Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8
If you're craving bold Southern flavors without breaking your ketogenic lifestyle, this Flavorful Keto Shrimp Creole is the perfect solution. Packed with protein-rich shrimp and simmered in a spicy, tomato-based sauce, this dish is a low-carb twist on a traditional Louisiana favorite.
Why Keto Shrimp Creole Works
Shrimp Creole is traditionally served with rice, but this keto version skips the grains without sacrificing flavor. By using sugar-free tomato products and low-carb vegetables like bell peppers, celery, and onions, we keep each serving to just 11.6g of net carbs. That’s well within range for most ketogenic diets!
According to the National Institutes of Health, reducing carbohydrate intake to around 20-50 grams per day helps the body enter ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of glucose. With nearly 28 grams of protein per serving and only 5.7 grams of fat, this recipe provides an ideal macro balance for a clean keto meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs shrimp, peeled
- 3/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 2-1/2 cups water
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (sugar-free)
- 8 oz can tomato sauce, sugar-free
- 8 oz can tomato paste, sugar-free
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 3/4 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add celery, onion, bell pepper, salt, and pepper. Sauté until onions are softened—about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the tomato sauce, hot sauce, and water. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Add minced garlic and shrimp. Simmer for 15 minutes or until shrimp are fully cooked.
- Stir in the chopped green onions and cook for 2 minutes more.
- Serve hot, optionally over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a full keto experience.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 208
- Fat: 5.7g
- Carbohydrates: 11.6g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 27.9g
- Cholesterol: 239mg
Tips for Best Results
- Use wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor and nutritional quality.
- Spice it up by adding cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños if you like more heat.
- Storage: This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and freezes beautifully for meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
To keep it keto, pair your Shrimp Creole with:
- Cauliflower rice
- Zucchini noodles
- Steamed broccoli
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Why This Recipe Supports a Ketogenic Lifestyle
The high protein content helps with satiety and muscle maintenance, while the low net carb count supports ketosis. Shrimp is naturally low in carbs and high in nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine—key for thyroid health.
For more on keto nutrition and guidelines, check out this complete keto diet guide by Healthline.
