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Keto Shrimp and Bacon Chowder

Do yourself a deliciously awesome favor and whip up a big pot of this yummy keto shrimp and bacon chowder packed with flavor and warmth!

Keto Shrimp and Bacon Chowder

WHAT IS SHRIMP AND BACON CHOWDER?

First, let’s answer the question: what is chowder?

Chowder is a type of soup or stew often prepared with milk or cream, then thickened with a carb-filled, starchy additive. Often, this additive is crackers, bread, or flour. Here’s a hint: this recipe uses none of those.

Typically, chowders include fish, clams, or other kinds of seafood.

This keto shrimp and bacon chowder is just as delicious as its carb laden friends but is perfect for anyone on a low-carb/keto diet. If nothing else, we are using the explosively yummy combo of shrimp and bacon! How can you resist that?!

Below you will find tons of information on how to make this recipe as awesome as possible!

KETO SHRIMP AND BACON CHOWDER INGREDIENTS

To make this delicious keto shrimp and bacon chowder, you will need the following ingredients. 

  • 1 lb peeled deveined shrimp (roughly chopped)
  • 1/2 lb bacon
  • 3 cups chicken or shrimp stock
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 tsp pink Himalayan salt
  • 2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika

After you have these together, read on below for useful information regarding the chowder and the recipe on how to make it!

WHAT SIZE SHRIMP SHOULD I USE?

First, it is important to understand how shrimp are sized for resale.

Shrimp are categorized by how many shrimp will found in the package. They are also always sold by the pound.

For instance, if the shrimp are very small and generally 60 to 70 shrimp makeup one pound, then the bag or container will have 60/70 on it.

Similarly, if the shrimp are very large and only 15 to 20 will make up one pound, they will show 15/20.

When choosing the size of shrimp you’d like to use for this recipe, any kind will work. If you want more, smaller shrimp, use 50/60 or 60/70.

If you’d like larger, heartier shrimp, use something closer to 20/30 or 30/40.

Truly, the choice is yours. They will all cook similarly and taste just as good!

CAN I PUT “RICE” IN THIS SHRIMP CHOWDER?

Sure! Some chowder recipes call for the addition of rice. Generally, these recipes are more geared toward Mexican-inspired dishes, but not all.

Having said that, if you’d like to add some “rice” to your keto shrimp and bacon chowder, your best bet is to use cauliflower.

To make cauliflower rice, use the following method:

  1. Cut the florets from the head of cauliflower (small or medium sized head recommended)
  2. Using a food processor, process the florets until they are well processed and a rice-like consistency
  3. Place cauliflower and butter into a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat
  4. Cook the cauliflower until it is well heated through
  5. Remove from heat and place into the chowder as the mixture is beginning to reduce down and thicken
  6. Voila! Easy keto-friendly rice in your keto shrimp and bacon chowder!

TO MAKE THIS DISH DAIRY-FREE, USE COCONUT MILK

If you are staying away from dairy or have a dairy intolerance, you can easily make this dish dairy-free.

To do this, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.

If you’re not familiar with coconut cream, read on below for some quick information about the wonderful dairy-replacing keto ingredient!

WHAT IS COCONUT MILK?

Coconut milk is the liquid that comes from the grated pulp of a coconut. The milk is a great low-carb/keto dairy supplement because it contains small amounts of carbohydrates and plenty of healthy fats.

IS IT THE SAME AS COCONUT WATER?

Not in the least. For starters, coconut cream is more of a cream consistency while coconut water is well… water.

Unlike coconut water, which is the liquid found directly inside a coconut, coconut milk is the result of crushing coconut pulp.

SO DOES COCONUT CREAM TASTE LIKE COCONUT?

In our experience, the cream does have a slight coconut taste. To be clear, this taste is not overwhelming but if coconut isn’t one of your favorite flavors, it might be a deal breaker.

When adding the cream to other ingredients with strong tastes, such as shrimp and chicken broth, the coconut taste will be diminished.

We aren’t huge fans of the taste of coconut, but can easily tolerate coconut milk in recipes.

WHERE DO I GET COCONUT MILK?

Coconut milk is easy to buy. Almost all grocery stores carry it in canned form.

Unlike most canned ingredients, buying canned coconut is perfectly fine. Generally the coconut milk is mixed with some water to dilute the mixture, but often contains no other ingredients.

If you run across Thai Kitchen brand coconut milk, it is acceptable to use. It is mass produced, but generally available everywhere including big stores like Walmart and small stores like your local grocery.

There are tons of other brands, I am sure, but as always, be sure to check the nutrition info and ingredient list to be sure that particular brand is ok.

Keto Shrimp and Bacon Chowder

HOW TO MAKE SHRIMP AND BACON CHOWDER

In a large pot, cook bacon until nice and crispy. Remove the bacon, let cool on a plate with a paper towel, then crumble. Add finely chopped onion to the pot with the remaining bacon grease and cook until lightly sautéed.

Add chicken stock (or shrimp stock, if you prefer; see below for information), heavy whipping cream, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, stirring regularly until mixture begins to thicken.

Add shrimp and crumbled bacon. Simmer until shrimp are pink and chowder is the desired consistency. Ladle into a bowl or other serving dish and warm your bones!

CAN SHRIMP STOCK BE USED INSTEAD OF CHICKEN?

Sure! Shrimp stock will actually heighten the delicious shrimp flavor in this dish. If have the time to make shrimp stock to use in this dish, you definitely won’t be disappointed!

CAN I USE STORE-BOUGHT SHRIMP STOCK?

Yes, you can.

If you’re fortunate enough to have the option of store-bought shrimp stock (we aren’t around here), theres a good possibility it is full of lots of unnecessary ingredients.

So, as always, we urge you to take a moment and check out the ingredient list.

Chances are, the list is full of preservatives and other nasties.

Having said that, making your own is the best idea!

WHAT OTHER INGREDIENTS CAN BE ADDED?

There are a few ingredients you might consider adding to this keto shrimp and bacon chowder. Adding these ingredients are personal preference and are not necessary for the chowder to taste extraordinary.

Keep in mind, some of these ingredients will add some net carbs to the recipe, so make sure to keep track of that as you make these optional additions.

  • Celery; chopped or minced
  • Mushrooms; sliced, chopped, or minced; type of choice
  • Garlic; sliced, chopped, or minced
  • Fresh parsley; chopped for a garnish
  • Green onion; chopped, sliced, or minced

If there are other ingredients you’d like to add, feel free. After all, part of cooking is taking recipes and making them your own.

As mentioned above, be careful to monitor the additions for added carbohydrates.

WHICH IS BETTER? FRESH OR FROZEN SHRIMP?

The obvious answer here is fresh shrimp. This is especially true if you live near an area that has a large body of water and an avid fishing community.

These are probably the freshest shrimp you can find and they are absolutely delicious!

These shrimp will have the best, freshest taste, especially if cooked the same day they are bought. Of course, most of the time you have to buy these at a fish market, and a lot of the extra work is left up to you. This sometimes includes removing the head, shell, and deveining the shrimp.

Reality is, of course, a lot of us do not live near an area like this, so frozen shrimp is our only choice. If you’re lucky, you might even find shrimp that have been frozen in water, which I have heard is one of the best-kept secrets to deliciously frozen shrimp.

You might be able to find this in the “fresh” seafood section of your grocery.

Otherwise, you’re stuck with the bagged frozen shrimp. These are just fine and will not have a bad taste.

Refer to the shrimp sizing information above when choosing your frozen bagged shrimp for this keto shrimp and bacon chowder.

Keto Shrimp and Bacon Chowder

HOW TO STORE SHRIMP AND BACON CHOWDER

The best way to store this keto shrimp and bacon chowder is in an air-tight container and in the refrigerator.

As always, we suggest storing this in a glass storage container.

It will store well in the refrigerator for 3 – 4 days. You should make sure to eat it during this time.

If it not eaten in this timeframe, the best idea is to discard any remaining chowder.

CAN I COOK THIS CHOWDER IN A SLOW-COOKER?

Sure you can. We don’t have exact times for this, but only cook the liquid portion of the chowder first.

About half an hour before you intend to serve it, add the (thawed if frozen) shrimp to the slow-cooker to cook.

Otherwise, cooking the shrimp for the entire time will have them turn out tough, chewy, and very overcooked.

REHEATING KETO SHRIMP AND BACON CHOWDER

Reheating shrimp and bacon chowder is very easy. Below are several ideas of ways to easily reheat leftover chowder for a second helping or another meal!

USING THE STOVETOP

The best way to reheat this chowder is to place it back into a pot or saucepan and heat over medium heat.

This ensures the chowder heats evenly and the shrimp do no overcook and become tough and chewy.

While this method does take more time to reheat the chowder than the microwave, it is considered the best method because of its general speed and ability to not toughen and cook the shrimp any further.

USING THE MICROWAVE

The quickest way to reheat the shrimp and bacon chowder is in the microwave.

As mentioned above, if you choose to reheat in the microwave, you run the risk of overcooking the shrimp and making them tough.

If using the microwave, heat the mixture in short segments, stirring each time. As soon as it reaches the desired temperature, remove and serve.

USING THE OVEN

The other method that works well is reheating in the oven. This is especially useful if you are wanting to reheat the entirety of the leftovers. If you stored them in a glass baking dish, this is especially easy.

Preheat the oven to 350˚F and bake for ten minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from oven and check to ensure the desired temperature has been reached.

If not, continue to heat for three-minute increments until the chowder is warm/hot enough.

Remove and enjoy!

WHAT SIDES ARE GOOD WITH THIS CHOWDER?

There are several sides that would be delicious with this dish.

Here a few ideas for you:

For more ideas, you can check out our recipe index, or check out all of our side dish recipes.

SPECIAL INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO MAKE SHRIMP AND BACON CHOWDER

Click on the links to see the items used in making this recipe. You can also find these products linked in the recipe below.

  • Shrimp Stock – If you decide you want to take the flavor of this up a notch, shrimp stock can make it happen. If you have access to it or can make your own, it will really transform the dish. Check above for more information regarding the use of shrimp stock in this dish.
  • Smoked Paprika – This ingredient is one of our favorite spices. The amount of delicious smoke flavor it can impart to a dish is second to none. In addition, the red color it adds to dishes is wonderful!
  • Xanthan Gum – Xanthan gum is not necessary, but may be something you decide to add to this chowder. Xanthan gum helps to thicken the mixture, which can also be accomplished by letting the chowder reduce down into a thicker state. Though an optional ingredient, if you use it you’ll never know it was there!
Keto Shrimp and Bacon Chowder


Be sure to leave us a comment and a ★★★★★ review!
Keto Shrimp and Bacon Chowder

Keto Shrimp and Bacon Chowder

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Do yourself a deliciously awesome favor and whip up a big pot of this yummy keto shrimp and bacon chowder packed with flavor and warmth!

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, cook bacon until crisp
  2. Remove bacon, let cool, and crumble
  3. Add onion to pot with the bacon grease and cook until lightly sautéed
  4. Add chicken stock, heavy whipping cream, salt, pepper, and paprika
  5. Bring to a boil until mixture begins to thicken
  6. Add shrimp and crumbled bacon
  7. Simmer until shrimp are pink and chowder is desired consistency
  8. Ladle into bowl and warm your bones!

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Nutrition Information
Yield 6
Amount Per Serving Calories 405Total Fat 29gCarbohydrates 3gProtein 32g

MADE THIS RECIPE?

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Paladin

Thursday 17th of February 2022

I found this interesting as I am on a Low Carb diet, So, I gave it a try. I used the Better Than Bullion lobster base as the stock, added mushrooms, and thought it needed a little on flavor so I added White Pepper, although next time I make this, and I will, would be to add Old Bay. A very good recipe and we enjoyed it.

Logan Childress

Thursday 16th of June 2022

Glad you enjoyed it and found some ways to make it more uniquely yours.

Jan

Friday 25th of September 2020

Made this today for my dinner. I used my seafood stock that I had in freezer. I did add some old bay seasoning as I felt it needed a little more seasoning. Next time I make this soup I will thicken it. Personal preference. I like thicker soup. Very Good

Logan Childress

Sunday 27th of September 2020

Jan,

Glad you liked it.

Tyff

Thursday 26th of December 2019

My non keto father ate two bowls and had to take some home with him- I think I made it more than 6 servings lol - great recipe - I added cod to mine, a little spinach and andouille bacon from Whole Foods- sooooo good! I never leave comments on recipe sites but since you may have inspired my diabetic dad to try keto I had to ;)

Logan Childress

Sunday 29th of December 2019

Tyff,

So glad everyone loved it!

Laurie

Wednesday 4th of December 2019

I made this last night and boy, oh boy, was it delicious! I added a bit of xantham gum as well as 1/3 c grated parmesan cheese (because, duh!) and it was perfect!! My non-keto family dipped it with garlic toast, but honestly, it was so good it didn't need any dippers :) Thanks for the easy and delicious recipe!

Logan Childress

Wednesday 4th of December 2019

Laurie,

So glad you loved it!

Chuck Howard

Monday 2nd of December 2019

Can this soup be frozen?

Eva

Thursday 29th of October 2020

@Chuck Howard,If I may make a suggestion (I'm being a butinski) If you want to freeze some, take out what you want to save before you add the cream at the end. Then you can add it later when you reheat it. Just an idea. :-)

Logan Childress

Saturday 14th of December 2019

Chuck,

Due to the use of heavy cream, I wouldn't suggest it since dairy products don't freeze and thaw well.

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