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Keto Seafood Dip 🦐

Cast Iron Keto
by
Updated:
6 Comments
5 from 3 votes

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Seafood lovers, this one's for you! We present our Keto Seafood Dip. It's a creamy, cheesy treat brimming with the tasty treasures of the sea—shrimp and crab. This dip is the perfect choice for all food enthusiasts who love adding rich flavor to every bite.

So, put on your apron and step into the kitchen. It's time to prepare one of the tastiest keto dips you'll ever enjoy!

Keto Seafood Dip in a cast iron Skillet
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Preparation and cooking overview

Creating this Keto Crab Dip is a breeze - all it takes is 40 minutes! We start by gently sautéing onions, garlic, and Old Bay seasoning in butter. Next, we add shrimp, crab, and spinach to the sauté. Once the spinach wilts, we top the mixture with creamy and spicy pepper jack cheese, and then it's off to the oven. After a half-hour of baking, your flavorful keto seafood dip is hot and ready to be served!

Chef's note

Enhance the flavor of this Keto Shrimp Dip by adding your choice of keto-friendly cheeses. Feel free to sprinkle in your preferred herbs and spices for a personalized touch. No need for an extra side dish, either. Simply enjoy this dip with some crunchy vegetable sticks or low-carb crackers for an easy and tasty snack!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 16 Servings

For more inspiration check out our Dips recipe.

🦐 Ingredients for this keto seafood dip recipe

Here's a list of ingredients you need for this seafood dip recipe:

  • ½ pound of cooked shrimp
  • 4 ounces of lump crab meat
  • 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • ½ cup of onion, minced
  • ½ cup of spinach, minced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning 
  • 4 ounces of cream cheese
  • 2 cups of Pepper Jack cheese
  • 1 (4-ounce) can of green chiles

Toppings:

  • Minced parsley
  • Red pepper flakes

Ingredient substitutions

If you want to switch things up in this keto crab dip, here are some keto-friendly alternatives:

  • Unsalted butter: Swap out unsalted butter with the same amount of ghee (clarified butter), but make sure you remove the milk solids.
  • Minced onion: Try using minced scallions or onion powder in place of minced onion. Scallions provide a softer, somewhat sweeter flavor that goes well with seafood.
  • Minced spinach: Use finely chopped kale instead of minced spinach.
  • Cream cheese: Opt for Neufchatel cheese instead of cream cheese. This will contribute a creamy texture and boost the dish's nutritional value.
  • Pepper Jack Cheese: Use shredded cheddar cheese or a mix of your favorite keto-friendly cheeses as a substitute for Pepper Jack cheese.

Additional ingredients

Consider adding these optional keto-friendly ingredients for a more personalized keto seafood dip:

  • Diced jalapeños: Add diced jalapenos for a burst of spiciness that complements the shrimp and crab.
  • Chopped fresh herbs: A dash of freshly chopped herbs like cilantro, parsley, or dill provides an earthy balance to the seafood's flavor.
  • Smoked paprika: Introduce a hint of sweet and smoky flavor by adding smoked paprika to the dip.
  • Green onions: Add finely chopped green onions on top of the dip for both extra flavor and visual appeal.

Cooking tools required

To make this keto crab dip recipe, you'll need the following tools:

  • 5″ cast-iron skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Spatula
  • Can opener

Tools substitute options

  • Cast-iron skillet: Use a non-stick frying pan or a sauté pan if you don't have a skillet. Just make sure it has enough surface area to accommodate all the ingredients.
A flax seed cracker being dunked into Keto Seafood Dip.

How to make Keto Seafood Dip: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Baking

Preparation steps

  1. Mince the onion, garlic, and spinach.
  2. Finely chop the green onions for garnishing.
  3. Grate or shred the Pepper Jack cheese.
  4. If you're using whole shrimp, make sure they're cooked and peeled.
  5. If you're using canned shrimp, drain the can and set the shrimp aside.
  6. Drain and shred the crab meat.
  7. Open the can of green chiles and set aside.
  8. Cut the cream cheese into smaller cubes for easier melting.
  9. Set the minced parsley and red pepper flakes aside for garnishing.

Cooking instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425° F.
  2. Heat the butter in a large 10.5″ skillet over medium heat.
  3. Sauté the onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Now, add in Old Bay and cook while stirring for 30 seconds.
  5. Add in shrimp, chiles, crab, and spinach.
  6. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
  7. Add in the cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded Pepper Jack cheese.
  8. Top with the remaining Pepper Jack and bake at 425° F for 20 minutes.
  9. Place the dish under the broiler to brown for 5 minutes before serving.

Chef's pro tip

To make your seafood tender and juicy, remove the shrimp and crab from the heat just as the spinach starts to wilt. Remember, the seafood will still cook a little, even after you take it off the stove. So, undercooking it slightly in the pan will make sure it's just right after it's baked. Using this trick, you'll get a perfect keto shrimp dip every time!

What to serve with this keto seafood dip?

This keto dip is versatile and goes well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas:

  • Fresh veggies: Try celery, bell peppers, cucumber, or zucchini slices. They're crunchy and make a good match with the dip.
  • Low-carb crackers: Go for keto-friendly crackers made from almond or coconut flour. They give a pleasing crunch.
  • Flaxseed crackers: These are a great swap for low-carb chips and go well with this seafood dip.
  • Keto pretzels: Pair the dip with warm keto pretzels for a delightful combo.

How to make it healthier

You can make this low carb crab dip even healthier by following these tips:

  • Use low-sodium or no-salt versions of ingredients like butter, cream cheese, shrimp, and crab.
  • Try light cream cheese; it's a healthier choice.
  • Add more veggies to the dip to make it even healthier.

Time-saving tips

  • Use pre-shredded cheese instead of shredding it yourself to save time.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Cut up the onion, garlic, and spinach ahead of time and store them in a fridge-safe container.
  • Cook the shrimp until it's pink and tender, then place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge.
  • Clean the crab meat and chop it into small pieces, then store it in the fridge.

When you're ready to cook, you can just grab these prepped items and start cooking.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

Keep any leftover dip in a sealed container and put it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. For the best flavor, try to finish the dip within the next three to four days.

Remember: Freezing this dip is not advised. Thawing can alter the dip's texture and flavor.

Reheating best practices

  • Microwave: Put some dip in a microwave-friendly dish. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat it on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
  • Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Put the dip in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Warm it up for about 15-20 minutes.
  • Stove: Use a saucepan or skillet to reheat the dip over medium-low heat (around 150-160°F or 65-70°C). Make sure to stir often during this process.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

And that's it! You've just created a delicious Keto Seafood Dip in just 40 minutes! Savor the delightful fusion of shrimp, crab, and spinach for a flavor experience to remember.

Get ready to dive in! This versatile crab dip pairs perfectly with a variety of foods. Start making this delightful dip right away, and don't forget to share your masterpiece with us on Facebook and Instagram. We can't wait to see your culinary success!

Frequently asked questions

Yes, crab dip is keto-friendly. However, this is only the case if you exclusively use keto-friendly ingredients or stick to the recipe we've shared above. 

Yes, seafood is generally considered to be keto-friendly. Seafood, such as fish, shrimp, crab, and lobster, are low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats and protein, which makes them a great choice for a ketogenic diet.

Refrigerate seafood dip in an airtight container for about 3-4 days.

Uncooked crab dip should be prepared and consumed within the same day for optimal freshness and food safety.

We do not recommend freezing the dip as it seriously undermines its texture and flavor when thawed.

When refrigerated, crab meat begins to spoil after 3-4 days.

Yes, you can safely reheat crab dip. For the best results, follow the previously provided reheating instructions, making sure the dip reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before you consume it.

📖 Recipe

Keto Seafood Dip in a cast iron Skillet

Keto Seafood Dip

This Keto Seafood Dip is packed with crab, shrimp, green chiles and plenty of cheese. Serve it straight from the skillet with low-carb crackers or veggies.
5 from 3 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: dip, entertaining, gameday
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 16
Calories: 115kcal

Ingredients

  • ½ pound cooked shrimp
  • 4 ounces lump crab meat
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup onion minced
  • ½ cup spinach minced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 2 cups pepper jack cheese
  • 1 4oz can green chiles

Toppings:

  • Minced parsley
  • Red pepper flakes
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425° F.
  • Heat the butter in a large 10.5″ skillet over medium heat.
  • Sauté the onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add in Old Bay and cook while stirring for 30 seconds.
  • Add in shrimp, chiles, crab, and spinach.
  • Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
  • Add in the cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded Pepper Jack cheese.
  • Top with the remaining Pepper Jack and bake at 425° F for 20 minutes.
  • Place the dish under the broiler to brown for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Seafood Dip
Amount Per Serving
Calories 115 Calories from Fat 72
% Daily Value*
Fat 8g12%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Cholesterol 63mg21%
Sodium 293mg13%
Potassium 62mg2%
Carbohydrates 2g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 8g16%
Vitamin A 339IU7%
Vitamin C 3mg4%
Calcium 140mg14%
Iron 1mg6%
*

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

# Hashtag with us!Don't forget to mention @castiron_keto or tag #castironketo on Instagram with your creations! We love seeing what you're making.
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tammy says

    5 stars
    I have fixed this a half dozen times for vacation and special occasions over the past year and it is amazing! It’s so easy and everyone is always so impressed!

    Reply

  2. Shannon says

    5 stars
    We've made this dip several times and it's always delicious!

    Reply

  3. Stacy V says

    Do you have a cracker recipe to go with this?? 🙂

    Reply

    • Alex Lester says

      We usually use Flackers - they can be found at most speciality stores like Whole Foods, Earth Fare, or other natural grocers.

      Reply

  4. Shelly Riley says

    I made this for Saturday football watching. This was simply delicious! Everyone loved it. I could have eaten the entire pan. It was one of the best keto recipes I have ever had!

    Reply

    • Alex Lester says

      So great to hear that Shelly!

      Reply
5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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