salad bowls.
Wondering what other vegetables are keto? Check out these posts:
- Is Asparagus Keto Friendly?
- Are Mushrooms Keto-Friendly?
- Is Cabbage Keto?
- Are Peas Keto Friendly
- Is Butternut Squash Keto-Friendly
Jicama nutrition facts
The macronutrients for one cup of jicama contains:
- Net Carbs: 5.6 grams
- Carbs: 12 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0.1 gram
- Fiber: 6.4 grams
There are also several reported health benefits when eating jicama.
- This vegetable has high levels of fiber which aids digestive health.
- Jicama contains disease-fighting antioxidants like vitamin C.
- Its nutrient levels can aid heart health.
- Jicama has high levels of inulin, which increases good gut bacteria.
- It is a low-calorie food that helps with weight loss.
Jicama keto recipes
Jicama is kind of my secret weapon when it comes to cooking, adding crunch to salads and bulk to bowls with very few calories per serving.
Ready to start using jicama in your low-carb meal plan? Here are three ways to use this prolific veggie:
Roasted jicama and green beans
Jicama is incredibly tasty on its own and shines as a veggie side dish!
My recipe for roasted jicama with green beans is expertly dressed with garlic, olive oil, fresh thyme, and rosemary.
The jicama tastes like potatoes in this dish but adds a unique, subtle sweetness of its very own.
Low-carb jicama fries
One of the most popular keto jicama recipes is for jicama fries!
If you find yourself desperately craving french fries but not wanting to sacrifice your ketosis, jicama is the vegetable for you.
Simply slice jicama lengthwise into fries, boil, season, and bake.
You can add any seasonings you fancy; I particularly like garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
For extra crunchy jicama fries, fry your seasoned slices in hot oil for an indulgent treat!
More recipes for keto fries:
Jicama apple filling
I love a creative, low-carb baking hack - and jicama apple filling is one of my favorites.
While apples are filled with sugar and high carb levels, jicama is a keto-friendly alternative. It has a similar texture to an apple, bakes well, and, when spiced correctly, is delicious in baked goods!
My jicama filling goes great in pies, turnovers, and other pastries. It's seasoned with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and my secret ingredient - apple extract!
With a bit of keto sweetener, jicama completely transforms into the apple pie filling you know and love.
FAQs
Here are some questions people often ask about eating jicama on a keto diet. If you don't see your question here, please leave it in the comments.
Making keto jicama fries is just as easy as traditional potato fries.
First, peel your jicama and chop it into long wedges. Then, boil jicama fries until slightly tender.
Season the fries with your favorite spices and plenty of flaky sea salt.
Then, add a bit of olive oil if you're baking your fries. Otherwise, pop them in the air fryer or in a skillet of hot oil until they're browned and crispy!
For in-depth instructions, follow my keto jicama fries recipe here.
Root vegetables are often not keto because of their high carb counts. Veggies like potatoes, yams, and carrots are widely avoided on keto diets. There are, however, many root vegetables that you can enjoy on a low-carb diet.
Veggies like jicama, onion, cauliflower, celeriac, cabbage, and radish are great. Rutabaga and turnip are also okay in limited amounts.
Jicama has a world of culinary opportunities just waiting for you to explore! Jicama can be enjoyed raw or boiled; it cooks much like a potato.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Eat jicama as veggie sticks, dipping them in low-carb tzatziki or ranch.
- Try baked jicama fries coated in your favorite spices.
- Make a fresh jicama salad complete with avocado, cucumber, bell peppers, and vinaigrette.
- Dice jicama into tiny pieces and use it in fresh salsa along with tomato, red onion, lime juice, and cilantro.
- Add diced jicama to a low-carb fruit salad.
- Include jicama in a flavorful stir fry along with bell peppers, bean sprouts, and teriyaki chicken.
- Snack on a traditional Mexican treat – jicama dressed in fresh lime juice, Tajín, and salt.
Try these keto veggie recipes!
Now that we've answered "Is jicama keto?", check out some other low-carb veggie recipes:
- Easy Oven Roasted Vegetables make the perfect side dish for any keto main; they’re an easy way to add more nutrients to your diet.
- Arugula Goat Cheese Salad With Strawberries is subtly sweet with peppery arugula and a low-carb vinaigrette.
- Cauliflower Rice Pumpkin Risotto is creamy and delicious, made with pumpkin puree, parmesan cheese, and heavy cream.
- Low-Carb Cream of Celery Soup is fresh and fragrant, including celery, onion, and garlic. The added heavy cream makes this soup a guaranteed success!
- Keto Hot Spinach Dip is amazingly cheesy and packed full of sneaky spinach!
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