Keto Seafood Chowder

It's soup season. The best part about keto in the fall is all the creamy, decadent soups. This keto seafood chowder with Shrimp and Crab hits all the spots. A mixture of heavy cream and half & half keeps the carbs down and still gives you a smooth, rich soup. I use shrimp and crab, but you could add scallops, fish, and clams.

Jump to:

• About Shrimp Stock
• How to cook Keto Seafood Chowder (Step by Step)
• Storage & Reheat
• FAQ
• Keto Seafood Chowder Recipe
• More Delicious Keto Soup Recipes!
• Pin for later!

About Shrimp Stock

I will say this is not the quickest dish if you choose to make your own stock. However, making your own stock will make a huge difference in flavor, and it's entirely worth it! Especially if you find yourself at home on a blustery fall day and plenty of time to spend in the kitchen.  

So, the stock I make is a shrimp stock and is the first part of the recipe - you could skip this step and just buy some other type of broth but just know it probably won't be as amazing as making your own stock.

How to cook Keto Seafood Chowder (Step by Step)

First gather your ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs. shrimp
• 1 8oz can crab, or fresh crab if available
• 1 carrot
• 3 ribs celery
• 1 onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 12 ounces cauliflower (frozen works too)
• 2 tbsp. thyme, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 stick butter
• 6 cups shrimp stock (ingredients below)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup half and half
• Shrimp Stock:
  • Shells from the shrimp
  • 2-3 ribs of celery
  • 2 carrots, roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • ½ onion, roughly chopped
  • Plenty of salt
  • Pepper
  • 8 cups of water

First things first - Make the Shrimp Stock:

Dice the carrot, celery, onion and garlic. Set aside.

Roughly chop all of the ingredients for the stock, except the shrimp shells. Put in a pot with water and bring to a boil. Reduce to low and let it simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours.

Once it's done cooking, strain the broth and reserve 6 cups.

Now, on to the Seafood Chowder!

In a large stock pot, melt the stick of butter on medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, celery, cauliflower, and carrot. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the vegetables start to get tender.

Add the thyme and cook another minute or two.

Pour in the stock, heavy cream, half and half, and salt. Simmer for 10 minutes. At this point, add the shrimp and crab. You want to cook an additional 10 minutes or so, just long enough to cook the shrimp but not overcook them.

The butter will rise to the top of the soup, so be sure to stir before serving.

Add more thyme, salt and pepper if you desire.

Also, if you want it to be thicker you can always add more cream, or if you prefer it less thick, you can add more water.

Then serve and enjoy!

Storage & Reheat

• Refrigerator: Store cooled chowder in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Seafood doesn't keep as long as other proteins, so try to enjoy it within that time.
• Freezer: Not recommended - cream-based chowders with seafood tend to separate and the shrimp/crab can become rubbery when thawed.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until hot, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling, as that can overcook the seafood and cause the cream to separate.

FAQ

Can I make this chowder dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream and half & half for full-fat coconut milk. It will change the flavor slightly, but it's still delicious and rich.

Do I have to make the shrimp stock?
Not necessarily - you can use seafood stock, clam juice, or even chicken broth in a pinch. But making your own shrimp stock adds a deeper, brinier flavor that really makes this chowder shine.

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and peel them first. Frozen shrimp shells also work great for making the stock.

What other seafood can I add?
Scallops, fish chunks, or clams all work well. Just add them near the end of cooking so they don't overcook.

How can I make the chowder thicker?
For a thicker consistency, add extra cream, or purée some of the cauliflower and stir it back into the soup.

Is this keto-friendly?
Yes! This chowder is naturally low in carbs because it uses cauliflower and cream instead of potatoes or flour.

More Delicious Keto Soup Recipes!

If you loved this one, here are more cozy low-carb soups you'll want to try:

• Keto Lasagna Soup - All the flavors of classic lasagna - tomato, ricotta, parmesan, and basil - in a hearty low-carb soup. Comforting and filling without the noodles!
• Creamy Keto Taco Soup - Zesty, hearty, and full of flavor. This one's quick to make and can be dairy-free if you swap cream cheese for coconut cream.
• Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup - Super creamy and cheesy, with sharp cheddar that pairs perfectly with broccoli. Comfort in a bowl!
• Venison Chili (Keto, Paleo, Whole30) - Hearty and bold, made with ground venison (or beef if you prefer) and a smoky spice blend.

Pin for later!

Looking for more delicious keto seafood recipes like this Keto Seafood Chowder? Look no further! Here's a round up of keto seafood recipes I put together here.