Keto Seafood Imperial (FOR BEGINNERS)
This is a delicious and easy keto-friendly dish made with seafood in a creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a quick and impressive weeknight meal.
A delicious and easy keto-friendly dish made with seafood in a creamy sauce.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 17 minutes Total Time: 32 minutes Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lump crab meat (fresh or canned) | 1 pound |
| Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined | ½ pound |
| Sea scallops, rinsed and patted dry | ½ pound |
| Mayonnaise (full-fat, keto-friendly) | ½ cup |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| Lemon juice (freshly squeezed) | Juice of 1 lemon |
| Chopped fresh parsley | 2 tablespoons |
| Sliced scallions (green onions, white and light green parts) | 2 tablespoons |
| Old Bay seasoning | ½ teaspoon |
| Baking powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping) | ¼ cup |
Instructions:
Prep:
- If using canned crab meat, drain well. Pick through fresh crab meat to remove any shells or cartilage. (5 minutes)
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry. (10 minutes)
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, eggs, lemon juice, parsley, scallions, Old Bay seasoning, and baking powder. (5 minutes)
Cook:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a knob of butter or drizzle of olive oil. (2 minutes)
- Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until opaque and pink. Remove from pan and set aside. (5-7 minutes)
- Add scallops to the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. (4-6 minutes)
- Reduce heat to low and add the crab meat and imperial sauce to the pan. Gently stir to combine. Avoid breaking up the crab meat too much. (2 minutes)
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, just until heated through. Do not overcook the seafood. (2-3 minutes)
Serve:
- Spoon the mixture into serving dishes or ramekins. Top with optional shredded cheddar cheese (if using). (2 minutes)
- Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly (if using). Watch closely to avoid burning. (2-3 minutes)
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley (optional) and serve immediately. (1 minute)
Tips:
- Serve with roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice for a complete keto meal.
- You can substitute other keto-friendly seafood options like lobster, squid, or salmon.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
This recipe is perfect for beginners who are looking for an easy and delicious keto-friendly meal. The seafood is cooked in a creamy sauce that is both flavorful and satisfying. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Here are some additional tips for making this recipe:
- Be sure to use full-fat mayonnaise for the best results. Low-fat or fat-free mayonnaise will not create a creamy sauce.
- If you don’t have Old Bay seasoning, you can substitute with a mixture of paprika, celery seed, and black pepper.
- If you don’t have a broiler, you can melt the cheese on top of the seafood imperial using a kitchen torch.
- This dish is also delicious served cold. Leftovers can be enjoyed for lunch the next day.
