Seafood is one of the most underused proteins on keto, and I don’t know why. I’ve been eating this way for years and I still rotate through fish and shrimp constantly, not because I feel like I should, but because it’s some of the most satisfying food I make. There’s no hidden sugar, no weird fillers. It’s just protein and fat, exactly what you want.
The range here is bigger than people expect. You’ve got the Seared Salmon and Asparagus with Hollandaise, which looks like a restaurant plate but comes together in one pan and a blender. You’ve got a Keto Clam Chowder that holds up to any New England version I’ve had. And shrimp alone carries half this list in different directions: skillet with sausage, stuffed in poblanos, coconut-crusted, Cajun on cauliflower rice.
Seafood also pulls some nutritional weight that land proteins don’t. Salmon and fatty fish are among the best dietary sources of EPA and DHA, the omega-3 fatty acids tied to heart and brain health. And shrimp, often dismissed as too light, hits 35g of protein per serving in one of these recipes.
If fish hasn’t been a regular part of your keto rotation, this list is a good place to fix that.
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Seared Salmon and Asparagus with Easy Hollandaise
This dinner recipe is as impressive as a restaurant meal, but it’s so easy to put together. So, no excuses for eating out again,...
Avocado Tuna Melt Bites
I've been on a mission lately to use up different ingredients found around most common households. There's been quite a few e-mail...
Keto Shrimp and Sausage Skillet
I have been loving easy to make recipes more and more lately. Living on the keto diet doesn't mean you have to take a lot of time ...
Keto Poke Bowls
In Hawaiian, poke means “to slice,” which is the “hardest” part of putting together a delicious poke bowl. Everything abou...
Keto Cilantro Lime Shrimp Stuffed Poblano Peppers
These stuffed poblano peppers are all the fun of chile rellenos without all the work of breading and frying them. This dish is pac...
Keto Clam Chowder
New England clam chowder belongs in a soup category of its own. So creamy and comforting, there is nothing like good clam chowder....
Sesame Salmon Salad
Looking for a delicious, colorful salad to brighten up your dinner? This sesame salmon salad is just the thing. It has all the Asi...
Low Carb Coconut Shrimp
Now I know the traditional ingredients of making coconut shrimp aren't in here, but trust me here - you won't be missing the old, ...
Cajun Shrimp and Cauliflower Rice
This hearty meal features Cajun-style shrimp seared in bacon fat, served on top of cauliflower rice that’s been cooked to resemb...
Cilantro Lime Shrimp with Crispy Coconut Caulirice
This recipe harkens us back to the long days of summer; it’s tropical and bright with a kick of cilantro and red pepper. The bes...
1. Seared Salmon and Asparagus with Easy Hollandaise
Per serving: 721 cal | 63.6g fat | 3.5g net carbs | 30.3g protein
Seared salmon next to crispy asparagus spears, finished with hollandaise made in a blender: the whole thing happens in one pan and about 20 minutes. The salmon gets a golden-brown crust on the outside while staying just-set in the center. My girlfriend asked me to make this on a weeknight and I told her it was easier than it looked. She didn’t believe me until she watched me do it.
Salmon is one of the better dietary sources of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, which are linked to lower triglycerides and reduced inflammation, a benefit that comes up in multiple peer-reviewed reviews. At 721 calories and 63.6g fat with 30.3g protein per serving, it fits a high-fat keto macro profile without any adjustment.
2. Avocado Tuna Melt Bites
Per serving: 195 cal | 17.6g fat | 0.8g net carbs | 7.4g protein
Tuna and avocado packed into crispy bites: the outside browned and firm, the inside soft and creamy. These are easy to batch ahead and hold up in the fridge for a few days. I’ve made them Sunday and eaten them through Wednesday with no issues.
Each bite runs just 0.8g net carbs and 195 calories, which makes these the lowest-carb option on this list. The fat comes mostly from avocado, which brings oleic acid, the same monounsaturated fat found in olive oil, along with more potassium per gram than a banana.
3. Keto Shrimp and Sausage Skillet
Per serving: 450 cal | 34.2g fat | 6.0g net carbs | 29.0g protein
Shrimp and smoked sausage, seared in the same skillet with vegetables until everything picks up some color and the flavors merge. It’s one of those meals where the individual ingredients are simple but the combination reads as more than the sum of its parts. On the table in about 25 minutes. I’ve made this after long days when I didn’t want to think about cooking: it always delivers.
4. Keto Poke Bowls
Per serving: 499 cal | 38.2g fat | 6.6g net carbs | 28.2g protein
Poke bowls are usually built on rice, but swap in cauliflower rice and you’ve got the same concept: fresh-sliced fish, creamy toppings, and a seasoned base that soaks everything up. The first time I made these at home, I didn’t think cauliflower rice would hold its own against raw tuna and avocado. I was wrong: it absorbs the marinade well and the texture contrast works.
At 499 calories, 38.2g fat, and 6.6g net carbs per serving, these bowls hit higher fat macros than most fish dishes, mostly from avocado and sesame oil. If you’re tracking macros tightly, check out the keto macro calculator to see how a bowl like this fits your targets.
5. Keto Cilantro Lime Shrimp Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Per serving: 343 cal | 26.2g fat | 4.9g net carbs | 22.0g protein
Roasted poblano peppers stuffed with shrimp, garlicky cauliflower rice, and seasoned cream cheese. The peppers get some char before they’re filled, which gives them a slightly smoky edge that plays against the bright cilantro and lime in the filling. This one takes more steps than a skillet meal, but the result reads like something you’d order at a restaurant.
Poblanos are mild enough to not overpower the shrimp but still bring some capsaicin, which may support metabolism and reduce appetite. That’s the compound in chile peppers that creates heat. The shrimp adds 22g protein per serving at just 4.9g net carbs.
6. Keto Clam Chowder Recipe
Per serving: 535 cal | 42.0g fat | 7.4g net carbs | 29.5g protein
Clam chowder is one of those soups I thought I’d have to give up on keto because every recipe leans on potatoes and flour. This version replaces both: cauliflower does the starch work and heavy cream carries the fat, and the result is thick and silky in a way that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Clams bring a natural brininess that no substitute comes close to.
Clams are one of the better seafood sources of vitamin B12, which is tied to nerve health and red blood cell formation: most people don’t realize shellfish outperform even red meat per ounce on B12. At 535 calories and 42g fat per serving, this is a filling, high-fat bowl that works well as a complete meal.
7. Sesame Salmon Salad
Per serving: 440 cal | 33.8g fat | 4.2g net carbs | 27.7g protein
Cold sesame salmon salad, built with salmon and dressed in a soy-free Asian-style dressing. I tried this with store-bought sesame dressing the first time and the flavors were muddy: too sweet, not enough acid. Made the dressing from scratch the next time and it came together the way it was supposed to: bright with sesame, clean, not cloying. That’s the version on the site.
8. Low Carb Coconut Shrimp
Per serving: 363 cal | 20.0g fat | 7.6g net carbs | 35.5g protein
Coconut-crusted shrimp with real crunch. The coating doesn’t use traditional breadcrumbs: it holds together and crisps up without them, which I was skeptical about before I tried it.
Shrimp is one of the highest-protein seafoods by calorie count: this serving runs 35.5g protein with only 7.6g net carbs. The coconut coating brings medium-chain triglycerides from coconut, which your body can convert to ketones more readily than long-chain fats. See how this fits a weekly keto meal plan if you’re building a rotation.
9. Cajun Shrimp and Cauliflower Rice
Per serving: 487 cal | 33.6g fat | 8.4g net carbs | 36.1g protein
Cajun-spiced shrimp seared in bacon fat, served over cauliflower rice cooked until it resembles grits. The bacon fat is the move here: it adds a smokiness that straight butter or oil won’t give you.
10. Cilantro Lime Shrimp with Crispy Coconut Caulirice
Per serving: 360 cal | 24.5g fat | 10.7g net carbs | 23.5g protein
Zesty cilantro-lime shrimp over coconut cauliflower rice that gets pan-fried until the edges are golden and slightly crispy. The contrast between the bright shrimp and the toasted, slightly sweet cauliflower base is what makes this work.
Shrimp is naturally very low-carb and provides selenium, which supports thyroid function and acts as an antioxidant in the body. At 10.7g net carbs, this is the highest-carb entry on the list, but with 23.5g protein and 24.5g fat, the macro balance holds. The coconut milk in the caulirice adds MCTs that digest differently than most dietary fats, helping support ketone production.
More Keto Seafood Recipes to Try
If you’re building out a seafood rotation, these are worth adding to the list.
- Coconut Lime Fish with Cauliflower Rice: Experience a burst of tropical flavors with this coconut fish curry.
- Delicious Keto Fish Casserole Recipe: Here’s a super simple & delicious creamy keto fish casserole recipe that fits your low-carb lifestyle.
- Keto Fish Curry: Are you craving some curry? Check out this spicy fish curry the whole family will love.
- Keto Fish Pie: Keto Fish Pie is the ultimate British comfort food, featuring golden, cheesy cauliflower mash that’s every bit as satisfying as traditional potato.
- Quick Keto Brazilian Fish Stew: Moqueca, a traditional Brazilian seafood stew, is celebrated for its rich flavors and aromatic coconut-based broth.
- Blackened Tilapia Fish Tacos: I wanted to give a great way to serve everyone for dinner (low carb, or not) on Cinco de Mayo.
- Zingy Lemon Fish: This fish has a lovely golden crust with a zingy lemon flavor which you just can’t beat on a nice piece of fresh fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is seafood good for keto?
Most seafood is a natural fit for keto: fish and shellfish are high in protein, low in carbs, and bring fats that most land proteins don’t, especially omega-3s from fatty fish like salmon. Breaded or battered versions are the ones to watch, but plain seafood cooked in butter or oil fits keto without modification. Check the keto food list for a breakdown of what seafood fits where.
How much omega-3 do you get from keto fish recipes?
It depends on the fish. Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel provide EPA and DHA directly, the forms of omega-3 your body uses for inflammation regulation and brain health. A single 4oz serving of salmon can deliver 1.5-2g of combined EPA and DHA, which meets or exceeds most daily intake targets. Shrimp and clams have less omega-3 by weight but still contribute meaningfully to weekly intake. For more on how fat intake works in keto, see the full keto diet guide.
Can I eat shrimp every day on keto?
Shrimp is low in carbs and high in protein, so from a macro standpoint, yes. The main consideration is cholesterol: shrimp is relatively high in dietary cholesterol, though current nutrition evidence suggests this matters less than once thought for most people. Rotating between shrimp, fatty fish, and other proteins is a reasonable approach. The keto macro calculator can help you see how shrimp fits your daily protein targets.
What can I use instead of potatoes in keto clam chowder?
Cauliflower is the standard swap: it gets soft in the broth and absorbs flavor well, mimicking the texture of potato chunks without the carb load. Some recipes also use turnip or celeriac, which hold up a bit firmer. The keto clam chowder recipe on ruled.me uses cauliflower and keeps the broth thick with heavy cream instead of flour, which keeps the net carbs under 8g per serving.
Are these keto seafood recipes beginner-friendly?
Most of them are. The shrimp skillet, Cajun shrimp and cauliflower rice, and the tuna avocado bites are all straightforward: minimal technique, common ingredients, hard to get wrong. The hollandaise in the salmon recipe sounds fussy but the blender method takes most of the difficulty out. If you’re new to keto cooking, the keto beginners guide covers the basics before you dive into specific recipes.
Putting It All Together: Keto Seafood Recipes
If you’re only going to make one thing from this list, start with the seared salmon and hollandaise: it’s the most impressive for the effort it requires. From there, the shrimp skillet and Cajun shrimp and cauliflower rice are reliable weeknight options that I’ve made more times than I can count. Seafood doesn’t need to be a once-in-a-while thing on keto. It fits the macros better than most proteins and the omega-3s you pick up from regular fish consumption are worth something.
For your convenience, here are the links to all the recipes I covered in this roundup:
- Seared Salmon and Asparagus with Easy Hollandaise: The salmon and asparagus spears are seared in a single pan, then the easy hollandaise is quickly whipped up in a blender.
- Avocado Tuna Melt Bites: The crispy outside matches great with the soft, creamy filling on the inside.
- Keto Poke Bowls: In Hawaiian, poke means “to slice,” which is the “hardest” part of putting together a delicious poke bowl.
- Keto Cilantro Lime Shrimp Stuffed Poblano Peppers: These stuffed poblano peppers are all the fun of chile rellenos without all the work of breading and frying them.
- Keto Clam Chowder Recipe: New England clam chowder belongs in a soup category of its own.
- Sesame Salmon Salad: Looking for a delicious, colorful salad to brighten up your dinner? This salad is just the thing.
- Low Carb Coconut Shrimp: Now I know the traditional ingredients of making coconut shrimp aren’t in here, but trust me here: you won’t be missing the old, traditional recipe.
- Cajun Shrimp and Cauliflower Rice: This hearty meal features Cajun-style shrimp seared in bacon fat, served on top of cauliflower rice that’s been cooked to resemble grits.
- Cilantro Lime Shrimp with Crispy Coconut Caulirice: This is a great dish to serve at a friend’s night in or a cookout.
If you want to dial in your macros, our keto calculator is the best place to start. And for more meal ideas beyond this list, browse the full recipe collection.
The recipes and nutritional information in this post are shared for informational purposes. If you have health conditions or concerns about the keto diet, please talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before making changes to your diet.
Sources
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals – NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
- EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease risk – NCBI / PubMed
- Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids – American Heart Association
- Seafood, Fish, and Shellfish: USDA FoodData Central – USDA
- Avocado Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits – Healthline
- Avocados and Cardiovascular Health: Oleic Acid Review – NCBI / PubMed
- Vitamin B12: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals – NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
- Clams, Mussels, Oysters, Scallops: B12 Sources – Healthline
- Capsaicin and Thermogenesis: A Systematic Review – NCBI / PubMed
- Shrimp Nutrition Facts – Healthline
- Dietary Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Risk: Current Evidence – NCBI / PubMed
- Selenium: Health Professional Fact Sheet – NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
- Medium-Chain Triglycerides and Ketogenesis – NCBI / PubMed
- Coconut Oil and MCT Oil: What’s the Difference? – Healthline
- Potassium Content of Avocado vs Banana – Medical News Today
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