Keto Seafood Boil

Is a Seafood Boil Keto-friendly? The answer to this question is yes; it can be! The Keto diet is based on having your body in the state of ketosis, which means your body is mainly burning fat for energy, some protein, and very few carbohydrates.

Eating Keto means consuming healthy fats, a moderate amount of protein, and minimal carbohydrates. The most common forms of carbohydrates are sugars, starches, and fibers. The breakdown for a standard Keto diet is about 65% of your daily calories are from healthy fats, 25% protein, and 10% carbohydrates. However, you can enjoy a Seafood Boil in a keto-friendly way!

So let’s look at the ingredients in a seafood boil and explain why or why not they are keto diet-friendly. The two main ingredients that must be avoided are red potatoes and corn. Potatoes and corn are starches, which are carbohydrates and lots of carbs are a no-no.

Cut Out the Starches

Instead, use mushrooms or onions in place of the high-carb potatoes and corn. Mushrooms and onions are very low in carbohydrates and can be a good substitute for corn and potatoes. Whole white mushrooms work great in a Seafood or Shrimp Boil. One thing to keep in mind about using onions is they may change the overall taste of the Boil. Mushrooms will not change the taste and are very tasty when seasoned with Old Bay Seasoning.

Though most seafood like lobster, mussels, clams, crab legs, and shrimp are not high in fat, they provide protein. So it is okay to eat crab legs and shrimp as part of the keto diet.

Smoked sausage is also usually found in a seafood boil. Most beef or pork sausages contain fat and protein. Sausage usually does not contain carbohydrates. So, it is okay to eat smoked sausage too. Andouille Sausage and Kielbasa are OK to use in a Keto-Friendly Seafood Boil.

Always eat protein over carbs on a keto diet when healthy fats are unavailable. However, to keep your body in a state of ketosis, avoid carbohydrates as much as possible because consuming too many carbs will kick your body out of ketosis.

On a standard 2000-calorie-a-day diet, you want to consume 500 or fewer calories from protein and less than 200 calories from carbohydrates daily. Keep in mind that every person’s daily caloric needs vary.

How to Make a Keto Seafood Boil

A lot of people following a keto diet will have a hard time eating what everyone else is eating. So when it comes to eating a Seafood Boil with friends who are not eating keto-style, eat crab legs and shrimp or other seafood. In other words, concentrate on the good stuff!

You may want to avoid using cocktail sauce or use a small amount. So if you’re going to prepare a more keto-friendly cocktail sauce, use our recipe but substitute sugar-free ketchup for regular ketchup. Melted butter can also be used as a condiment because butter is nearly 80% fat and has zero carbs.

More Keto Recipes

For another keto-friendly meal, try our Garlic Olive Oil Shrimp Recipe. This recipe contains keto-friendly ingredients. Prepare it with a small side of sautéed mushrooms or onions instead of pasta.

Also, most fish are high in keto-friendly, healthy fats. So also try our recipe for Blackened Mahi Mahi. Just make sure to use keto-friendly side dishes. Avoid carbohydrates when possible. 

The Mediterranean Diet also encourages eating healthy fats from fish. Learn more about that diet too.

Learn more Shrimp Boil FAQs. How many shrimp in a pound? What are carbohydrates in food?