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Keto Jalapeño Shrimp Hush Puppies 🍤

Cast Iron Keto
by
Updated:
9 Comments
4.50 from 4 votes

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Our Keto Jalapeño Shrimp Hush Puppies recipe takes a Southern classic and gives it a low-carb twist. Imagine shrimp and jalapeño pieces fried until they're golden brown, then dipped in a zesty homemade jalapeño sauce. These hush puppies are so delicious you won't even remember they're made for a special diet. Let's get cooking!

Keto Jalapeño Shrimp Hushpuppies on a tray, one hushpuppy is being dipped into the jalapeno sauce
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Preparation and cooking overview

Making this keto hush puppies recipe is a breeze. In just 25 minutes, you can create the hush puppy batter and fry the dough balls until they're golden and crispy.

Chef's note

Want a salty twist? Add crumbled feta cheese to the batter. Looking for more heat? Sprinkle in some cayenne pepper. And don't hesitate to toss in some dried herbs if you crave a savory taste.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 8 Servings

For more inspiration check out our Seafood recipe.

🍤 Ingredients for this keto jalapeño shrimp hush puppies recipe

Here are all the ingredients you'll need to make these gluten free hush puppies:

Fried shrimp hush puppies

  • 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp, minced
  • 2 large jalapeños, minced
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons coconut flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon xanthan gum
  • 1 scoop whey protein isolate
  • 2 cups coconut oil for frying

Jalapeño sauce

  • 3 large jalapeños
  • 1 bunch of fresh cilantro
  • 4 medium cloves garlic
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt

Ingredient substitutions

Do you want to change something in the ingredients list? No problem! Here are some keto-friendly alternatives you can use:

  • Unsalted butter: Swap the butter with the same amount of ghee or coconut oil. It'll keep your dish keto-friendly and add a tasty twist.
  • Coconut oil: If you prefer something other than coconut oil, avocado oil is a great substitute. It's good for cooking at high temperatures, so feel free to use it in place of coconut oil.
  • Mayonnaise: Try using unsweetened full-fat Greek yogurt instead of mayo. It'll make your sauce tangy and add something special to the dish.

Additional ingredients

Boost the flavors of your jalapeno hushpuppies with these optional ingredients:

  • Cheddar cheese: Grate some cheddar cheese into the hush puppy mixture to give it a delightful cheesy flavor.
  • Bacon bits: For a savory touch, toss in crispy, fried bacon bits with the hush puppy mix.
  • Cayenne pepper: If you enjoy some heat, sprinkle a pinch or two of cayenne pepper into the mix or add some red pepper flakes to your sauce.
  • Fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can lend a refreshing taste.
  • Lime zest: Enhance the citrusy tang of the sauce by including some lime zest. It's a simple addition that can make a big difference!
  • White Dutch Oven with a Hushpuppy being removed the hot oil with a large silver slotted spoon..
  • Top-down of Keto Hushpuppies in a tray, with a bowl jalapeno sauce directly behind

Cooking tools required

To make this low carb hush puppies recipe, you'll need the following tools:

  • 5-quart Dutch oven
  • Kitchen thermometer
  • Slotted spoon
  • Mixing bowl
  • Scoop

Tools substitute options

  • 5-quart Dutch oven: Don't have a Dutch oven? Any large, deep pan that can handle hot oil will work for frying the hush puppies.
  • Slotted spoon: A fork can do the job if you don't have a slotted spoon. Just use it carefully to flip and remove the hush puppies from the hot oil.
  • Scoop: Instead of a scoop, use two regular spoons to shape the dough. Scoop the dough with one spoon and use the other to scrape it off into the hot oil.

How to make Keto Jalapeño Shrimp Hush Puppies: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Frying

Preparation steps

  1. Start by chopping the shrimp, jalapeños, green onions, and garlic. Place each ingredient in separate bowls.
  2. In another bowl, crack open the eggs and beat them lightly until mixed.
  3. Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan or microwave, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Get a plate and line it with paper towels. You'll put the fried hush puppies on this to soak up the extra oil and make them crispy.

Cooking instructions

Prepare the jalapeno sauce

  1. Combine the minced jalapeños, cilantro, garlic, mayo, fresh lime juice, sea salt, and avocado oil in a blender or food processor.
  2. Blend the ingredients until they form a smooth sauce.
  3. Transfer the sauce to a bowl and put it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve it.

Make and fry the hush puppies

  1. Place the shrimp, jalapeños, green onions, garlic, eggs, melted butter, coconut flour, baking powder, paprika, salt, xanthan gum, and whey protein isolate in a food processor.
  2. Pulse the ingredients until they are well combined into a batter.
  3. Heat the coconut oil in a 5-quart Dutch oven (or similar pan) over medium heat until it reaches 350° F (175°C).
  4. Scoop batter into portions that are about two tablespoons each, and drop them into the hot oil.
  5. Fry the hush puppies for 3-5 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked all the way through.
  6. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried hush puppies to the plate lined with paper towels, draining the excess oil.
  7. Repeat the process with the remaining batter until all the hush puppies are cooked.
  8. Serve the hush puppies while they're warm, along with the chilled jalapeño sauce. Enjoy!

Chef's pro tip

When frying the hush puppies, don't put too many in the skillet at once. They need room to move around so they can cook evenly. The oil's temperature is also important. It shouldn't be too hot or too cold. A kitchen thermometer can help you make sure the oil is just the right temperature, around 350°F (175°C). That way, your hush puppies will come out nice and crispy.

What to serve with spicy shrimp hush puppies?

Wondering what to pair with our spicy shrimp hush puppies? Try these keto-friendly sides:

  • Side salad: A crisp Greek Salad or Kale Salad adds a fresh and refreshing touch.
  • Crack Slaw: The tangy flavors of a Keto Crack Slaw can balance out the heat from the hush puppies.
  • Grilled vegetables: Think zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. These Grilled Vegetables go well with the hush puppies and with the jalapeno sauce.
  • Soups: Start your meal with a warm bowl of Keto Chicken Soup or Keto Vegetable Soup. These light soups set the stage for the flavorful and crispy hush puppies.
Hushpuppies in a tray, with a bowl jalapeno sauce directly behind

How to make it healthier

Here's how you can make these spicy hush puppies with shrimp and jalapenos even healthier:

  • Reduce salt: Use less sea salt in both the sauce and the hush puppies. You'll still enjoy the delicious flavors of the shrimp, jalapeños, and other ingredients.
  • Choose organic: If you can, buy organic shrimp, eggs, and vegetables. They might fit better within a clean-eating plan.
  • Use an air-fryer: You can cook the hush puppies in an air fryer instead of frying them in oil. By doing this, you'll still achieve that crispy texture, but with significantly less oil. It's a great way to enjoy the crunch without the added grease!

Time-saving tips

  • Buy prepped shrimp: Look for shrimp that's already peeled and deveined at the store. It'll save you some prep time.
  • Grab pre-made sauce: If you need to save time, a store-bought jalapeño sauce might work. Just make sure it fits with your keto diet.
  • Use a food processor: Rather than chopping everything by hand, you could use a food processor. It's a faster way to mix your ingredients evenly.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Jalapeño sauce: Make the sauce a few hours or even a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, and the flavors will blend nicely. This will make the cooking process smoother.
  • Hush puppy mixture: Mix the ingredients and refrigerate the batter until you're ready to fry. It should stay fresh for up to 24 hours. By preparing these parts ahead, you can save time and enjoy the cooking process more.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage instructions

  • Refrigerator: Keep the hush puppies and sauce in separate airtight containers. They'll stay good for 2-3 days in the fridge.

Reheating instructions

  • Microwave: For a quick way to warm up your hush puppies, put them on a microwave-safe plate and heat them for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  • Oven: If you want the best results, heat the hush puppies in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes or until they're hot all the way through.
  • Stovetop: Warm the hash puppies in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat. Just place them in the pan, cover it, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side.

Keep in mind the jalapeño sauce tastes best cold, so it's a good idea to take it out of the fridge just before you're ready to eat.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

And there you have it – Keto Jalapeño Shrimp Hush Puppies that are as flavorful as they are healthy! With the perfect balance of spicy jalapeño and succulent shrimp, these hush puppies are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you choose to fry them traditionally or opt for the air fryer method for less oil, the result is a satisfying crunch with every bite. Serve them as a snack or a unique side dish; either way, these keto-friendly delights are a delicious way to spice up your menu. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions

Yes, whey protein isolate is necessary for this keto jalapeno garlic shrimp hush puppies recipe. It serves as a flour replacement and helps achieve a crispy texture in the hush puppies.

Certainly! While the recipe includes shrimp, you can try other seafood like diced crab meat or chopped cooked lobster.

Yes, you can leave out the jalapeños from the hush puppy batter if you want a milder taste. The jalapeño sauce that comes with the dish will still add a spicy flavor.

It's best to avoid freezing the fried hush puppies, as they may lose their crispy texture when frozen and reheated. Enjoying them fresh is the way to go.

Certainly! Feel free to experiment with other dipping sauce options like tartar sauce, aioli, or a creamy chipotle sauce. These can all pair well with the dish.

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before mincing so they mix well with the other ingredients.

📖 Recipe

Keto Jalapeno Shrimp Hushpuppies on a tray, one hushpuppy is being dipped into the jalapeno sauce

Keto Jalapeño Shrimp Hush Puppies

These Keto Jalapeño Shrimp Hush Puppies are a deliciously crunchy low carb appetizer or snack especially when dunked in our homemade Jalapeño Sauce.
4.50 from 4 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: 30-minute, fried, seafood
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 317kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp minced
  • 2 large jalapeños minced
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 3 tablespoons coconut flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon xanthan gum
  • 1 scoop 23.3g whey protein isolate
  • 2 cups coconut oil for frying

Jalapeño Sauce:

  • 3 large jalapeños
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro
  • 4 medium cloves garlic
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Prepare the jalapeno sauce

  • Combine the minced jalapeños, cilantro, garlic, mayo, fresh lime juice, sea salt, and avocado oil in a blender or food processor.
  • Blend the ingredients until they form a smooth sauce.
  • Transfer the sauce to a bowl and put it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve it.

Make and fry the hush puppies

  • Place the shrimp, jalapeños, green onions, garlic, eggs, melted butter, coconut flour, baking powder, paprika, salt, xanthan gum, and whey protein isolate in a food processor.
  • Pulse the ingredients until they are well combined into a batter.
  • Heat the coconut oil in a 5-quart Dutch oven (or similar pan) over medium heat until it reaches 350° F.
  • Scoop batter into portions that are about two tablespoons each, and drop them into the hot oil.
  • Fry the hush puppies for 3-5 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked all the way through.
  • Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried hush puppies to the plate lined with paper towels, draining the excess oil.
  • Repeat the process with the remaining batter until all the hush puppies are cooked.
  • Serve the hush puppies warm, accompanied by the chilled Jalapeño sauce. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Jalapeño Shrimp Hush Puppies
Amount Per Serving
Calories 317 Calories from Fat 243
% Daily Value*
Fat 27g42%
Saturated Fat 11g69%
Cholesterol 205mg68%
Sodium 849mg37%
Potassium 122mg3%
Carbohydrates 4g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 14g28%
Vitamin A 448IU9%
Vitamin C 15mg18%
Calcium 107mg11%
Iron 2mg11%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Claudia says

    This recipe looks great! I'd love to try it. What are the cooking instructions for using an air fryer?

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      Hi Claudia,

      Thanks for the kind words! 😊 To cook these hush puppies in an air fryer, here’s what you do: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place the hush puppies in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy. Enjoy your crispy, keto-friendly hush puppies!

      Reply

  2. Kasey says

    Is the serving size listed on the nutrition label for all of them or per hush puppy

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      Hi Kasey - just like a normal nutrition label, the values listed are per serving.

      Reply

  3. Elaine A. says

    I can’t do whey at all. Can I use something else? Arrowroot, tapioca flour etc.

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      Unfortunately, we haven't tested this recipe for anything other than whey protein isolate so we can't advise on a sub.

      Reply

  4. Lisa says

    Wow! Those look amazing!

    Reply

  5. Trish says

    Do you use raw shrimp or cooked shrimp for the batter?

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      Raw

      Reply
4.50 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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